What Is PeerFlow? Private Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Without Accounts or Uploads
PeerFlow is a peer-to-peer file transfer tool that sends files directly between devices using WebRTC, with no account, no upload, and no server storage.
PeerFlow is a peer-to-peer file transfer tool that moves files straight from one device to another. Nothing is uploaded to a server and stored for later; the transfer happens directly between the two devices while both are online. It is built and maintained by Ashwani Tiwari and is available at peerflow.ashwanitiwari.com.
The problem PeerFlow solves
Sending a file to a person sitting next to you often means uploading it to a cloud service, waiting for the upload, sharing a link, and waiting for the download. You also usually need an account, the file sits on someone else's server, and large files can hit size limits. PeerFlow removes those steps.
How PeerFlow works
- Choose files: click to browse or drag files onto the page.
- Share a connection: scan a QR code, enter a short code, or share with a nearby device.
- Transfer directly: the receiving device connects to yours and the file moves peer to peer.
There is no sign-up and no waiting for an upload to finish before the receiver can start.
Why it is private
PeerFlow uses WebRTC, the same browser technology behind video calls. WebRTC connections are encrypted in transit, and because files are sent directly between devices, they are not stored on a PeerFlow server. The tool does not require an account, so there is no profile attached to what you send.
What is WebRTC?
WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is a set of browser APIs that let two devices exchange data directly. A small signalling step helps the devices find each other, then the data flows between them. We describe the engineering in our write-up on building PeerFlow, including the road to a Google Play release.
When PeerFlow is a good fit
- Sending photos, videos, or documents between your own phone and laptop.
- Sharing a file with someone in the same room or office without a cloud account.
- Moving large files where upload limits or slow uploads get in the way.
- Situations where you would rather not leave a copy on a third-party server.
Things to keep in mind
Because transfers are direct, both devices need to be online at the same time, and very restrictive networks can occasionally block direct connections. It is designed for live sharing, not for long-term storage or sending a link to someone who will open it next week.
Built by an independent developer
PeerFlow is one of several products built end to end by Ashwani Tiwari, alongside custom CRM and attendance platforms. If you need a similar real-time web or mobile product, see the website development and app development services, or get in touch to discuss your idea.
