Transfer Photos & Videos from Phone to Laptop Via LocalSend App
Transferring photos and videos from a phone to a laptop is something many people do regularly. Whether you want to back up precious memories, free up storage space on your phone, edit media files on a larger screen, or simply organize your content, moving files between devices should be quick and hassle-free.
While USB cables, cloud storage services, and messaging apps are commonly used for file transfers, they often come with limitations such as slow upload speeds, storage restrictions, internet dependency, or complicated setup processes. This is where LocalSend becomes a useful solution.
LocalSend is a free, open-source file-sharing application that allows you to transfer photos, videos, documents, and other files directly between devices over your local network. Since it works through your WiFi network, your files remain private and do not need to be uploaded to any cloud server.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to transfer photos and videos from your phone to your laptop using the LocalSend app.
Transfer Photos & Videos from Phone to Laptop Via LocalSend Transfer App
To transfer photos and videos from your phone to a laptop using LocalSend, install the LocalSend app on both devices, connect them to the same WiFi network, open the app on each device, select the photos or videos you want to send from your phone, choose your laptop as the receiving device, and accept the transfer on your laptop. The files will be transferred directly over your local network without requiring cloud storage, cables, or an internet upload.
Step 1: Install LocalSend on Your Phone and Laptop
The first thing you need to do is install the LocalSend application on both devices involved in the transfer.
On your phone, open the appropriate app store. Android users can download LocalSend from the Google Play Store, while iPhone users can get it from the Apple App Store.
Next, move to your laptop. Visit the official LocalSend website and download the version compatible with your operating system. Windows users should download the Windows installer, while Mac and Linux users should choose the version designed for their platform.
Once the download is complete, launch the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to finish the setup process.
After installation, open LocalSend on both your phone and laptop. The app should start immediately and display a simple interface designed for quick file sharing.
At this stage, no account creation, email address registration, or subscription is required. LocalSend is ready to use immediately after installation.
Step 2: Connect Both Devices to the Same WiFi Network
For LocalSend to detect nearby devices, both your phone and laptop must be connected to the same network.
Open the WiFi settings on your phone and confirm that it is connected to your home, office, or personal WiFi network.
Next, check your laptop’s network connection. Ensure it is connected to the exact same WiFi network as your phone.
For example, if your phone is connected to “HomeWiFi_5G,” your laptop should also be connected to “HomeWiFi_5G.” If one device is connected to a different network or mobile hotspot, LocalSend may not detect the other device.
After confirming the connection, keep both devices connected and leave the LocalSend application open.
Within a few moments, the devices should automatically discover each other on the network.
If discovery does not happen immediately, try refreshing the LocalSend window or restarting the application on one or both devices.
Step 3: Verify Device Detection in LocalSend
Now that both devices are on the same network, check whether they can see each other inside LocalSend.
Open the LocalSend app on your phone and navigate to the sending screen. You should notice a list of available devices nearby.
Your laptop should appear with its assigned device name. Depending on your operating system, the device may display the laptop name, computer name, or a custom name configured within LocalSend.
Move to your laptop and open LocalSend. The phone should also be visible in the list of nearby devices.
This mutual detection confirms that both devices can communicate successfully.
If either device does not appear, make sure LocalSend has permission to access the local network and that your firewall is not blocking connections.
Once both devices are visible, you are ready to start the transfer.
Step 4: Select the Photos and Videos You Want to Transfer
Return to the LocalSend application on your phone.
Locate the option labeled Send, Files, or a similar file-sharing button, depending on the app version you are using.
Tap the option to select files. The app will open your phone’s file manager or media library.
Browse through your photos and videos and choose the files you want to transfer.
You can select a single photo, multiple images, a collection of videos, or even an entire folder if needed.
Take your time during this step to ensure you select the correct content. If you are transferring a large number of videos, it may be helpful to organize them into a folder before starting.
After selecting your files, LocalSend will prepare them for transmission.
You should now see a summary showing the number of files selected and the total file size.
Review the information before proceeding.
Step 5: Choose Your Laptop as the Receiving Device
Once your files are selected, LocalSend will display a list of nearby devices that can receive the transfer.
Find your laptop in the list and tap its name.
The app will immediately begin preparing a direct connection between the phone and laptop.
At this stage, LocalSend securely establishes communication between the devices across your local network.
Because the transfer occurs directly between devices, there is no need for cloud uploads, internet storage, or external servers.
This direct connection often results in significantly faster transfer speeds, especially when moving large video files.
After selecting your laptop, a transfer request will be sent automatically.
Step 6: Accept the Transfer Request on Your Laptop
Look at your laptop screen after sending the files.
A notification or transfer request should appear within the LocalSend application.
The request typically displays details such as the sending device name, number of files being transferred, and total transfer size.
Review the information carefully and confirm that the request is coming from your phone.
Click the Accept button to begin receiving the files.
You may also be asked to choose a destination folder where the transferred files will be saved.
If prompted, select a folder that is easy to locate later, such as the Desktop, Downloads folder, or a dedicated Photos folder.
After accepting the request, the transfer process will begin automatically.
Step 7: Wait for the Transfer to Complete
Once the transfer starts, LocalSend displays a progress indicator showing how much data has been transferred.
The transfer time depends on several factors, including file size, network speed, and the number of files being moved.
Small photo collections may transfer within seconds, while large video files could take several minutes.
Avoid disconnecting either device from the WiFi network during the process.
Also, keep the LocalSend app open until the transfer is complete.
When the transfer finishes successfully, LocalSend will display a confirmation message indicating that all files have been received.
At this point, the photos and videos are safely stored on your laptop.
Step 8: Locate and Verify the Transferred Files
After receiving the files, open the folder where LocalSend saved the content.
Browse through the transferred photos and videos to verify that everything was copied successfully.
Open several images and videos to ensure they display correctly and are not corrupted.
If you transferred a large collection of files, compare the file count on your phone with the file count on your laptop.
This verification step helps confirm that the entire transfer completed successfully.
Once verified, you can organize the files into albums, move them to an external drive, edit them, or back them up as needed.
Common Issues and Their Solutions
Sometimes LocalSend may not detect nearby devices. In most cases, this happens because the devices are connected to different networks. Verify that both devices are connected to the same WiFi network.
If the transfer fails unexpectedly, try restarting the LocalSend application on both devices and initiating the transfer again.
Some firewall or antivirus programs may block local network communication. Temporarily allowing LocalSend through your firewall settings can often resolve detection issues.
If transfer speeds seem slow, move both devices closer to your WiFi router and minimize network congestion by reducing other high-bandwidth activities.
Keeping LocalSend updated can also improve compatibility and performance.
FAQs
Is LocalSend free to use?
Yes. LocalSend is completely free and open source. There are no subscription fees or mandatory account registrations.
Does LocalSend require an internet connection?
No. LocalSend only requires both devices to be connected to the same local network. The files are transferred directly between devices.
Can I transfer large video files using LocalSend?
Yes. LocalSend supports large file transfers, including high-resolution videos, provided both devices have sufficient storage space.
Is LocalSend safe for transferring personal photos?
Yes. Files are transferred directly through your local network instead of being uploaded to external cloud servers, which enhances privacy.
Can I transfer files between Android and Windows?
Yes. LocalSend supports cross-platform transfers between Android, iPhone, Windows, macOS, and Linux devices.
Where are the transferred files stored on my laptop?
Files are usually saved in the destination folder selected during the transfer process. If no custom folder is chosen, they may be stored in the default Downloads folder.
Why can’t my laptop detect my phone?
The most common reason is that both devices are not connected to the same WiFi network. Network permissions and firewall settings can also affect device detection.