FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Good questions.
Are my files uploaded to DirectDrop?
No. File content and metadata are sent through an encrypted WebRTC data channel from one peer to the other. The application server only helps the browsers establish that connection.
What does “no cloud storage” protect against?
DirectDrop does not create a central archive of uploaded files. That reduces the risk of previously shared files being exposed together through a later breach of a cloud file store. It does not protect against a leaked share link, a compromised device or browser, or the recipient copying a file after receiving it.
How large can a file be?
DirectDrop does not impose an application-level file-size limit. Device storage, browser capabilities, connection stability, and the receiving filesystem are the practical limits. Current desktop Chrome or Edge is recommended for very large transfers such as 50 GB.
Can I send multiple files with one link?
Yes. The recipient receives one streaming, uncompressed ZIP archive containing the selected files.
Does the recipient need an account or app?
No. The recipient opens the private link in a supported browser. Anyone who obtains the complete link can use it while the sender remains connected, so treat it like a password.
Can I switch to another app during a mobile transfer?
Not reliably. iOS and Android may suspend a background browser, which pauses or ends WebRTC. Keep both browser pages visible and prevent the screen from locking until the transfer finishes.
Can an interrupted transfer resume?
Yes, while the sender remains available. A live receiver reconnects from its last processed offset. Current Chrome and Edge can also resume a single direct-file download after reload when the saved file permission and 32 MiB checkpoint remain available. ZIP downloads and the normal browser Downloads fallback cannot resume across a page reload. If a transfer stops permanently, the sender can reset the existing transfer or create a fresh link without selecting the files again.
Why should I leave KakaoTalk for a large download?
KakaoTalk’s in-app browser may restrict large downloads or browser storage features. Use its menu to open the link in Chrome, Samsung Internet, or Safari. Websites cannot reliably force that switch on both Android and iPhone, so DirectDrop shows a copy-and-open instruction instead.
Why does it stay on “Connecting”?
Both pages must remain open, and some carrier, corporate, or school networks block direct WebRTC paths. DirectDrop currently uses STUN but does not operate a TURN relay, so a direct connection is required.
Is the transfer encrypted?
Yes. WebRTC uses DTLS encryption in transit. DirectDrop also authenticates connection setup messages with the secret in the share link and verifies each received file using SHA-256. No internet service can promise absolute security.
How long is a link valid?
A new recipient must join within approximately 30 minutes. An active room has a maximum lifetime of 24 hours. Closing both pages ends the useful session, and the current transfer cannot be resumed later.
Why is there advertising only on the homepage?
The homepage may load Google AdSense after applicable consent choices. Private sender and receiver transfer pages do not load advertising code, preventing third-party ad scripts from accessing the URL-fragment room secret.