How to get a direct connection

There are lots of good reasons to choose a direct p2p connection if you can.

• It's the quickest way to transfer data
• There are no data or filesize limits
• Some upcoming features require it

Unfortunately some network and device configurations mean that direct connections get refused. When that happens, xosend seamlessly relays your connection via our server.

But there are a few things that make a direct connection more likely.

Quick Fixes

Click icons for more information

• 💻Change Browsers
  We've found that Chrome, Edge and Safari browsers connect more reliably.
• 📡Choose the Same Network
  Try connecting from the same local network (ie the same router or hub).
• 📶Use WiFi
  On a phone or tablet? WiFi works better than cellular connections.

Try a different browser

We found during testing that Chrome, Edge, and Safari demonstrated the most reliable support across a broad range of devices and operating systems. They follow the WebRTC specifications closely and actively update to stay in sync with evolving real-time communication standards.

Other browsers performed well, but compatibility gaps or inconsistent behavior sometimes led to connection issues. If you're experiencing difficulties when using xosend, you might find that Chrome, Edge or Safari can provide a smooth, stable experiences.

Put both devices on the same network

Peer-to-peer connections are much easier to create when both devices share the same local network, using a direct path that reduces latency and avoids firewall or NAT traversal challenges.

Connections over different networks will still work, but the many different configurations out there will affect how each network handles real-time traffic. If you’re seeing issues with xosend, try placing both devices on the same WiFi or LAN - local pairing usually delivers the most reliable experience.

Use WiFi instead of cellular network

When cellular networks route traffic between devices, it frequently needs to change and reassign address even during the session. But when you connect via WiFi each device gets its own stable address. That means they can link to each other without worrying about the address changing along the way.

Cellular still connects peers, but hopping between towers and extra network checkpoints often leads to hiccups or drops. If xosend lags on cellular data, switch to WiFi for the smoothest experience.

Other Solutions

If the simpler solutions didn't help, these might.

• 📥Update Browser
  We've found that Chrome, Edge and Safari browsers connect reliably.
• 🥷Use a Private Window
  To rule-out browser or cache conflicts, try visiting the page in a private/incognito window.
• 
  💻📱🖥️Try a Different Device
  If there's one available, try connecting from a different device.

Update your browser

Updating your browser makes sure you’re running the latest compatibility fixes and performance upgrades for real-time features. Each new release smooths out bugs, patches security flaws, and brings your browser in line with evolving web standards that help xosend stay stable and glitch-free.

If you fall behind on updates, you might miss critical optimizations or encounter issues already resolved in newer versions. Keeping your browser current means fewer errors, stronger security, and a consistently reliable experience.

Try a private browser window

A private window lets you rule-out any conflicts as a potential cause for the inability to setup a peer-to-peer connection - no cookies or site data, no cached scripts or old certificates, and no extensions.

This clean slate rules out storage, caching and some other conflicts that can block your WebRTC handshake, without permanently altering your settings.

Try a different device

Switching devices can help you to avoid known and unknown quirks present in some devices, their apps and operating system.

If you're unable to connect on one device, jump to another (say, from your phone to a laptop). You’ll often find find it connects easily even if your current device doesn't.

Want to Know More?

xosend is built upon WebRTC, a technology that lets you connect to another device directly just by using your browser.

When you use xosend, your device talks straight to another device in what’s called a peer-to-peer (P2P) link. This direct path cuts out unnecessary stops so that data arrives more quickly. It boosts privacy since your data doesn’t hang around on someone else’s server, and it uses end-to-end encryption (E2EE) so it's encrypted on your device and is only decrypted when it reaches your recipient.

But in situations where your network settings or firewall block a direct link, xosend has a built-in solution. When P2P isn’t possible, your data automatically hops through a secure relay server we provide. This backup step ensures your transfer stays reliable and secure even when the internet puts up roadblocks.