What You Need Before Using RemoteVibeCode

Required setup

• You need a remote server or workstation that is reachable over SSH.
• The SSH host can run Linux, macOS, or Windows.
• Codex CLI must be installed on that remote system.
• You must be signed in to Codex with either your ChatGPT account or an OpenAI account.

Supported remote systems

RemoteVibeCode connects to any machine that offers SSH access and can run Codex CLI in a terminal session.

• Linux: the most common setup for cloud servers, dev boxes, and home lab systems.
• macOS: works well for a Mac mini, Mac Studio, or another Mac you leave running.
• Windows: possible, but Codex CLI support is currently experimental and may require WSL or a compatible shell setup.

Install Codex CLI

Install Codex CLI directly on the remote host before adding that host to the app.

• OpenAI Codex CLI documentation
• OpenAI Help: Codex CLI getting started

For sign-in, use the remote terminal and complete the Codex login flow with your ChatGPT account or your OpenAI account:

• OpenAI Help: Sign in with ChatGPT for Codex CLI

Verify Codex before using the app

Do this on the remote machine first. If Codex is not working from the shell, RemoteVibeCode will not be able to start a useful session.

Examples:

codex --version
codex login
codex

Good signs that the system is ready:

• codex --version returns a version instead of “command not found”.
• codex login completes successfully if the machine is not already authenticated.
• Running codex opens the interactive CLI and accepts a simple prompt such as “Explain the files in this directory.”

SSH and network access

Your remote machine must be accessible over SSH from wherever the app is being used.

• Direct SSH access can work, but many users prefer to keep SSH private.
• Using a VPN is optional, but recommended when the server is inside your home lab, office, or private infrastructure.
• If you use a VPN, connect the iPhone or iPad to that VPN before starting RemoteVibeCode.

Recommended preflight checklist

1. SSH into the remote host from another terminal client.
2. Confirm you can reach the project directory you want to work in.
3. Run codex --version.
4. Run codex and verify it starts correctly.
5. Only then add the server to RemoteVibeCode and connect from the app.