AirDrop is one of the easiest ways to transfer files wirelessly from one device to another. Since the feature is accessible only across Apple devices, you can’t AirDrop to Linux. But you don’t need to worry since we have provided some of the best alternatives to AirDrop. These alternatives work similarly to AirDrop and do the necessary purpose. The features are almost identical, and you can send any media files to Linux.
This article explains alternative apps and some wired connections to help you share your files with Linux.
What are the Alternatives to AirDrop Linux?
Conducting thorough research, we have created a list of alternatives to AirDrop, comprising 4 different ways to share files to Linux.
- Snapdrop
- SHAREit
- KDE Connect
- USB
- LocalSend
How to Share Files via Snapdrop to Linux
Snapdrop is an easy-to-use and effective file-sharing app that helps you to share content to your Windows or Chromebook using a Linux OS. This app is free to download and use.
1. Install the Snapdrop application on your smartphone and your device running on Linux OS.
2. Launch the application on both devices and wait for a few seconds for your devices to get detected in the app.
3. Select your receiver device and search for the files you wish to share.
4. Once selected, tap the OK button to transmit the files.
Now, you have successfully shared the media files to the device running on Linux OS.
How to Share Files via SHAREit to Linux Device
SHAREit is another popular application that allows you to share files to different devices by connecting over a simple WiFi network. You can use this app for free, along with some ads. If you wish to go ad-free, you can subscribe to the premium plan, which costs around $5.99.
1. Download the SHAREit app on your smartphone.
2. Now, install the desktop version of SHAREit on your Chromebook or Windows with a Linux PC.
3. Launch the application on the sender’s device and tap the Send button.
4. Search for the files you wish to share with the other device.
5. Once selected, the app will detect the nearby device connected over the same WiFi network and select your device from it.
Within minutes, the files will be shared with the recipient device.
NOTE: You can also use the SHAREit QR code to scan and connect your devices.
How to Share Files via KDE Connect to Linux Devices
KDE Connect is another app that is best for screen-sharing content on cross-platform platforms. This app quickly transfers the files. However, it sometimes lags when sharing multiple files of larger size. This app is also free to download and is widely used by users.
1. Download the KDE Connect app on your smartphone.
2. Also, install the desktop version of KDE Connect on your device running on Linux OS.
3. Once installed, launch the KDE Connect app on your PC or Chromebook and go to the KDE Connect Settings.
4. Launch the application on your smartphone and wait a few minutes to get detected automatically.
NOTE: You must connect the devices under the same WiFi network to detect each other.
5. Now, select your device and click the Request Pair option.
6. Select the Accept option to pair the devices on your smartphone.
7. Now, you can choose any file and send it to your PC or Chromebook with a Linux OS.
How to Share Files to Linux via USB Cable
This method is quite different from the ones that we have discussed earlier. A USB cable is the most preferred method among cords for sharing files with various devices. The below will guide you through the steps to connect and transfer files between the devices.
1. Take a good quality USB cable.
2. Connect one cable end to your smartphone and the other to your PC or Chromebook.
3. Select the “Charging this device via USB” option on your smartphone.
4. Select the File Transfer option under “Use USB for“.
5. Select and share the files and remove the cables once you complete the sharing process.
How to Share Files to Linux Using LocalSend
LocalSend is another excellent alternative for sharing media files across Linux devices. To use this app, ensure your Apple device and Linux are connected to the same local network.
1. Get the LocalSend app on your iPhone or iPad from the App Store.
2. Visit localsend.org/#/download and download and install the LocalSend app on your Linux.
3. Run the LocalSend app on your Apple device. It will show the devices connected to the same WiFi network.
4. Tap the Send option and select the files you want to share.
5. In the Nearby Devices section, select your Linux device.
6. Also, click Accept on the prompt you get on Linux.
7. After the file transfer, tap Done.
FAQ
No. You cannot AirDrop to Linux. However, you can share your files by using any of the above-mentioned alternative methods.
To share files between Linux, you can use third-party apps like Snapdrop and KDE Connect or wired connections like USB.