The 5 Easiest Ways to Share Files or Text Between Nearby Phones and Computers

We often need to transfer some content from the mobile phone to the computer, or even send a text from the laptop to the mobile phone.Here are some apps that make sharing data between your phone and computer easier than ever, and it's completely free.Some apps take advantage of the power of the same Wi-Fi network, others use the power of QR codes to quickly connect two devices, but the point is, they're all very convenient.

1. Orly (Windows, Android, iOS): Sync files between phone and computer

Most people don't organize their files or media on their phone like they would on a Windows PC.So if you transfer data from your phone to your computer on a regular basis, you will end up with duplicate files or messed up data.Orly Solved these problems for those who want to sync phone data to computer regularly.

On Orly In the settings of the mobile app, you can choose to sync photos, videos, audios, documents or media folders.You can also set when to start syncing data.For each sync type, you can choose how to organize them into folders in Windows: by month, by year, by album, or not.

When you're ready, tap "Upload" on the phone app when both the phone and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Orly uses Wi-Fi to quickly transfer files between your phone and computer, and it's more secure because the data is kept locally and not uploaded to the Internet.

Download: Orly for Android | iOS (free)

2. Sharik (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS): Open source, free, cross-platform file sharing via Wi-Fi

Sharik It's not the first mobile app to share large files with other devices, whether computers or phones, over the same Wi-Fi network.But most other apps are riddled with ads, or limit certain features unless you upgrade to a premium account.Sharik is an open-source, free, ad-free app that doesn't even require the recipient's phone to have Sharik installed.

With Sharik on, you can choose to send a file or text (Android also lets you send apps), which also makes it a handy clipboard.You and the recipient need to be on the same network, but Sharik will also work if one of you creates a mobile hotspot and the other connects to it.

If the recipient has Sharik installed, they will automatically receive your message simply by clicking the "Receive" button.Alternatively, they can also access a local web link in a browser by scanning a QR code on the sender's phone or typing in a URL.This also allows them to access and download the same data.

Native apps for macOS are coming soon, the developer notes.

Download: Sharik for Windows | Linux (free)

Download: Sharik for Android | iOS (free)

3. QRLinks (Chrome) and URL to QRCode (Firefox): Scan a link to read it on your phone

Sharing links between your computer and phone is easy if you've synced your computer browser with your phone's browser.Just tap the URL bar to see the option to share it to other devices.But if you want to share between an unsynced computer and phone, these extensions make it easier than entering a link.

QRLinks for Chrome and URL to QRCode for Firefox can turn any URL into a scannable QR code.Just scan it with your phone's camera and click on the link to open it in your phone's browser.

Download: QRLinks for Chrome (free)

Download: URL to QRCode for Firefox (free)

4. QRoss (Web): A web application for sending and receiving files via QR codes

Most apps that transfer files between two devices require you to download an app, log into some service, or be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Aqross is a fast, easy and free app that solves these problems through the clever use of QR codes.

Open Aqross and you will see options to send files or receive files.In the "Send" option, you can drag and drop files or tap to add files from memory.For each file, Aqross generates a unique QR code that anyone can scan to download the file individually.The QR code lasts for five minutes before self-destructing.

In the "Receive" option, the browser generates a QR code that anyone can scan or access by entering the code in Aqross.Scanners can then send you any files, which you will see in your browser and click to download.

The developers do not recommend sharing sensitive data using the service.They explain: "Your files are transferred over https, but are stored unencrypted. Your files are uploaded to a temporary folder, which deletes itself after 5 minutes. The temporary folder has a random 6-letter name, Anyone can access your files within 5 minutes by guessing the folder and filename."

5. Clips (Web): Online clipboard with QR code for copying and pasting text

If you want to send a large text from computer to phone or vice versa,Clips is one of the easiest ways.You don't even have to remember its name, just Google "online clipboard with QR code" and it will be the first in the search results.

After opening the website, it will automatically generate a unique handle for you, as well as the QR code of the page.Enter any text in the text box and click Save.On other devices, entering a URL with a unique handle, or scanning a QR code with a camera, takes you directly to the page.There is a handy "Copy" button on the clipboard that copies all the text in it when clicked.

Clips Currently only text in the clipboard is supported.Clipboard data is saved for 24 hours and then automatically deleted.If you only need to do this occasionally, it's the ideal tool for you, since you don't need to register or download anything.

Please prioritize security and privacy

When you use any app to transfer data between your phone and computer, make sure to use secure and private methods first.This is especially important when sharing personal information such as photos and videos.

For Orly or Sharik, make sure you're using a Wi-Fi network you trust.Avoid using these services while connected to public Wi-Fi and use a mobile hotspot instead.For files and data received by scanning QR codes, make sure you know and trust the sender.