Guide

Control Claude Code on your PC from your phone

Published 24 October 2026

A dark Windows PowerShell window with the claude --rc command typed to start a remote-controlled Claude Code session

Short answerStart Claude Code with claude --rc, or type /remote-control inside a session. The work keeps running on your PC while your phone or browser acts as a window into the same session.

You start a long AI coding job, then you have to leave your desk. With remote control, you can check on that same session from your phone, or send it a new instruction, without moving any files.

Step 1: Start it with the flag

PowerShell

claude --rc "My App"

The name in quotes is optional. It just helps you find the session later on your phone.

Already inside a session?

Type this instead:

Terminal

/remote-control

/rc is the short version.

What actually happens

Claude Code keeps running on your own PC. Your files, tools and settings never move to the phone.
The phone (or any browser) is a window into that session. You can send a message from the terminal, the browser or the phone, and they stay in sync.
You can send a photo from your phone too.
If your laptop sleeps or the Wi-Fi drops, the session reconnects by itself when the PC is back online.

Limits to know

Your PC has to stay on and online. If it is switched off, nothing runs.
You need to be signed in with a Claude account. An API key alone is not enough.
Claude Code changes often. If a command is different on your version, type /help or check the official docs.