LocalSend Guides & Troubleshooting

Step-by-step help for installing LocalSend, finding nearby devices, locating received files, and handling antivirus warnings.

Quick start

Zero configuration. Just install and start sharing.

1. Install & open

  1. Download LocalSend on each device you plan to use.
  2. Open the app. No account or login is required.
  3. Keep all devices on the same WiFi network.

2. Select files

  1. Choose photos, videos, documents, or text.
  2. Any file type is supported.
  3. Confirm the recipient device appears as nearby.

3. Tap to send

  1. Tap the nearby device.
  2. Accept the transfer on the receiving device if prompted.
  3. Wait for the local network transfer to finish.

Common problems

Practical fixes based on how LocalSend works on a local WiFi network.

Devices do not appear nearby

  1. Confirm every device is connected to the same WiFi network (not guest isolation networks when possible).
  2. Open LocalSend on both the sender and the receiver.
  3. Temporarily disable VPN software that can separate devices from the LAN.
  4. Retry discovery after toggling WiFi once on both devices.

Transfer starts but feels slow

  1. Stay close to the access point; LocalSend uses your WiFi at full available speed.
  2. Avoid saturating the network with other large downloads during the transfer.
  3. Prefer 5 GHz WiFi when available for large videos or archives.
  4. Remember: LocalSend has no cloud bandwidth limit, but WiFi hardware still does.

Where did the files go?

  1. Files are saved to your device's Downloads folder by default.
  2. Open LocalSend settings if you need a different destination folder.
  3. On mobile, check the Files or Downloads app for newly received items.

It will not work over the internet

  1. LocalSend is designed for local networks only.
  2. Your data never leaves your local network by design.
  3. For remote sharing across the public internet, use a different tool category.

Antivirus warnings explained

Some antivirus products use heuristics that flag apps which listen on the local network or move many files quickly. That pattern overlaps with legitimate local file sharing tools like LocalSend.

If a scanner warns you:

  • Pause and verify you downloaded the package you intended.
  • Compare published checksums when available (see the integrity section).
  • Prefer signed builds for your platform when offered.
  • Do not disable antivirus permanently; allow or restore only packages you trust after verification.

A false positive is a classification mistake, not proof of malware. Cross-check before deleting a known-good installer.

Best practices

Keep transfers fast, private, and intentional.

Use encryption features

Transfers are encrypted using HTTPS. Enable PIN verification when you want an extra confirmation step before accepting files.

Stay on trusted networks

Only share on networks you administer or are authorized to use, such as home or workplace LAN environments.

Install everywhere you need

LocalSend is cross-platform. Matching apps on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS keeps the workflow consistent.

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