Do my files pass through or get saved on any server?

No. Nearsend is strictly a peer-to-peer (P2P) platform. The signaling server is only used to exchange temporary session tokens and WebRTC handshake coordinates. Once connected, your files, text, and clipboard stream directly between your devices via WebRTC DataChannels in 64KB encrypted chunks.

How does the Voice Pairing work securely?

When you generate a voice pairing phrase, the host device creates an ephemeral 3-minute token. When spoken on the guest device, browser speech recognition converts the acoustic phrase into the token. The server validates the match and immediately triggers an explicit confirmation prompt on the host device before any connection is allowed.

Does Nearsend work across different operating systems?

Yes! Nearsend works seamlessly across any modern web browser — Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, iPadOS, and ChromeOS. No native apps or software installations are required.

Is there a file size limit on Nearsend?

Because transfers stream directly via WebRTC without hitting a central server memory limit, you can send files ranging from kilobytes to multi-gigabyte videos. Nearsend incorporates backpressure flow control to ensure smooth transmission without exhausting device RAM.

A PairDrop Alternative That Doesn’t Need a Shared Network

PairDrop is a browser-based, open-source AirDrop-style tool — no install, similar to Nearsend in that respect. The difference is how the two devices find each other: PairDrop relies on local network discovery, so both devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi.

The usual problem

Local-network discovery works well when both devices are on the same home or office Wi-Fi. It breaks down on a guest network that isolates clients, a mobile hotspot, a public network that blocks local discovery, or when the two devices simply aren’t in the same place.

How Nearsend solves it

Nearsend pairs two devices through nearsend.app itself — a QR code, PIN, or voice phrase — rather than local network discovery. Each device just needs its own internet connection; they don’t need to share a Wi-Fi network. Once paired, files still stream directly device-to-device.

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, and ChromeOS
Files stream directly device-to-device — nothing is stored on a server
No shared Wi-Fi network required — pairing works over the internet instead of local discovery

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Nearsend need both devices on the same Wi-Fi, like PairDrop?

No — Nearsend pairs through nearsend.app with a QR code, PIN, or voice phrase, so the two devices don’t need to share a network.

Is Nearsend also open-source like PairDrop?

Nearsend’s focus is being install-free and not requiring a shared network — check the project directly for licensing details.

Do I need to install anything for either option?

No — both PairDrop and Nearsend run in the browser without an install.

Can I still send folders, not just files?

Yes, whole folders are supported with their structure preserved.

Is it free?

Yes, Nearsend is free to use.