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.

Transfer Files by Scanning a QR Code

Typing a pairing code between two devices works, but scanning a QR code is faster — especially when one of the devices is a phone that’s already good at scanning things. Nearsend supports QR pairing as the default way to connect two devices.

The usual problem

Some transfer tools only support typing in a numeric code, or make you dig through a menu to find a "connect" option before you can send anything. It’s a small amount of friction, but it adds up when you’re doing it several times a day.

How Nearsend solves it

Open nearsend.app on both devices. One shows an animated QR code; the other opens its camera (or the in-browser scanner) and scans it. The two devices pair instantly, and you can start sending files, folders, text, or clipboard content right away — no typing 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.
Show and scan the QR code — One device displays the animated QR code; scan it with the other device’s camera or the in-browser scanner to pair instantly.
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
Instant QR pairing, with a PIN or voice phrase available as alternatives

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate QR scanner app?

No — most phone cameras scan QR codes natively, or you can use the scanner built into the Nearsend page.

What if I can’t scan a QR code right now?

You can pair with a 6-digit PIN or a spoken voice phrase instead — QR is just the fastest option.

Does the QR code expire?

Yes, it refreshes periodically for security, so an old screenshot of it won’t work.

Can I use this between two phones?

Yes — QR pairing works between any two devices with a camera or scanner, phones included.

Is an account needed to pair with a QR code?

No account is required — scanning the code is the entire pairing step.