NearShare
NearShare lets your Linux computer send and receive files with nearby Android phones, Windows PCs and Macs, using the same Quick Share (formerly Nearby Share) protocol they already speak.
There are no cables, no cloud account and no app to install on the phone. Both devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi network, and you confirm a 4-digit PIN on both screens.
What it works with
| Other device | What it uses |
|---|---|
| Android phone or tablet | The built-in Quick Share |
| Windows PC | Quick Share for Windows |
| Mac | NearDrop, a free third-party app |
| Another Linux computer | NearShare |
What it does
- Receives files from a phone's share sheet. You see who is sending, the files and their size, and a PIN, then select Accept or Decline. Files go to your
Downloadsfolder. - Sends files to any nearby device whose Quick Share receive screen is open: from the NearShare window, from the Files right-click menu, or from a terminal.
- Receives text, such as a link shared from a phone, and lets you copy it.
- Lets you hide: turn off Visible to nearby devices and no one can see your computer, while you can still send.
- Wakes up nearby phones with a Bluetooth Low Energy signal, so your computer appears in the phone's share sheet straight away.
- Direct mode (experimental): when there is no shared Wi-Fi, NearShare can start its own hotspot and show a QR code for the phone to join.
- Command line:
nearshare send,nearshare peers,nearshare toggleand more, for scripts and keyboard shortcuts.
Platforms
| Platform | Packages |
|---|---|
| Linux (x86-64 and ARM64), designed for Ubuntu 24.04 with GNOME | Snap, Ubuntu PPA |
These pages describe NearShare 1.0.9, the current snap release. The PPA carries 1.0.8.
Privacy and security
Transfers go straight from one device to the other over your local network and are encrypted end to end. The PIN shown on both screens proves no one is in the middle: if the PINs match, the connection is safe. NearShare has no account and sends nothing to any server.
Good to know
Quick Share and Nearby Share are trademarks of Google LLC and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. NearShare is an independent, unofficial client and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Google or Samsung.