OnionShare: review, download and setup

What is OnionShare used for?

OnionShare opens a local service for transferring files over the Tor network. The recipient uses the onion address and, depending on the mode, an additional key. For the usual exchange, you do not need to create an SFTP account in advance.

The data is served by the sender's device. The sleep, shutdown or loss of the network make the service inaccessible. This is convenient for a concerted transfer, when both parties are ready, but do not replace the permanent link, which should be opened in a week.

Transfer files to OnionShare: address and access

Create a transfer tab, add files and check the settings before start. An extra document in the selected folder will get into the set along with the rest. For the first test, take a small harmless file.

Transfer the address and the key in a reliable way. Publication in the general chat does not limit access to your acquaintances. The identity of the recipient is checked separately from his ability to open the onion link.

Download OnionShare from the official website

Select the supported platform on the project page. The link leads to the selection of the distribution, and does not start the installation automatically.

Use the official download address. Check the signature or checksum if the project publishes one. Keep secret configuration files private when contacting support.

Getting started with OnionShare

1. Download OnionShare by the project link and make a connection to Tor.
2. Add matched files, check the folders and complete settings.
3. Run the service, copy the address and the desired access key.
4. Give them to the addressee via a secure channel; it opens the link to compatible Tor Browser.
5. Wait for the confirmation of receipt and complete the service. For retransmission, check the availability again.

OnionShare interface and illustrations

Interface screenshots

The origin of the images is indicated in the sources below. The interface of the installed version may differ.

OnionSharePreparing files for sending to OnionShare

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1 of 1. OnionShare: Preparing files for sending to OnionShare

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Limitations and data protection in OnionShare

The documentation describes an option to stop sharing automatically after a download. If you disable it for multiple recipients, the service can stay online. A recipient closing their browser tab does not confirm that sharing stopped.

OnionShare does not remove document metadata or prevent recipients from copying a file onward. Author names, edit history and file contents can disclose information regardless of how you send it. Check the file itself before sharing.

Alternatives for related tasks

WinSCP manages files on an existing server with an account. OnionShare creates a temporary onion service. For long-term storage and synchronization, choose storage and encryption separately: one-time transfer does not replace them.

Documentation and images