hostc

Test localhost on a real phone

Open the site on your computer from your phone, over HTTPS, on any network. Hot reload keeps working, so the phone updates when you save.

How to do it

  1. Start your dev server, then run hostc with a QR code:

    npx hostc@latest 3000 --qr

  2. Scan the code with your phone.

  3. Edit a file. The page on your phone updates with the save.

Why not the local IP address

  • The phone can be on mobile data. It doesn't have to share your Wi-Fi.
  • The page is HTTPS, so browser features that need a secure context work, such as the camera, service workers and geolocation. They don't work on http://192.168.x.x.
  • Your dev server can keep listening on localhost.

Good to know

  • Anyone with the URL reaches your server, so don't post it anywhere public.

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