Claude Code Remote Control
Continue local Claude Code sessions from your phone, tablet, or any browser
What is Remote Control?
Remote Control connects claude.ai/code or the Claude app for iOS and Android to a Claude Code session running on your machine. Start a task at your desk, then pick it up from your phone on the couch or a browser on another computer.
Unlike Claude Code on the web (which runs on cloud infrastructure), Remote Control sessions run directly on your machine. The web and mobile interfaces are just a window into your local session.
Full Local Environment
Your filesystem, MCP servers, tools, and project configuration all stay available remotely.
Work From Both Surfaces
The conversation stays in sync across all connected devices. Send messages from your terminal, browser, and phone interchangeably.
Survive Interruptions
If your laptop sleeps or your network drops, the session reconnects automatically when your machine comes back online.
Requirements
Remote Control is available as a research preview on Pro ($20/mo) and Max ($100-$200/mo) plans. It is not available on Team or Enterprise plans.
- 1
Subscription
Requires a Claude Pro or Max plan. API keys are not supported.
- 2
Authentication
Run
claudeand use/loginto sign in through claude.ai. - 3
Workspace Trust
Run
claudein your project directory at least once to accept the workspace trust dialog.
How to Start a Remote Control Session
Method 1: Start a New Session
Navigate to your project directory and run the command
$ claude remote-controlThe process stays running in your terminal, waiting for remote connections. It displays a session URL you can use to connect from another device. Press spacebar to show a QR code for quick access from your phone.
Available Flags
--verbose- Show detailed connection and session logs--sandbox/--no-sandbox- Enable or disable sandboxing for filesystem and network isolation (off by default)
Method 2: From an Existing Session
Already in a Claude Code session? Continue it remotely
/remote-control# or use the shortcut: /rcThis starts a Remote Control session that carries over your current conversation history and displays a session URL and QR code you can use to connect from another device.
Tip: Use /rename before running /remote-control to give the session a descriptive name. This makes it easier to find in the session list across devices.
Connect from Another Device
Open the Session URL
Open the displayed URL in any browser to go directly to the session on claude.ai/code.
Scan the QR Code
Scan the QR code shown alongside the session URL to open it directly in the Claude app. With claude remote-control, press spacebar to toggle the QR code display.
Open claude.ai/code or the Claude App
Find the session by name in the session list. Remote Control sessions show a computer icon with a green status dot when online.
Enable Remote Control for All Sessions
By default, Remote Control only activates when you explicitly run claude remote-control or /remote-control. To enable it automatically for every session:
- Run
/configinside Claude Code - Set Enable Remote Control for all sessions to
true
Each Claude Code instance supports one remote session at a time. If you run multiple instances, each one gets its own environment and session.
Connection & Security
How It Works
- ✓Makes outbound HTTPS requests only - never opens inbound ports
- ✓Registers with Anthropic API and polls for work
- ✓Server routes messages between client and local session via streaming
Security
- ✓All traffic over TLS (same as any Claude Code session)
- ✓Multiple short-lived credentials scoped to a single purpose
- ✓Each credential expires independently for enhanced security
Remote Control vs Claude Code on the Web
| Feature | Remote Control | Claude Code on the Web |
|---|---|---|
| Runs on | Your local machine | Anthropic cloud infrastructure |
| Local MCP servers | Available | Not available |
| Local tools & config | Available | Not available |
| Requires local setup | Yes | No |
| Parallel tasks | One session at a time | Multiple tasks |
| Best for | Continuing local work remotely | Quick tasks without local setup |
Limitations
- ⚠
One Remote Session at a Time
Each Claude Code session supports one remote connection.
- ⚠
Terminal Must Stay Open
Remote Control runs as a local process. If you close the terminal or stop the
claudeprocess, the session ends. - ⚠
Extended Network Outage
If your machine can't reach the network for more than ~10 minutes, the session times out. Run
claude remote-controlagain to start a new session.
Official Claude Resources
Remote Control Docs
Official documentation on code.claude.com
Claude Code on the Web
Run sessions in Anthropic cloud environments
CLI Reference
Full list of flags and commands
Security
How Remote Control sessions fit into the security model
Authentication
Set up /login and manage credentials
Data Usage
What data flows through the Anthropic API