How ShareDrop.io works

Two browsers meet through a small helper service, then the file travels directly between them.

The short version

When you open ShareDrop.io, your browser announces itself to a lightweight signaling service. If another device on the same network is also online, both devices appear on each other's screen. Once you pick a device and a file, the browsers set up a direct WebRTC connection and the data flows between them.

The four building blocks

• Signaling: a small server helps two browsers find each other and exchange connection details. It does not receive your file.
• STUN: helps each device learn how it can be reached from the internet.
• TURN: a relay that can carry the traffic when a direct path is blocked. Not every setup needs it.
• Data channel: the encrypted WebRTC pipe that carries the file in small pieces.

Why that matters

Because the file is not uploaded to a storage server first, you skip the upload-then-download wait, and no copy is left behind on someone else's disk. Speed depends on your devices and network.

For the technical details, read the WebRTC guide on MDN. To see the steps in practice, go to send large files or troubleshooting.

Features can change over time. Check the official ShareDrop.io site for the latest details.

Related guides

• Same Wi-Fi
• Rooms
• Is it safe?
• Troubleshooting