Remote Development from iPhone to macOS in the AI Era: Tailscale + Shellfish + tmux

Published: Sat, Nov 1, 2025 • Updated: Tue, Nov 25, 2025

In the AI era, software development is no longer confined to powerful laptops or multi-monitor setups. With tools like Claude Code and Codex CLI, developers can now build and iterate through natural conversations with AI — reducing the need for heavy local environments.

This shift also changes how and where we work. Instead of always coding at a desk, we can now connect to our development machines remotely — even from an iPhone on the go.

In this guide, I'll explore how to set up a lightweight, secure, and persistent remote development environment using Tailscale, Shellfish, and tmux — enabling you to code anywhere, seamlessly switching between your Mac and iPhone without losing your workflow.

Overview

This guide shows how to achieve the following by combining Tailscale, Shellfish, and tmux:

Secure access to your home Mac from anywhere without port forwarding
Work sessions that persist through disconnections and resume seamlessly
Shared terminal sessions between iPhone and Mac

Requirements

macOS Side

Homebrew - Package manager for macOS
The following tools (install with Homebrew):
- Tailscale - VPN
- tmux - Terminal multiplexer

iPhone/iOS Device

App Store access
The following apps (install from App Store):
- Tailscale - VPN
- SSH client (choose from recommended apps below)

Tools Used

Tool	Role	Problem It Solves
Tailscale	Peer-to-peer VPN	Secure remote access without port forwarding
Shellfish	SSH client	iPhone GUI operation, tap-to-connect, tmux integration
tmux	Session management	Work persistence across disconnections, screen sharing

Connection Architecture

iPhone (Shellfish)
↓
Tailscale VPN (peer-to-peer connection)
↓
macOS (development machine)
├─ SSH server
└─ tmux session (persistent, multi-device sharing)

Each layer works together to provide stable remote development in mobile environments:

Layer	Technology	Role
Client	Shellfish	Tap-to-connect, GUI management
Network	Tailscale	Secure connection, NAT traversal, fixed IP
Protocol	SSH	Encrypted secure connection
Session	tmux	Session persistence, screen sharing

Setup Instructions

1. macOS Configuration

1.1 Installing Required Packages

Install the necessary tools using Homebrew:

# Install Tailscale (VPN)
brew install --cask tailscale-app

# Install tmux (terminal multiplexer)
brew install tmux

1.2 tmux Configuration (Recommended)

Create a tmux configuration file optimized for Claude Code and AI tools.

Save the following to ~/.tmux.conf:

# ====================================================================================
# Basic Settings - 2025 Recommended Configuration
# ====================================================================================

# Terminal Type: tmux-256color (modern recommendation, tmux 2.6+)
# Benefits over screen-256color:
#   - Italics support (screen doesn't support it)
#   - Better color rendering
#   - Improved CJK (Japanese/Chinese/Korean) character handling
set -g default-terminal "tmux-256color"

# True Color (24-bit RGB) Support
# Modern tmux 3.2+ recommended method
set -as terminal-features ",*:RGB"
set-option -sa terminal-overrides ",tmux*:Tc"

# Enable mouse support (essential for iOS touch operations)
set -g mouse on

# Start window/pane numbering from 1 (human-friendly)
set -g base-index 1
setw -g pane-base-index 1

# Renumber windows when one is closed (no gaps)
set -g renumber-windows on

# ====================================================================================
# Claude Code / AI Tools Optimization
# ====================================================================================

# Dramatically increase scrollback buffer
# Claude Code generates verbose output requiring large buffer
# Recommended: 500000 lines (~250MB)
# Reference: Default is 2000 lines, typical usage is 50000 lines
set -g history-limit 500000

# Minimize ESC key response time (vim/neovim comfort)
# tmux 3.5 default: 10ms
set -sg escape-time 0

# Enable focus events (vim/neovim integration)
set -g focus-events on

# Extend message display time (for reviewing Claude Code output)
set -g display-time 3000

# Extend pane number display time (better usability on small screens)
set -g display-panes-time 4000

# ====================================================================================
# Key Bindings
# ====================================================================================

# vi mode key bindings (use vim keys in copy mode)
setw -g mode-keys vi

# Emacs-style status bar (matches zsh default)
set -g status-keys emacs

# ====================================================================================
# Visual Settings
# ====================================================================================

# Status bar at top (iOS keyboard won't cover it)
set -g status-position top

# Status bar color settings (simple and readable)
set -g status-style bg=black,fg=white

# Highlight current window
setw -g window-status-current-style bg=blue,fg=white,bold

Benefits of this configuration:

