Last Updated on June 7, 2026
These days, many people use their smartphones more than their computers when it comes to things such as checking email, browsing the internet and social media. But if you are the type who likes to go back and forth between your phone and PC, and share files between them, this can be a bit difficult to do so. Sure, you can transfer files via a USB cable or email them to yourself, but this is not the most practical way to do so if you are going to be doing this on a regular basis.
If you are a Microsoft Windows user, you can configure the Phone Link feature to do things such as view your phone’s photos, send text messages and even make phone calls from your computer. This can also be a bit difficult to set up unless you are tech savvy. But if you just want to transfer files between your PC and smartphone, you can easily do so with the free LocalSend app.
Setting Up the LocalSend App
1. Download the Mobile Application
To use LocalSend, you will need to have the app on your computer as well as on your phone. You can download the LocalSend app from the Play Store for Android smartphones and the App store for iPhones. The mobile app installs in seconds and requires very few system permissions to run properly.
2. Choose Your PC Version
There are two versions that you can use on your computer. There is an installable version that works just like any other program you install on your PC. There is also a portable or standalone version that you do not need to install but can simply run from the files you download. You can get either version directly from the official LocalSend website.
3. Open the Main Interface
Once you run the LocalSend program on your computer, you will see that it is fairly simple and consists mainly of a receive and a send section. The clean layout removes the clutter found in other file sharing tools. Your device is now ready to broadcast its presence over your local network.
Sending a File from your Smartphone to your Computer
1. Connect Both Devices
To send a file from your phone to your computer, simply open the LocalSend app on your phone and connect to your PC. You will need to make sure that LocalSend is running on your computer before doing so. There will be a Nearby devices section that should show your computer assuming both your phone and PC are connected to the same wireless network.
2. Verify the Network Names
The device name and number should match what you see on your computer. LocalSend will use generic names such as good apple and secret grape for your phone and PC. This random generation protects your actual hardware details from showing up on public Wi-Fi networks.
3. Select the Files to Transfer
Once both devices are recognized, simply choose what type of file you want to send from the top section where it says File, Media, Paste and so on. You can send files, media (photos), items from your clipboard (Paste), text, folders and even apps. Then tap the Send button to start the process.
4. Accept the Download on PC
When you go back to your computer, you should see a message saying that your phone wants to send you a file. You will need to click the Accept button to download the file. The transfer happens over your local router instead of routing through a distant internet server. It is incredibly fast.
5. Open Your Saved Documents
The file will be downloaded to your Downloads folder by default. You can click on the link in the app interface to open that folder immediately. You can also click on the file itself to open the file in your default image viewer or text editor.
Sending a File from your Computer to your Smartphone
1. Choose the Send Option on PC
To send a file from your computer to your phone is a similar process and all you need to do is go to the Send section within the LocalSend app. You can then choose from file, folder, text or paste to select your data. Your phone should be listed in the Nearby devices section to show that they are connected.
2. Push the File to Your Phone
Once you select the file, it should show up in the app and you can then click on your smartphone’s name to have the file transferred to your phone. The desktop interface confirms your selection before initiating the wireless transfer. Large video files will show a progress bar during this step.
3. Accept the Prompt on Mobile
You can then go to your phone and should then see a message saying your computer wants to send you a file. You will need to click the Accept button to continue. Keep the app open on your screen to ensure the transfer does not drop out mid-flight.
4. Locate the File on Your Phone
The file will then be downloaded to your phone, and it will show you the location on your phone where it was saved. Android and iOS handle file storage differently. Just follow the exact directory path shown on your screen to find your newly saved documents.
Customizing Your LocalSend Setup
1. Add Devices to Your Favorites
If you plan on using LocalSend with multiple devices, you can add them to your favorites on the PC app as well as on your phone by clicking on the heart icon. This locks the device into your trusted list. You will never have to guess which generic fruit name belongs to your personal tablet again.
2. Configure the Software Options
LocalSend also has some settings that you may want to go through to customize how the software works for you. You can change your default save directories or alter the theme colors. Set it up exactly how you like it to streamline your daily workflow.
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