How do I transfer a file from my iPhone to a Windows PC using Flying Carpet?

Install the Flying Carpet app from the App Store on iOS and download the .msi or .exe for Windows. Enable Bluetooth for automatic setup or manually enter WiFi details on both devices, then follow the in-app prompts to send or receive files directly over ad hoc WiFi.

Is Flying Carpet better than AirDrop for cross-platform transfers?

Yes, for cross-platform scenarios involving non-Apple devices, as AirDrop only works within the Apple ecosystem. Flying Carpet uses ad hoc WiFi to bridge Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows, but for Apple-to-Apple transfers, AirDrop is more seamless.

Does Flying Carpet work without Bluetooth enabled?

Yes, Bluetooth is optional for negotiating the transfer and exchanging WiFi credentials. You can manually enter the network details on both devices if Bluetooth is turned off, though it adds a step to the setup process.

Why does Flying Carpet disconnect my internet when I use it?

It creates an ad hoc WiFi hotspot for direct device connections, which requires taking over the WiFi interface. On platforms like macOS and Linux, this disables your regular internet connection, but on Windows and Android when hosting, internet may remain available.

How secure is Flying Carpet for sensitive files?

It uses WPA2 for network security and AES-GCM encryption for files, but the developer admits cryptographic simplifications like using SHA-256 instead of stronger key derivation. For highly sensitive data, consider additional encryption layers.

Can I install Flying Carpet on Linux distributions like Fedora or Arch?

It's primarily tested on Debian-based systems like Linux Mint, and there are known issues with Fedora possibly due to SELinux. The README mentions limited support for other distributions, so compatibility may vary and require troubleshooting.

What happens if I cancel a transfer mid-way?

Clicking cancel can take several seconds for the OS to reset the hotspot connection, as noted in the README. It's recommended to click only once and wait, as this delay is a known performance issue not easily resolved.

Open-Awesome

Flying Carpet

GPL-3.0Rustv9.0.0

Cross-platform file transfer between Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows over ad hoc WiFi, no network infrastructure required.

GitHub

5.1k stars244 forks0 contributors

What is Flying Carpet?

Flying Carpet is an open-source, cross-platform file transfer tool that allows users to send files directly between devices over ad hoc WiFi connections. It solves the problem of transferring files without relying on shared networks, internet access, or external storage like flash drives, making it especially useful in offline or restricted environments.

Target Audience

Users who frequently need to transfer files between different operating systems (Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows) without internet access, IT professionals managing multi-OS environments, and individuals seeking a simple, offline alternative to cloud-based sharing services.

Value Proposition

Developers choose Flying Carpet for its unique ability to work across all major platforms without infrastructure, its support for large files, and its lightweight, native applications built with modern frameworks like Tauri for a seamless user experience.

Overview

Cross-platform AirDrop. File transfer between Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows over ad hoc WiFi. No network infrastructure required, just two devices with WiFi chips (and optionally Bluetooth) in close range.

Use Cases

Best For

Transferring large files (>2GB) between different operating systems
Sharing files in environments without internet or shared WiFi networks
Quick ad-hoc file transfers between mobile and desktop devices
Offline data exchange during travel or in remote locations
Avoiding cloud storage limits or privacy concerns for sensitive files
Replacing physical flash drives for cross-platform file sharing

Not Ideal For

Apple-to-Apple file transfers (use AirDrop instead due to OS restrictions on hotspots)
Devices that must maintain an active internet connection during file transfers
Users with non-Debian Linux distributions or specific Android variants like Xiaomi/MIUI
Scenarios requiring automated, scripted file transfers without GUI interaction

Pros & Cons

Pros

Universal Cross-Platform Support

Works seamlessly across Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows, enabling direct transfers between any combination without shared networks, as evidenced by the standalone executables and app store availability.

Offline-First Ad Hoc WiFi

Creates device-to-device connections without internet or infrastructure, ideal for remote or restricted environments, with optional Bluetooth for secure credential negotiation.

Large File Capability

Handles files larger than 2GB, overcoming common filesystem and cloud service limits, making it suitable for media or datasets.

Lightweight Native Applications

Built with Tauri for a small footprint, offering installable packages and portable executables that provide a native user experience on each platform.

Cons

Incompatible Apple Transfers

Apple devices cannot transfer to each other due to inability to programmatically run hotspots, forcing reliance on AirDrop for iOS/macOS exchanges, as admitted in the README.

Internet Connection Disruption

Disables wireless internet on most platforms during use (except Windows and Android when hosting), which can be inconvenient for multitasking or online-dependent workflows.

Limited Android Device Support

Fails on some Xiaomi, MIUI, or HarmonyOS devices due to lack of LocalOnlyHotspot API support, with the developer acknowledging limited testing and potential incompatibilities.

Cancel Button Performance Issues

Clicking cancel can cause delays as the OS resets the hotspot connection, a known issue the developer notes is not easily fixed, affecting user experience during interrupted transfers.

Open Source Alternative To

Flying Carpet is an open-source alternative to the following products:

AirDrop

AirDrop is a wireless file-sharing feature built into Apple devices that allows users to quickly transfer files between nearby iOS and macOS devices.

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