Send Files To and From a Chromebook

ChromeOS is built around the browser, which makes it one of the easiest platforms to move files with directly; no separate app, no Play Store install, no waiting on a sync service.

The usual problem

Chromebooks can run some Android apps, but not every transfer tool has a ChromeOS-friendly version, and the ones that do often need Play Store access enabled and configured first. On a school- or work-managed Chromebook, installing anything at all may not even be an option.

How Nearsend solves it

Nearsend runs entirely in the browser that ChromeOS already centers on. Open nearsend.app, pair with a QR code, PIN, or voice phrase, and send files or folders to or from Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, HarmonyOS, or another Chromebook; no Play Store, no install, no admin permissions required.

How to do it

Open Nearsend on both devices, Go to nearsend.app in any modern browser on the sending and receiving device; no app to install.
Pair them, Scan the animated QR code, enter the 6-digit PIN, or say the voice phrase to connect the two devices directly.
Send your files or folder, Drop files or a full folder onto the page, or pick them from the file browser. They stream straight to the other device.

Why it works well here

No app to install, runs in the browser on both devices
No account or sign-up required
Works across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, ChromeOS, and HarmonyOS
Files stream directly device-to-device; nothing is stored on a server
No Play Store or Android-app layer required, works in ChromeOS’s native browser

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to enable Android apps on my Chromebook to use this?

No. Nearsend runs entirely in the browser that ChromeOS already has built in, with no Play Store or Android-app layer involved.

Does this work on a school or work-managed Chromebook?

Usually yes, since Nearsend needs only a browser tab and no admin rights to install software.

Can I send files from a Chromebook to an iPhone or Windows PC?

Yes, any combination of Chromebook, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and HarmonyOS works, since all sides just need a browser.

Can I send whole folders?

Yes, whole folders are supported with their structure preserved.

Is it free?

Yes, Nearsend is free to use.

Does this work in Chrome OS's guest mode or a managed student profile?

Yes, since nothing is installed or saved to an account, it works the same in a guest session or a school-managed profile as it does on a personal Chromebook.

Can a Chromebook receive files from an iPhone using this?

Yes, any combination works, since both the Chromebook and the iPhone just need to open nearsend.app in their respective browsers.

Is there a Chromebook-specific version of the site, or is it the same page?

It's the same nearsend.app page; there's no separate Chromebook version needed, since the site already adapts to the browser it's running in.

Does a Chromebook's limited local storage cause any issue with larger transfers?

A received file still needs to fit on the Chromebook's available storage, the same as on any device, for a Chromebook with limited storage, that's worth keeping in mind regardless of the transfer method.

Can I send files to a Chromebook that's in a school-managed enterprise enrollment?

Usually yes, as long as the school's network policy allows the browser to reach nearsend.app, some school networks do restrict which sites are reachable, which is a separate setting from device management itself.