Transfer Files Without Installing an App

Sometimes you just need to send one file, once, installing a dedicated app for that, on a device that might not even be yours, is overkill. Nearsend needs nothing beyond a browser tab.

The usual problem

Installing an app means an app-store account, storage space, permissions prompts, and something left behind afterward. On a borrowed laptop, a work computer, or a shared kiosk device, installing anything at all often isn’t an option, or isn’t something you want to do just to send one file.

How Nearsend solves it

Open nearsend.app in the browser on both devices; nothing to download, nothing left installed afterward. Pair with a QR code, PIN, or voice phrase and send files, folders, text, or a link directly.

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, ChromeOS, and HarmonyOS
Files stream directly device-to-device; nothing is stored on a server

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there really nothing to install?

Correct. Nearsend runs entirely as a web page in the browser on both devices.

Can I use it on a borrowed or public computer?

Yes, since there’s nothing to install, it’s fine to use on a device that isn’t yours.

Which browsers does it support?

Any modern browser, Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, on desktop or mobile.

Does closing the tab remove everything?

Yes, since nothing was installed there’s nothing left behind after you close the tab.

Is an account needed?

No, no sign-up of any kind.

Will this work on a locked-down work or school computer?

Usually yes, since Nearsend needs only a browser tab and no admin rights to install anything, which is exactly the kind of restriction that normally blocks installing an app.

Does the recipient need to install anything to receive a file?

No; both the sender and the recipient just open nearsend.app in their browser; nothing is installed on either side at any point.

What happens to the page once the transfer is done?

You can simply close the tab, since nothing was installed, there's nothing left behind on the device afterward.

Does this work on a kiosk or public library computer?

Generally yes, as long as the browser allows camera access for QR scanning (or you use the PIN or voice fallback instead); no admin rights or software installation are needed either way.

Is it safe to use on a device I don't fully trust?

Nearsend itself doesn't leave anything behind or require credentials, but the general caution of not entering sensitive information on an untrusted device still applies, independent of the transfer tool.

Does avoiding an app install also mean avoiding app-store tracking?

Yes, since nothing is downloaded from an app store, there's no app-store account activity, permissions grant, or install record tied to using Nearsend.