Get started

This project's official instance is https://remote.tmts.ca. Herdr must be able to run on the computer. macOS and Linux are supported; Windows is not yet.

Four steps: check prerequisites → install Remote (and Herdr if missing) → pair → open a session.

What you need

Need	Notes
A macOS or Linux computer	pairfob and the agents run here
Herdr 0.8 or newer	Remote does not ship an agent and does not replace Herdr
curl	The install script downloads the binary
A browser on another device	Phone, tablet, or another computer

1. Check the computer

Keep the macOS or Linux computer awake and online while using your phone. The installer automatically adds the latest stable Herdr if it is missing, including without an interactive terminal. It reuses an existing compatible installation. Use --no-install-herdr to disable dependency installation.

Remote does not replace Herdr. Agents still run here, but Herdr does not need to be open before Remote starts. When pairfob launches and finds Herdr offline, it starts it. Running herdr later attaches to that same server, so the sessions already opened from the phone are not copies.

If automatic startup fails, the phone explicitly says Herdr is not running. Run herdr once on the computer and Remote recovers without a restart or new pairing. There is no extra “remote mode” to turn on.

2. Install pairfob

curl -fsSL https://remote.tmts.ca/install.sh | sh -s -- --origin https://remote.tmts.ca

This downloads pairfob, checks Herdr and starts it if needed, enrolls with the official instance at https://remote.tmts.ca, and installs a user-level login service.

The service starts after you log in, not at power-on. Sleeping with the lid closed, or logging out, stops it until you return to that same session.

A second computer uses the same command, then Settings → Switch computer → Add a computer on the phone.

Flags, install paths, and uninstall: Install.

After install, type pairfob with no subcommand. It prints whether it is running, how many devices are paired, and whether Herdr is open. For the full checklist use remote doctor.

3. Pair

On a terminal on the computer that runs pairfob:

remote pair

It leads with a QR code and keeps a manual code as fallback. On the other device open remote.tmts.ca/pair:

• Can scan: scan and pairing starts
• Cannot scan: type the code. That is 8 pairing glyphs + 6 locator glyphs (you can paste all 14)
• Desktop browser: the page shows the code field directly; type or paste the code there

After the other side proves the code, press Enter once in the computer terminal. This is authorization, not an account login. Neither side shows security words.

Details and errors: Pairing.

4. Open a session

If you have no sessions yet, choose Create. Enter the absolute project path on the connected computer (run pwd in that project to copy it), then choose an agent type or Terminal. Agent types describe support; install and sign in to the chosen agent on that computer first.

Herdr sessions appear in the Remote list. Tapping a card opens that session on the computer, not a copy.

When the status is Needs you, the prompt stays in the terminal. Remote does not blindly send Enter. Use the keypad's ↑/↓ to choose, then Enter. In Chat, a numbered prompt can be answered on the Needs your confirmation card (the terminal screen is checked before sending), or tap Handle in terminal to switch to Control. The compose box uses the system keyboard, including dictation and autocorrect. What you send lands in that session on the computer.

UI: Using the app. Leaving and sitting down: Leave and return.

Add to Home Screen

Remote is a web app. Pinning it removes the browser chrome.

iOS / iPadOS (Safari)

1. Open remote.tmts.ca/pair (after pairing this goes straight to the list)
2. Share → Add to Home Screen
3. Open from the icon next time

iOS is meant to run from the Home Screen. A Safari tab still works; notifications and full screen are weaker.

Android (Chrome)

Chrome may offer “Install app”, or use the menu → Install app / Add to Home Screen.

The credential lives in this browser profile on this device. Another browser, cleared site data, or a private tab means pairing again.

What success looks like

On the computer	On the phone
remote doctor shows Running / Herdr / Origin healthy	Opening Remote shows the same session list
remote list includes this device	Opening a Needs you card, the prompt is on screen; confirm with the keypad then Enter
The Herdr window is still there	Typed text appears in that computer session

Next: Multiple devices, Notifications, or skim the FAQ.

Use it on a computer

Open the pairing page in your computer browser; pairing to the same computer works too. No phone is required. Run herdr for the same default sessions in a local terminal; use herdr --session NAME for a named session. Run pairfob for status. Closing the webpage keeps tasks running; stopping Remote does not stop Herdr. Sleep and logout interrupt remote access.