Pairdrop. A quick and easy way to transfer files between devices

Last updated on 30 September 2026

Pairdrop is a user-friendly and ultra-convenient online application for Easily transfer files between two devices. Whether you use a Windows laptop, Mac, Android phone, iOS iPhone or Linux system, Pairdrop works on all platforms and devices from a simple browser.

And for students or colleagues on Android, there is even a dedicated app on the Play Store. It does not change the way it works, but it fits directly into the sharing menu of the phone: you can send a file from any app, as with a native service.

Imagine, you have just prepared important documents or a video for your next course on your laptop. But when you go to class, you realize that you have to transfer them to your tablet to be able to present them easily. You'll need to connect cables, set up a file sharing or send the documents by email to yourself …

This is where you will thank me for introducing you to PairDrop. With Pairdrop, you can transfer files in just a few clicks without plugging in, installing or downloading anything from a website. The tool eliminates the need for cables, external disks or complicated software installations. Great.

An open source and versatile file transfer tool

PairDrop is a free and open source web application This simplifies file transfers between two devices even if they do not have the same operating system. It runs directly in your browser, without the need for any installation.

This application supports the transfer of images, videos, documents and texts through a peer-to-peer connection, ensuring that files can be shared over the same LAN/Wi-Fi or between paired devices.

What makes PairDrop particularly interesting is its great versatility and compatibility. It works perfectly on Linux, Android, Windows, iOS and macOS and knows how to make all these systems talk to each other.

Unlike proprietary solutions like Apple’s AirDrop that only works to connect an iPhone to an iPad or mac book for example, PairDrop is designed to work across all platforms and provides a Universal solution for sharing files.

How does PairDrop work to transfer a file between two devices?

PairDrop is really very easy to use. You just need to remember the URL of the PairDrop site and a web browser. You do not need a specific application or registration for the service.

Here is a detailed summary of how the application works:

1. Connection on the same local network : PairDrop works using the local area network, all devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network to be able to communicate.
2. Detection of devices : Once connected to the same network, devices can detect each other using PairDrop's "public temporary parts" technology. Devices join a virtual ‘room’ identified by a code, which allows them to see each other and exchange files.
3. Device and file selection : The user selects the recipient device from the list of detected devices. Then simply select the files or folders you want to transfer via the application, drag and drop them into the Pairdrop interface. Files will be transferred instantly, without loss of quality or speed, even with heavy files. To transfer an entire folder, simply select the folder in the Pairdrop interface and drag and drop it as you would for a single file. Pairdrop will transfer all files and subfolders contained in the selected folder. You can also drag and drop it on the browser window. By long-pressing a device, you can also send a text message. This can be especially useful for sharing web links, email addresses, or any other type of text directly from your browser. The transfer is instant and secure, allowing you to share information quickly and easily.
4. Secure transfer : The transfer of the file is done directly between the two devices, in an encrypted way, without going through third-party servers. Only the devices involved have access to the content.
5. Acceptance of the recipient : The user receives a transfer request on their iOS or Android device if they are on a smartphone or tablet and must accept it in order for the file to be received on their device.
6. File storage : Once the transfer is complete, the file is automatically saved on the receiving device, usually in the ‘Downloads’ folder.

Note that Pairdrop, via a system of temporary public rooms, allows you to transfer files over the Internet between devices, even if they are not on the same local network.

An open source file sharing solution well suited for education

In addition to being free and cross-platform, PairDrop is indeed an open source solution. Its open access code is available on GitHub. Among other things, it will allow a large community of developers to take it over and improve it.

In a school or training setting, PairDrop can provide many services. You can use PairDrop to easily share documents, presentations, videos and other resources between your iPhone and Android tablet or with colleagues or students.

A concrete example: you have just finished a PDF of exercises on your PC, five minutes before the course. All students' tablets are connected to the classroom Wi-Fi. You open peerdrop.net on your computer, the tablets appear one by one on the screen, and you send the file to each one in a few clicks. No USB key, no email to send, no account to create for students.

Similarly, your students can easily transfer their work to you from their device, whether it's a homework, a multimedia creation, or any other production. No more exchanges of USB sticks or sending emails allowing you to recover their achievements.

Unlike utilities like Airdrop, file transfers here are encrypted, directly between devices, without going through third-party servers.

Why choose PairDrop over a cloud service?

When it comes to transferring files, cloud hard drive services are a possible option. However, these services, paid for most of the time, require an Internet connection and above all do not guarantee the confidentiality of your files.

Pairdrop offers a secure and convenient alternative. You can transfer files directly from one device to another regardless of the operating system, Windows, Mac, iOS or Android, without going through an external server. This ensures the confidentiality of your files and allows you to transfer files from an internal network even when you do not have an internet connection.

PairDrop makes the file transfer process fast, easy and accessible to everyone. A free and complete open source solution that is very practical on a daily basis.

PairDrop offer a simple, fast, free and secure application to transfer files between devices on the same local network, without the limitations of proprietary solutions such as AirDrop. A URL to save in your favorites.

If you are looking for a solution to install once and for all rather than a service to reopen in the browser, take a look at LocalSend. It is an application (not a site) that operates on the same local network principle, but with further integration into the operating system. To be tested if PairDrop becomes a daily tool rather than a one-off troubleshooting.

Frequently Asked Questions about PairDrop

Is PairDrop safe?

Yes, yes. Files never pass through a server: the connection is made directly between your devices via WebRTC, on the same network. The code is open-source and searchable by anyone, which limits unpleasant surprises.

Does PairDrop work offline?

Not totally. Devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network, but this network does not need access to the Internet once the page is loaded. On the other hand, the first opening of peerdrop.net requires a connection.

PairDrop or Snapdrop, which one to choose?

PairDrop is a Snapdrop fork, with more features: sending text, public rooms by code, interface translated into about thirty languages. Snapdrop remains more minimalist. For classroom use, PairDrop is the most complete choice.