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Getting Started

This page covers the fastest practical path: run OpenCode in server mode, secure it, and connect from the mobile UI.

1. Install OpenCode

Use one of the official install paths:

curl -fsSL https://opencode.ai/install | bash

Or install with npm:

npm install -g opencode-ai

2. Decide which mode you want

OpenCode gives you two useful remote setups.

opencode web

Use this when you want the built-in browser UI.

OPENCODE_SERVER_USERNAME=your-user \
OPENCODE_SERVER_PASSWORD='change-this-password' \
opencode web --port 4096 --hostname 127.0.0.1

opencode serve

Use this when you want a headless HTTP server that a client can talk to.

OPENCODE_SERVER_USERNAME=your-user \
OPENCODE_SERVER_PASSWORD='change-this-password' \
opencode serve --port 4096 --hostname 127.0.0.1

opencode serve is the cleaner default for a remote mobile client. opencode web is useful when you also want the OpenCode web UI in a browser.

3. Keep the server on a fixed port

Using a stable port makes tunneling and reconnecting much simpler.

Recommended default:

4096

4. Verify the server locally

Before exposing anything remotely, make sure the server responds on the machine where OpenCode is running.

For example:

curl -u your-user:change-this-password http://127.0.0.1:4096/global/health

For a healthy server you should get a response that includes healthy: true.

5. Connect from the mobile app

Use the settings screen shown in the screenshots:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Paste the remote server URL into Server URL
  3. Enter the same username and password configured on the server
  4. Tap Reconnect
  5. Confirm the status changes to Connected

Once connected, move to the workspace screen and choose the project that should back the current chat.

Notes

  • Do not expose an unsecured OpenCode server to the internet.
  • Prefer a tunnel or reverse proxy over binding directly to a public interface.
  • Use a strong password if the server is reachable from outside your local machine.