LocalSend: open-source AirDrop alternative

My notes

Summary

LocalSend is an open-source AirDrop alternative that works across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Fire OS. It transfers files peer-to-peer over local network using REST API + HTTPS with on-the-fly TLS certificates, no internet, no third-party servers, no account.

Key Insight

• True cross-platform parity - same app on every major OS, including Linux and Fire OS. Most “AirDrop alternatives” miss one or two platforms; this hits all six.
• No cloud dependency - TLS cert generated per device on the fly, traffic stays on the LAN. Good for sensitive transfers (client files, contracts, accounting docs) that shouldn’t touch Google Drive / iCloud.
• Port to remember: TCP+UDP 53317 (incoming). If files won’t transfer, that’s the firewall hole to open. Also disable AP isolation on the router (especially on guest networks).
• Speed gotchas: use 5 GHz Wi-Fi; disable encryption on both ends if you need raw throughput. Android receiving is a known slow path.
• Portable mode (v1.13+): drop an empty settings.json next to the executable and the app stores config locally, useful for USB-stick deployments or travel laptop with no install rights.
• Distribution everywhere: App Store, Play Store, F-Droid, Homebrew, Scoop, Chocolatey, Flathub, Snap, AppImage, AUR, MSIX, plus direct binaries. Pick the package manager you already use.
• Built in Flutter + Rust - same codebase ships native on every platform. Worth studying as a Flutter desktop reference if building cross-platform tools.