Open-Source Encrypted File Transfer

Send files directly between nearby devices on the same local network. End-to-end encrypted, peer-to-peer, no cloud storage. Built on the Bolt Protocol.

End-to-End Encrypted

How It Works

Start sharing files in seconds. Browser or desktop app, no accounts needed.

1

Open on Both Devices

Visit localbolt.app in a browser or use the desktop app on devices on the same local network.

2

Select a Device

Devices appear automatically. Tap one to send an encrypted connection request.

3

Transfer Directly

Drag and drop files. End-to-end encrypted, peer-to-peer, no size limits.

Open-Source Security, Zero Trust by Design

LocalBolt uses NaCl/Curve25519 encryption to transfer files directly between devices with zero server storage. The entire stack, from the Bolt Protocol to the cryptographic SDK, is open source.

End-to-End Encryption

Every file is encrypted with NaCl/Curve25519 (same algorithms used by Signal and WireGuard) before transfer. Per-chunk random nonces prevent any pattern analysis. Built on the open-source Bolt Protocol.

Direct P2P Transfer

Files transfer directly between devices over encrypted WebRTC data channels. Browser-to-browser or browser-to-desktop-app. Faster and more private than cloud uploads.

Zero Server Storage

Your files never touch any server. Not during transfer, not after. Zero cloud storage means zero data exposure.

Browser & Desktop App

Use localbolt.app in any browser or download the native desktop app for macOS 14+: Apple Silicon · Intel. Ad-hoc signed. Right-click → Open on first launch. Release notes & checksums

Fully Open Source

Source code, protocol spec, and cryptographic SDK are all public on GitHub. Audit the code, self-host your own instance, or build on top of bolt-core-sdk.

Lightning Fast

Direct peer connections transfer at local network speed. Same-network transfers never leave your LAN.

Works on Your LAN

Nearby devices on the same local network appear automatically. Remote-network transfer is outside LocalBolt scope.

Real-time Transfer

Live progress tracking, transfer speed monitoring, and pause/resume control.

FAQ

Common questions about encrypted peer-to-peer file transfer

How do I send large files without email?

Open LocalBolt on both devices on the same local network. Nearby devices appear automatically. Tap to connect, then drag and drop files to transfer directly with no account required.

Is LocalBolt safer than WeTransfer or Google Drive?

Significantly. WeTransfer and Google Drive store your files on their servers. LocalBolt transfers files directly between your devices using NaCl/Curve25519 encryption (the same standard used by Signal and WireGuard). Your files never touch any server. Not during transfer, not after.

Does LocalBolt work like AirDrop on Windows and Android?

Yes. LocalBolt works in modern browsers on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It is built for nearby devices on the same local network.

How do I transfer files between iPhone and Android?

Open localbolt.app on both devices while they are on the same local network. They will discover each other automatically. Tap the device to connect, then send files directly between iPhone and Android from the browser.

Do I need to create an account?

No account is needed. LocalBolt works instantly in your browser with zero signup. Just open the website and start sharing. No email, no password, no personal information required.

What's the maximum file size I can send?

LocalBolt does not enforce a file size cap. Practical limits are your device storage, memory, and network quality.

Does LocalBolt work without internet?

Yes. LocalBolt is designed for local-network transfer. When you self-host or run the desktop app, devices on the same LAN can find each other with no internet connection needed. LocalBolt does not provide cross-internet discovery or transfer.

Can I self-host LocalBolt?

Yes. LocalBolt is fully open source. Clone the repo from GitHub, run the start script, and you have your own private instance with its own signaling server. Works offline on your LAN with no internet required.

Is LocalBolt open source?

Yes. LocalBolt is fully open source, built on the Bolt Protocol and bolt-core-sdk. The source code, protocol specification, and cryptographic SDK are all publicly available on GitHub. You can audit the code, self-host your own instance, or build on top of the SDK.

Does LocalBolt have a desktop app?

Yes. LocalBolt has a native macOS desktop app that connects directly with browser users on the same local network. Open localbolt.app in your browser on one device and use the desktop app on another nearby device to transfer files with the same end-to-end encryption.

Privacy Notice

We use Google Analytics to understand how our secure file sharing service is being used.

We collect: Anonymous usage statistics, page views

We DON'T collect: Your files, personal data, or transfer contents

Your file transfers remain completely private regardless of your choice.