Claude Code Ready¹: 500000-line scrollback to fully review long outputs
True Color²: Modern color schemes display correctly (using tmux-256color)
CJK Character Optimized: Better Japanese/Chinese/Korean text quality
iOS Optimized: Touch operations and keyboard position considered

1.3 Enable Remote Login

Enable macOS remote login (SSH server):

Open System Settings
Go to General > Sharing
Enable Remote Login
Select authorized users (recommended: administrators only)

1.4 Tailscale Setup

# Launch Tailscale app
open -a Tailscale

When Tailscale launches, follow the login instructions
Authenticate with an SSO provider (Google, GitHub, etc.)
Once connected, note the Tailscale IP address assigned to macOS:

tailscale ip -4

Example output: 100.64.1.2

Important: This is your macOS Tailscale IP address. Save this IP for use in later steps.

Note: Tailscale automatically assigns fixed IPs in the 100.x.y.z format. This IP remains constant while the device is part of the Tailscale network.

1.5 Enable Tailscale 2FA (Recommended)

Access the Tailscale admin console
Navigate to Settings > Users and select your account
Enable Two-factor authentication

2. iPhone Configuration

2.1 SSH Client Selection

Multiple SSH clients are available for iPhone/iPad. After trying several apps, I found Shellfish to be the most user-friendly. Here's my assessment as of November 2025.

Recommended: Shellfish (Secure ShellFish)³

Features:

✅ Excellent tmux Support: Session thumbnail previews, Handoff for seamless device switching
✅ Background SSH Persistence: Keeps SSH connections alive even when the app is in the background
✅ Files App Integration: Direct SSH server integration into iOS Files app
✅ iCloud Keychain Sync: Automatic server settings sync
✅ One-time Purchase: $29.99 for lifetime use (monthly $2.99, yearly $14.99 also available)

Why Recommended:

Excellent tmux integration that handles Claude Code's verbose output effortlessly
Strong long-term value with one-time purchase option
Highly responsive developer support

Alternative 1: Blink Shell⁴

Features:

✅ Full Mosh Support: Connection maintained during network switches and even after device reboot
✅ Open Source: Continuous community improvements
✅ Blink Code: Browser-based VSCode integration
✅ Advanced Customization: High flexibility in themes, fonts, and layouts
✅ iPad Multitasking Optimized: Excellent Split Screen / Slide Over support

Price: $19.99/year (no one-time purchase option)

Best For:

Using VSCode on mobile
Unstable network environments (traveling, etc.) where Mosh connection persistence is essential

Alternative 2: Termius⁵

Features:

✅ Cross-platform: Syncs across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
✅ Mosh Support: Improved connection stability
✅ SFTP Integration: Built-in file transfer

Caveats:

⚠️ Claude Code Compatibility Issues: As of November 2025, scrollback problems have been reported when using AI terminal tools (e.g., Gemini CLI). The terminal may automatically scroll to the input field after long outputs, preventing you from reviewing previous content.

Price: Free tier available; Premium around $15/month

2.2 Install Required Apps

Install from the App Store:

Tailscale - VPN connection
Shellfish - SSH client (see recommendations above)

2.3 Tailscale Setup

Launch the Tailscale app
Log in with the same account used on macOS
Once connected, you'll join the same VPN network as your Mac

2.4 Shellfish Setup

Configure SSH connection in Shellfish.

Launch Shellfish
Tap the + button to add a new host
Enter the following:
- Label: mac (any recognizable name)
- Hostname: <macOS Tailscale IP> (e.g., 100.64.1.2)
  - This is the IP from step 1.4 that you saved
- User: <macOS username>
  - Confirm with whoami command on macOS
- Port: 22 (SSH default)
Tap Save

Setup complete. Connect by tapping the host name.

3. Connection Testing

3.1 SSH Connection Test

Test the macOS connection using Shellfish.

Connection Steps:

Open Shellfish
Tap the mac host you created
On first connection, tap Continue or Trust in the host key dialog
Enter your macOS user password if prompted
You'll see the macOS terminal upon successful connection

Verification: Confirm the connection with:

hostname

If the macOS hostname appears, the connection succeeded.

