In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, the need for seamless file transfer between devices remains a priority for many users. For those who frequently find themselves needing to send files from a Pop!_OS Linux desktop to an Android device, a new solution has emerged: Packet. This innovative tool simplifies the process, allowing users to transfer files effortlessly as long as both devices are connected to the same wireless network.
Packet operates in conjunction with Quick Share, making it an ideal choice for users looking to streamline their workflow. The installation process is straightforward, requiring a Linux distribution equipped with a universal package manager and an Android device that supports Nearby Share—most versions of Android since Marshmallow meet this criterion. Additionally, users will need sudo privileges to complete the setup.
Installing Packet
What you’ll need:
- A Linux distribution with Flatpak support.
- An Android phone or tablet with Nearby Share enabled.
- Sudo privileges on your Linux machine.
To begin, open the terminal on your Linux system. The installation process is initiated by executing the appropriate command for Flatpak. Once the installation is confirmed, users can either log out and back in to access Packet from the desktop menu or launch it directly via the command line.
Upon opening Packet, navigate to the Preferences window. Here, locate the option for the Static Network Port and toggle the On/Off slider to the ‘On’ position. This step is crucial, as it prepares the application for file transfers. Following this, users must ensure that port 9300 is open on their firewall. For those utilizing an Ubuntu-based distribution, this can be accomplished with the command:
sudo ufw allow 9300
With these configurations complete, users can now send files from their Android devices to their Linux desktop using the Quick Share feature. Files received will be conveniently stored in the ~/Downloads folder, although this location can be customized in the Preferences settings.
In essence, Packet provides a user-friendly solution for transferring files between Linux and Android, enhancing productivity and connectivity in an increasingly mobile world.
