iOS Terminal Options for Claude Code

gistfile0.txt

# Running Claude Code on iPhone

## The Problem
iOS restrictions prevent running Claude Code locally (requires Node.js 18+, which iOS can't run).

## Your Options

| Option | Cost | Setup | Best For |
|--------|------|-------|----------|
| **Blink Shell + SSH** | $20 (or free if self-built) | ~20 min | Power users, persistent sessions |
| **Claude iOS App** | Pro/Max subscription | Instant | Simplest option |
| **iSH + mosh** | Free | Moderate | Budget option |

## Local Terminal Apps (Can't Run Claude Code)

| App | Claude Code? | Why Not |
|-----|--------------|---------|
| iSH | No | Max Node.js v16, needs v18+ |
| a-Shell | No | No Node.js at all |

## SSH Setup (Recommended)

| Component | Recommendation |
|-----------|----------------|
| iOS Client | Blink Shell (Mosh support) |
| Networking | Tailscale (easy, no port forwarding) |
| Server | Any always-on machine (VPS, home PC) |
| Session Manager | tmux (keeps Claude running if you disconnect) |

**Workflow:** `iPhone → Blink (Mosh) → Server (tmux) → Claude Code`

## Free/Open Source Alternatives to Blink

| App | Open Source | Mosh | Notes |
|-----|-------------|------|-------|
| Blink (self-built) | Yes (GPLv3) | Yes | Best, requires Mac + Xcode |
| Pisth | Yes | No | Basic SSH/SFTP |
| iSH | Yes | Yes (via apk) | Slower, emulated |
| Termius | No | No | Free tier available |

## Quick Start

1. Get a server (VPS like Hetzner/DigitalOcean, or home machine)
2. Install: `npm i -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code && apt install tmux mosh`
3. Setup Tailscale on both devices
4. Install Blink Shell on iPhone
5. Connect: `mosh your-server -- tmux new -s claude`
6. Run: `claude`