> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://itsfoss.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Packet is the Linux App You Didn’t Know You Needed for Fast Android File Transfers - URL: https://itsfoss.com/linux-android-file-transfer/ - Published: 2025-07-07T13:13:17.000Z - Updated: 2025-10-01T10:00:25.000Z - Description: Simple, fast file sharing between Linux and Android. - Author: Sourav Rudra - Tags: Tutorial Most file sharing today takes place through cloud services, but that's not always necessary. **Local file transfers are still relevant**, letting people send files directly between devices on the same network without involving a nosy middleman (*a server, in this case*). Instead of uploading confidential documents on WhatsApp and calling it a day, people could share them directly over their local network. This approach is faster, more private, and more reliable than relying on a third-party server. *Remember, if you value your data, so does* [*Meta*](https://www.meta.com/?ref=itsfoss.com)*.* 🕵️‍♂️ That’s where [Packet](https://github.com/nozwock/packet?ref=itsfoss.com) comes in, offering an easy, [secure way to transfer files directly between Linux and Android devices](https://itsfoss.com/file-transfer-apps-linux-android/). ## Wireless File Transfers via Quick Share It is **a lightweight, open source app for Linux** that makes transferring files effortless. It leverages a partial implementation of Google's [Quick Share](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quick%5FShare?ref=itsfoss.com) protocol (*proprietary*) to enable easy wireless transfers over your local Wi-Fi network (*via mDNS*) without needing any cables or cloud servers. In addition to that, **Packet supports device discovery via Bluetooth**, making it easy to find nearby devices without manual setup. It can also be integrated with GNOME’s [Nautilus file manager](https://itsfoss.com/nautilus-tips-tweaks/) (*Files*), allowing you to send files directly from your desktop with a simple right-click (*requires additional configuration*). **⭐ Key Features** - Quick Share Support - Local, Private Transfers - File Transfer Notifications - Nautilus Integration for GNOME ## How to Send Files Using Packet? ![the about dialog for paket is shown with relevant information and a few buttons, the background has five files added for transfer](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/07/packet-about-dialog.png) First things first, you have to download and install the latest release of Packet from [Flathub](https://flathub.org/apps/io.github.nozwock.Packet?ref=itsfoss.com) by running this command in your terminal: ``` flatpak install flathub io.github.nozwock.Packet ``` 🚧 If you have firewall enabled, you should use a static network port. In Packet, go to Preferences > Network > Enable Static network port. By default, it shows port 9300\. If you are [using ufw firewall](https://itsfoss.com/ufw-ubuntu/), use the command to allow communication through port 9300: `sudo ufw allow 9300` Once launched, sending files from your Linux computer to your Android smartphone is straightforward. Enable Bluetooth on your laptop/computer, then click on the big blue "*Add Files*" button and select the files you want to send. ![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/07/packet-linux-send-1.png) ![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/07/packet-linux-send-2.png) **Adding new files for transfer to Packet is easy.* You **can also drag and drop files directly into Packet** for a quicker sharing experience. If you are looking to transfer a whole folder, it’s best to first compress it into an archive like a *TAR* or *ZIP*, then send it through Packet for transmission. Once you are done choosing files, choose your Android phone from the recipients list and verify the code shown on screen. ![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/07/packet-linux-send-3.png) ![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/07/packet-linux-send-4.png) **File transfers from Linux to Android are lightning fast!* Though, before you do all that, ensure that [Quick Share](https://support.google.com/android/answer/9286773?ref=itsfoss.com) is set up on your smartphone to allow Nearby sharing with everyone. Additionally, take note of your device’s name; this is how it will appear on your Linux machine when sending/receiving files. When you start the transfer, your smartphone will prompt you to "*Accept*" or "*Decline*" the Quick Share request. Only proceed if the PIN or code shown on both devices matches to ensure a secure transfer. ![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/07/packet-linux-send-5.png) Transferring files the other way around, **from Android to Linux**, is just as simple. On your Android device, select the files you want to share, tap the "*Share*" button, and choose "*Quick Share*". Your Linux computer should appear in the list if Packet is running and your device is discoverable. ![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/07/packet-android-send-1.jpg) ![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/07/packet-android-send-2.jpg) ![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/07/packet-android-send-3.png) **File transfers from Android to Linux are the same!* You can change your Linux device’s name from the "*Preferences*" menu in Packet (*accessible via the hamburger menu*). This is the name that will show up on your Android device when sharing files. Packet also **shows handy system notifications** for file transfers, so you don’t miss a thing. ![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/07/packet-gnome-notifications.png) ![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/07/packet-preferences.png) **Packet shows helpful notifications and lets you change a few basic settings.* If you use the GNOME Files app (*Nautilus*), then there’s [an optional plugin](https://ubuntuhandbook.org/index.php/2025/06/android-quick-share-nautilus-integration/?ref=itsfoss.com) that adds a "*Send with Packet"* option to the right-click menu, making it even easier to share files without opening the app manually. Overall, Packet feels like a practical tool for local file sharing between devices. It works well across Android and Linux devices, and can do the same for two Linux devices on the same network. And, I must say, it gives tough competition to LocalSend, another file transfer tool that’s [an AirDrop alternative for Linux users](https://news.itsfoss.com/localsend/?ref=itsfoss.com)! **Suggested Read 📖** [LocalSend: An Open-Source AirDrop Alternative For Everyone!It’s time to ditch platform-specific solutions like AirDrop!![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192-528.png)It's FOSS NewsSourav Rudra![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/thumbnail/Localsend-1.png)](https://news.itsfoss.com/localsend/?ref=itsfoss.com)