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Tarsk

Mobile App

Tarsk includes a mobile app for iOS and Android that connects to the Tarsk server running on your desktop or laptop. The mobile app uses the same interface as the web app, with native features such as QR code scanning for quick setup.

How It Works

Section titled “How It Works”

The mobile app does not run the Tarsk server itself. Instead, it connects over your local Wi-Fi network to a Tarsk instance running on your computer:

  • Your desktop runs the Tarsk server (desktop app or npx tarsk --server)
  • The mobile app connects to that server and provides the same chat, branch, and project experience
  • All AI processing, git operations, and file system access happen on the desktop — the mobile app is a remote interface

Enabling Network Access

Section titled “Enabling Network Access”

Before the mobile app can connect, enable network access on the desktop:

  1. Open Settings → Settings (app-wide preferences at /settings/general).
  2. Turn Mobile & Network Access on.
  3. Tarsk displays the LAN URL (e.g. http://192.168.1.42:641).
  4. When a LAN IP is detected, a Mobile App section with a QR code appears on the same page.
  5. Restart the Tarsk server for the change to take effect.

With the toggle off (default), the server accepts only localhost connections.

Connecting from the Mobile App

Section titled “Connecting from the Mobile App”

When you open the mobile app and it cannot reach the Tarsk server, a Connect to Tarsk dialog appears.

Manual Entry

Section titled “Manual Entry”
  1. Note the LAN URL shown under Mobile & Network Access on the desktop.
  2. Enter the IP address (e.g. 192.168.1.42) in the connection dialog on the mobile app.
  3. Tap Connect.

The app verifies the server is reachable before connecting. If the connection fails, check that both devices are on the same network and the Tarsk server is running.

QR Code Scanning

Section titled “QR Code Scanning”
  1. With network access enabled, scan the QR code in the Mobile App section on the desktop settings page.
  2. On the mobile app, tap the QR code icon in the connection dialog.
  3. Point your camera at the QR code on the desktop screen.

The QR code scanner requires camera permission. If denied, enter the IP address manually.

Once connected, the server address is saved. The mobile app reconnects automatically on subsequent launches as long as the server is reachable.

Settings on Mobile

Section titled “Settings on Mobile”

Most settings tabs are available on mobile with the same options as desktop. The Account tab is hidden on mobile.

Font size applies an additional scaling multiplier on narrow viewports. The projects home sidebar collapses and can be toggled open.

Troubleshooting

Section titled “Troubleshooting”

If the mobile app cannot connect:

  • Confirm Mobile & Network Access is on in desktop settings
  • Restart the Tarsk server after enabling network access
  • Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network (guest networks often block device-to-device traffic)
  • Verify the desktop Tarsk server is running
  • If QR scanning fails, enter the IP address manually from the LAN URL shown on the desktop
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