Drive your coding agent from your phone
Save a start-up command for each server and open a terminal straight into your AI coding tool, or any command-line tool. It runs on your server, with your code, at your server's speed. You just steer.
What it does
Your servers, in your pocket
A real SSH terminal, a file editor that saves straight back to your server, and live server stats, on your iPhone and iPad.
Fix it in the terminal
- Real SSH shells, several at once over one connection.
- A key row for Esc, Ctrl, Tab and the arrows, in the order you choose.
- Tap to place the cursor. Press and hold to copy. Pinch to zoom.
- Suggests the commands you use as you type.
Edit files where they live
- Open a config over SFTP, change it, save. It goes straight back to the server.
- "Saved" means the server confirmed it. If it can't promise a safe overwrite, the file opens read-only.
- Browse, create, rename, delete and search files.
- Edit Files-app documents too, with Markdown highlighting.
See what your server is doing
- Uptime, load, memory, disk and the busiest processes, live.
- Spot the problem, fix it in the terminal, and watch the load come down.
- On iPad: files, terminal and stats side by side.
Safe by design
- Connects to your servers and nothing else. No middleman, no tracking.
- Host keys checked on every connection.
- Passwords and keys stay in the iOS Keychain on your device.
The details
At a glance
| Price | Free. No account, no subscription, no ads. |
|---|---|
| Devices | iPhone and iPad, iOS 17 or later |
| iPad | Files, terminal and server stats side by side; landscape, multitasking and hardware keyboards |
| Sign-in | Password, SSH key (encrypted keys included), or your server's interactive prompt |
| Host keys | Checked on every connection. If one changes, nothing connects until you say so. |
| Passwords and keys | Stored in the iOS Keychain on your device. Your server list can sync through your own iCloud; passwords and keys never do. |
| Tracking | None. The app connects to your servers and nothing else. |
Good to know
- Sessions close when you leave the app, so it is for hands-on work rather than watching long jobs.
- Sign-ins that need a second code after the password are not supported yet.
Who it's for
Your VPS, homelab, NAS, build server, or the machine your coding agent lives on.
Compare
How WriteAccess compares with other iOS SSH apps
Every cell comes from that app's own App Store listing. Each has strengths: if you need Mosh or a Mac app, one of the others may suit you better.
| App | Price | Privacy label | SFTP files | Server stats | Mosh | Needs iOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WriteAccessAlec Burrett | Free, no in-app purchases | Data Not Collected | Yes, edit in app | Yes | No | 17 |
| TermiusTermius Corporation | Free plan; Pro £12/month or £90/year | Data Linked to You | Yes | Not listed | Yes | 17 |
| Blink ShellBlink Shell, Inc | 14-day trial; in-app purchases £9.99–£19.99 | Data Linked to You | Yes | Not listed | Yes | 17.6 |
| Prompt 3Panic, Inc. | £9.99/year or £49.99 once | Data Not Linked to You | Not listed | Not listed | Yes | 26 |
| Secure ShellFishAnders Borum | Free with ads in terminal; Pro £2.99/month, £12.99/year or £24.99 once | Data Not Linked to You | Yes, via the Files app | Not listed | Not listed | 17.4 |
| WebSSHMengus Arnaud | Free; PRO £12 | Data Not Collected | Yes, edit in app | Yes, Proxmox nodes | Yes | 26 |
From each app's UK App Store listing on 27 October 2026. "Not listed" means the listing doesn't mention it, not that the app can't do it. Prices and features change, so check the App Store before you choose. Privacy label is the developer's own App Privacy declaration.
FAQ
Questions
Is WriteAccess free?
Yes. No account, no subscription and no ads.
Can I run Claude Code or another coding agent with WriteAccess?
Yes. Save a start-up command for each server and WriteAccess opens a terminal straight into it. Claude Code, Codex CLI or any other command-line tool runs on your server, with your code, at your server's speed. You steer from your phone.
Does it work on iPad?
Yes. On iPad you get files, terminal and server stats side by side, with landscape, multitasking and hardware keyboard support.
Can I sign in with an SSH key?
Yes. You can sign in with a password, an SSH key (encrypted keys included) or your server's interactive prompt. Sign-ins that need a second code after the password are not supported yet.
Does WriteAccess collect any data?
No. It connects to your servers and nothing else: no analytics, no tracking, no middleman. Passwords and keys stay in the iOS Keychain on your device. See the privacy policy.
Does it keep running in the background?
No. Sessions close when you leave the app, so it is for hands-on work rather than watching long jobs.
How do I get help?
Email writeaccess@alecburrett.co.uk with your question or bug report.
Support
Need a hand?
Have a question, or want to report a bug? We'd love to hear from you.