9Remote Docs

Site Browser

Test and interact with local dev servers (localhost:3000, localhost:5173, etc.) directly on your phone without exposing ports or setting up tunnels.

What It Does

When developing web apps, you usually run dev servers like Next.js, Vite, or Django on localhost. Viewing them on a remote device typically requires complex port forwarding, reverse proxies, or cloud tunnels.

9Remote's Site Browser solves this seamlessly: it embeds a virtual browser right inside your 9Remote Workspace backed by a client Service Worker bridge. It routes all HTTP and asset traffic over your encrypted 9Remote connection directly to your host's local loopback.

Key Features

Zero Port Forwarding

  • Preview http://localhost:3000, http://localhost:5173, http://localhost:8080, or any local port.
  • No public IP, no firewall rules, and no third-party tunnel tools (like ngrok) needed.

Real Mobile Device Testing

  • Test touch interactions, responsive layouts, and mobile keyboards on real iOS and Android screens instead of browser devtools emulation.

Service Worker Virtual Bridge

  • Uses an in-browser Service Worker (/workspace/browse) to transparently proxy HTML, CSS, JavaScript chunks, images, and API requests.
  • Prioritizes low-latency WebRTC data channels with automatic WebSocket fallback.

Integrated Browser Controls

  • Address Bar: Easily type target URLs (e.g., localhost:3000/dashboard).
  • Quick Port Switcher: Quick buttons to jump between active ports (3000, 5173, 8000, 8080).
  • Navigation Tools: Back, Forward, Refresh, and Console log viewer.

How to Use

  1. Start your dev server in the 9Remote Terminal (for example: npm run dev).
  2. Note the local port (e.g. localhost:3000).
  3. In 9Remote, navigate to the Browse tab.
  4. Enter localhost:3000 or select the port from the quick bar.
  5. Your local web application renders live!

Security

  • All requests are routed through your authenticated 9Remote session.
  • Only reachable by approved devices connected to your computer.
  • Host-side protection prevents unauthorized access outside local loopback networks.

Next Steps