SSH port forwarding from your phone
Local, remote, and dynamic SOCKS forwards, saved as rules and started with a tap. Open the forwarded service in the built-in browser.
Suggested from terminal output
On the Mac, when a program prints the address it listens on, the terminal offers to forward it. One click, and it is running. Turn it on in Settings.
Details
Three kinds
Local reaches what the server sees. Remote comes back to you. Dynamic runs a SOCKS proxy on your device.
Saved as rules
Rules belong to a machine, sync through iCloud, and can start with the app.
Open it right there
An admin panel bound to localhost opens right in the built-in browser.
The path, drawn
A running session shows each end of the tunnel, with a live log below.
How to set one up
- 01
Open Toolbox, then Port Forwarding
Or open a machine and add the rule from there. Rules are stored with the machine.
- 02
Pick a mode
Local, Remote, or Dynamic. The form explains what each one does.
- 03
Fill in the addresses
For a local forward, the port to listen on here, and the host and port to reach from the server. Leave the local port on Auto and SwiftServer finds a free one.
- 04
Start it
The session moves to Running, and the forwarded address is ready to use.
- 05
Use it
Point an app at the local port, or press Open to load it in the built-in browser. On iPhone, a Live Activity keeps the session on the Lock Screen.
Questions
What is the difference between local, remote, and dynamic forwarding?
Local forwarding listens on your device and sends traffic to a host the server can reach. Remote forwarding listens on the server and sends traffic back to your device. Dynamic forwarding runs a SOCKS proxy on your device and lets each request choose its own destination.
Can other apps on my phone use the SOCKS proxy?
A dynamic forward listens on your device, so anything you can point at a local SOCKS proxy can use it. SwiftServer does not change your system proxy settings for you.
How many forwards can I run at once for free?
One at a time. Premium removes the limit. Saving rules is free either way.
Do forwards start automatically?
Only the ones you switch on for it. Those rules come up when SwiftServer launches.
Does a forward reconnect after the network drops?
No. The session stops and you start it again from the rule. There is no automatic retry.
Can a forward go through a jump host or a proxy?
Yes. A rule follows the machine’s jump route, and it can use a different proxy from the machine when that one path needs one.
A tunnel, one tap away.
One forwarding session at a time is free.