File transfer FAQ: PC to iPhone, Android & more
Answers to the questions people ask most about moving files between phones and computers - and the simplest way to do each with DropAnything (free, no app, no sign-up).
Getting started
How does DropAnything work?
Open the page on both devices. On the sender, choose your files and tap Create pairing link to get a QR code and a 6-digit code. On the other device, scan the QR or type the code, and the files stream directly between the two browsers over a connection called WebRTC. The code only pairs the devices; the files travel directly, so nothing is uploaded to a server.
Do I need to install an app or sign up?
No. There is nothing to install and no account to create on either device. Both people just open the same web page.
Which devices and directions are supported?
Any direction across iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac and Linux - including the combinations built-in tools skip, like iPhone to Android and iPhone to Windows.
Limits and quality
Is there a file-size limit?
No fixed cap. You can send a single photo or a multi-gigabyte batch; the practical limit is the receiving device's free storage. For very large sets, sending in a couple of groups helps a phone that is low on memory. See sending large video files.
Does it reduce the quality of photos or videos?
No. The original file is sent byte-for-byte with no re-compression, so photos and videos arrive exactly as they were captured - unlike messaging apps, which shrink them.
What happens to HEIC photos from an iPhone?
They are converted to standard JPG automatically as they transfer, so they open on Windows and Android without extra software. More on HEIC to JPG.
Networks and connection
Does it work over mobile data, or only on the same Wi-Fi?
Both. On the same Wi-Fi the two devices connect directly and transfer fastest. On different networks - including mobile data - the transfer still works; if a direct link cannot be made, it routes through a secure relay to complete.
Do the two devices need to be near each other?
No. Unlike AirDrop, pairing happens over the internet, so the devices can be in different rooms or different countries.
Why won't it connect?
The most common reasons: the sending page was closed (the code is only live while that tab is open), or a very restrictive network. Keep both pages open and, if possible, put the phone on Wi-Fi, then try again.
Privacy and security
Are my files private?
Yes. Files go directly from one device to the other and are never uploaded to or stored on our servers. There are no accounts, so there is nothing to profile. Full details are on the privacy page.
Is the transfer encrypted?
Yes. WebRTC data channels are encrypted in transit, and when a relay is used it only forwards the encrypted data to complete the transfer.
Cost
Is it really free, and how do you make money?
The transfer is free with no size cap or sign-up. The site is supported by unobtrusive advertising - your files are never involved, since they never reach our servers.
Saving received files
Where do received files go?
Use the green button to save photos and videos to your gallery (Photos on iPhone, Gallery on Android), and the grey button to save PDFs, music and other files (Files on iPhone, Downloads on Android).
Still stuck? Contact us and we will help.