How long does a transfer code last?

The pickup code is valid for about one hour, and the temporary signaling records are removed once the connection is established or the session expires.

Do both devices need to stay open?

Yes. Keep both browser windows open until the transfer completes because the live WebRTC session needs both devices to stay active.

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Private Transfer

Send files browser to browser.

Create a short pickup code, connect two devices, and move the file through a secure WebRTC connection. Your file is not uploaded and stored on the HelloAI web server. WebRTC tries a direct browser-to-browser path first, and some networks may use an encrypted relay for reliability.

Secure browser handoff

Share with a code or QR scan

One device creates the handoff. The other enters the code or scans the QR link to receive the file through the secure channel.

1. Pick a file 2. Share the code or QR 3. Keep both browsers open

Choose one file to send

Choose File

One file per transfer. Keep this page open until the transfer finishes.

Receiver access One-time receiver First receiver locks this pickup code. Multi-recipient link Several receivers can scan the same QR while this sender page stays open.

Why it feels safe

File storage Not on our server

What the server stores Temporary signaling only

Code lifetime About 1 hour

Network relay Checking...

WebRTC tries a direct device-to-device path first. If the network blocks that path, an encrypted relay can carry the transfer without storing the file.

Transfer details

Temporary connection setup, not file storage.

The pickup code, offer/answer data, and ICE candidates are short-lived metadata used only to establish the peer connection. The file is not uploaded and stored on the HelloAI web server. When a relay is needed, it forwards encrypted traffic for reliability instead of acting as file storage.

Good to know

Keep both browser windows open until the transfer reaches 100%.
If the connection fails on Windows-to-Mac, iPhone-to-PC, VPN, or different networks, a TURN relay is usually the missing piece.
If the connection fails, try again with VPNs or strict network filters turned off.
Modern desktop browsers usually provide the smoothest transfer experience.

How the secure handoff works

Designed for quick sharing when you want a simple browser experience and a clearer privacy story.

1. Create the handoff

The sender picks one file and gets a temporary 6-digit pickup code.

2. Enter the code or scan QR

The receiver types the code or scans the QR link so the two browsers can establish a direct peer connection or an encrypted relay path when needed.

3. Transfer securely

Once the connection is ready, the file moves over WebRTC without being uploaded and stored on the site.

4. Clean up automatically

The temporary signaling records are removed when the session connects or when the short expiration window ends.

File transfer FAQ

Can I send multiple files at once?

Not yet. This version is optimized for one file per handoff to keep the experience simple and reliable.

What touches the server?

Temporary connection records always do. The file is not uploaded and stored on the HelloAI web server, though some networks may use an encrypted relay to carry the live transfer.

Do I need an account?

No. Open the page, create a pickup code, scan the QR link or enter the code, and keep both browser tabs active until the transfer completes.

Why might a connection fail?

Some networks block peer-to-peer traffic. Windows-to-Mac, iPhone-to-Windows, VPN, and cross-network transfers often need a TURN relay. If that happens, try another network, another browser, or configure relay support.