I built LynkShare because I hate logging into my email on a device I don't own. The usual file-sharing sites aren't much better: they either want an account, or they get awkward the moment you're sending more than one file.
LynkShare moves files between any two devices. No account, no email, and no one-file-at-a-time limit.
How it works
- Open lynkshare.app in a browser, or the Android app, and pick up to 10 files.
- It gives you a QR code and a six-digit code.
- On the other device, scan the QR, open the link, or type the six digits.
- The file goes directly between the two devices when the network allows it. When it doesn't, it goes through encrypted temporary storage instead.
The encryption key is created on your device and never sent to the server. It travels in the part of a link that browsers don't transmit, so the server only ever holds ciphertext. The six-digit code is a shortcut for not typing a link on the other device - the key is handed to that device directly, not stored for later lookup.
Start from either end
Most sharing tools assume the sender goes first. LynkShare works in both directions:
- Sender first. Pick the files, then share a QR, a link, or the six-digit code. The receiver opens it whenever they're ready.
- Receiver first. Open the receive screen on the device that wants the file and it shows a QR. Scan that from the sending device, and the files land on the device that asked for them.
Receiver-first is the one I use most: open lynkshare.app on a computer that isn't mine, hit "Pair with Phone", scan the code with my phone, done. No typing a link on a keyboard I don't own.
What's different
| Tool | Where it stops |
|---|---|
| AirDrop | Apple devices only, and both have to be nearby. |
| Quick Share | Android, Windows and ChromeOS; needs the app on the computer. |
| WeTransfer | Works everywhere, but uploads your file to their servers, and larger sends need an account. |
| Snapdrop / PairDrop | Browser on both ends, but both devices must be open at the same time on the same network. |
| LocalSend | Excellent, but needs the app on both devices and the same network. |
| LynkShare | No account, no app on the receiving end, direct when possible, encrypted temporary storage when not. |
The closest comparison is the browser-based P2P tools. The difference is the fallback: if the two devices can't reach each other, the transfer still completes instead of failing.
What it doesn't do
- It's for quick handoffs, not file hosting. Ten files at a time; 10 MB per transfer on the web, 15 MB over the cloud path and 20 MB direct in the app. A rewarded ad raises those caps in the app.
- Cloud copies are short-lived: 10 minutes by default, extendable in the app.
- The Android app is in closed testing. iPhone users can use the website (can't afford that app store fee gng 🥀).
- The interface and branding are temporary and I'll do a full revamp before the public release.
- Sorry for the ads but they keep the free tier running.
What's next
Offline transfer: both devices on the same Wi-Fi, no internet at all, nothing leaving the network. It's the next feature I want to build, and it will be ad-free when it ships.
I need Android testers
I'm at the stage where Google Play wants 12 testers who stay opted in for 14 days before it will consider production access. So I'm asking for a small favour.
Cover as many of these as you can - the point is the platform combinations, not any particular pair of devices:
- app to app with the six-digit code
- app to browser and browser to app
- browser to browser
- at least one transfer in each direction
- a direct transfer (both devices open) and a cloud one, so both paths get exercised
Where the app asks where to save downloads, pick a folder. Receive a file, force-stop the app, then receive another - that proves the folder grant survived.
Then tell me what you tested with, the OS version, and anything that broke. A screenshot of an error would be better than a paragraph.
Join the testing group - Install from Google Play
If you'd rather not test, thoughts on the approach are welcome too, THANKS!! 🙏
Links:
- Website: lynkshare.app
- Github: Website source code
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