Mobile App¶

HomelabARR Mobile is an optional companion app for iOS and Android. It connects to your existing CE server — same dashboard, same 100+ apps, same login — but native on your phone.

The mobile app is optional

It doesn't run any extra backend services. Your CE server keeps running exactly as it does now. The app is just a convenient way to check on things without opening a laptop.

What It Does¶

Browse and deploy all 100+ container templates from your phone
Monitor running containers with real-time status
Works everywhere — local IP, Tailscale, Cloudflare Tunnel, any URL that reaches your CE server
Secure — your server URL and API key are stored locally on your device. Deleting the app removes them.

Getting It¶

Platform	Status	Price
iOS (App Store)	TestFlight beta available	$4.99 one-time
Android (Google Play)	APK available, Play Store submission pending	$4.99 one-time
Build from source	Always free	github.com/smashingtags/homelabarr-mobile

Why $4.99?

HomelabARR CE is free and always will be. The mobile app is a convenience — compiled, signed, auto-updated through the store. Power users can always build it from the open source repo.

Setup¶

When you first open the app, enter two things:

1. Your Server URL¶

This is whatever URL you use to access CE in a browser:

Your setup	Example URL
Local network	`http://192.168.1.100:8084`
Tailscale	`http://100.x.x.x:8084`
Traefik + domain	`https://homelabarr.yourdomain.com`
Cloudflare Tunnel	`https://homelabarr.yourdomain.com`

Local IPs only work on the same network

If you're away from home (on cellular or a different WiFi), a local IP like 192.168.1.100 won't work. You'll need Tailscale, a Cloudflare Tunnel, or a public domain pointed at your server for remote access.

2. Your API Key¶

Generate one from the CE dashboard: click your username → API Keys → Generate New Key. Copy the hlr_ key and paste it into the app.

Revoke unused keys

API keys give full access to your CE instance. If you stop using a device, revoke its key from the dashboard — Settings → API Keys → Delete.

3. Tap Connect¶

The app validates the URL, checks the connection, and loads your dashboard.

Troubleshooting¶

"Connection failed"¶

Is your CE server running? Check: docker ps | grep homelabarr
Can your phone reach the URL? Try it in your phone's browser first
On cellular or away from home? You need Tailscale or a public URL — local IPs only work on the same network

Dashboard loads but shows "Failed to load applications"¶

Your CE backend container might not be running: docker ps | grep backend
If you're using an API key, check that it's valid in the dashboard

Technical Details¶

Built with: React Native + Expo
Storage: Server URL and API key stored on-device via AsyncStorage — not sent anywhere
Platforms: iOS 15+ and Android 10+
Source: github.com/smashingtags/homelabarr-mobile

Try the Demo¶

Don't have a CE server yet? Connect to the live demo:

URL: https://ce-demo.homelabarr.com
Login: admin / admin

Browse all 100+ apps (deploys are disabled on the demo server).