![\"Packet](\"https:\/\/itsfoss.com\/content\/images\/2025\/07\/packet-local-file-transfer-app.png\")
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Most file sharing today takes place through cloud services, but that’s not always necessary. Local file transfers are still relevant<\/strong>, letting people send files directly between devices on the same network without involving a nosy middleman (a server, in this case<\/em>).<\/p>\n Instead of uploading confidential documents on WhatsApp and calling it a day, people could share them directly over their local network. This approach is faster, more private, and more reliable than relying on a third-party server.<\/p>\n Remember, if you value your data, so does <\/em>Meta<\/em><\/a>.<\/em> \ud83d\udd75\ufe0f\u200d\u2642\ufe0f<\/p>\n That\u2019s where Packet<\/a> comes in, offering an easy, secure way to transfer files directly between Linux and Android devices.<\/p>\n It is a lightweight, open source app for Linux<\/strong> that makes transferring files effortless. It leverages a partial implementation of Google’s Quick Share<\/a> protocol (proprietary<\/em>) to enable easy wireless transfers over your local Wi-Fi network (via mDNS<\/em>) without needing any cables or cloud servers.<\/p>\n In addition to that, Packet supports device discovery via Bluetooth<\/strong>, making it easy to find nearby devices without manual setup. It can also be integrated with GNOME\u2019s Nautilus file manager<\/a> (Files<\/em>), allowing you to send files directly from your desktop with a simple right-click (requires additional configuration<\/em>).<\/p>\n \u2b50 Key Features<\/strong><\/p>\n First things first, you have to download and install the latest release of Packet from Flathub<\/a> by running this command in your terminal:<\/p>\n Once launched, sending files from your Linux computer to your Android smartphone is straightforward. Enable Bluetooth on your laptop\/computer, then click on the big blue “Add Files<\/em>” button and select the files you want to send.<\/p>\n Adding new files for transfer to Packet is easy.<\/em><\/i><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n You can also drag and drop files directly into Packet<\/strong> for a quicker sharing experience. If you are looking to transfer a whole folder, it\u2019s best to first compress it into an archive like a TAR<\/em> or ZIP<\/em>, then send it through Packet for transmission.<\/p>\n Once you are done choosing files, choose your Android phone from the recipients list and verify the code shown on screen.<\/p>\n File transfers from Linux to Android are lightning fast!<\/em><\/i><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Though, before you do all that, ensure that Quick Share<\/a> is set up on your smartphone to allow Nearby sharing with everyone. Additionally, take note of your device\u2019s name; this is how it will appear on your Linux machine when sending\/receiving files.<\/p>\n When you start the transfer, your smartphone will prompt you to “Accept<\/em>” or “Decline<\/em>” the Quick Share request. Only proceed if the PIN or code shown on both devices matches to ensure a secure transfer.<\/p>\n Transferring files the other way around, from Android to Linux<\/strong>, is just as simple. On your Android device, select the files you want to share, tap the “Share<\/em>” button, and choose “Quick Share<\/em>“. Your Linux computer should appear in the list if Packet is running and your device is discoverable.<\/p>\n File transfers from Android to Linux are the same!<\/em><\/i><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n You can change your Linux device\u2019s name from the “Preferences<\/em>” menu in Packet (accessible via the hamburger menu<\/em>). This is the name that will show up on your Android device when sharing files.<\/p>\n Packet also shows handy system notifications<\/strong> for file transfers, so you don\u2019t miss a thing.<\/p>\n Packet shows helpful notifications and lets you change a few basic settings.<\/em><\/i><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n If you use the GNOME Files app (Nautilus<\/em>), then there\u2019s an optional plugin<\/a> that adds a “Send with Packet” <\/em>option to the right-click menu, making it even easier to share files without opening the app manually.<\/p>\n Overall, Packet feels like a practical tool for local file sharing between devices. It works well across Android and Linux devices, and can do the same for two Linux devices on the same network.<\/p>\n And, I must say, it gives tough competition to LocalSend, another file transfer tool that\u2019s an AirDrop alternative for Linux users<\/a>!<\/p>\nWireless File Transfers via Quick Share<\/h2>\n
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How to Send Files Using Packet?<\/h2>\n
![\"Packet](\"https:\/\/itsfoss.com\/content\/images\/2025\/07\/packet-about-dialog.png\")
<\/figure>\nflatpak install flathub io.github.nozwock.Packet<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n![\"Packet](\"https:\/\/itsfoss.com\/content\/images\/2025\/07\/packet-linux-send-1.png\")
<\/div>\n![\"Packet](\"https:\/\/itsfoss.com\/content\/images\/2025\/07\/packet-linux-send-2.png\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"Packet](\"https:\/\/itsfoss.com\/content\/images\/2025\/07\/packet-linux-send-3.png\")
<\/div>\n![\"Packet](\"https:\/\/itsfoss.com\/content\/images\/2025\/07\/packet-linux-send-4.png\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>![\"Packet](\"https:\/\/itsfoss.com\/content\/images\/2025\/07\/packet-linux-send-5.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n![\"Packet](\"https:\/\/itsfoss.com\/content\/images\/2025\/07\/packet-android-send-1.jpg\")
<\/div>\n![\"Packet](\"https:\/\/itsfoss.com\/content\/images\/2025\/07\/packet-android-send-2.jpg\")
<\/div>\n![\"Packet](\"https:\/\/itsfoss.com\/content\/images\/2025\/07\/packet-android-send-3.png\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"Packet](\"https:\/\/itsfoss.com\/content\/images\/2025\/07\/packet-gnome-notifications.png\")
<\/div>\n![\"Packet](\"https:\/\/itsfoss.com\/content\/images\/2025\/07\/packet-preferences.png\")
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![\"Packet](\"https:\/\/itsfoss.com\/content\/images\/icon\/android-chrome-192x192-528.png\")
![\"Packet](\"https:\/\/itsfoss.com\/content\/images\/thumbnail\/Localsend-1.png\")
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