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.

Send Files Without Being on the Same Wi-Fi

Tools like AirDrop, LocalSend, and Snapdrop rely on local network discovery — both devices have to be on the exact same Wi-Fi network, which falls apart on guest networks, mobile hotspots, or two devices that just aren’t near the same router. Nearsend doesn’t need that.

The usual problem

Local-network transfer tools quietly assume both devices are on one Wi-Fi network with device discovery enabled. That breaks the moment one device is on mobile data, a guest network that isolates clients, a work network that blocks local discovery, or simply a different building. The transfer just fails, usually without a clear reason why.

How Nearsend solves it

Nearsend pairs two devices through nearsend.app itself rather than local network discovery, using a QR code, PIN, or voice phrase. Each device just needs its own internet connection — they don’t need to share a Wi-Fi network, a hotspot, or even be in the same location. Once paired, files still stream directly between the two devices, not through cloud storage.

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, hotspot, or local network required — each device just needs its own internet connection

Frequently Asked Questions

Do both devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi network?

No. Nearsend pairs devices through nearsend.app, not local network discovery, so they don’t need to share a network.

Does this work if one device is on mobile data and the other is on Wi-Fi?

Yes — each device just needs its own internet connection. They don’t need to match.

Does this mean it works with no internet at all?

No — pairing and setup still need each device to have some internet connection. What Nearsend removes is the requirement that both devices share the *same* network.

Is this different from AirDrop or LocalSend?

Yes — AirDrop, LocalSend, and Snapdrop rely on local Wi-Fi discovery, so both devices must be on the same network. Nearsend pairs over the internet instead.

Do I need an account?

No account, email, or phone number is required.