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, ChromeOS, and HarmonyOS
- 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.
What's actually encoded in the QR code?
A short, random pairing token, not any personal information, that the receiving device uses to establish the connection through the signaling server.
Can someone else scan the same code and intercept the pairing?
The code is only shown to the two people actually pairing, and it expires quickly, which limits the window for anyone else to attempt using it even if they somehow saw it.
What if the camera keeps failing to scan the code?
Switching to the PIN or voice-phrase pairing option skips the camera entirely and is often faster to fall back to than continuing to troubleshoot a scan.
Does the QR code work the same in bright sunlight or a dim room?
Extreme glare or very low light can make scanning harder for the camera, the same as with any QR code, adjusting the screen angle or brightness usually resolves it quickly.
Can I generate the QR code on a phone and scan it with a laptop's webcam?
Yes, either device can display the code while the other scans, regardless of which one is the phone and which is the computer.