3.2 Starting a tmux Session

Once connected to macOS, start or join a tmux session:

# Create a new session
tmux new -s dev

# Or join an existing session
tmux attach -t dev

Basic Usage

tmux Basic Commands

Session Management

# Create a new session
tmux new -s <session_name>

# Join an existing session
tmux attach -t <session_name>

# List sessions
tmux ls

# Temporarily detach from session (session continues)
# Ctrl+B → d

# End session
exit

Sharing Sessions Between iPhone and Mac

tmux allows you to share the same terminal session across devices.

Start a session (on either device):

Connect to macOS and create a tmux session:
```
tmux new -s dev
```
Join from the other device:
- iPhone: Tap the mac host in your SSH client (Shellfish/Blink Shell)
- Mac: Use ssh <Tailscale IP> or mosh <Tailscale IP> in Terminal
After connecting, join the session:
```
tmux attach -t dev
```
Synchronized screens:

Any input from either device appears immediately on both screens. This enables starting work on iPhone and continuing on Mac, or vice versa.

Useful tmux Features

The configuration above enables:

Mouse support: Touch-based pane selection
vi key bindings: vim keys in scroll mode
Automatic renumbering: Window numbers compress when closed
No ESC delay: Eliminates vim usage delays

Customize by adding configurations to ~/.tmux.conf as needed.

Troubleshooting

Tailscale Can't Find macOS

Cause: Different accounts on devices, or connection not established

Solution:

Verify both devices use the same Tailscale account
Check macOS Tailscale connection:
```
tailscale status
```
Verify macOS remote login is enabled
Check iPhone Tailscale app connection status

SSH "Permission denied" Error

Cause: Remote login disabled, or user permission issues

Solution:

Verify macOS remote login is enabled:
- System Settings > General > Sharing > Remote Login

Verify correct username:

# Check current username on macOS
whoami

tmux Session Not Found

Cause: Session not created, or incorrect session name

Solution:

Check existing sessions:
```
tmux ls
```
Create new session if none exist:
```
tmux new -s dev
```

Advanced: VS Code on Browser

code-server Setup

To use VS Code in iPhone Safari:

# Install code-server on macOS
brew install code-server

# Start code-server
code-server

# Access from iPhone Safari:
# http://<Tailscale IP>:8080

Find the password in ~/.config/code-server/config.yaml.

Summary

You've now built a remote development environment that embodies the AI era of coding — mobile, connected, and resilient.

This setup isn't just about convenience; it represents a fundamental shift in how developers work. By combining Tailscale's secure networking, Shellfish's background SSH persistence, and tmux's session sharing, you can collaborate with AI tools or teammates from anywhere — all through your pocket-sized device.

AI-assisted coding and mobile-first workflows are redefining productivity. Whether you're debugging during your commute, monitoring builds from a café, or quickly deploying fixes from your iPhone, this setup lets you stay in flow — the way modern development was meant to be.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is current as of November 2025. Software updates and specification changes may make some content outdated. Please refer to each tool's official documentation for the latest information.

Brian P. Hogan "Working with Claude Code" (June 2025) - Recommendation: "big scrollback buffer" for Claude Code | Related: pchalasani/claude-code-tools - Claude Code + tmux integration tools | ooloth/dotfiles - Practical dotfiles for Claude Code ↩
Terminal Type Configuration: The tmux-256color vs screen-256color debate is widely discussed in the community. Multiple forums including Unix & Linux Stack Exchange and Stack Overflow recommend tmux-256color for modern terminals. ↩
Shellfish (Secure ShellFish): App Store | Official Site | MacStories "Secure ShellFish Review" (2019) | 2025 Update: DECSLRM support for improved tmux compatibility ↩
Blink Shell: App Store | Official Site | GitHub | Open source, top developer tool on AppStore for 5+ years ↩
Termius: App Store | Official Site | Note (Nov 2025): Scrollback issues reported with AI terminal tools - GitHub Issue: google-gemini/gemini-cli #10349 ↩

Remote Development from iPhone to macOS in the AI Era: Tailscale + Shellfish + tmux

Published: Sat, Nov 1, 2025 • Updated: Tue, Nov 25, 2025

This shift also changes how and where we work. Instead of always coding at a desk, we can now connect to our development machines remotely — even from an iPhone on the go.

