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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. This means:

  • Your desktop runs the Tarsk server (either the desktop app or npx tarsk --server).
  • The mobile app connects to that server and provides the same chat, thread, 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, you need to enable network access on the desktop:

  1. Open Settings > General in the Tarsk desktop app or web UI.
  2. Find the Mobile & Network Access section.
  3. Set the toggle to Yes.
  4. Tarsk displays the LAN URL (e.g. http://192.168.1.42:641) and a QR code.
  5. Restart the Tarsk server for the change to take effect.

The Local mode (default) only accepts connections from localhost. Switching to Network mode allows connections from other devices on the same Wi-Fi network.

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. There are two ways to connect:

Manual Entry

Section titled “Manual Entry”
  1. Look at the LAN URL displayed in Settings > General > 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. In Settings > General > Mobile & Network Access on the desktop, a QR code appears when network mode is enabled.
  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.
  4. The app automatically fills in the server address and connects.

The QR code scanner requires camera permission. If denied, you can grant it in your device settings.

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

General Settings on Mobile

Section titled “General Settings on Mobile”

The Settings > General screen is available on mobile with the same options as the desktop:

SettingMobile Behaviour
Font SizeText scales with an additional multiplier for smaller screens. The slider and reset button work the same as on desktop.
AppearanceLight, dark, or system theme — unchanged from desktop.
Maximum Turn CountControls agent autonomy — unchanged from desktop.
Voice ModelSpeech recognition runs in-browser via WebAssembly. Choose Standard or Tiny.

The Account tab is hidden on mobile. All other settings tabs (Providers, Models, Skills, Rules, Slash Commands, Subagents, Instructions, System Prompt, MCP Servers, History) are accessible.

Responsive Layout

Section titled “Responsive Layout”

The Tarsk UI adapts to mobile screens (below 768px width):

  • The sidebar collapses and can be toggled open.
  • Tabs and navigation become scrollable.
  • Font size applies a mobile-specific scaling factor.
  • Chat messages adjust spacing for narrower viewports.
  • The file explorer and browser preview use stacked layouts instead of side-by-side panels.

Troubleshooting

Section titled “Troubleshooting”

If the mobile app cannot connect to your desktop:

  • Confirm Network mode is enabled in Settings > General > Mobile & Network Access on the desktop.
  • Restart the Tarsk server after enabling network access.
  • Make sure 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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