Access files on LAN connected devices easily

Sometimes you need to grab files from a local embedded device, development board, laptop or test machine without setting up full file sharing.

If Python is installed, you can quickly expose the current folder over HTTP and access it from another device on the same local network.

This is useful for copying logs, screenshots, exported data, firmware builds or other files during development and debugging.

Start a Simple File Server

Open a terminal on the device that has the files you want to share, then move into the folder you want to expose:

Start Python’s built-in HTTP server:

If everything goes to plan, you should see something like:

Open It From Another Device

Find the IP address of the device running the server, then open this address in a browser from another computer, phone or tablet on the same LAN:

You should see a simple directory listing. From there, you can view or download files directly in the browser.

Use a Different Port

If port 8000 is already in use, you can choose another port:

Stop the Server

When you are finished, return to the terminal and press:

Security Note

This is intended for quick, temporary access on a trusted local network. Anyone who can reach the device on the LAN may be able to browse and download the files in the folder you are serving.

Avoid running this from sensitive directories and do not expose it directly to the internet.