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PairDrop lets you share files and text from a modern browser without installing a transfer app or creating an account. Nearby devices can connect over the same network; for people elsewhere, PairDrop offers persistent device pairing or temporary public rooms. The recipient must accept a transfer, and remote transfers may be relayed through PairDrop’s TURN server. The project describes its features in its README.

What PairDrop does

PairDrop is a browser-based, cross-platform file and text sharing tool inspired by AirDrop. The project’s slogan is “Transfer Files Cross-Platform. No Setup, No Signup.” In ordinary use, open the web app in a modern browser on the devices you want to connect; no dedicated transfer application or account is required.

PairDrop supports different ways to find a recipient depending on whether the devices are nearby or on separate networks. A transfer is not silently pushed to another person: the recipient accepts the request. The README also describes automatic downloads when possible, ZIP downloads for multiple files, and simultaneous transfers with an overall progress indicator.

How to send files

  1. Open PairDrop in a modern browser on both devices. For nearby sharing, connect the devices to the same local network.

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  2. Choose the recipient shown in PairDrop. If the devices are not on the same network, first connect them using persistent pairing or a temporary public room.

  3. Select or share the files or text you want to send. PairDrop sends a request to the recipient.

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  4. Have the recipient accept the request. Files download automatically when the browser can do so; multiple files are packaged as a ZIP according to the project README.

The README also describes progressive web app support, sharing from platform share or context menus, and a command-line interface. Exact browser and operating-system behavior can vary, so check the project’s current documentation for details relevant to your setup.

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Ways to connect devices

Same local network

For devices on the same network, PairDrop uses local peer-to-peer sharing. The project FAQ says files shared this way are not sent to a server. A signaling server helps establish connections, but connection setup and the path file data takes are separate matters.

Persistent pairing across networks

Pairing is intended for connecting your own devices when they are on different networks. The project documents pairing with a six-digit code or QR code. This is distinct from simply opening PairDrop on two devices on the same Wi-Fi network.

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Temporary public rooms

For a one-off connection with someone elsewhere, PairDrop offers public rooms. Join using a five-letter code or QR code; devices in the room can see one another. The project says a room ends when PairDrop is closed.

Does peer-to-peer mean files never pass through a server?

No. PairDrop’s FAQ describes WebRTC peer-to-peer connections and a signaling server used to establish them. It says same-network files are not sent to a server. However, paired devices behind NAT may use PairDrop’s TURN server to route files and messages. So “peer-to-peer” describes the connection approach, not a guarantee that every transfer travels directly between devices. The distinction is documented in the PairDrop FAQ.

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Privacy, security, and transfer speed

The FAQ says WebRTC encrypts files in transit. It also says users must trust the PairDrop server; the project does not describe PairDrop as zero-trust. The FAQ mentions planned work on encrypting signaling and adding a verification process, so do not treat those plans as features that are already available.

If a connection is relayed through TURN because devices are behind different NATs, PairDrop says transfer speed decreases. The project suggests using one device’s hotspot to bridge the connection and avoid the TURN server in some situations. That is project guidance, not a guaranteed speed improvement; results depend on the network and devices involved.

Do you need to install or buy anything?

No hardware, storage plan, or subscription is required for ordinary use of the hosted web app. Self-hosting is an optional route for people who want to run their own instance. The README documents Docker and Node.js deployment, configuration of STUN/TURN servers, and gives a Raspberry Pi as an example local host. A Raspberry Pi is an example for self-hosting, not a requirement to use PairDrop.

The project describes itself as libre and says people can support it by donating, reporting bugs, sharing the project, or contributing code. See the project repository for its current documentation and support options.

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When PairDrop is a good fit

PairDrop is useful when you want to move files or text between devices without setting up a dedicated app or account. Nearby transfers are the simplest case. Pairing and public rooms extend sharing to devices on different networks, with the trade-off that a TURN relay may be involved and affect speed. When choosing any transfer method, consider whether both devices need an app or account, whether it works across networks, whether transfers may use a relay or cloud service, how recipients approve transfers, and whether self-hosting is available.

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