Even after years of technological advancement, we can all agree that transferring files between different platforms is a hassle. Of course there are some great services like Apple’s AirDrop, Samsung’s Quick Share (it was supposed to come with the S20), Realme/Oppo/Mi Share, Google’s Nearby and more. However, all these services are limited to their respective ecosystems, and thus transferring files between platforms is still a creepy exercise. Having said that, we have come up with an extremely hassle-free way to share files across platforms, whether mobile or desktop OS. So without further delay, let’s find the fastest way to transfer files between devices and platforms.
Transfer Files Between Devices and Platforms (Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux)
We use Snapdrop, a web-based transfer service, to send files between various devices and platforms. To clarify, Snapdrop works on Android, Windows, iOS, macOS, Linux and any other platform that supports a web browser. It uses common technology such as WebRTC and WebSockets to send and receive files. And that’s not all completely open source and free and does not require you to register for file transfer. If you’re worried about security, this is it. Fully encrypted with TLS protocol so that no one can intercept and read data packets in the public network. Now having said all that, let’s move on to the steps.
one. Open snapdrop.net on both your devices — sender and receiver — and you’ll instantly discover each other’s devices. Note that both devices must be connected to a public WiFi network as it uses a P2P connection.
2. Now, just Tap the device and select the file to send. This much. In less than a second you will receive a notification to download or ignore the file. This is how you can transfer files between devices and platforms in seconds. We sent a 20MB video file and it only took 3-4 seconds to transfer the file, which is unbelievable.
3. For some users, opening a website can be too much of a hassle. In this case, You can install Snapdrop as a PWA app. Just click the install button in the address bar and it will start working as a standalone application. You can also pin it to your taskbar for quick access.
4. You can use Snapdrop even when you are completely offline. All you have to do is create a PWA application first so that it can work without internet. After that, create a hotspot and then connect other devices to that hotspot. Now the devices will show up on snapdrop.net and you can send files easily. Because of its offline support, No need to install apps like ShareIt and Xender that become bloatware and it’s a privacy nightmare at this point.
AirDrop Alternative that Works on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS and Linux
This was our little guide on how to transfer files between all major platforms without installing any bloated apps. Besides being platform independent, the best part about Snapdrop is how fast the transfer is despite the high-grade TLS encryption. Pictures and files ranging in size from 4-5 MB are sent at once. So, if you wanted an AirDrop alternative that works on various platforms with the highest security and speed, Snapdrop is the service you need. Also, if you want to support this open source project, you can donate to the developer. here. Anyway, that’s it for us. If you want to learn more such tips and tricks, stay tuned.
