Transferring Files Made Easy: A Comprehensive Guide to LANDrop
In our increasingly interconnected world, transferring files seamlessly between devices is a necessity. While functionalities like AirDrop and Nearby Share facilitate file sharing effortlessly within specific ecosystems, they often fall short when trying to connect different operating systems. Enter LANDrop, an open-source application designed to bridge the gap between Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android—allowing users to send and receive files with ease.
Table of Contents
- How to Send and Receive Files between iOS and Windows
- Setting LANDrop to Start Automatically when the PC Starts & Configuring the Storage Folder
- How to Send and Receive Files between Android and Windows
- How to Send and Receive Files between iOS and Android
- How to Change the Device Name
1. How to Send and Receive Files between iOS and Windows
Downloading LANDrop to Your PC
First, navigate to the LANDrop official website and download the Windows version by clicking “Try it now” and selecting “Windows.”
After you have downloaded the ZIP file, extract it using Windows’ standard unzipping tool or compatible software like Explzh. Open the unzipped folder and double-click on LANDrop.exe to start the application. Once launched, an icon will appear in your task tray, indicating that your PC is ready to send and receive files.
Installing LANDrop on Your iPhone
Next, you’ll need to install the iOS version of LANDrop on your iPhone. Open the App Store link, tap ‘Get’, authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID, and then open the app.
When prompted, allow the app to search for devices on your local network. On your first launch, you may be asked to restart the app, so make sure to do that. Your iPhone is now set up.
Sending Files from iPhone to PC
To send files from your iPhone, tap the button in the top right corner of the LANDrop app. Select the images you want to send and tap ‘Add.’
Next, select your PC from the devices list (e.g., ‘TEST_PC’). You will see a 6-digit code; make sure this matches what appears on your PC, then click ‘Yes’ on the dialog box that appears on your PC to receive the files. The files will land in the ‘LANDrop’ folder inside your ‘Downloads’ folder.
Sending Files from PC to iPhone
To send files from your PC to your iPhone, double-click the LANDrop icon in the task tray. Drag the file you wish to send onto the registration screen and click ‘Send’, selecting your iPhone as the destination. Approve the file transfer on your iPhone, and voilà—your files will be on your phone!
2. Setting LANDrop to Start Automatically when the PC Starts & Configuring the Storage Folder
Starting LANDrop Automatically
To make your file-sharing process smoother, you may want to set LANDrop to start automatically with your PC. Create a shortcut for LANDrop.exe by right-clicking on it and selecting ‘Create Shortcut.’ Then, press Windows key + R, type shell:startup, and move the new shortcut to this ‘Startup’ folder. This way, LANDrop will start whenever you boot your PC.
Configuring the Save Folder
By default, files sent using LANDrop save to a ‘LANDrop’ folder in your ‘Downloads’. To change this location, right-click the LANDrop icon in the task tray and click ‘Settings.’ Select a new save location and the path will update accordingly.
3. How to Send and Receive Files between Android and Windows
Installing LANDrop on Android
Unlike the iOS version, LANDrop for Android requires downloading an APK file. Visit the official website and tap “Try it now,” then select “Android.” Follow the prompts to download the APK. Before installation, go to your device settings and enable installations from unknown sources.
Once installed, open LANDrop and grant it permission to access files. Your Android device is now ready to send and receive files.
Sending Files from Android to PC
Tap the button in the top right corner of the app and select the file you want to send. From the displayed device list, select your PC and approve the incoming file transfer on your PC to complete the process.
Sending Files from PC to Android
To send files from your Windows PC, double-click the LANDrop icon in the task tray, register the file you’d like to send, and click ‘Send.’ Choose your Android device as the destination. Your Android will prompt you for approval to receive the file; tap the green checkmark to finalize the process.
4. How to Send and Receive Files between iOS and Android
Sending Files from iPhone to Android
Open LANDrop on your iPhone and tap the button on the top right. Choose the desired file and select the Android device from the destination list. After sending, approve the transfer on your Android device to receive the file.
Sending Files from Android to iPhone
Launch LANDrop on your Android and follow the same steps: select the file, choose the target device (your iPhone), and authorize the transfer on your iPhone. In no time, your files will be accessible on both platforms.
5. How to Change the Device Name
Changing the Device Name on Your PC
Open LANDrop on your PC, click on the task tray icon, and select ‘Settings.’ Here you can change the displayed device name, which helps in organizing your file transfers in environments with multiple devices.
Changing the Device Name on iOS and Android
On both mobile platforms, tap the ‘Name’ field in the settings to change the device name. Simply enter your preferred name and hit OK. This customization makes it easier to identify your device during transfers.
With LANDrop, file sharing across different operating systems becomes a hassle-free process, crafted to enhance your productivity without the usual complications associated with cross-platform file sharing. Whether it’s a quick photo transfer or moving important documents, with LANDrop, you have a reliable and efficient tool at your fingertips.