cpcp vs WeChat File Transfer
WeChat fits everyday conversations with people already in your contacts. cpcp fits handing one file or piece of text to another device without an account.
At a glance
This compares common consumer use, not a security audit. Third-party products change; check their current documentation. cpcp is not affiliated with them.
| Option | Best for | Requires | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| WeChat File Transfer | Sending to an existing WeChat contact | A WeChat account; both people usually use WeChat | Files remain in chat history; size and expiry follow WeChat's rules |
| cpcp | A one-off transfer across devices or people | A browser and a 6-digit pickup code | Expires after one hour; 100MB per file; not end-to-end encrypted |
Choose cpcp when
- You do not want to add a contact, create a group, or sign in just to send one file.
- The devices do not share the same WeChat setup, or you are using a temporary device.
- You do not want the file to remain in a chat history.
- You only need a pickup code to hand text or a file to another device.
Choose WeChat when
- The other person is already in WeChat and you need the surrounding conversation.
- You need to keep the conversation and files for the long term.
- The file size, type, and lifetime fit WeChat's current rules.
Common questions
Do I need to add a contact to use cpcp?
No. The sender gets a 6-digit pickup code and the recipient enters it in a browser; no contact relationship is created.
Does cpcp leave a chat history?
No. cpcp has no chat surface. The pickup code and file expire after one hour, and storage is cleared within 10 minutes after that.
How large can a transfer be?
Text is limited to 64KB; one file can be 100MB, with up to 20 files and 200MB per parcel.