VNC Remote Desktop

ServerCC includes a built-in VNC client that lets you connect to macOS Screen Sharing, Apple Remote Desktop (ARD), or any standard VNC server — directly from your iPhone or iPad. While Claude Code or Codex is writing code on your server, you can view the results in real time through the remote desktop — check UI changes, preview web pages, verify build output, and more, all without leaving the app.

Pro Feature

VNC Remote Desktop is a Pro feature. Non-subscribers can try it with 2 free time-limited sessions per day.

Connection Modes

ServerCC supports three ways to connect to a VNC server:

  • SSH Tunnel — VNC traffic is tunneled through your existing SSH connection. This is the most secure option — no additional ports need to be open on the server beyond SSH. Recommended for most setups.
  • Direct — Connects directly to the VNC server IP and port (default 5900). The VNC port must be accessible from your device.
  • Tailscale — Connects via the built-in Tailscale network. Ideal for private servers not exposed to the internet.

Setting Up

1

Enable VNC on the remote machine

For macOS, enable Screen Sharing in System Settings (see below). For Linux, install and configure a VNC server such as TigerVNC or x11vnc.

2

Open VNC in ServerCC

From the server detail screen, tap the VNC button to open the VNC connection view.

3

Choose connection mode and enter credentials

Select SSH Tunnel, Direct, or Tailscale. Enter your VNC password (and username if using ARD). Credentials are saved in the iOS Keychain for future connections.

4

Connect

Tap Connect to start the VNC session. The remote desktop will appear in full screen.

macOS Screen Sharing Setup

To enable Screen Sharing on your Mac:

1

Open System Settings → General → Sharing

2

Toggle on Screen Sharing

3

Choose which users are allowed to access the screen (your login user is recommended)

Tip

macOS Screen Sharing uses ARD authentication by default, which requires both a username and password. In ServerCC, enter your macOS login username and password in the VNC credentials fields.

Credentials

ServerCC supports two VNC authentication types:

  • ARD (username + password) — Used by macOS Screen Sharing by default. Enter your macOS login username and password.
  • VNC password only — Standard VNC authentication. Only a password is required.

Credentials are stored securely in the iOS Keychain and reused for future connections to the same server.

Quality Modes

Choose a quality mode before connecting based on your network conditions:

  • Quality Priority — 24-bit color depth, ZRLE encoding, 60fps target via DisplayLink. Best for local networks or fast connections.
  • Speed Priority — 16-bit color depth with optimized encoding for lower bandwidth usage. Best for cellular or high-latency connections.

Keyboard Input

Tap the keyboard button in the VNC control bar to raise the iOS keyboard and type directly into the remote desktop. An accessory row above the keyboard provides the keys a touch keyboard lacks: Esc, Tab, arrow keys (with auto-repeat when held), and sticky modifier keys — Ctrl, Shift, Alt, and ⌘ — for shortcuts like ⌘C or Ctrl+C. Zoom controls and an interaction-mode toggle sit in the same row.

Tip

Use Quality Priority with SSH Tunnel on local networks for the best experience. Switch to Speed Priority when on cellular or remote connections.