ShareFiles frequently asked questions
Answers about ShareFiles: does it work without internet, file size limits, pairing problems, iPhone support, privacy, encryption, relay and installing the offline app.
Need help? Please see the guide or the FAQ
Every step is written out, and the most common questions are answered.
Does ShareFiles really work without internet?
Yes. After you open it once online and see “Ready for offline”, it works with internet off. Both devices only need to be on the same Wi-Fi router or one phone's hotspot.
Is there a file size limit?
No fixed limit. Files are sent in 64 KB chunks with flow control, so multi-gigabyte files work. The only limit is free storage on the receiving device.
What file types can I send?
Any type: photos, videos, music, PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, APK, ZIP, text and more.
Does it use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct?
No. Browsers cannot use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct for data. ShareFiles uses WebRTC over a shared Wi-Fi network or hotspot.
Pairing is stuck on “Connecting”. What do I do?
Make sure phone A has scanned phone B's reply QR (step 2 on A). Check both devices are on the same Wi-Fi or hotspot, then tap Try again — new QR. Some routers with guest/client isolation block devices from seeing each other — use a phone hotspot instead.
The camera does not open for scanning.
Allow camera permission for the browser in phone settings, and open the site over https. You can also use Copy as text and paste the code instead of scanning.
Does it work on iPhone?
Yes, in Safari on iOS 15 or newer. Add it to the Home Screen for offline use and keep it open during transfers.
Can Android send to iPhone or laptop?
Yes. Any modern browser on Android, iPhone, Windows, macOS or Linux can pair and share.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. Files go directly from device to device. There is no cloud storage, no account, and no server that sees your files.
How secure is it?
Every link uses ECDH key agreement and AES-256-GCM on top of WebRTC's DTLS, and each chunk is encrypted end-to-end to the receiver. Every chunk and the full file are checked with SHA-256.
What happens if the connection drops?
The transfer stops and nothing corrupted is saved. Pair again with a new QR and resend the file.
Why is the transfer slow?
Speed depends on the Wi-Fi or hotspot quality and distance. Move closer to the router, keep the screen on, and avoid relays when a direct link is possible.
How far apart can the devices be?
As far as your Wi-Fi or hotspot reaches — usually tens of metres. Relay devices can extend this one hop at a time.
Is ShareFiles free?
Yes, completely free with no account, no ads in the app screens and no watermarks.
How do I delete my data?
Open Settings and use the storage options to clear transfer history, received files and your device identity.