Local Share
Local Share allows you to send and receive files between devices on the same local network without requiring an internet connection. This feature is compatible with the LocalSend protocol.
Overview
What is Local Share?
- Send files to other devices on the same LAN
- Receive files from other devices
- No internet connection required
- Compatible with LocalSend on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux
Common use cases:
- Send files from laptop to phone (same WiFi network)
- Share files between computers in an office
- Quick backup of files between devices
- No need for USB drives or cloud storage
Getting Started
1. Open Local Share Panel
- Go to Hosts tab in the sidebar
- Click Local Share sub-tab (network icon)
- Click Start to enable the service
When enabled, you'll see:
- Green pulsing indicator
- Device count badge
- Your device is visible to others on the network
2. Discover Devices
Devices are automatically discovered when Local Share is running. Each device displays:
- Device name (alias)
- Device type (phone, laptop, desktop, etc.)
- IP address
- Connection status
Click Refresh to manually scan for devices.
Sending Files
Method 1: From Local Share Panel
- Click on a discovered device
- Click Send Files button
- Select files using the file picker
- Click Send
Method 2: From File Manager (Recommended)
- Open File Manager for any connection
- In the Local Panel (left side), navigate to files you want to send
- Right-click on file(s) you want to send
- Select "Send via Local Share" from context menu
- Select target device in the dialog
- Click Send
You can select multiple files before right-clicking!
Receiving Files
Automatic Notification
When someone sends you files:
- Desktop notification appears: "📥 Incoming Transfer from [sender]"
- A dialog opens showing sender info and file list
Accept or Reject
- Accept: Files are saved to the configured save path
- Reject: Transfer is cancelled
During Transfer
- Progress bar shows transfer status
- Speed and ETA are displayed
- Click Cancel to abort
Settings
Access settings by clicking the gear icon in the Local Share panel.
General Settings
| Setting | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Device Name | How your device appears to others | Computer name |
| Port | Network port for transfers | 53317 |
| Save Path | Where received files are saved | Downloads folder |
Security Settings
| Setting | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Auto Accept | Accept transfers without prompt | Off |
| Require PIN | Require PIN for incoming transfers | Off |
| PIN | 4-digit PIN code | - |
Notifications
| Setting | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Show Notifications | Desktop notifications for transfers | On |
Transfer History
View all past transfers in the History tab:
- Filter by direction (Sent/Received)
- Search by device name or file name
- Clear history with Clear All button
- Click Open Folder to reveal received files
Troubleshooting
Device Not Discovered
- Ensure both devices are on the same network
- Check if firewall is blocking port 53317
- Try clicking Refresh
- Restart Local Share service
Transfer Fails
- Check network connection
- Ensure enough disk space for received files
- Verify file permissions
- Check if antivirus is blocking the transfer
Compatibility
Local Share is compatible with:
- Other instances of this app
- LocalSend (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux)
- Any app implementing LocalSend protocol
Privacy & Security
- Local Only: All transfers happen on your local network
- No Internet: Data never leaves your network
- Encrypted: Uses HTTPS for secure transfers
- PIN Protection: Optional PIN for extra security
- Accept/Reject: You control what you receive
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
Ctrl/Cmd + R | Refresh device list |
Escape | Close dialogs |
FAQ
Q: Does Local Share use internet? A: No, all transfers are on local network only.
Q: What's the maximum file size? A: No limit, but very large files may take time depending on network speed.
Q: Can I send folders? A: Currently files only. Folder support coming soon.
Q: Is it compatible with LocalSend app? A: Yes! You can send/receive files to/from LocalSend apps.
Q: How do I stop receiving files? A: Turn off "Auto Accept" and reject unwanted transfers, or stop the Local Share service.
Next Steps
- File Manager - Manage files on server
- SFTP Guide - Upload/download files