SideDrop.Get the beta

Small steps. Short trips.

Let’s get your files home.

Start with the Windows beta. Once your PC’s secure connection is set up, Safari is your phone companion.

1. Set up your Windows PC

  1. Check the beta requirements.Use Windows 11 x64 and arrange setup with your SideDrop beta operator. Each PC needs its own secure address and valid public-CA certificate; the download does not issue one automatically.
  2. Check the download, then install.Use the exact release linked on the download page and compare its SHA-256. The unsigned beta may trigger an unknown-publisher or unrecognized-app warning. Do not run an unexpected file or override a threat alert.
  3. Open Secure setup and save a request.Choose the local network address for this PC, then Save setup request. If several appear, choose the Wi-Fi or Ethernet network your phone can reach; ask the operator if unsure about a VPN or virtual adapter. Share the saved ZIP through a channel agreed with your operator. It contains public setup details; private keys stay protected on your PC.
  4. Add the returned public certificate.Use Add certificate, then Check connection when offered. Pairing stays unavailable until SideDrop verifies the secure connection. Certificate renewal and a changed network address still need your beta operator.
  5. Use the same reachable local network.Keep the PC and phone on the same Wi-Fi/LAN. Guest isolation can prevent a connection. If Windows asks for SideDrop network access, follow your PC's policy and allow only the trusted private-network access you intend. Keep the PC awake and SideDrop running. Do not disable the firewall or browser security, or use Internet port forwarding.

Never share private keys, pairing links or access credentials with a setup request. This beta does not provide automatic enrollment or certificate renewal.

Updating the beta

Updates are manual. Finish active transfers and check any browser copies you still need, then choose Quit from the SideDrop icon beside the Windows clock and install the newer reviewed Windows release. Reopen the app and confirm your saved browsers before sending.

Keep your existing setup and received files. Do not uninstall or clear app data as a routine update step. If you enabled More → Settings → Start with Windows in the portable pilot, turn it off there before quitting; you can enable it again in the installed app. If the installer or certificate setup fails, stop and request beta setup help with the version and a short description of the error; do not send private keys, pairing credentials or files.

Check the latest release

2. Make the introduction

  1. Scan the QR on your PC.Open the PC’s SideDrop window and scan its connection QR with your iPhone or iPad. Open the link in Safari.
  2. Compare the codes.Choose Connect securely. Match the code shown in Safari with the PC request, then approve that browser on Windows.
  3. Keep a way back.Bookmark the PC page in Safari. You can also reopen the saved connection with the PC’s Reopen on device QR. A saved browser is not necessarily online.

3. Send to your PC

  1. Tap Add files.This opens your device’s picker directly. Choose photos, videos or documents using the options iOS provides.
  2. Review, then send.The beta allows up to eight files, 5 GiB combined (about 5.4 GB). Keep Safari visible while SideDrop reads and checks your originals.
  3. Accept on Windows.Approve the handoff. When finished, use Files received on this PC to find the saved files.

Receive on your phone

  1. Choose the saved browser on Windows.Open its Safari page, add files on the PC and send. Accept the request in Safari.
  2. Keep the page open.Wait for transfer and verification. Large receives require a successful browser-storage check and enough device space.
  3. Finish Save to Files.Open Incoming, choose Save / Open on a Ready to save file, then complete your device’s save action. “Received on device” confirms checked browser bytes; it does not confirm a Files save.
Keep a verified browser copy until you have checked the exported file. Dismiss removes that local browser copy.

A large video will not select?

Photos may need to download or prepare an asset before Safari receives a file. SideDrop cannot control the native blue confirmation button or show that system’s progress.

  1. Make the video local in Files.In Photos, use Share → Save to Files and choose a location under On My iPhone or On My iPad. Wait for that export to finish.
  2. Return to SideDrop and tap Add files.In your device menu, use Choose Files / Browse and select the local copy. The exact menu wording depends on iOS.
  3. Keep the original.Check the received file on Windows before deleting either copy. SideDrop does not convert or automatically compress the video.