Send files to nearby devices on the same Wi-Fi

To move a video from your phone to your laptop, or a document from your PC to a tablet, you don’t need to copy a link or type a password. When both devices are on the same Wi-Fi, Peerxfer’s Nearby devices section lists them automatically and you send with one tap.

Step by step

1. Open peerxfer.com on both devices: a phone, a tablet or a computer. Nothing to install.
2. In the Nearby devices box, tap “Become visible” on both. Within a few seconds the other device shows up (for example “Windows PC · 83”). The number helps you tell similar devices apart; your own number appears under “This device”.
3. On the sending device, choose the file or folder, then tap the device in the list.
4. A 4-letter pairing code appears on both screens. If the codes match, the receiver taps “Accept”.
5. The receiver picks where to save and the transfer starts. The file travels encrypted and directly between the devices and is never stored on a server.

Why the pairing code?

The code is calculated from both devices’ keys. Seeing the same code on both screens means you are really sending to the device next to you. If the codes differ, or a request arrives that you didn’t expect, tap “Decline”.

If a device doesn’t show up

• Both devices must have tapped “Become visible”. When you’re done, tap “Hide this device” to leave the list.
• Both must use the same internet connection. A phone on mobile data won’t see a laptop on Wi-Fi.
• With a VPN on, a device can look like it’s on another network. Turn the VPN off and try again.
• Some guest, hotel and office networks block devices from connecting to each other. On such a network, use a regular share link or send with a QR code.

Tips

• On the same network, data usually goes straight over your local network, so big videos can move fast regardless of your internet speed.
• When sending from a phone, keep the screen on and the tab in front; plug the phone in for large files.
• If several devices are visible, use the pairing code and the device number to pick the right one.

Also read: How to send large files · Send a whole folder · FAQ

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Also read

• How it works
• FAQ
• Send large files
• PC to phone
• Share without the cloud
• Send a folder
• Free methods compared

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