# DirectFileTransfer — Complete Reference > Free, secure peer-to-peer file sharing with end-to-end encryption. No sign-up to start, no file size limits, no cloud storage. URL: https://directfiletransfer.com ## Overview DirectFileTransfer is a web application that enables direct device-to-device file transfers using WebRTC. Unlike cloud-based file sharing services (Google Drive, Dropbox, WeTransfer), files are never uploaded to any server. The transfer happens directly between the sender's and receiver's browsers through an encrypted peer-to-peer connection. The server's only role is "signaling" — helping the two browsers find each other and establish a WebRTC connection. Once connected, all data flows directly between devices. ## Who Should Use DirectFileTransfer? - **Anyone who wants to share files without uploading to the cloud** — privacy-conscious users, professionals handling sensitive documents - **People sharing large files** — no size limits, no waiting for uploads and downloads - **Users on the same network** — transfers happen at LAN speed (typically 50-300+ Mbps) - **Cross-platform users** — works on any device with a modern browser (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, ChromeOS) - **Users who don't want to create accounts** — no sign-up for nearby, same-Wi-Fi, or a web room; signing in is optional and only unlocks reaching your own devices over the internet ## Detailed Feature List ### Security & Privacy - End-to-end encrypted transfers via WebRTC DTLS - Files never pass through our servers; when a network blocks every direct path an encrypted relay forwards only scrambled data it can't decrypt - Sender approval gate — receiver must be explicitly approved before connection - Optional identity verification via custom Q&A challenges - Device fingerprinting shows receiver's browser, OS, and device type - Same-network detection indicates when devices are on the same local network - Room PINs expire and are single-use ### File Transfer - No file size limits - Multi-file batch transfer with automatic queuing - Real-time progress bar with speed and ETA - Transfer history tracking within a session - Resume support for interrupted transfers - Streaming file writes for large files (via File System Access API where supported) ### Communication - Built-in encrypted chat between connected peers - FCM push notifications to wake devices for file transfer requests - QR code sharing for easy mobile-to-mobile connections ### User Experience - Installable as a Progressive Web App (PWA) on mobile and desktop - Works offline for previously cached pages - Responsive design optimized for mobile, tablet, and desktop - Dark theme with clean, modern UI - No ads; the website uses Google Analytics only with your consent, and we log transfer metadata (file name, size, status, IP, browser) for reliability ## Send files between any two devices (how-to guides) Both devices use the website in their browser — nothing to install, no account to start. The sender opens https://directfiletransfer.com, taps **Send Files**, chooses the files and taps **Continue**; a code, a link and a PIN appear. A phone receives by pointing its camera at the code (or opening the link); a computer receives by opening directfiletransfer.com and typing the PIN (valid 15 minutes). Both devices need the internet to connect; on the same Wi‑Fi the files travel over that Wi‑Fi. Files are end-to-end encrypted and never uploaded to a cloud drive. - Any two devices (iPhone, Android, Mac, Windows PC — every direction): https://directfiletransfer.com/blog/send-files-between-iphone-android-mac-windows ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: Is DirectFileTransfer free?** A: Nearby and same-Wi-Fi transfers are free and unlimited. Sending over the internet is free up to a monthly allowance; DFT Pro raises it. **Q: What's the maximum file size?** A: There is no maximum. You can transfer files of any size, limited only by the available storage on the receiving device. **Q: Do files go through a server?** A: Normally no — files transfer directly between devices via WebRTC, and the server only helps establish the initial connection (signaling). When a network blocks every direct path, WebRTC falls back to an encrypted relay that forwards the bytes without being able to read them. **Q: Is it encrypted?** A: Yes. WebRTC connections use DTLS encryption by default. All file data and chat messages are end-to-end encrypted. **Q: Do I need to create an account?** A: Not to start. Open the website, create a room, and share the PIN or QR code with the receiver. Signing in with Google is optional and only unlocks reaching your own devices and friends over the internet. **Q: Does it work on iPhone/iPad?** A: Yes. It works in Safari and Chrome on iOS/iPadOS. It can also be installed as a PWA for a native app experience. **Q: Does it work on Android?** A: Yes. It works in Chrome, Firefox, Samsung Internet, and other modern browsers. Available as an installable PWA. **Q: How fast are transfers?** A: Speed depends on network conditions. On the same local network (WiFi), transfers typically reach 50-300+ Mbps. Over the internet, speeds depend on both users' internet connections. **Q: Can I send files to multiple people at once?** A: Currently, each room supports one sender and one receiver. For multiple recipients, create separate rooms. **Q: What happens if the connection drops during transfer?** A: The app automatically attempts to reconnect. Transfer resume support allows continuing from where it left off. ## Blog Posts - [Why Your Files Should Never Touch the Cloud](https://directfiletransfer.com/blog/why-files-should-never-touch-cloud) — Privacy risks of cloud file sharing - [How WebRTC Makes Direct Transfer Possible](https://directfiletransfer.com/blog/how-webrtc-makes-direct-transfer-possible) — Technical deep-dive - [Cloud vs P2P: A Comparison](https://directfiletransfer.com/blog/cloud-vs-p2p-comparison) — Side-by-side comparison - [Maximizing Transfer Speed](https://directfiletransfer.com/blog/maximizing-transfer-speed) — Tips for faster transfers - [The Privacy Advantage of End-to-End](https://directfiletransfer.com/blog/privacy-advantage-end-to-end) — E2E encryption explained - [Real-World Use Cases](https://directfiletransfer.com/blog/real-world-use-cases) — How people use DirectFileTransfer - [Sender Approval & Identity Verification](https://directfiletransfer.com/blog/sender-approval-identity-verification-security) — Security features - [What's New: Multi-File, QR, Reconnect](https://directfiletransfer.com/blog/whats-new-multi-file-qr-reconnect) — Latest features ## Contact - Website: https://directfiletransfer.com/contact - Privacy Policy: https://directfiletransfer.com/privacy