For years, Snapdrop was the simplest way to move a file from a phone to a laptop: open the same web page on both, click, done. Then, in 2025, Snapdrop was acquired by LimeWire and changed direction. PairDrop, a fork of Snapdrop’s open-source code, carried on the original idea and added features Snapdrop never had.
If you’re searching for Snapdrop today, this is what you need to know: what changed, how PairDrop works, and which one to use. Details come from both projects’ GitHub pages, checked on 27 October 2026.
What happened to Snapdrop
Snapdrop’s GitHub page now says it “has been acquired by LimeWire” and directs users to snapdrop.net or limewire.com. Those advertise storage for free users and AI tools for signed-up users. The original repository stays online, so you can still run the classic version on your own server.
Snapdrop vs PairDrop at a glance
| Snapdrop (today) | PairDrop | |
|---|---|---|
| Who runs it | LimeWire, since 2025 | Open-source project on GitHub |
| How files move | LimeWire’s service; advertises up to 40 GB storage for free users | Peer-to-peer over WebRTC, relayed only when devices can’t connect directly |
| Account needed | Required for some features (AI tools) | No |
| Across different networks | Via LimeWire’s service | Yes: persistent pairing with a code or temporary public rooms |
| Licence | Classic code remains open source; current site is LimeWire’s | GPL-3.0 |
| Self-hosting | Classic version only | Yes, with Docker or Node.js |
What PairDrop adds over classic Snapdrop
According to PairDrop’s README, the fork goes well beyond the original:
- Persistent pairing of your own devices
- Temporary public rooms for internet transfers
- Works on public Wi-Fi, VPNs and hotspots
- Recipient accepts before files transfer
- ZIP download for multiple files
- Share menu on iOS and Android
- Context menu on Windows and Ubuntu
- Paste files or text, pick recipient later
- Keeps the device awake during transfers
- Video and audio previews
How to send a file with PairDrop
- Open PairDrop on both devicesUse the same browser-based site on your phone and computer. No installation or account is needed.
- Find the other deviceOn the same Wi-Fi, it appears automatically. Elsewhere, pair the devices with the 6-digit code or QR code, or create a public room and share its 5-letter code.
- Send and acceptClick the device, choose files or text, and the recipient accepts. Multiple files can be downloaded as one ZIP.
Pair your own devices once
Pairing your phone and laptop means they find each other automatically next time, even on different networks. Use public rooms only for one-off transfers to other people, and close the room afterwards.
Privacy: is direct transfer really private?
Mostly, yes. PairDrop sends files peer-to-peer, so they aren’t uploaded for storage. The exception, stated openly in its README, is when devices can’t connect directly, for example behind strict firewalls: then data is relayed through PairDrop’s TURN server. Businesses that want everything on their own infrastructure can self-host PairDrop and point it at their own relay servers.
Alternatives
If neither fits, an upload-and-link service may suit you better, especially when the recipient isn’t online at the same time. SwissTransfer sends up to 50 GB free, and WeTransfer is the familiar default within its free limits. Compare them in our guide to the best file transfer tools.
Our verdict
Bottom line
If you loved the old Snapdrop, PairDrop is its spiritual successor: open source, no account, peer-to-peer, and with device pairing and public rooms that Snapdrop never had. Snapdrop today is part of LimeWire and works more like a storage-based sharing service. Choose that only if you want what LimeWire offers.
Details were checked on 27 October 2026.
Common questions
What happened to Snapdrop?
Snapdrop was acquired by LimeWire in 2025. Its GitHub README now says it has been acquired by LimeWire and points users to snapdrop.net or limewire.com. The original code remains available to self-host.
Is PairDrop the same as Snapdrop?
PairDrop is a fork of Snapdrop's open-source code. It keeps the same basic idea of sending files between devices in the browser, and adds pairing across networks, public rooms and many usability improvements.
Is PairDrop safe and private?
Files are sent peer-to-peer over WebRTC rather than uploaded for storage. When devices can't connect directly, data is relayed through PairDrop's TURN server. You can self-host it for full control.
Does PairDrop work between different networks?
Yes. Pair devices once with a 6-digit code or QR code so they find each other on any network, or join a temporary public room with a 5-letter code.
Do I need an account for PairDrop?
No. PairDrop works in the browser with no account or installation.
What is a good alternative to Snapdrop?
PairDrop is the closest alternative. If the recipient isn't online at the same time, use an upload-and-link service such as SwissTransfer or WeTransfer.
