How can I send large files for free?

Install AlterSend on both devices, pair them with a QR code, and send. Files travel directly device-to-device — you're not uploading to a service, so there's no size cap and nothing to pay for.

What's the maximum file size?

There isn't one. A single photo or a 500 GB video archive use the same flow, because you're transferring directly rather than uploading to a cloud with a plan limit.

Do I have to upload the files first?

No. There's no upload step and no waiting for a link. The file moves straight from your device to the other one, end-to-end encrypted.

Is it safe to send large files this way?

Yes. Every transfer is end-to-end encrypted, so only the two devices involved can read the files — nothing is uploaded or stored.

Can I send a whole folder?

Yes. Drag an entire folder — not just individual files — and it transfers as one.

Which platforms does it work on?

Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — in any direction. Send from a PC to a phone, a Mac to an Android, whatever you need.

AlterSend

Download

Send large files, free.

No 2 GB cap, no cloud upload, no account. AlterSend sends files of any size straight between your devices — end-to-end encrypted, free and open source.

Download free See how it works

AlterSend desktop app sending large files directly, no upload

AlterSend on iPhone receiving a large file transfer

Why AlterSend

Built for big files

No size limits

1 KB or 500 GB — same flow. No caps, ever.

No upload, no wait

Files go straight across — you're not uploading to a server and downloading again.

Send whole folders

Drag an entire project folder, not just single files.

Private by default

End-to-end encrypted, never stored on a cloud.

No account, no email

Open, pair, send. Nothing to sign up for.

Free and open source

Apache-2.0. No Pro tier, no subscription.

Send your first big file in seconds

01
Install on both devices
Free on Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, and Android.
02
Scan a code to pair
One QR scan connects them. Pair once — they remember each other.
03
Send, directly
Drop the files in. Any size, encrypted, no cloud storage.

Questions

Send anything, any size — free.

Download free Star on GitHub

Free, open source, and native on Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, and Android.