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nozwock/packet

A GTK Linux client for Google's Quick Share protocol, for sending and receiving files wirelessly with Android devices.

Open-source alternative to:AirDropGoogle Files

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Last commit
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What is it?

Packet is a partial implementation of Google's Quick Share protocol for Linux. It lets you send files to and receive files from Android devices that use Quick Share, as well as from other computers running Packet.

The app is built with Rust and GTK. Only the Wi-Fi LAN transfer medium is implemented, so Bluetooth must be enabled and both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network with mDNS available. It is distributed as a Flatpak on Flathub, and also through the AUR and nixpkgs.

The project includes an optional Nautilus plugin for sending files from the file manager, and exposes a read-only session D-Bus interface for device name and visibility, which external integrations can use.

Key features

  • 01Sends and receives files with Android devices using Quick Share.
  • 02Transfers between Packet instances on Linux computers.
  • 03Works over Wi-Fi LAN with mDNS discovery; Bluetooth must be enabled.
  • 04Optional Nautilus plugin for sending files from the file manager.
  • 05Read-only D-Bus interface for device name and visibility.

Use cases

  • Sending photos or documents from a Linux desktop to a nearby Android phone.
  • Receiving files from an Android phone onto a Linux laptop over local Wi-Fi.
  • Sharing files between two Linux machines on the same network without cloud services.

Quick start

  1. 1

    Install from Flathub (install page link, not a command)

  2. 2

    Build from source, see CONTRIBUTING.md for instructions (no command given in README)

Things to know

  • Only the Wi-Fi LAN medium is implemented, so Bluetooth must be enabled and devices must share a Wi-Fi network with mDNS.
  • Partial implementation of the Quick Share protocol.
  • Flatpak folder access resets after a session restart unless permissions are set manually.

Topics

#quick-share#file-transfer#gtk#rust#android#wifi#p2p#desktop-app#application#linux

FAQ

What is packet?
A GTK Linux client for Google's Quick Share protocol, for sending and receiving files wirelessly with Android devices. Packet is a partial implementation of Google's Quick Share protocol for Linux. It lets you send files to and receive files from Android devices that use Quick Share, as well as from other computers running Packet.
Is packet free to use? What license does it have?
packet is open source under the GPL-3.0 license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
Is packet still maintained?
Actively maintained. The last commit to packet was on Oct 2, 2026.
What can I use packet for?
Sending photos or documents from a Linux desktop to a nearby Android phone. Receiving files from an Android phone onto a Linux laptop over local Wi-Fi. Sharing files between two Linux machines on the same network without cloud services.
How do I install packet?
Install from Flathub (install page link, not a command) Build from source, see CONTRIBUTING.md for instructions (no command given in README)
Where can I get packet?
The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/nozwock/packet

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