Client Mode
Client mode lets your mobile app connect to the CLI daemon running on your desktop. View and interact with your AI coding sessions from anywhere.
What is Client Mode?
In client mode, MobileCLI:
- Connects to a host machine via WebSocket
- Receives real-time session updates
- Sends input and receives output from CLI sessions
- Works with the iOS app today. Android compatibility is validated through internal builds before public Android distribution.
Connection Methods
QR Code Scanning
The easiest way to connect. On your host machine, run mobilecli pair to display a QR code. On your mobile device, tap "Scan QR Code" and point your camera at the code.
The QR code contains the connection URL, device metadata, credential id, server id, and a one-time pairing token. The app stores the token securely and authenticates before the daemon sends sessions or terminal data.
Manual Configuration
When QR scanning isn't available, run mobilecli pair on the host and enter the full auth-v2 pairing details manually in Settings.
Host URL: ws://192.168.1.100:9847
Credential ID: [shown by mobilecli pair]
Server ID: [shown by mobilecli pair]
Pairing token: [shown by mobilecli pair]
Mobile App Features
The mobile client provides a streamlined interface optimized for phone and tablet use:
Session List
View all active and recent sessions from your host machine.
Real-Time Sync
Watch your AI's responses stream in real-time as they're generated.
Quick Input
Send messages and approve tool use from your mobile keyboard.
Notifications
Get notified when your AI needs input or approval.
Desktop Client Mode
You can also run MobileCLI in client mode on a secondary desktop. This is useful for:
- Monitoring sessions on a second monitor
- Accessing your development machine from a laptop
- Team collaboration on shared sessions
Remote Access with Tailscale
Connect From Anywhere
For remote access outside your local network, install Tailscale on both devices. Tailscale keeps the daemon reachable only to devices in your Tailnet instead of exposing it through a public tunnel.