Photo Transfer
Move photos & files
phone ↔ computer, over WiFi
No cable. No app store. No account. Open the app, scan a QR code with your phone, and your photos land straight on your computer — and back.
What it's for
A simple way to get photos and videos off your phone — or any file between your devices — without cables, emailing yourself, or uploading to the cloud. Everything stays on your own WiFi and your own computer.
Phone → Computer
Back up your camera roll to your laptop in a couple of taps.
Computer → Phone
Grab files from the computer onto your phone just as easily.
Phone → Phone
Two phones on the same WiFi can pass files through the computer hub.
Download the app
Install it on the computer that will receive the files. Your phone doesn't need anything — it just opens a link.
First launch may show an "unknown publisher" warning (the app isn't paid-code-signed) — choose Run anyway (Windows) or right-click → Open (Mac). It's safe; the code is open on GitHub.
Installation guide
Install on the computer that receives the files. Pick your system:
Windows
- Download PhotoTransfer-windows.zip and unzip it (right-click → Extract All).
- Open the PhotoTransfer folder.
- Double-click PhotoTransfer.exe.
- If Windows SmartScreen appears: More info → Run anyway.
- Your browser opens showing a QR code — you're ready.
macOS
- Download PhotoTransfer-macos.zip and unzip it (double-click).
- Right-click Photo Transfer.app → Open (first time only).
- In the warning, click Open again.
- Your browser opens with a QR code — done.
Linux
- Download PhotoTransfer-linux.zip and unzip it.
- Open the PhotoTransfer folder.
- Double-click PhotoTransfer (or run
./PhotoTransferin a terminal). - If it won't run: right-click → Properties → Allow executing as program, or
chmod +x PhotoTransfer. - Your browser opens with a QR code — ready.
How to use it
Three steps. The whole thing takes about a minute.
Open it on the computer
Double-click the app. A window opens showing a QR code.
Scan with your phone
Same WiFi. Open the Camera, point at the QR, tap the link.
Send or receive
Pick photos and tap Upload — or grab files the computer has. Done.
Why you'll like it
No cloud
Files go straight phone→computer. Nothing is uploaded to the internet.
Nothing to install on the phone
Your phone just opens a web link or scans a QR.
Fast & parallel
Send many photos at once with a progress bar.
Access code
A PIN keeps others on the WiFi out. Optional HTTPS encrypts it all.
HEIC → JPG
iPhone photos get a JPG copy that opens everywhere.
Free & open source
No account, no ads, no cost. Inspect the code yourself.
What's new
Current version: v1.0.4
Universal Mac
One download now runs on both Apple Silicon (M1–M4) and Intel Macs.
Wider Linux support
Built for older glibc, so it runs on Ubuntu 20.04 and newer.
Per-OS install guide
Clear step-by-step setup for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Questions
Does my internet provider or the cloud see my photos?
No. The transfer happens on your local WiFi, phone → computer. It never goes out to the internet, so your provider and the cloud aren't involved.
Do both devices need the same WiFi?
Yes — that's the only requirement. The phone and the computer must be on the same WiFi network.
Do I need to install anything on my phone?
No. The phone just opens a link (or scans the QR). You can optionally tap "Add to Home Screen" to keep it like an app.
Is it safe?
It's open source, runs only on your network, and is protected by an access code. You can also turn on encryption (HTTPS) and device approval. Nothing leaves your WiFi.