Ayesha MalikGuides & troubleshooting · Updated July 2026 · 10 min read
There are few things more annoying than opening an app to send one quick file and finding the other device simply won't show up. The good news: almost every LocalSend problem traces back to a handful of causes, and each has a reliable fix. This guide walks through every common error with the exact steps to solve it.
I've organised the fixes from most to least common, so if your devices can't see each other, start at the top — that one issue accounts for the large majority of support questions we get. Work down the list until your transfer goes through.
Each fix below lists the likely causes first, then the steps to resolve it. In most cases you won't need to try more than one or two before your transfer works again.
1. Devices not showing up
This is by far the most common issue, and it's almost always the network rather than the app.
Likely causes
The two devices are on different Wi-Fi networks (for example, one on 2.4 GHz and one on a separate guest network).
The network uses "client isolation" or "AP isolation", which blocks devices from seeing each other.
The local-network permission hasn't been granted, especially on iOS.
Solutions
Confirm both devices are connected to the exact same Wi-Fi network name.
Grant LocalSend the local-network permission (on iOS: Settings → LocalSend → Local Network).
If the network isolates devices, turn on a hotspot on one device and connect the other to it, then try again.
2. Transfer stuck at 0%
The devices found each other, but the transfer never actually moves.
Likely causes
A firewall on a PC is blocking the connection after the initial handshake.
The network allows discovery but blocks the direct data connection between devices.
The receiving app was closed or backgrounded before accepting.
Solutions
On a PC, allow LocalSend through the firewall (tick "Private networks" when prompted).
Keep the receiving app open and in the foreground until the transfer begins.
Switch both devices to a phone hotspot to bypass a restrictive network, then retry.
3. App won't open or keeps crashing
LocalSend closes immediately or fails to launch at all.
Likely causes
Your device is running an OS version below the app's minimum requirement.
A corrupted install or an outdated build is causing the crash.
The device is critically low on storage or memory.
Solutions
Fully close the app from the recents view and reopen it.
Update to the latest version, or uninstall and reinstall a fresh build.
Free up storage and restart the device before launching again.
4. iPhone not visible to Android (or vice versa)
Cross-platform transfers fail to discover the other phone.
Likely causes
iOS local-network permission was denied on first launch.
The iPhone's screen locked and the app was suspended in the background.
The two phones are on different bands or networks.
Solutions
On the iPhone, enable Settings → LocalSend → Local Network.
Keep the iPhone unlocked with LocalSend open while discovering.
Put both phones on the same network, or link them with a hotspot.
5. Transfer fails or drops midway
The transfer starts but then stops before completing.
Likely causes
A weak or fluctuating Wi-Fi signal interrupts the connection.
One device went to sleep or moved out of range during a large transfer.
The receiving device ran out of free storage partway through.
Solutions
Move the two devices closer together and away from thick walls.
Keep both screens awake during large transfers so neither app is suspended.
Make sure the receiving device has enough free space for the full file.
6. Files won't save or you can't find them
The transfer completes but the files seem to have vanished.
Likely causes
Storage permission wasn't granted, so the app couldn't write the file.
The files went to the default LocalSend folder, which you haven't checked.
On iPhone, items stay inside the app until you export them.
Solutions
Grant LocalSend storage/Photos permission in your device settings.
Open the LocalSend download folder from the app or your Files app.
On iPhone, use "Save to Photos" or "Save to Files" to export received items.
7. Very slow transfer speed
Files move, but far slower than you'd expect.
Likely causes
The devices are on a slower 2.4 GHz network or a congested channel.
Distance or physical obstructions are weakening the signal.
Another heavy download is saturating the same network.
Solutions
Connect both devices to a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network for large files.
Move the devices closer together with a clear line of sight.
Pause other bandwidth-heavy activity on the network during the transfer.
8. PC firewall is blocking LocalSend
Transfers to or from a computer fail even when the phone works fine elsewhere.
Likely causes
Windows Defender Firewall or a third-party firewall is blocking the app.
LocalSend was allowed only on "Public" networks, not "Private".
Antivirus software is intercepting the local connection.
Solutions
Allow LocalSend through the firewall and enable it for Private networks.
Temporarily disable third-party firewall/antivirus to test, then add an exception.
Restart the desktop app after changing firewall settings.
9. Can't install the APK on Android
The APK downloads but won't install.
Likely causes
The "install unknown apps" permission is disabled for your browser or Files app.
A previous version with a conflicting signature is still installed.
The download was incomplete or corrupted.
Solutions
Enable "install unknown apps" for the app you're installing from.
Uninstall any existing copy, then install the fresh APK.
Re-download the file and confirm the package name org.localsend.localsend_app.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't LocalSend find other devices?
Usually because the devices are on different networks, or the network blocks device discovery. Put both on the same Wi-Fi (or a hotspot) and make sure local-network permission is granted.
Why is my transfer stuck at 0%?
Nearly always a firewall or network-isolation issue. Allow LocalSend through the firewall on PC, or switch both devices to a hotspot to bypass client isolation.
Why won't LocalSend open on my phone?
Restart the app, confirm your device meets the minimum OS version, and reinstall the latest build if it still won't launch.
Does a VPN interfere with LocalSend?
It can. A VPN may route local traffic in a way that hides devices from each other, so try turning the VPN off during a local transfer.
Conclusion
Almost every LocalSend problem comes down to the network, permissions, or a firewall — and now you have the fix for each one. Start by confirming both devices share a network and have local-network permission, and when in doubt, fall back on the hotspot trick that resolves the bulk of discovery issues in seconds.
If everything is now working, it's worth learning to get more out of the app: see our tips and tricks, or brush up on the basics with the beginner's guide.