Do I need an account or an app?
Do I need an account or an app?
Neither. Sidedrop is a website — open it on both devices, pair them, and drop files. There’s
nothing to install and no sign-up, so there’s also nothing about you to store.
Is there a file size limit?
Is there a file size limit?
There’s no artificial cap. Received files stream to on-disk storage in your browser rather than
memory, so large files (multi-gigabyte) work — bounded in practice only by free disk space. The
exception is receiving a very large file on a phone, which some mobile browsers limit.
Does it only work on the same Wi-Fi?
Does it only work on the same Wi-Fi?
No. Sidedrop works across different networks — your phone on cellular to your laptop on Wi-Fi,
or to someone across the world. It uses a direct peer-to-peer connection, with a relay fallback
for networks that won’t allow a direct one.
Can I send to another person, not just my own devices?
Can I send to another person, not just my own devices?
Yes. Share the room link through any messenger; when they open it, the two of you are paired and
you can send. The transfer is still direct and encrypted between your two browsers.
What happens if my connection drops mid-transfer?
What happens if my connection drops mid-transfer?
It pauses and picks up where it left off once the path is re-established — only the missing
pieces are resent, not the whole file. This holds while both tabs stay open. Fully closing or
reloading a tab ends that session; Sidedrop isn’t cloud storage, so there’s no “resume later.”
Which browsers work best?
Which browsers work best?
Chrome and Edge on desktop have the smoothest experience, including a native “save as” dialog and
folder saving. Firefox and Safari work too, saving via ordinary downloads (a zip for folders and
batches). Sending works everywhere, including phones.
What does it cost?
What does it cost?
Nothing. Sidedrop is free and open source, with no paid tier and no ads. It’s a showcase project
and a small thank-you, not a business — an optional GitHub Sponsors link is the only ask.