Tailscale: Reach Your Home Network From Anywhere (No Port Forwarding)

Tailscale builds a private WireGuard network between your devices. Reach your home server from your phone anywhere, with no open ports on your router.

1. Install on the server

One command on Linux, then sign in with the link it prints.

curl -fsSL https://tailscale.com/install.sh | sh
sudo tailscale up

2. Install on your phone and laptop

Install the Tailscale app from the App Store, Play Store or tailscale.com/download and sign in with the same account.

3. Connect

Every device gets a 100.x.y.z address. Use it (or the MagicDNS name) like you're at home.

ssh user@my-server

4. Exit node: use your home internet on public Wi-Fi

On the server enable IP forwarding, then advertise it as an exit node and approve it in the admin console.

sudo tailscale set --advertise-exit-node

5. Pick the exit node on your phone

In the app choose Exit Node > your server.

FAQ

Is Tailscale free?

The Personal plan is free for personal use with a generous device limit.

Do I need to open ports?

No. Tailscale connects outbound, so nothing is exposed on your router.