Cross-Device Guide

How to Transfer Files Between Two Computers Wirelessly (Without a USB Drive)

Q: How do I transfer files between two computers wirelessly without a USB drive?

Open handoffdrop.app on both computers, click 'Start a handoff' on each, and use your phone camera to scan both QR codes to bridge them. You can then drag and drop files directly between the two screens.

Getting files from a laptop to a desktop, moving documents from an old computer to a new one, or sharing assets between Mac and Windows usually means digging for a USB thumb drive or emailing yourself. Handoff lets your phone securely link the two screens together in seconds—allowing you to transfer files and text directly between both computers in your browser.

Start a handoff

How to transfer files between two computers in 3 steps

Open Handoff on both computers: Visit handoffdrop.app on both machines (Mac, Windows, or Linux) and click Start a handoff on each.
Link screens with your phone: Scan Computer 1's QR code with your phone camera, tap Connect 2nd Computer on your phone, and scan Computer 2's screen.
Drag and drop files: Both computers are now connected. Drop files onto either screen and download them on the other. Your phone disconnects automatically.

Why people use it instead of flash drives or cloud storage

Mac, Windows, Chromebook, or Linux. Any combination works without formatting flash drives or dealing with NTFS/FAT32 file system limitations.
No USB stick or shared network drives. Nothing to plug in, configure, or mount on your network.
Only a browser needed. Runs in Chrome, Edge, Safari, and Firefox with zero software installation.
Live clipboard text sync. Copy and paste code snippets, URLs, or notes directly between computers.
Automatic cleanup. Files are encrypted and delete automatically upon download or when the session ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I transfer files between two computers wirelessly without a USB drive?

Open handoffdrop.app on both computers, click Start a handoff on each, and use your phone camera to scan both QR codes to bridge them. You can then drag and drop files directly between the two screens.

Does it work between a Mac and a Windows PC?

Yes. Any mix of Mac, Windows, Chromebook, or Linux computers with a modern web browser works seamlessly.

Do both computers need to be on the same local Wi-Fi?

No. Unlike traditional local network sharing (SMB/AirDrop) that fails across separate networks, each computer just needs an active internet connection.

Why is a phone used to link the two computers?

Your phone securely bridges the two computers by scanning their QR codes, eliminating the need to type complex IP addresses or sign into shared accounts.

How big can files be and is it free?

Transfers up to 1.5 GB per file are 100% free with no account, subscriptions, or hidden limits.