AirDrop alternative for Linux
AirDrop for Linux: the free, encrypted way to share files
AirDrop is Apple only, so Linux is left out. Flitdrop is the free alternative that moves photos, files and clipboard text between your Linux machine and any iPhone, Android or Samsung phone on your Wi-Fi.
Free on your network. End to end encrypted. No account required.
The short answer
There is no AirDrop for Linux, but there is Flitdrop
AirDrop is Apple only, so there is no native version for Linux. Flitdrop is the free alternative that does the same job across every device.
Why Linux has no AirDrop (and what to use instead)
-
Closed to Linux by design
AirDrop is a closed Apple feature that only works between Apple devices, so Linux is left out by design.
-
One app for every device
Flitdrop replaces it with one app that links Linux, Windows or Mac with any iPhone, Android or Samsung phone, both ways.
-
Direct, never through a server
Unlike cloud services, transfers go directly device to device over your own Wi-Fi, never through a server.
-
Free on your network
It is free on your own network with 30 files a day, with no account and no subscription; Flitdrop Pro, one payment for life, removes the daily limit.
Getting started
How Flitdrop works on Linux
Install the app on your Linux computer, pair the phone with a QR code once, then send.
-
Install on Linux
Take the AppImage, which runs on any distro and updates itself (Ubuntu 22.04+ may need libfuse2), or the .deb, recommended on Ubuntu, Debian and Mint.
-
Scan once to pair
There is nothing to install on the phone: scan a QR code once to pair, then the phone just uses its browser.
-
Pick files and send
Make sure both devices are on the same local Wi-Fi, then pick your files and send. Every transfer is end to end encrypted and stays on your network.
What you can send between Linux and your phone
-
Full quality photos and videos
Full quality photos and videos, with no compression and no loss of quality.
-
Any file, even big ones
Any file type, several at once, up to 16 GB per file.
-
Two way clipboard
Copy on Linux, send it in one tap and paste on your phone, or the reverse (it uses wl-clipboard or xclip, which the .deb installs for you).
-
Both directions
Works both ways, from your phone to Linux and from Linux back to your phone.
Private and free
Private by design, free by default
-
End to end encrypted
End to end encryption keeps every transfer readable only by your two devices.
-
No account, no sign up
No account and no sign up: pair with a QR code and start sending right away.
-
Fast and free
Because transfers are peer to peer on your Wi-Fi, they are fast and cost nothing.
-
Not affiliated with Apple
Flitdrop is not affiliated with Apple; AirDrop is named only for comparison.
AirDrop for Linux: frequently asked
Does AirDrop work on Linux?
No. AirDrop is a closed Apple feature that only works between Apple devices, so there is no native version for Linux.
Can I AirDrop from my iPhone to a Linux computer?
Not with Apple's AirDrop. With Flitdrop you can, over your local Wi-Fi.
Do I need to install anything on my phone?
No. There is nothing to install on the phone; the app installs only on your computer.
Does Flitdrop use the internet or the cloud?
No. Transfers go directly device to device over your local Wi-Fi, never through a server or the cloud.
Is Flitdrop really free on Linux?
Yes. Flitdrop is free on your own network with 30 files a day, with no account and no subscription. Flitdrop Pro, one payment for life, removes the daily limit.
Are my files encrypted?
Yes. Every transfer is end to end encrypted, readable only by your two paired devices.
Keep reading
More ways to share like AirDrop
-
The best AirDrop alternative
One free, encrypted app that connects every operating system, not just Apple.
-
AirDrop between iPhone and Android
Send photos and files between iPhone and Android over your Wi-Fi.
-
Send files from iPhone to PC
Move photos and files from your iPhone straight to a computer, in full quality.
Get AirDrop for Linux with Flitdrop
Install Flitdrop on your Linux computer, keep the phone as it is, and start sending in seconds.
Linux, Windows and Mac builds