Do I need to install an app?

No. openshare runs entirely in your browser on both devices, so there is nothing to install on your phone or your computer.

Is there a file size limit?

No. Files stream directly between the two devices over a peer-to-peer connection, so you are not bound by a cloud upload cap.

Are my files uploaded to a server?

No. The connection is browser-to-browser via WebRTC. The server only helps the two devices find each other — your files never pass through it.

Transfer files between phone and computer (no upload)

Moving a photo, PDF, or video between your phone and your laptop usually means emailing it to yourself, plugging in a cable, or waiting for a cloud upload. There is a faster way: open the same share session in both browsers and send the file directly from one device to the other.

The fastest method: a direct browser transfer

On your computer, start a new session — you will get a short code and a QR code.
On your phone, scan the QR code (or type the code at the same site).
Drop the file in on either device. It transfers straight to the other one.

Because the file travels directly between the two browsers, there is no upload step and no size limit to wait on. When you close the tabs, nothing is left behind on a server.

Why "no upload" matters

Most "send a file" tools upload your file to their servers first, then give the other device a link to download it. That means your file sits on someone else's computer, it counts against a size limit, and it can be slow both ways.

A peer-to-peer transfer skips all of that. The two devices form a direct connection and the file streams across it. The only thing the server does is introduce the two devices to each other.

When a cable is still better

For very large transfers between devices sitting next to each other — say, moving a 4K video library — a cable can still be faster. For everything else, a direct browser transfer is quicker to set up and works across any two devices with a modern browser, regardless of platform.

Ready to try it? Start a session and scan the code on your other device.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to install an app?: No. openshare runs entirely in your browser on both devices, so there is nothing to install on your phone or your computer.
Is there a file size limit?: No. Files stream directly between the two devices over a peer-to-peer connection, so you are not bound by a cloud upload cap.
Are my files uploaded to a server?: No. The connection is browser-to-browser via WebRTC. The server only helps the two devices find each other — your files never pass through it.