Pair your phone and laptop with a QR code

1. Start with two open browsers

Open CopyPaster on the device that will show the QR code. Your phone can scan it with its normal camera app; CopyPaster does not need camera permission on the computer. Keep both devices online and awake throughout the transfer.

The workspace uses a paired browser connection for text, files, and chat. Being on the same Wi-Fi does not automatically invite everyone on that network into your session. You choose the other browser by sharing your invitation.

2. Create and confirm the invitation

Give your device a name you will recognize, such as Work laptop. Device names are labels, not verified identities: check the receiving screen yourself before sending anything.

1. 1Choose Create pairing QR on the first device.
2. 2Scan the QR with your phone camera and open the CopyPaster link. For another computer, choose Copy pairing link and open that link in its browser.
3. 3On the receiving browser, enter a device name and choose Pair this device.
4. 4Wait for the workspace to show the paired device. Send a short test message before beginning a large transfer.

3. Treat the QR as an invitation

Anyone with an unused invitation may be able to claim the pairing. Send the link only to your intended recipient and avoid posting QR screenshots publicly. If the wrong browser connects, disconnect and create a new invitation before sharing content.

The QR invitation expires after five minutes. If you see an expiry message, disconnect and generate a fresh one. Rescanning an old screenshot does not renew it.

4. When a scan opens the wrong page

Check that the complete link was opened, including the part after the # symbol. That fragment contains the invitation. Opening the home page separately will create a different session rather than join the first device.

During local development, a localhost link only points to the device opening it. A phone cannot use your computer’s localhost address. Use a reachable deployment or a properly configured network development address; clipboard features need a secure context.

5. When pairing waits without connecting

Keep both tabs visible, check their internet connections, and try a new invitation. Some managed networks or VPNs restrict the peer connection. Try a trusted alternative network where permitted; no web app can guarantee that every firewall will allow the connection.

Once you have received a file, save it before closing either tab. Pairing creates a live handoff, not an online archive or a queue for an offline recipient.