About Textunnel
Textunnel is a free browser tool for sharing files and text between devices, with direct WebRTC preferred. Online discovery needs internet; TURN and MQTT content relay require explicit permission. File limits and clipboard access depend on the route and browser.
Textunnel focuses on the small transfers between a phone and computer: a file, a photo, a link or a piece of text. Open the site on both devices and join the same room. There is no companion app or account to create.
How sharing works
File content prefers a direct WebRTC channel. Online discovery uses an internet service. A reachable local network is needed for offline QR pairing, and both devices must load the site first. Browser permissions, network isolation and VPN routing can affect connection and saving options.
Connection instructions and file limitsPrivacy by transfer route
- Direct WebRTC
- Browsers encrypt the data-channel transport. DIRECT means a non-relay route, not proof that traffic stayed on your Wi-Fi. Online discovery and signaling still need internet.
- Optional internet relay
- TURN and MQTT content relay require permission in each tab. TURN forwards encrypted WebRTC transport. For MQTT payload encryption against the broker, set a room password; public-room payloads otherwise lack that protection.
- History and recovery
- History stays in browser storage. Received file bytes normally live in the open page. Optional temporary recovery stores incomplete bytes locally, unencrypted at rest, for up to 10 minutes; clear it in Preferences.
The site also loads analytics and advertising scripts. Privacy policy and storage controls.
Evidence and compatibility
Published acceptance results distinguish completed transfers, failed uninterrupted background transfers and successful recovery. They cover the devices and conditions actually tested, and do not promise fixed speeds or every browser configuration. These are maintainer-run functional tests, not an independent security audit.
Dated test results and scopeRecent product updates
Published verified Windows Server 2025 / Chrome cloud-browser results: text, 1 MiB and 64 MiB round trips with matching download hashes, and refusal handling. Cloud VM scope is separate from physical-device acceptance.
Simplified room creation and joining, aligned privacy explanations, and added a dated physical-test table and clearer sharing workflows.
Added connection-readiness help, kept unsent text drafts when no receiver is connected, and improved transfer failure diagnostics.
Added real interface screenshots to local-network and iPhone transfer guides, using responsive WebP images.
Completed the recorded iPhone/Mac physical acceptance sessions: file round trips, rejection, interruption recovery, relay permission, passwords and offline QR pairing.
Project information and feedback
Textunnel is a closed-source browser service that is free to use without an account. The public GitHub project page provides project information. Product updates are listed above; use the contact page for feedback.
For a connection or transfer problem, include the browser, approximate file size, route label and the message shown. Do not send private files, room passwords or relay credentials. Contact the maintainer or send feedback.