Frequently asked questions

Sending and receiving

How do I send files?

Open wetransfertool.com, drop files or a folder onto the box (or tap Choose files), then share the link, the 6-character code or the QR code with the recipient. Keep the tab open while they download.

How does the recipient get the files?

They open the link (or go to wetransfertool.com and enter the code), see the list of files and their total size, and choose Download, Download all (.zip) or Save next to a single file.

Can I send a whole folder?

Yes, in browsers that support folder selection or folder drag-and-drop (Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari on computers). The recipient can download it as one zip that keeps the folder structure.

Can several people download from the same link?

One at a time. While one person is downloading, others see a “someone else is receiving” message. When they finish or leave, the link works for the next person as long as your tab is open.

How long does a link last?

Up to 24 hours, and only while the sender’s tab stays open. Closing the tab or pressing Stop sharing ends the link immediately.

Why does the code avoid some letters?

Codes use letters and the digits 2–9 but leave out 0, 1, O, I and L, so they are easy to read aloud and type without mix-ups.

Size, speed and devices

Is there a file size limit?

BeamDrop sets none. Chrome and Edge on a computer save straight to disk and handle files of many gigabytes; Firefox streams into Downloads; Safari and some phone browsers keep more of each file in memory, so receive very large files on a computer when you can.

How fast is it?

As fast as the slower of the two connections allows. On the same Wi-Fi, transfers stay inside your local network and are often much faster than uploading to the cloud. Across the internet, the sender’s upload speed is usually the limit.

Which browsers work?

Current versions of Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. Very old browsers without WebRTC data channels are not supported.

Can I lock my phone during a transfer?

Better not. Phones pause background tabs to save battery, which stops the transfer. Keep the screen on and BeamDrop in the foreground until the transfer is complete.

Can I pause and resume?

Not yet. If the connection drops, start the download again; the sender’s link keeps working while their tab is open.

Privacy and safety

Can BeamDrop see my files?

No. Files go directly between the two browsers over an encrypted connection. The server only relays connection details and never sees file names, sizes or contents.

What is the security check with the emoji?

Both screens show five symbols derived from the encryption keys of the connection. If they match, you are connected to each other and not to someone in between.

How do I know the file arrived intact?

The sender’s browser computes a SHA-256 checksum while sending; the recipient’s browser computes its own while receiving and compares them. Each file is marked verified or flagged.

What happens if a direct connection is impossible?

BeamDrop tells you and suggests fixes such as using the same Wi-Fi or a mobile hotspot. It deliberately has no relay server, because a relay would mean your files passing through our machines.

Can I report illegal content?

Yes, write to hello@wetransfertool.com. Because we never receive files, we cannot inspect or remove them, but we can act on reports about misuse of the service, such as blocking abusive traffic.

When the connection fails

If BeamDrop says your devices could not connect directly, work down this list:

1. Put both devices on the same Wi-Fi network and try again.
2. Switch one device to a mobile hotspot. Office, school and hotel networks often block direct connections.
3. Turn off VPNs and strict privacy extensions for wetransfertool.com on both sides.
4. Try another up-to-date browser on one end.

Read how it works for why BeamDrop does not fall back to a relay server.