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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.
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.
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 from the LocalSend website.
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.
Sending a File from your Smartphone to your Computer
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.
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.
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.
When you go back to your computer, you should see a message saying that your phone wants to send you a file and you will need to click the Accept button to download the file.
The file will be downloaded to your Downloads folder and you can click on the link to open that folder or click on the file itself to open the file.
Sending a File from your Computer to your Smartphone
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. Your phone should be listed in the Nearby devices section to show that they are connected.
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.
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.
The file will then be downloaded to your phone, and it will show you the location on your phone where it was saved.
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.
LocalSend also has some settings that you may want to go through to customize how the software works for you.
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