AirDrop for Ubuntu 20.04: Is it Possible?

In the world of Apple devices, AirDrop is a popular feature that allows seamless file sharing between devices. However, if you’re using Ubuntu 20.04, you might be wondering if there’s an equivalent feature available. The short answer is no, there isn’t an official AirDrop application for Ubuntu. But, there are alternative solutions that can provide similar functionality. In this article, we’ll explore two of these alternatives: SnapDrop and Slack.

SnapDrop: A Web-Based Solution

SnapDrop is a web-based file transfer tool inspired by AirDrop. It allows you to transfer files between devices using a web browser. The beauty of SnapDrop lies in its simplicity and compatibility with various operating systems, including Linux.

To use SnapDrop, navigate to the SnapDrop website on both devices. You’ll see each device represented by an icon on the other’s screen. Simply drag and drop files onto the icon representing the target device, and the file transfer will begin.

If you prefer a more permanent solution, you can also install the SnapDrop app for Linux. The installation instructions and more information can be found in the SnapDrop Readme on GitHub.

Slack: A Workaround Solution

Another alternative is using Slack, a popular team collaboration tool. This method is a bit of a workaround, but it can serve as a convenient way to transfer files, photos, and more from your phone to your Ubuntu device.

To use Slack for file transfer, you’ll need to send a direct message to yourself with the file you want to transfer as an attachment. Then, you can access this message on your Ubuntu device and download the file.

To install Slack on Ubuntu 20.04, use the following command in your terminal:

sudo snap install slack --classic

In this command, sudo gives you superuser privileges, snap is the package handler for the snap packages, install is the command to install a package, and slack is the package name. The --classic option is used to give the Slack snap permissions to access system resources, like your files.

Conclusion

While there’s no official AirDrop for Ubuntu 20.04, alternatives like SnapDrop and Slack can provide similar functionality. These solutions may not be exact replicas of AirDrop, but they do offer quick and easy ways to transfer files between devices. Whether you choose to use a web-based solution like SnapDrop, or a workaround using Slack, you’ll be able to share files with ease on your Ubuntu device.