We cannot speak for security experts, but Snapdrop appears to be an awesome, free and safe alternative that works cross-platform and performs better than AirDrop. Other developers will be able to verify the source code and find most issues pretty quickly.

As the project is fully open source, backdoors or snooping are highly unlikely. This means that none of your data should go through any third-party server and should theoretically be kept private amongst you and your contacts. In short, Snapdrop is currently establishing a peer-to-peer connection and not acting as a middle man.

Fortunately, developer Robin Linus has compiled a comprehensive FAQ that explains how the app works behind the scenes and what to expect with regards to data safety or personal safety. You can even take a picture on-the-fly and send it over to other people via Snapdrop.Īs with any other file sharing service, there are certain privacy and security concerns that need to be addressed. Your “Safari” browser will then open a sharing menu that is connected to your Photo Library, iCloud Drive, Dropbox and more. Tap the device to which you would like to send a file. Devices are represented by blue circular icons that are labeled with the operating system and browser, such as “Mac Chrome” or “Mac Safari”. Your iPhone should now appear on the screen of the other device(s), whereas you should be able to see the other side. This goes for all receiving or sending parties. Then enter the following web address in the address bar, repeat as needed on all other devices that will participate in the file transfer. Simply start by opening the “Safari” web browser on your iPhone. Sharing files from and to your iPhone with any other device As explained above, the service is free and requires no registration or installation. Other than that, all that is required is a modern web browser such as a relatively recent version of Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome or Opera. In fact, both devices need to be connected to the same wireless network (Wi-Fi). How does Snapdrop work?Īs with AirDrop, you need to be in the close vicinity of the people you are sending files to. This service is limited to transfers between systems running on Windows and not open to AirDrop or Apple Devices. Note: Windows 10 now offers a similar service to AirDrop, calles “Near Share”, which lets Microsoft users share files between Windows systems. Snapdrop works for PC as well as mobile devices like iPhone or Android systems so you can even use it as an alternative to AirDrop for Android. Snapdrop is a reliable alternative to AirDrop for Linux as well as an alternative to AirDrop for Windows. 2.1 Sharing files from and to your iPhone with any other device.

Airdrop for laptop