Overview

This guide shows how to achieve the following by combining Tailscale, Shellfish, and tmux:

Secure access to your home Mac from anywhere without port forwarding
Work sessions that persist through disconnections and resume seamlessly
Shared terminal sessions between iPhone and Mac

Requirements

macOS Side

Homebrew - Package manager for macOS
The following tools (install with Homebrew):
- Tailscale - VPN
- tmux - Terminal multiplexer

iPhone/iOS Device

App Store access
The following apps (install from App Store):
- Tailscale - VPN
- SSH client (choose from recommended apps below)

Tools Used

Tool	Role	Problem It Solves
Tailscale	Peer-to-peer VPN	Secure remote access without port forwarding
Shellfish	SSH client	iPhone GUI operation, tap-to-connect, tmux integration
tmux	Session management	Work persistence across disconnections, screen sharing

Connection Architecture

iPhone (Shellfish)
↓
Tailscale VPN (peer-to-peer connection)
↓
macOS (development machine)
├─ SSH server
└─ tmux session (persistent, multi-device sharing)

Each layer works together to provide stable remote development in mobile environments:

Layer	Technology	Role
Client	Shellfish	Tap-to-connect, GUI management
Network	Tailscale	Secure connection, NAT traversal, fixed IP
Protocol	SSH	Encrypted secure connection
Session	tmux	Session persistence, screen sharing

Setup Instructions

1. macOS Configuration

1.1 Installing Required Packages

Install the necessary tools using Homebrew:

# Install Tailscale (VPN)
brew install --cask tailscale-app

# Install tmux (terminal multiplexer)
brew install tmux

1.2 tmux Configuration (Recommended)

Create a tmux configuration file optimized for Claude Code and AI tools.

Save the following to ~/.tmux.conf:

# ====================================================================================
# Basic Settings - 2025 Recommended Configuration
# ====================================================================================

# Terminal Type: tmux-256color (modern recommendation, tmux 2.6+)
# Benefits over screen-256color:
#   - Italics support (screen doesn't support it)
#   - Better color rendering
#   - Improved CJK (Japanese/Chinese/Korean) character handling
set -g default-terminal "tmux-256color"

# True Color (24-bit RGB) Support
# Modern tmux 3.2+ recommended method
set -as terminal-features ",*:RGB"
set-option -sa terminal-overrides ",tmux*:Tc"

# Enable mouse support (essential for iOS touch operations)
set -g mouse on

# Start window/pane numbering from 1 (human-friendly)
set -g base-index 1
setw -g pane-base-index 1

# Renumber windows when one is closed (no gaps)
set -g renumber-windows on

# ====================================================================================
# Claude Code / AI Tools Optimization
# ====================================================================================

# Dramatically increase scrollback buffer
# Claude Code generates verbose output requiring large buffer
# Recommended: 500000 lines (~250MB)
# Reference: Default is 2000 lines, typical usage is 50000 lines
set -g history-limit 500000

# Minimize ESC key response time (vim/neovim comfort)
# tmux 3.5 default: 10ms
set -sg escape-time 0

# Enable focus events (vim/neovim integration)
set -g focus-events on

# Extend message display time (for reviewing Claude Code output)
set -g display-time 3000

# Extend pane number display time (better usability on small screens)
set -g display-panes-time 4000

# ====================================================================================
# Key Bindings
# ====================================================================================

# vi mode key bindings (use vim keys in copy mode)
setw -g mode-keys vi

# Emacs-style status bar (matches zsh default)
set -g status-keys emacs

# ====================================================================================
# Visual Settings
# ====================================================================================

# Status bar at top (iOS keyboard won't cover it)
set -g status-position top

# Status bar color settings (simple and readable)
set -g status-style bg=black,fg=white

# Highlight current window
setw -g window-status-current-style bg=blue,fg=white,bold

Benefits of this configuration:

Claude Code Ready¹: 500000-line scrollback to fully review long outputs
True Color²: Modern color schemes display correctly (using tmux-256color)
CJK Character Optimized: Better Japanese/Chinese/Korean text quality
iOS Optimized: Touch operations and keyboard position considered

1.3 Enable Remote Login

Enable macOS remote login (SSH server):

Open System Settings
Go to General > Sharing
Enable Remote Login
Select authorized users (recommended: administrators only)

1.4 Tailscale Setup

# Launch Tailscale app
open -a Tailscale

When Tailscale launches, follow the login instructions
Authenticate with an SSO provider (Google, GitHub, etc.)
Once connected, note the Tailscale IP address assigned to macOS:

tailscale ip -4

Example output: 100.64.1.2

Important: This is your macOS Tailscale IP address. Save this IP for use in later steps.

Note: Tailscale automatically assigns fixed IPs in the 100.x.y.z format. This IP remains constant while the device is part of the Tailscale network.

