Hey Terminal

Codex CLI over SSH

Use Codex CLI
from your iPad

Your project stays on your computer.
Your terminal comes with you.

Use Hey Terminal on iPad or iPhone to connect over SSH to your Mac or Linux computer. Run Codex CLI there, ask about your code, and review the work from your keyboard.

Get Hey Terminal Start the guide ↓

iPad and iPhone · iOS 17.6 or later · External keyboard recommended

One project. Three commands.EXAMPLE
01 · IN HEY TERMINAL$ ssh you@your-computer
02 · ON YOUR COMPUTER$ cd ~/projects/your-repo
03 · IN YOUR PROJECT$ codex
Hey Terminal connects you. Codex CLI and your development tools run on the computer you connect to.

A 26-second example

See a
read-only session.

Open Codex in an SSH session, ask it to summarize a demo workspace, and read its answer.

Recorded in iPad Simulator with a temporary SSH environment on a Mac. The video shows inspection and a response; it does not show code editing, tests, or deployment. Silent video.

Read the video walkthrough

The clip begins in an already connected SSH session in Hey Terminal. Codex CLI opens, and the request “Summarize this demo workspace in one sentence” is typed. Codex lists the workspace files, reads the example README, status, notes, and log, then answers with a one-sentence summary of their contents. The final frame keeps the answer visible. The demo uses disposable files and shows no project modifications.

Before you begin

A computer ready
to connect.

Set this up at your computer first. Try your first connection on the same network.

From connection to review

Pick up a focused task.

Replace the example address and project path below with your own.

01 / CONNECT

Open your computer’s shell.

In Hey Terminal, type your SSH connection command. Use your configured SSH alias if you have one.

ssh you@your-computer

On the first connection, check the server’s key fingerprint against the one on your computer before trusting it. Enter your SSH password or use your supported SSH key.

Away from home? Use a trusted VPN to reach your computer. Keep the computer awake and confirm the connection works before you leave.

02 / SIGN IN

Authenticate on the computer.

Sign in to Codex CLI on the computer you connected to. If it is already authenticated, you can continue to your project.

For an SSH session, OpenAI documents device code sign-in. Enable device code login in your ChatGPT security settings, or ask your workspace admin if your workspace permits it. Then run:

codex login --device-auth

Open the link printed by Codex in your browser, sign in, and enter the one-time code. If this method is unavailable, follow the alternatives in the official authentication guide ↗.

03 / OPEN

Start in your repository.

Move to the project directory on your computer. Check for existing changes so you know what was there before your session, then launch Codex.

cd ~/projects/your-repo
git status
codex

Your repository, commands, and tests run on this computer. Hey Terminal provides the remote terminal connection.

04 / ASK

Begin with a review.

For your first task, ask Codex to explain the project before requesting edits. Check the permissions and approval prompts shown by Codex, and keep the task limited to inspection.

Read this repository and explain its main entry points and how to run its tests. Do not edit files, install packages, or make network requests.

Example first prompt

Read its answer and follow up with a question about one file or function. A focused prompt is easier to check on a smaller screen.

05 / REVIEW

Make one small change, then check it.

When you are comfortable, choose a small task in a repository with a Git checkpoint. Describe the expected behavior and the files it should touch. Review Codex’s proposed commands and permission requests as you go.

Fix the typo in the README setup heading. Change only the README, preserve the rest of the text, and show me the diff.

Example small editing task

After the task finishes, return to the shell and inspect the changes yourself:

git status
git diff

For a code change, run your project’s documented tests and checks. Inspect any new files reported by git status, too. Commit or share the work only after you are satisfied with the result.

When you step away

Plan for a
disconnected session.

iOS may suspend the app in the background, and the SSH connection can disconnect. Your computer also needs to stay awake.

If you already use tmux on your computer, you can optionally start a named session before launching Codex:

tmux new -s codex-work
cd ~/projects/your-repo
codex

After reconnecting over SSH to the same computer, return to that session with:

tmux attach -t codex-work

The session stays on your host while that host and its tmux process are running. This does not keep the iOS app or its SSH connection active in the background.

A few useful details

Know the workflow.

Where is Codex running?

Codex CLI runs on the Mac or Linux computer you connect to over SSH. Hey Terminal is the iPad and iPhone terminal used to reach it. This guide does not install Codex on iOS.

Is Codex access included with Hey Terminal?

No. You provide your own Codex account or supported authentication method. OpenAI’s access requirements, limits, and any charges apply independently.

What if the connection fails?

Check that your computer is awake, SSH access is enabled, and the address is reachable. Try the same network first. If you are away, check your trusted VPN connection. The Hey Terminal usage guide ↗ covers the app’s SSH setup.

Where can I find current Codex instructions?

See the official Codex CLI guide ↗ and authentication documentation ↗. Codex behavior and sign-in options can change; those sources are the reference for current setup.

Hey Terminal + your computer

Bring your keyboard.
Pick up your project.

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Hey Terminal is an independent app and is not affiliated with or endorsed by OpenAI.