Andy Walker / Android Authority
Sharing files across Android and other devices can be tedious. Although Quick Share has improved slightly since Samsung and Google collaborated, offering a larger feature set than ever, it often feels more cumbersome than convenient. I spend more time connecting to the recipient’s phone than sending the file, which I don’t appreciate.
How often do you use Quick Share? 31 votes Daily. 19 % Once or twice a week. 16 % Once a month or less. 45 % I don't use it at all. 19 %
So, faced with the constant challenge of sharing files from my Android phone to my desktop and my partner’s phone, I changed my approach. Instead of using a USB cable or Quick Share, I now use LocalSend and wonder why I didn’t switch sooner.
Where Quick Share stumbles, LocalSend speeds away
Andy Walker / Android Authority
LocalSend is a free, open-source file-sharing platform that uses my local network to transfer files between my devices. As long as both devices have the app installed and are connected to the same network, I’ve experienced flawless transfers that complete in seconds. This makes it perfect for buzzing files across devices within the home environment, or really any location with a local network.
And, as everything is done locally within your network, you can send almost anything. The app allows general files, clipboard transfers, simple text sends, entire folders, and even APKs. You can see the process for the latter below.
Perhaps its greatest selling point is its cross-compatibility with major platforms. While I love the Android app’s ease of use and simplicity, I’ve also loaded my desktop and laptop with the Windows version, allowing cable-free transfers of anything on my device. If there’s a documentary I want to send to my phone, or a bunch of screenshots I need to send to my desktop, I can do so in mere seconds. LocalSend is also available for Linux distros and, notably, Apple platforms. I don’t own an iPhone or a MacBook, but the app would be a must-install if I did. It reaches far beyond Quick Share.
LocalSend's greatest selling point is its cross-compatibility with major platforms, including Android, Windows, and Apple OSes.
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