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Do you consider pairdrop.net safe to use?

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2.8K views 15 replies 6 participants last post by  BSB1953  
#1 ·
I was looking for a way to transfer pictures from my Android phone to my PC over WiFi versus USB as constantly plugging and unplugging the USB cable is going to wear the port out, not to mention its rubber waterproof cap on my Kyocera.

I ran across PairDrop and it works seamlessly for WiFi file transfer over my home Network. I was curious though how "safe" is it?
 
#3 ·
I prefer to remove my microsd card and use the sd adapter in a card reader. Transfer is much faster and I keep the original date whereas many other methods, including data transfer by cable using the device, tend to change the date and time setting. I cannot remember if wifi transfer does the same. I avoid it purely because I used to take a lot of photos and it cost a lot of time.
 
#4 ·
I prefer to remove my microsd card and use the sd adapter in a card reader.
I looked at the technical manual for my smart phone as I wasn't even sure that it had an SIM card. My brother gave it to me to fly a toy drone about ten years ago and I've only now started using it as camera. To remove the SIM card you have to open the waterproof case, which is a hassle because you then have to keep track of all the rubber port covers. It's IP68 rated.
  1. The first digit, the number “6”, means that the instrument has total dust ingress protection.
  2. The second digit, the number “8”, means that the instrument is suitable for permanent submersion in water.
It actually came in a plastic jar of water.
 
#5 ·
Thanks for the responses. I was wondering not so much if PairDrop was infected with malware but if it could access my computers. Some more research into it suggests that it can't since it just sets up a peer-to-peer file transfer over the local network. I know I could enable file sharing for my devices over my local network but PairDrop only requires that two computers on the same network access its website in order to transfer files. It couldn't get much simpler. It transfers a 2 MB RAW picture in less than 5 seconds.
 
#6 ·
The joys of modern technology ... my daughters many years ago, bought me my first "decent" point and shoot camera which was waterproof and I did a few test shots at a local fountain. Originally I had intended to use it whilst out with my cycling group since we would frequently, during warm weather, end up at the sea for an hour or so's swimming. Before I managed to try it out in the sea though it developed a problem with the focus, turning the camera into a vibrator as you felt the focus action running non stop until itwas turned off. As it was within warranty, I took it to an authorised service centre, where they fixed it. Apparently that required opening and disturbing all the waterproofing rings that kept the water out. They called me asking if I wanted it tested because that would not be covered by the guarantee ... and would cost 200 Euro ... cost of a new camera was 250 Euro .. it didn't get done, nor was it replaced ...
 
#12 ·
I'm stunned by this.
If the warranty fault required the unit to be opened then the warranty would have to cover the unit being returned to it's original condition.
To make sure it has been returned to that condition, and by their own admission the waterproofing hardware had to be disturbed, then testing that the original condition has been achieved is surely a warranty provision.
Don't think I'd ever buy a brand that would not stand by their product to this extent.
 
#8 ·
Some more research. I suppose I could have done all of this and not bothered you all but I like bouncing ideas off of others from time to time.

Apparently, after a peer-to-peer connection is established successfully you can turn off your internet connection and still transfer files. Which shows that nothing of your files go through the PairDrop servers themselves. In fact, you can apparently host your own HTTP server and do the same thing but it's too complex for my understanding.

I've been trying for an hour to pair my phone to my PC via Bluetooth with no luck. Finally I ran across a post by someone saying that older Kyocera phones wouldn't pair to modern PCs via Bluetooth. This seems to be the case.

Finally I thought to myself, "Why don't I just turn on file and printer sharing for my home network?" I did this and just added a shortcut on my browser to the IP Address of my Android phone's File Manager app. Now, I just have to open Firefox and use it to browse the folders on my phone. The file transfer over my LAN is almost instantaneous.

Image
 
#10 ·
I sort of stumbled onto it by accident but this AI rendition of the steps looks about right.

Key steps:

  • Open File Commander on your mobile device.
  • Open settings.
  • Toggle the "PC File Transfer" option to "On".​
  • The app will generate a unique web address.​
  • On your PC, open a web browser and enter the provided address.​
  • Browse and transfer files.​
 
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#11 ·
To be even safer, opt for alternatives like Snapdrop, which do not use external servers!
PairDrop is actually accessed through the SnapDrop app. In it you have the option to use either the PairDrop or SnapDrop servers.

PairDrop
A self-hosted service that uses WebRTC to transfer files between devices on the same local network or over the Internet.

Snapdrop
An open-source project that uses WebRTC to transfer files between devices on the same local network.

PairDrop also uses a server as a relay to transfer files over the internet. PairDrop is designed for teams and businesses and includes features like real-time collaboration and cross-platform compatibility. SnapDrop is designed for individual and home network use.
 
#16 ·
I was looking for a way to transfer pictures from my Android phone to my PC over WiFi versus USB as constantly plugging and unplugging the USB cable is going to wear the port out, not to mention its rubber waterproof cap on my Kyocera.

I ran across PairDrop and it works seamlessly for WiFi file transfer over my home Network. I was curious though how "safe" is it?
I share your concern about the degradation of the USB ports on the Android. The USB port on two Motorola phones (g pure/g power) wore out in a ridiculously short period of time due to constant plugging/unplugging, rendering both phones useless. I just got a new Pixel 9 Pro XL and to prevent this from happening again, I purchased a set of magnetic quick release USB cables. It came with 2 magnetic cables and 2 magnetized usb connectors. Simply place the magnetized connector into the usb port on the phone then snap the magnetic cable onto the magnet on the phone and plug it into whatever you wish. You now have a quick release usb cable. Works flawlessly with absolutely no wear and tear on the connectors.