The Problem
I use Claude Code (an AI that works through the terminal) every day — writing code, analyzing data, creating content. But the problem is I have to be sitting at my Mac.
Sometimes I'm lying in bed and want to tell the AI to do something... but I'd have to get up and open the laptop. That's not practical.
The Solution: 3 Tools That Changed Everything
1. Tailscale — A Private VPN with Zero Config
Tailscale creates a private network connecting all your devices, anywhere in the world. No port forwarding, no static IP needed.
iPhone → Tailscale → Mac Mini (at home)
Just install Tailscale on both iPhone and Mac, log in with the same account — done. They can see each other.
2. Termius — An SSH Client on iPhone That Actually Works
Termius is the best SSH app on iOS I've ever used — clean UI, key authentication support, and snippets for frequently used commands.
I set up the connection once:
- Host: Mac's Tailscale hostname
- User: Mac username
- Key: Pre-generated SSH key
After that, just open Termius → tap once → I'm in my Mac's terminal.
3. tmux — Sessions That Never Die
This is the game changer. Without tmux, closing the terminal kills everything. But tmux means:
- Sessions persist even after closing Termius
- Reconnect instantly with
tmux attach - Split screens to monitor multiple processes
# Create a new session
tmux new -s work
# Detach (session keeps running in background)
Ctrl+B then D
# Reattach to existing session
tmux attach -t workMy Actual Workflow
1. 📱 Open Termius on iPhone
2. 🔗 Tap connection → SSH into Mac via Tailscale
3. 💻 tmux attach → Jump back into the running session
4. 🤖 Tell Claude Code what to do
5. 📱 Lock phone, go do something else
6. 🔄 Come back anytime → tmux attach → check results
Real Results
I now command AI from everywhere — in bed, at a coffee shop, even in the car. Just send the command and lock my phone while AI does the work.
Cost
| Tool | Price |
|---|---|
| Tailscale | Free (Personal plan) |
| Termius | Free (Basic) or Premium for sync |
| tmux | Free (comes with macOS) |
Total: $0/month — ready to use immediately.
Tips for Getting Started
- Set a memorable Tailscale hostname — like
my-macinstead of an IP address - Use SSH keys, not passwords — more secure and no typing every time
- Install tmux resurrect plugin — save/restore session layouts
- Create a shell alias — like
alias ai="tmux attach -t claude || tmux new -s claude"
Who Should Try This?
If you regularly use the terminal — whether you're a developer, data analyst, or anyone using AI tools via CLI — this setup will fundamentally change how you work.
You don't have to be chained to one screen anymore.