No installation or administrator access needed
How to use QuickBeam on a public computer
If a library, hotel, school, or shared computer allows ordinary web browsing but does not let you install programs, QuickBeam can receive selected files through the browser. Open the site on the public computer, scan its QR code with your phone, and send the files you need.
Be careful: end-to-end encryption protects files while they travel through QuickBeam, but it cannot make an untrusted public computer safe. Once decrypted and downloaded, a file exists on that computer and may be visible to its administrators, security software, malware, or the next user if you leave it behind.
Step-by-step instructions
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Decide whether the computer is trustworthy enough
Do not transfer confidential, financial, medical, identity, or work-sensitive files on a machine you do not trust. QuickBeam cannot protect a file after the public computer decrypts it.
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Open a private or guest browser window
If permitted, use Incognito, InPrivate, Private Browsing, or a guest profile. Visit quickbeam.app and leave its QR code visible.
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Scan and send from your phone
Scan the QR code using your phone's camera, open the QuickBeam sender page, and select only the files needed for this task.
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Use the downloaded file
Wait for the receiving browser to finish. Open, print, or upload the file where needed without saving extra copies when possible.
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Clean up before you leave
Delete downloaded files, empty the computer's recycle bin or trash if allowed, close every tab, and end the private or guest session. Also remove copies created by another site or program you used.
Good to know
- Never activate paid access on a public or shared browser; that would store a paid-access cookie in that browser profile.
- Some managed networks block uploads, downloads, browser cryptography, or storage endpoints, so QuickBeam may not work on every public computer.
- Do not leave your phone's private sender page or QR link visible to other people during an active session.
- A USB drive may be simpler if the computer permits it and you trust the drive and machine.
Frequently asked questions
Does QuickBeam need administrator permission?
No installation is required, so QuickBeam normally needs only access to a supported browser and network. The organization managing the computer can still block the site or required browser features.
Is a public computer transfer completely private?
No. QuickBeam encrypts the transfer path, but the receiving public computer gets the decrypted file. Anyone with access to that machine or its monitoring systems may be able to see it.
Does closing the browser delete the downloaded file?
Usually not. Browser downloads generally remain on disk until deleted. Remove the file explicitly and follow the public computer provider's cleanup instructions.