Remote Access ​

SubFrame Server lets you open the same SubFrame session in a browser on another device. That means you can keep the desktop app running on your main machine and connect from a laptop, tablet, or phone when you need to check status, drive terminals, or keep working away from the keyboard.

This is a live remote-control feature, not a separate cloud workspace. The browser mirrors the current SubFrame host session, including its active workspace, current project context, terminal layout, and panel state.

What It Supports ​

• Desktop and laptop browsers for remote control from another machine
• Tablet and phone access for quick control, monitoring, and lightweight terminal use
• Two access modes: SSH tunnel or trusted-LAN mode
• Four connection methods: direct URL, QR code, pairing code, and pasted token
• Single remote session with takeover so one active browser session controls the host at a time
• Optional remote cursor tracking so the host can visualize mobile or remote pointer activity

Quick Start ​

1. Open Settings > Integrations > SubFrame Server
2. Turn on Run SubFrame Server
3. Choose your access path:
   • SSH tunnel for the safest default
   • Allow LAN access only on trusted home or office networks
4. Share the session using one of these methods:
   • Copy the Connection URL
   • Show the QR Code
   • Click Generate + Copy Code
   • Open the Base URL and pair in the browser
5. On the remote device, connect and continue in the mirrored SubFrame UI

Access Modes ​

SSH Tunnel ​

SSH is the recommended default. In this mode, SubFrame Server stays bound to 127.0.0.1, which keeps it off the local network and makes the browser session available only through the tunnel you create.

SubFrame's SSH setup forwards the host server port to localhost:8080 on the remote machine. After the tunnel is running, open http://localhost:8080 there, or use the tokenized connection URL built from that same remote-side address.

Use SSH when:

• You are accessing SubFrame from another desktop or laptop
• You are connecting over the internet
• You want the safest default path
• You do not want SubFrame exposed to the rest of your Wi-Fi network

SubFrame provides a copy-ready SSH command in the setup guide. Use the setup UI as the source of truth for the exact forwarding command and browser URL for your current session.

Local Network ​

When Allow LAN access is enabled, SubFrame Server binds to 0.0.0.0 so other devices on the same network can connect directly.

Use LAN mode when:

• You want quick access from a phone or tablet
• You are on your home or office Wi-Fi
• Running an SSH app on the remote device is inconvenient

Do not use LAN mode on public or shared networks. Even though the session still requires a token or pairing code, the server becomes network-reachable.

Connection Methods ​

Connection URL ​

SubFrame exposes a full tokenized Connection URL in Settings. Opening that exact URL on the remote device is the fastest path because it already includes the current auth token.

Best for:

• Sending a link to another desktop browser
• Reusing bookmarks or home-screen shortcuts
• Returning to the same host quickly

Base URL + Pairing Code ​

You can also open the plain Base URL first and authenticate in the browser with a pairing code.

Pairing is useful when:

• You do not want to expose the full token in the copied URL
• You are typing the address manually
• You want a short-lived login flow for mobile devices

Pairing codes are short, expire after 5 minutes, and are generated from the desktop app.

Base URL + Session Token ​

Instead of pairing, the browser access screen can accept a pasted session token.

Best for:

• Copying the token manually from the host
• Reconnecting from a browser that already knows the base URL
• Advanced workflows where you want token control without using the full connection URL

QR Code ​

SubFrame can generate a QR code for the current connection URL. In LAN mode this is the fastest mobile path: scan it with a phone camera and open the live session immediately.

Best for:

• Android phones and tablets
• iPhone and iPad on the same Wi-Fi
• Fast setup without typing anything

Mobile and Tablet Experience ​

SubFrame Server is designed to work as a real remote interface, not just a read-only mirror.

• Phone web includes terminal access plus a dedicated Panels surface for project, GitHub, agent, automation, and task-related views
• Terminal parity is much closer to desktop because remote/mobile uses the same terminal area model instead of a stripped-down single-terminal shell
• Live hydration starts from the host session, so the browser opens closer to the current desktop workspace, project, terminal, and panel context
• Ongoing session sync keeps terminal names, layout, and UI state aligned as the host session continues restoring or changing
• PWA install support lets mobile browsers add SubFrame to the home screen for a more app-like experience

Settings ​

SubFrame Server is configured in Settings > Integrations > SubFrame Server.

When Preferred Port is left in auto mode, SubFrame tries to reuse the last successful port when possible. That makes bookmarks and repeat mobile access more stable without forcing a permanently fixed port.

Session Behavior ​

• The browser mirrors the current SubFrame host, including the active workspace and project context
• A single browser session controls the host at a time
• If another remote browser tries to connect, SubFrame offers takeover rather than allowing two competing control sessions
• Regenerating the token invalidates the previous browser session
• The browser can connect through the direct tokenized URL or through the base URL and access screen

Security Notes ​

• Prefer SSH tunnel mode whenever possible
• Use LAN mode only on trusted networks
• Regenerate the token if you think the URL or token was shared too broadly
• Pairing codes are safer for quick one-off mobile access because they expire
• Disable SubFrame Server when you are done with remote access

Related Docs ​

• Features
• Configuration
• Integrations
• SubFrame Server blog post