Claude Code Adds Remote Terminal Control From Mobile Devices


Anthropic launched Remote Control for Claude Code. Developers start tasks in their local terminal then manage them from phones or browsers. The feature sits in Research Preview for Max plan users now. It keeps full execution local while adding mobile access.

Users run “claude rc” or “claude remote-control” to activate. Set it as default through config for all sessions. The local agent polls Anthropic’s API over outbound HTTPS. No inbound ports open on your machine. Sessions time out after 10 minutes of network loss.

This setup maintains access to local Model Context Protocol servers and project files. Mobile acts as a front-end only. One active remote session runs per instance. Local terminal must stay open for control to work.

Technical Specifications

Remote Control prioritizes security through design limits. All traffic uses TLS encryption with short-lived tokens.

FeatureDetailsSecurity Benefit
Activationclaude rc commandUser-initiated only
Network FlowOutbound HTTPS pollingNo firewall changes needed
EncryptionTLS + expiring tokensLimits hijacking windows
ConcurrencyOne session per instanceAvoids command conflicts
Timeout10 minutes inactivityAuto cleanup on disconnect
ExecutionAlways local machineFull file/MCP access maintained

Anthropic states on X: “Kick off a task in your terminal and pick it up from your phone.”

How It Works

Start a coding session locally. Switch to phone mid-task. The agent streams screen and accepts commands. File changes happen on your desktop. Webcam or tools access through local resources.

Compare to cloud options like Code on the Web. Remote Control keeps power local. Use cloud VMs for safe testing instead.

Developers gain flexibility for travel or pair programming. Debug from anywhere without VPNs.

Security Considerations

Outbound-only connections reduce exposure. Tokens rotate fast to block reuse. Still recent CVE-2025-59536 showed config file risks. Patches now demand consent for MCP or network calls.

Keep repositories clean. Review configs before remote sessions. Limit Max plan access if needed.

Setup Steps

Enable the feature quickly:

  • Install latest Claude Code.
  • Run claude rc in terminal.
  • Open Claude mobile app or browser.
  • Scan QR code or paste session ID.
  • Control session appears instantly.

Test on non-critical projects first. Monitor network logs during trials.

FAQ

How do you enable Claude Code Remote Control?

Run claude rc and connect via mobile app.

Does Remote Control open firewall ports?

No. Uses outbound HTTPS only.

What happens if network drops?

Session times out after 10 minutes.

Can multiple users control one session?

No. One active remote session per instance.

Is execution local or cloud-based?

Always local with full file access.

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