Send Files Securely Between Devices Over a Local Network with LanSender
Sending a file to a nearby device should not require uploading it to the cloud, creating an account, or waiting for a slow internet connection.
LanSender lets you transfer files and folders directly between nearby Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android devices over the same local Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.
What Is Local Network File Transfer?
A local network connects devices in the same home, office, classroom, or studio. The network may use Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or a phone hotspot.
A local network does not always need internet access. Two devices can communicate through the same router or hotspot even when the router is offline.
Local transfer is useful when you want to:
- Send files without internet
- Transfer files without a data cable
- Move large videos or folders
- Keep files inside a local network
- Avoid cloud upload and download steps
What Can You Do with LanSender?
LanSender is designed for direct file sharing between supported devices.
You can use it to:
- Send photos and videos from an Android phone to a computer
- Transfer files from a computer to an Android phone
- Share files between Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Transfer complete folders
- Move large videos, archives, and project files
- Transfer files over Wi-Fi or Ethernet
- Use built-in chat to confirm the receiving device
Local transfers do not require an online account or cloud storage.
How to Send Files Over a Local Network
1. Install LanSender on Both Devices
Install LanSender on the sending device and the receiving device.
Current supported platforms include Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. See the LanSender download page for the latest platform support.
2. Connect Both Devices to the Same Network
Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.
You can also use a local phone hotspot if it allows connected devices to communicate with each other. Some public or guest networks block device-to-device connections.
3. Open LanSender
Launch LanSender on both devices. Nearby devices should appear automatically.
If a device is not visible, check whether:
- Both devices are on the same network
- A VPN is blocking local traffic
- The firewall is blocking LanSender
- Router client isolation is enabled
- The app has the required network permission
4. Select the Device and Files
Choose the receiving device, select a file or folder, and start the transfer.
The receiving device may need to accept the transfer. For large files, keep both devices awake and use a stable Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.
Is Local Network File Transfer Secure?
Local transfer can reduce exposure because files do not need to be uploaded to a remote cloud server first.
LanSender uses encrypted local transfers between supported devices. You should still use a trusted home or office network and check the receiving device before accepting a file.
Avoid automatically accepting transfers from unknown devices, especially on shared public Wi-Fi.
Common Uses for LanSender
Transfer Photos from Android to a Computer
Send photos and videos from an Android phone to a Windows, Mac, or Linux computer without using a cable or cloud drive.
Transfer Files Between Windows and Mac
Use the same local network to move documents, folders, videos, or project files between Windows and macOS devices.
Send Large Files Without Internet
If both devices are connected to the same local network, you can transfer large files even when the network has no internet access.
Share a Folder with Another Computer
Instead of selecting files one by one, send an entire folder for projects, documents, backups, or media.
What to Check Before Using LanSender
LanSender is designed for nearby devices on the same local network. It is not a remote file-sharing service.
Keep the following points in mind:
- Public Wi-Fi may block device discovery.
- VPNs and firewalls may prevent connections.
- Transfer speed depends on the local network and device hardware.
- Many small files may take longer than one large file.
- Important files should still be backed up separately.
- iPhone and iPad availability may depend on the current release.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send files without internet?
Yes. If both devices can communicate through the same local Wi-Fi, Ethernet network, or supported hotspot, LanSender can transfer files without internet access.
Do I need an account to use LanSender?
No online account is required for local file transfers.
Can I transfer a whole folder?
Yes. LanSender supports transferring complete folders between supported devices.
Can I transfer files between Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android?
Yes. LanSender supports local file transfer between Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.
Does LanSender upload files to the cloud?
Local transfers are sent directly between devices on the same network instead of being uploaded to cloud storage first.
Why can’t LanSender find another device?
Check the network connection, firewall, VPN, router client isolation, and local network permissions on both devices.
Is LanSender encrypted?
LanSender uses encrypted local transfers for device-to-device file sharing. Use a trusted network and verify the receiving device before accepting a transfer.
Related Links
Conclusion
Local network file transfer is a practical way to send files between nearby devices without relying on cloud storage or internet access.
With LanSender, you can transfer files and folders between Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android over local Wi-Fi or Ethernet. It is useful for photos, videos, project folders, large files, and everyday phone-to-computer transfers.