Secure File Transfer Between Devices
Security for a file transfer comes down to two questions: is the connection encrypted, and who else can see the file along the way. Nearsend answers both directly — WebRTC’s built-in DTLS encryption, and a direct device-to-device path with no server storage in between.
The usual problem
Email attachments and many "quick share" links travel over plain HTTP uploads to a server, then sit there until someone downloads them — a window where a copy of a potentially sensitive file exists somewhere outside your control, protected only by whatever that service’s own security happens to be.
How Nearsend solves it
Nearsend transfers files over WebRTC data channels, which are encrypted end-to-end between the two connected devices using DTLS as part of the protocol itself, not an add-on. Files stream directly from sender to receiver — Nearsend’s server only relays the initial connection setup (signaling), never the file contents, so there’s nothing sitting on a server for anyone else to reach.
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
- DTLS-encrypted WebRTC data channels, with file contents never routed through server storage
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the transfer encrypted?
Nearsend uses WebRTC data channels, which are encrypted with DTLS as part of the protocol — the same technology behind secure video calls.
Does the file pass through Nearsend’s servers?
No — the server only helps the two devices establish a direct connection (signaling). The file itself streams device to device.
Do I need an account to send securely?
No — no account, email, or phone number is required.
Is this safe to use on a public or shared computer?
Nearsend leaves nothing behind on the device after the tab is closed, since there’s no install and nothing saved to an account.
Is it safe for sensitive documents?
The connection is encrypted and the file is never stored on a server, which are the two main things to check for any file-sharing tool.