1.5 Enable Tailscale 2FA (Recommended)

Access the Tailscale admin console
Navigate to Settings > Users and select your account
Enable Two-factor authentication

2. iPhone Configuration

2.1 SSH Client Selection

Multiple SSH clients are available for iPhone/iPad. After trying several apps, I found Shellfish to be the most user-friendly. Here's my assessment as of November 2025.

Recommended: Shellfish (Secure ShellFish)³

Features:

✅ Excellent tmux Support: Session thumbnail previews, Handoff for seamless device switching
✅ Background SSH Persistence: Keeps SSH connections alive even when the app is in the background
✅ Files App Integration: Direct SSH server integration into iOS Files app
✅ iCloud Keychain Sync: Automatic server settings sync
✅ One-time Purchase: $29.99 for lifetime use (monthly $2.99, yearly $14.99 also available)

Why Recommended:

Excellent tmux integration that handles Claude Code's verbose output effortlessly
Strong long-term value with one-time purchase option
Highly responsive developer support

Alternative 1: Blink Shell⁴

Features:

✅ Full Mosh Support: Connection maintained during network switches and even after device reboot
✅ Open Source: Continuous community improvements
✅ Blink Code: Browser-based VSCode integration
✅ Advanced Customization: High flexibility in themes, fonts, and layouts
✅ iPad Multitasking Optimized: Excellent Split Screen / Slide Over support

Price: $19.99/year (no one-time purchase option)

Best For:

Using VSCode on mobile
Unstable network environments (traveling, etc.) where Mosh connection persistence is essential

Alternative 2: Termius⁵

Features:

✅ Cross-platform: Syncs across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
✅ Mosh Support: Improved connection stability
✅ SFTP Integration: Built-in file transfer

Caveats:

⚠️ Claude Code Compatibility Issues: As of November 2025, scrollback problems have been reported when using AI terminal tools (e.g., Gemini CLI). The terminal may automatically scroll to the input field after long outputs, preventing you from reviewing previous content.

Price: Free tier available; Premium around $15/month

2.2 Install Required Apps

Install from the App Store:

Tailscale - VPN connection
Shellfish - SSH client (see recommendations above)

2.3 Tailscale Setup

Launch the Tailscale app
Log in with the same account used on macOS
Once connected, you'll join the same VPN network as your Mac

2.4 Shellfish Setup

Configure SSH connection in Shellfish.

Launch Shellfish
Tap the + button to add a new host
Enter the following:
- Label: mac (any recognizable name)
- Hostname: <macOS Tailscale IP> (e.g., 100.64.1.2)
  - This is the IP from step 1.4 that you saved
- User: <macOS username>
  - Confirm with whoami command on macOS
- Port: 22 (SSH default)
Tap Save

Setup complete. Connect by tapping the host name.

3. Connection Testing

3.1 SSH Connection Test

Test the macOS connection using Shellfish.

Connection Steps:

Open Shellfish
Tap the mac host you created
On first connection, tap Continue or Trust in the host key dialog
Enter your macOS user password if prompted
You'll see the macOS terminal upon successful connection

Verification: Confirm the connection with:

hostname

If the macOS hostname appears, the connection succeeded.

3.2 Starting a tmux Session

Once connected to macOS, start or join a tmux session:

# Create a new session
tmux new -s dev

# Or join an existing session
tmux attach -t dev

Basic Usage

tmux Basic Commands

Session Management

# Create a new session
tmux new -s <session_name>

# Join an existing session
tmux attach -t <session_name>

# List sessions
tmux ls

# Temporarily detach from session (session continues)
# Ctrl+B → d

# End session
exit

Sharing Sessions Between iPhone and Mac

tmux allows you to share the same terminal session across devices.

Start a session (on either device):

Connect to macOS and create a tmux session:
```
tmux new -s dev
```
Join from the other device:
- iPhone: Tap the mac host in your SSH client (Shellfish/Blink Shell)
- Mac: Use ssh <Tailscale IP> or mosh <Tailscale IP> in Terminal
After connecting, join the session:
```
tmux attach -t dev
```
Synchronized screens:

Any input from either device appears immediately on both screens. This enables starting work on iPhone and continuing on Mac, or vice versa.

Useful tmux Features

The configuration above enables:

Mouse support: Touch-based pane selection
vi key bindings: vim keys in scroll mode
Automatic renumbering: Window numbers compress when closed
No ESC delay: Eliminates vim usage delays

Customize by adding configurations to ~/.tmux.conf as needed.

