How to Transfer Files Over Wi-Fi

Transferring files over local Wi-Fi is the fastest way to move photos, videos, and large archives between nearby devices. By sending data directly through your local wireless router rather than uploading to cloud servers, transfers complete at speeds up to 100 MB/s without eating up internet data.

How local Wi-Fi file transfer works

When you transfer files across the internet through cloud storage (like Google Drive, Dropbox, or email), your data follows a two-step journey: first uploading from Device A over your broadband connection to a remote data center, and then downloading from that data center onto Device B.

In contrast, local Wi-Fi file transfer uses WebRTC peer-to-peer data channels. Device A streams data packets directly across your local wireless network to Device B. The files never leave your home or office network, resulting in:

• Near-instant speed: Transfers operate at the full bandwidth of your local Wi-Fi hardware (typically 30 MB/s to 90 MB/s).
• Zero data usage: Your broadband ISP quota or cellular mobile plan is untouched.
• Total privacy: Your sensitive files never sit on a third-party server or cloud storage bucket.

Step-by-step instructions to transfer files over Wi-Fi

1. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi: Ensure both phones or computers are connected to the same wireless network, ideally the 5 GHz band.
2. Open the transfer tool: Open your web browser on Device A and go to the iFileSender home page.
3. Choose your files: Drag files into the browser window or tap the file upload button. A 6-digit room code and pairing QR code will appear.
4. Pair Device B: Open your web browser on Device B, go to the same link, and scan the QR code or enter the 6-digit code.
5. Download instantly: Confirm the transfer on Device B. Files stream locally and save directly to your default Downloads folder.

Frequently asked questions