CrossDrop Privacy Policy
Last updated: October 2026 · Applies to CrossDrop for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Android
The short version: CrossDrop collects no personal data. It has no accounts, no servers, no analytics, no ads, and no third-party SDKs. Everything happens on your devices and your local network.
What CrossDrop does on your device
- Peer discovery — advertises the device name you chose and a random token (new on every launch) on your local Wi-Fi using Bonjour/mDNS so nearby devices can find each other. The token identifies nothing about you. (The Android app can also use Bluetooth Low Energy.)
- File transfer — sends the files you choose directly to the device you tap, over a direct local connection. Files never pass through a server and never leave your local network. Every transfer is end-to-end encrypted (X25519 key exchange, HKDF-SHA256, ChaCha20-Poly1305) and can be verified with a 6-digit code shown on both devices.
- Send to anyone / Wireless Drive — when you start them, the app serves the chosen files or folder from a small web server on your local network, protected by a random link and, for the drive, an optional passcode. Browser access uses plain HTTP on your own network; stop sharing at any time from the app. Nothing is reachable from the internet.
- On-device storage — received files, a local transfer log and your chosen display name are stored only on your device. Delete them any time from Inbox and Settings.
What CrossDrop does not do
- No data collection, sharing or sale — nothing leaves your device or your network.
- No tracking, advertising, analytics or crash-reporting services.
- No account, sign-in, e-mail or personal identifiers.
- No internet connection is used or needed.
Permissions explained
| Permission | Why |
|---|---|
| Local Network (iOS, iPadOS, macOS) | Find and connect to nearby devices on your Wi-Fi and serve shares you start. |
| Photos / Files (system pickers) | You choose exactly which items to send, each time. CrossDrop never gets access to your whole library. |
| Notifications | Tell you when someone wants to send you a file while the app is in the background. |
| Nearby Wi-Fi devices / Bluetooth (Android) | Discover peers; declared never to derive location. |
Children
CrossDrop does not collect any information from anyone, including children.
Changes
If this policy changes, the new version will be published on this page with an updated date.
Contact
Questions or concerns: open an issue.