Running Claude Code from your phone sounds like a gimmick until you actually need it. You kicked off a refactor, left your desk, and now you need to check if it's done, approve a file change, or give it the next instruction. Here's how to set it up so it actually works well.
What you need
Before starting, make sure you have:
- A Mac running macOS 15 or later
- An iPhone running iOS 18 or later
- A Claude subscription (Pro, Max, Teams, or Enterprise) or an Anthropic Console account with API credits
- About 5 minutes
Step 1: Install Claude Code on your Mac
Open Terminal on your Mac and run the official installer:
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash
This installs Claude Code and sets up auto-updates. You can also install via Homebrew:
brew install --cask claude-code
Verify it installed:
claude --version
Step 2: Log in to Claude Code
Run claude in your terminal. It opens a browser window for authentication. Sign in with your Claude account. If the browser doesn't open automatically, press c to copy the login URL.
Once authenticated, you should see the Claude Code prompt. Type /status to confirm you're logged in. Type exit to quit for now.
Using an API key instead? If you have an Anthropic Console account:
export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=sk-ant-your-key-here claude
Add the export to your ~/.zshrc so it persists.
Step 3: Install Seasalt on your Mac
Download the Seasalt agent from seasalt.app/download. Open the DMG and drag SeaSalt Cove to your Applications folder. Launch it.
The app runs in your menu bar. Create an account or sign in. Enter a name for this Mac and click "Get Started." The agent connects automatically.
Step 4: Install Seasalt on your iPhone
Download SeaSalt Cove from the App Store. Sign in with the same account you used on your Mac.
Step 5: Pair your devices
Your Mac should appear in the device list on your iPhone. Tap it, then tap "Start Pairing." A 6-digit verification code appears on both devices. Confirm the codes match. You're now paired with end-to-end encryption.
Step 6: Run Claude Code from your iPhone
Tap Terminal on your iPhone to open a shell session on your Mac. Navigate to your project:
cd ~/projects/my-app claude
That's it. Claude Code is running on your Mac, and you're interacting with it from your phone. Full terminal with scrollback. You can scroll up to read output while Claude is still working without the terminal jumping to the bottom.
Tips for a better experience
Run multiple sessions
With Seasalt Pro, open several terminal sessions at once. Run Claude Code on your frontend in one terminal and your backend in another. Switch between sessions from the session list.
Resume where you left off
Close the Seasalt app on your phone and Claude Code keeps running on your Mac. When you reopen the app, you reconnect to the same session with your full history. Nothing is lost.
Use Claude Code's resume feature
If your terminal session ends for any reason, Claude Code can pick up where it left off:
claude -c
This continues the most recent conversation in the current directory.
Check on long-running tasks
Started a big refactor and want to check in later? Open Seasalt, tap into your terminal session, and scroll up to see what Claude has been doing. If it's waiting for your input, type your response right from your phone.
Pipe output for quick checks
For quick one-off queries without starting an interactive session:
git diff main --name-only | claude -p "summarize what changed"
Troubleshoot with Claude Doctor
If something isn't working:
claude doctor
This diagnoses common issues with your Claude Code installation and configuration.
Common issues
"Command not found: claude" after installing: Close and reopen your terminal, or run source ~/.zshrc. The installer adds Claude Code to your PATH but existing terminal sessions need to reload.
Authentication errors: Run /status inside Claude Code to check which auth method is active. If you have an ANTHROPIC_API_KEY environment variable set, it takes priority over your subscription login. Run unset ANTHROPIC_API_KEY if you want to use your subscription instead.
Terminal feels slow on cellular: Seasalt uses minimal bandwidth for terminal text. If you're seeing lag, it's usually the initial connection handshake, not the terminal itself. The connection will feel snappy once established.
Why this works better than SSH
You could set up SSH, configure port forwarding or a VPN, manage keys, and use a third-party terminal app. Or you could install two apps and be done in 2 minutes. Seasalt handles the networking, encryption, and session persistence so you can focus on the actual work.
Every byte between your devices is encrypted with AES-256-GCM. The relay server never sees your terminal content, your code, or your Claude Code conversations.
Download Seasalt free and try it with your next Claude Code session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run Claude Code from my iPhone?
Yes. Install the Claude Code CLI on your Mac, then use Seasalt to open a terminal session from your iPhone. You get a full terminal with scrollback, so you can start Claude Code, monitor its progress, and interact with it just like you would sitting at your Mac.
Do I need a paid Claude subscription to use Claude Code?
Yes. Claude Code requires a Claude Pro, Max, Teams, or Enterprise subscription, or an Anthropic Console account with API credits. The free Claude.ai plan does not include Claude Code access.
Can I run multiple Claude Code sessions at the same time from my phone?
Yes. With Seasalt Pro, you can run up to 10 concurrent terminal sessions. Open Claude Code in one terminal for your frontend project and another for your backend. Switch between them from the session list.
What happens if I close the Seasalt app while Claude Code is running?
Claude Code keeps running on your Mac. When you reopen Seasalt, you reconnect to the same terminal session with your full scrollback history. Nothing is lost.