How to Receive Files on Your Smartphone
Just Scan the QR Code to Receive
Files shared via FS!QR can be received instantly by scanning the displayed code with your phone's built-in camera or a QR code reader app. There's no need to install a dedicated app or create an account beforehand — unlike many traditional file-sharing services. Simply tap the link (URL) shown to reach the download page right away.
This simplicity brings a powerful advantage across many contexts — sharing photos and videos between friends, distributing meeting materials in business, handing out digital resources in education — making the whole process effortless for the recipient.
Basic Steps to Receive a File (3 Steps)
Receiving a file is a simple 3-step process you can complete entirely on your smartphone, with no room to get lost.
- Scan: Open your phone's standard camera app and point it at the QR code on the sender's PC screen or a printed copy.
- Open the link: Tap the yellow link (or notification) that pops up on screen to open the FS!QR download page in your browser.
- Save: Check the file name and size shown on the page, then tap "Download". Once the process completes, the file is saved on your device.
* If you're in a remote setting and there's no QR code in front of you, simply tap the sharing URL sent via email or a chat app (LINE, Slack, etc.) to reach the download page in the same way.
Where Files Are Saved on Each Smartphone
"I can't figure out where the downloaded file was saved" is one of the most common questions from users less familiar with smartphones. The storage location differs by OS, so check using the steps below.
■ For iPhone (iOS)
With Safari's default settings, downloaded files are saved in the "Downloads" folder inside the built-in Files app.
- Launch the "Files" app (the blue folder icon) from the home screen.
- Select the "Browse" tab and open the "Downloads" folder under "On My iPhone" or "iCloud Drive".
- For photos or videos, after downloading, tap the share icon (the square with an upward arrow at the bottom left) on the preview screen and choose "Save Image" or "Save Video" to move them into the standard Photos app (camera roll).
■ For Android
If you download using a browser such as Google Chrome, the file will be stored in the system's default file manager app.
- Launch the "Files by Google" app, or the "My Files" / "Files" app pre-installed on your device.
- Tap "Downloads" under the "Categories" section.
- Photos and image files can also be found directly in the "Download" album inside the Google Photos or Gallery app.
What to Do When a Password Is Set
If the sender has enabled password protection, you'll see a screen asking for an ID and password as soon as you open the download page.
The ID and password are either auto-generated by the FS!QR system or custom-set by the sender. For security, it's recommended that the sharing URL and the password arrive through separate channels — for example, the URL by chat and the password by phone or in person. Enter both and tap "Authenticate" to activate the download link.
Troubleshooting When a Download Fails
If the QR code won't scan or the download doesn't start, work through the causes and fixes below.
- Can't Scan the QR Code
- Check that the camera lens is clean and in focus. If there's strong glare on the screen, try tilting the phone slightly or adjusting the room lighting. On some older Android devices, you may need to use a dedicated QR code reader app rather than the standard camera.
- "File not found" or an error appears
- The service deletes its records and stored files when the retention period ends; backups and copies saved on recipient devices may remain.
- PDFs or Images Open on Screen But Can't Be Saved
- Depending on the browser, tapping the download button may open the file inside the browser rather than saving it. If that happens, use the browser menu to select "Save Copy" or "Save File", or save it via the share menu.
- Download Stops Midway Because of a Connection Error
- When receiving large files, a weak mobile signal (4G/5G) is a common cause of errors. Connect to stable Wi-Fi, refresh the browser page, and try again.