Troubleshooting

Tailscale Can't Find macOS

Cause: Different accounts on devices, or connection not established

Solution:

Verify both devices use the same Tailscale account
Check macOS Tailscale connection:
```
tailscale status
```
Verify macOS remote login is enabled
Check iPhone Tailscale app connection status

SSH "Permission denied" Error

Cause: Remote login disabled, or user permission issues

Solution:

Verify macOS remote login is enabled:
- System Settings > General > Sharing > Remote Login

Verify correct username:

# Check current username on macOS
whoami

tmux Session Not Found

Cause: Session not created, or incorrect session name

Solution:

Check existing sessions:
```
tmux ls
```
Create new session if none exist:
```
tmux new -s dev
```

Advanced: VS Code on Browser

code-server Setup

To use VS Code in iPhone Safari:

# Install code-server on macOS
brew install code-server

# Start code-server
code-server

# Access from iPhone Safari:
# http://<Tailscale IP>:8080

Find the password in ~/.config/code-server/config.yaml.

Summary

You've now built a remote development environment that embodies the AI era of coding — mobile, connected, and resilient.

Brian P. Hogan "Working with Claude Code" (June 2025) - Recommendation: "big scrollback buffer" for Claude Code | Related: pchalasani/claude-code-tools - Claude Code + tmux integration tools | ooloth/dotfiles - Practical dotfiles for Claude Code ↩
Terminal Type Configuration: The tmux-256color vs screen-256color debate is widely discussed in the community. Multiple forums including Unix & Linux Stack Exchange and Stack Overflow recommend tmux-256color for modern terminals. ↩
Shellfish (Secure ShellFish): App Store | Official Site | MacStories "Secure ShellFish Review" (2019) | 2025 Update: DECSLRM support for improved tmux compatibility ↩
Blink Shell: App Store | Official Site | GitHub | Open source, top developer tool on AppStore for 5+ years ↩
Termius: App Store | Official Site | Note (Nov 2025): Scrollback issues reported with AI terminal tools - GitHub Issue: google-gemini/gemini-cli #10349 ↩

Remote Development from iPhone to macOS in the AI Era: Tailscale + Shellfish + tmux

Overview

Requirements

macOS Side

iPhone/iOS Device

Tools Used

Connection Architecture

Setup Instructions

1. macOS Configuration

1.1 Installing Required Packages

1.2 tmux Configuration (Recommended)

1.3 Enable Remote Login

1.4 Tailscale Setup

1.5 Enable Tailscale 2FA (Recommended)

2. iPhone Configuration

2.1 SSH Client Selection

Recommended: Shellfish (Secure ShellFish)3

Alternative 1: Blink Shell4

Alternative 2: Termius5

2.2 Install Required Apps

2.3 Tailscale Setup

2.4 Shellfish Setup

3. Connection Testing

3.1 SSH Connection Test

3.2 Starting a tmux Session

Basic Usage

tmux Basic Commands

Session Management

Sharing Sessions Between iPhone and Mac

Useful tmux Features

Troubleshooting

Tailscale Can't Find macOS

SSH "Permission denied" Error

tmux Session Not Found

Advanced: VS Code on Browser

code-server Setup

Summary

Footnotes

Remote Development from iPhone to macOS in the AI Era: Tailscale + Shellfish + tmux

Overview

Requirements

macOS Side

iPhone/iOS Device

Tools Used

Connection Architecture

Setup Instructions

1. macOS Configuration

1.1 Installing Required Packages

1.2 tmux Configuration (Recommended)

1.3 Enable Remote Login

1.4 Tailscale Setup

1.5 Enable Tailscale 2FA (Recommended)

2. iPhone Configuration

2.1 SSH Client Selection

Recommended: Shellfish (Secure ShellFish)3

Alternative 1: Blink Shell4

Alternative 2: Termius5

2.2 Install Required Apps

2.3 Tailscale Setup

2.4 Shellfish Setup

3. Connection Testing

3.1 SSH Connection Test

3.2 Starting a tmux Session

Basic Usage

tmux Basic Commands

Session Management

Sharing Sessions Between iPhone and Mac

Useful tmux Features

Troubleshooting

Tailscale Can't Find macOS

SSH "Permission denied" Error

tmux Session Not Found

Advanced: VS Code on Browser

code-server Setup

Summary

Footnotes

Recommended: Shellfish (Secure ShellFish)³

Alternative 1: Blink Shell⁴

Alternative 2: Termius⁵

Recommended: Shellfish (Secure ShellFish)³

Alternative 1: Blink Shell⁴

Alternative 2: Termius⁵