TL;DR
A public GitHub guide shows how to use a phone as a terminal to work on a remote, always-on computer using Tailscale, Termius and Claude Code. The repo includes a short setup, troubleshooting tips and best practices for previewing sites and tracking progress while mobile.
What happened
A developer published a concise how‑to (rberg27/doom-coding) that explains how to connect from a smartphone to a continuously running computer and use the terminal to code remotely. The method combines a persistent machine with SSH access, Tailscale for a private mesh network (MagicDNS), Termius as a mobile SSH client, and Claude Code for assisted coding. Setup steps include disabling sleep and enabling remote login on the host computer, installing Tailscale and Claude Code there, signing into the same Tailscale account on the phone, then creating a host entry in Termius using the host's MagicDNS address and port 22. The author documents common failures—most often a broken Tailscale connection or an unlocked/off computer—and offers workarounds plus practical tips like running a local HTTP server for previews and saving session notes with Claude.
Why it matters
- Enables lightweight, mobile development by turning a phone into a remote terminal to a continuously running desktop.
- Uses a private network layer (Tailscale/MagicDNS) to avoid exposing the host directly to the public internet.
- Keeps workflow continuity: the same environment and files remain on the host machine while you work from varied locations.
- Includes simple preview and database access techniques so basic web and data checks can be done from a phone.
Key facts
- Required: a computer that remains powered on with internet access, a smartphone, and a Claude Pro subscription.
- On the host computer: disable sleep, enable SSH/remote login, install Tailscale and Claude Code.
- On the phone: install and sign into Tailscale, install Termius (mobile SSH client), then add the host using the MagicDNS address.
- Termius host settings: Hostname = your-machine.tailnet-name.ts.net (MagicDNS), Port = 22, username/password = your machine login.
- To preview a local site, run a simple HTTP server (example: python -m http.server 3005) and open http://your-machine.tailnet-name.ts.net:3005/your-html-file.html on the phone.
- Troubleshooting: check Tailscale VPN status on both devices and ensure the host computer is powered on and unlocked.
- Best practices suggested: ask Claude to update a CLAUDE.md with session progress, bookmark frequently used dev sites, and use a PostgreSQL mobile client to inspect databases.
- Repository details: public GitHub repo rberg27/doom-coding; the repo shows 14 stars, 1 fork and 2 watchers.
What to watch next
- Watch the repository for future updates and comparisons as the author tests new mobile coding tools (the README mentions plans to try Claude Code on the Web).
- not confirmed in the source
- not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Tailscale: A mesh VPN service that creates a private network between your devices, often exposing machines via MagicDNS names.
- MagicDNS: A Tailscale feature that provides consistent DNS names for devices on your tailnet, letting you reach machines by name rather than IP.
- SSH (Secure Shell): A protocol for secure remote command-line access to another computer over a network.
- Termius: A mobile and desktop SSH client that lets you store host profiles and connect to remote machines from a phone or tablet.
- Claude Code: An assistant-oriented coding tool referenced in the guide for code help while connected to the remote machine.
Reader FAQ
Do I need a Claude Pro subscription to follow this guide?
The guide lists a Claude Pro subscription among the required items.
Which apps must I install on my phone?
Install Tailscale and Termius on your phone, then sign into Tailscale with the same account used on the host.
How can I preview a local website from my phone?
Run a local HTTP server on the host (example: python -m http.server 3005) and visit the host's MagicDNS address with the port on your phone's browser.
Will this work without an internet connection?
not confirmed in the source
doom-coding A DIY approach to coding on-the-go! As an aspiring builder, I sought out a way to keep coding while not at home. Thanks to some Claude-assisted research and troubleshooting,…
Sources
- Stop Doom Scrolling, Start Doom Coding: Build via the terminal from your phone
- Your Phone Addiction Isn't Going Anywhere — So Let's …
- This Week in Programming: How to Avoid Doomscrolling …
- How I Stopped Doom-Scrolling (Without Going Off the Grid)
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