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 Snapdrop Alternative That Doesn’t Need a Shared Network

Snapdrop popularized the idea of an AirDrop-style transfer that just runs in the browser. Like PairDrop, it discovers nearby devices over the local network — which means both devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi to see each other.

The usual problem

When Snapdrop’s local-network discovery doesn’t work — a guest network, a mobile hotspot, client isolation, or devices in two different locations — there’s no fallback. The devices simply can’t see each other.

How Nearsend solves it

Nearsend pairs two devices through nearsend.app rather than local network discovery. Scan a QR code, enter a PIN, or say a voice phrase, and the two devices connect directly — no shared Wi-Fi network required, and the file transfer itself is still a direct, encrypted, device-to-device stream.

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

Why can’t I see the other device on Snapdrop sometimes?

Snapdrop relies on both devices being on the same local network — it can fail on guest networks, hotspots, or client-isolated Wi-Fi.

Does Nearsend have the same limitation?

No — Nearsend pairs through nearsend.app with a QR code, PIN, or voice phrase, so it doesn’t depend on local network discovery.

Is there anything to install?

No — like Snapdrop, Nearsend runs entirely in the browser.

Can I send whole folders?

Yes, whole folders are supported with their structure preserved.

Is it free?

Yes, Nearsend is free to use.