▍ Independent guide · checked

Start Claude Code from your phone—keep the host online.

Official Remote Control server mode can start on-demand sessions from iPhone, Android, or any browser with an eligible Anthropic subscription. Claude Code runs on the computer or server where you start it. Pay for another host only when you need a managed machine.

Official server mode first Laptop-off boundary Can recommend no purchase
Free Claude Code plugin

Run the host-fit check inside Claude Code.

The plugin checks paths that need no additional Terminalbox hosting first and recommends a paid persistent host only when your current computer or server cannot stay online. Review the source before installing it.

  1. claude plugin marketplace add Anchras/terminalbox-tools
  2. claude plugin install claude-remote-control@terminalbox-tools
  3. /claude-remote-control:configure-claude-remote-control
Or install the same skill with any compatible Agent Skills client npx skills add Anchras/terminalbox-tools --skill configure-claude-remote-control
Official path · eligible Anthropic plan

One command makes the machine available from your phone.

In a trusted project directory, sign in to Claude Code and run claude remote-control with an eligible Anthropic subscription. Server mode can create multiple sessions on demand; the process and its host must keep running.

Read Anthropic’s server-mode documentation ↗ Troubleshoot Remote Control first →
Already own a server

Use that VPS.

Run server mode inside tmux or screen so it survives your SSH disconnect.

Review the DIY setup →
Free mobile fit check

Choose the execution environment.

Your answers stay in this tab. Terminalbox records only that the router was used, never the choices themselves.

Must the work use files, devices, or services on this exact computer?
Do you need a full interactive shell from the phone?
Do you need root, kernel, or host-level network control?
Try the official paths first

Server mode and Claude web can both avoid another host.

Anthropic’s current documentation distinguishes Remote Control on a computer or server you choose from a provider cloud web session. Both appear in the Claude app on iOS and Android, but the code runs in different places.

01 · Exact local environment

Remote Control

Run claude remote-control for an on-demand session server, or claude --remote-control for one interactive session. The connection uses outbound HTTPS; no inbound port is opened.

The chosen host must remain awake. Official Remote Control docs ↗
02 · Isolated repository task

Claude Code on the web

Start from claude.ai/code or the Code tab in the mobile app. Anthropic runs the task in a cloud VM and can create a branch for review.

The laptop can be off. Official web quickstart ↗
Phone workflow comparison

Compare where the process lives.

“Mobile” describes the control surface, not the execution host. Choose the environment before choosing the app.

Claude Code workflows available from an iPhone or Android phone
QuestionRemote ControlClaude webDIY VPSTerminalbox
Where does the code run?The computer or server running Claude CodeAnthropic cloud VMYour remote serverManaged Linux container
Keeps running when the laptop closes?Only if Claude Code runs on another awake hostYesYesYes
Phone interfaceClaude app or claude.ai; server mode can start sessionsClaude app or claude.aiSSH client or web terminalBrowser terminal
Full interactive shellNo; the shell stays on the Claude Code hostNo; provider-managed task UIYesYes
Root or kernel controlWhatever the Claude Code host allowsNo host controlYesNo
Workspace sourceFiles on the Claude Code hostRepository clone or CLI bundleClone, upload, or syncClone, upload, or sync

Terminalbox is independent from Anthropic. “Claude” and “Claude Code” identify Anthropic’s products; no endorsement or partnership is implied.

When a hosted terminal earns its cost

Keep the shell, not the laptop.

Use Terminalbox when phone access must include the real terminal, background processes, interactive commands, and the same tmux state after every reconnect.

Compare persistent terminal plans →
  • One managed Linux pane from €6/month
  • 2 vCPU, 4 GB RAM, and a 50 GB total storage quota
  • Claude Code, Codex, Gemini CLI, and other terminal agents
  • No root access and no bundled agent subscription
Mobile Claude Code questions

Keep the boundary explicit.

Can I start a new Claude Code session from my phone?

Yes, with an eligible Anthropic subscription. Run claude remote-control in a trusted project directory on your computer or a remote host. Server mode can create on-demand sessions from claude.ai or the Claude mobile app while that host and process remain online.

Can I use Claude Code from an iPhone or Android phone?

Yes. Anthropic Remote Control and Claude Code on the web both work through the Claude mobile app. A browser terminal is another option when you need the full shell rather than only the provider conversation interface.

Does Remote Control work after my laptop sleeps?

If Claude Code runs on your laptop, no execution happens while it sleeps or is off; Remote Control reconnects after it comes back online. Claude Code can keep running through Remote Control on an existing always-on server instead. Use a hosted terminal only when you need a managed host or direct shell access.

When should I use Claude Code on the web instead?

Use the provider cloud path when an isolated repository task and provider-managed environment are enough. It keeps running across device disconnects without requiring a separate Terminalbox subscription.

Does Terminalbox include Claude usage?

No. Terminalbox provides the hosted Linux terminal and persistence. You sign in with your own compatible Anthropic account, and Anthropic usage limits and charges remain separate.

Can Terminalbox replace a root VPS?

No. Terminalbox intentionally does not provide root, kernel, or host-level network control. Choose a self-managed VPS when those capabilities are required.

Still not a clean fit?

Describe what must stay alive.

We will recommend the official, DIY, or managed path that matches the actual dependency.

Ask for an honest fit check