Let’s say you have a small office and all the computers are on the same network, how do you share files and messages among each other? I have seen people using whatsapp and emails for this. But what if i tell you that you can do this by using one single application. Yes, thats right, You just need to install LocalSend on all the computers regardless of the operating system and you can easily start sharing messages and files among each other.
In this tutorial, i will tell you 3 methods to install Localsend on Ubuntu Linux.
Table of Contents
What is Localsend
Localsend is a cross platform file sharing application that allows you to share files and messages across the platform on the same network. Localsend doesnt need any server setup and the best part is Localsend uses encryption to transfre files.
Key features of Localsend
- Free and open source: You can use LocalSend without paying for a subscription.
- Cross-platform support: It works on Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
- Local file transfers: Files are transferred directly between devices over your local network.
- No account required: You do not need to create an account to share files.
- Encrypted transfers: LocalSend uses encryption to protect file transfers.
Prerequisites
- A PC with Ubuntu installed
- A sudo with sudo privileges
- Working internet
Method 1: Install LocalSend Using Snap
Installing Localsend using snap is the easiesnt way. Snap package includes all the required applications and dependencies. Although most of the latest verisons of Ubuntu have snap installed by default. so lets begin with Localsend installation directly
Step 1 – Install Localsend
Lets install Localsend using snap
Open the terminal, and then execute the given below command
sudo snap install localsendIt may ask you to enter the password, so enter the password.
Step 2 – Launch Localsend
Now that the installation has been completed, you can lauch it and start using
localsendNote: If the snap command is unavailable on your Ubuntu installation, install Snap support first by executing the commands below:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install snapdMethod 2: Install LocalSend Using Flatpak
Second method to install Localsend is via Flatpack. Flatpack distributes all the through repositories through Flathub keeping application dependencies separate from host system.
Step 1 – Install Flatpack
The first step is to install Flatpack on our system
sudo apt update
sudo apt install flatpakStep 2 – Add Flathub Repository
Flathub is a popular repository for distributing Flatpak applications. Add it to your system using the following command
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoThis will add Flathub only if the repository has not already been configured.
Step 3 – Install LocalSend
Now lets install LocalSend using Flathub
flatpak install flathub org.localsend.localsend_appFlatpack will download and install all the repositories required for the Localsend to be installed
Step 4 – Launch LocalSend
As the installation completes, lets launch LocalSend
flatpak run org.localsend.localsend_appLocalSend should launch on your Ubuntu desktop.
Method 3: Install LocalSend Using AppImage
If you dont want to do a system wide installation, you can download Localsend app image and start using the application. It works the same way as normal installs but stores all the data and files in itself. You have to make it executable and you can launch it.
Step 1 – Download the app image
You can visit the Localsend download page and download the “AppImage” from the website. As it downloads, navigate to the folder you have downloaded and just execute the following command to make it executable
sudo chmod +x LocalSend-*.AppImageStep 2 – Launch LocalSend
Now just double click on the downloaded image and it should open the LocalSend
How to Uninstall LocalSend from Ubuntu
In future, when you dont want the LocalSend, you can uninstall LocalSend by using the following methods
Remove the Snap Version
If you installed LocalSend using Snap, then just execute the following command in the terminal
sudo snap remove localsendRemove the Flatpak Version
if you have installed LocalSend using Flatpack, use the following command to uninstall it
flatpak uninstall org.localsend.localsend_appRemove the AppImage Version
If you have downloaded the AppImage of LocalSend, just navigate to downloaded folder and delete the image. If you dont know the exact file name you can follow this guide to search file in Linux without exact name.
rm ~/Downloads/LocalSend-*.AppImageConclusion
With the above mentioned methods, you will be able to use LoaclSend on your Ubuntu PC.
Frequently asked questions
Is LocalSend free to use on Ubuntu?
Yes. LocalSend is free and open source. You can install and use it on Ubuntu and other supported platforms without paying a subscription fee.
Does LocalSend require an internet connection?
No. LocalSend does not require an internet connection to transfer files between devices on a working local network. However, an internet connection may be needed to download the application or its updates.
Can I transfer files between Ubuntu and Android using LocalSend?
Yes. LocalSend supports both Ubuntu Linux and Android. Install it on both devices, connect them to the same local network, and select the files you want to transfer.
