AirDrop, LocalSend, Snapdrop - they all need both devices on the same WiFi network. The moment you're on different networks, they silently fail. chirpfile doesn't use WiFi for discovery at all. It uses sound.
How it works
1
Drop a file on chirpfile.com
It encrypts in your browser and uploads to a relay over whatever internet connection you have - LTE, VPN, hotel WiFi, anything.
2
The decryption key plays as sound
A short audio signal carries the key from your speaker to the other device's microphone. No network involved.
3
The other device fetches and decrypts
It downloads the encrypted file over its own internet connection and decrypts locally. The two devices never need to see each other on any network.
The actual requirement
Both devices need their own internet connection - any kind. What they don't need is the same network, the same subnet, or any network visibility of each other. One device on LTE and one on a corporate VPN works fine.
Common scenarios
Phone on LTE, laptop on corporate WiFi
Different networks, same room. AirDrop fails, Snapdrop fails, LocalSend fails. chirpfile works because neither device needs to discover the other on a network.
Hotel or conference WiFi with AP isolation
Public networks deliberately block device-to-device traffic. Your devices can each reach the internet but can't reach each other. chirpfile routes through the relay independently from each device.
Guest network + main network
Visiting an office on guest WiFi while their devices are on the main network. Different subnets, no cross-traffic allowed. chirpfile doesn't care about subnet boundaries.
VPN active on one or both devices
A VPN changes your network interface. LocalSend often can't find devices when a VPN is active. chirpfile works regardless - each device reaches the relay independently.
Two devices on the same WiFi but isolated
Some networks allow internet access but block device-to-device traffic. Every local discovery tool breaks. chirpfile doesn't use local discovery.
Try it now
Open chirpfile.com on two devices and send a file.
Short text under 120 characters - passwords, URLs, OTP codes - travels purely as sound with zero internet required. For files, both devices need independent internet access to reach the relay.
Why do AirDrop and LocalSend fail on different networks?
They use local network discovery - mDNS broadcasts that only work within a single network segment. A different subnet or router boundary makes devices invisible to each other. chirpfile skips discovery entirely.
Does the relay see my files?
No. Files encrypt in your browser before upload. The relay holds ciphertext it cannot open. The key never touches the relay - it travels as sound.
What's the range for the audio key?
Under one meter in ultrasonic mode. A few meters in audible mode. Both devices need to be in the same room.