Skip to content

Remote Access

Device at home, you're at the office? Need to manage a server in a colo from a business trip? FlexKVM doesn't need a public IP or router configuration — hotspot direct and Tailscale VPN are two ways to connect securely from outside, both set up in minutes.

Pick your method

Your situation Method Summary
Near the device, but no network available Hotspot direct FlexKVM creates its own WiFi 6 hotspot — connect your phone and manage
Away from the device, it's in a remote location Tailscale VPN Free VPN, end-to-end encrypted — works anywhere with internet

Try hotspot direct first (zero config, instant), set up Tailscale later if needed.

Option 1: WiFi 6 Hotspot Direct

No network on-site, customer won't let you on their LAN, rack isn't wired yet — FlexKVM becomes a WiFi 6 hotspot. Your phone or laptop connects directly and you're in control.

Steps

  1. Power on FlexKVM (USB Type-C, 5V/1A)
  2. Long-press Button B on the device for ~3 seconds — release when the OLED shows the hotspot icon
  3. On your phone or computer, search for WiFi networks and find FlexKVM-AP
  4. Enter password 12345678 to connect
  5. Open browser and go to https://192.168.4.1 (fixed management address in hotspot mode)
  6. Log in → remote display appears

Verify: OLED status bar shows the hotspot icon, IP prefix is A (e.g., A192.168.4.1).

When you're done

Go to Settings → Network → AP Mode and turn off the hotspot, or long-press Button B for 3 seconds again to switch back to WiFi. If left on, the hotspot stays active — draws power and occupies the channel.

SSID, password, band, channel, max clients, and all other settings → AP Mode

Option 2: Tailscale VPN

Tailscale connects all your devices into an encrypted virtual LAN — no public IP, no port forwarding, free tier supports 100 devices.

Data is transferred via peer-to-peer encryption — it doesn't go through Tailscale servers. Initial connection may be slightly slower on some domestic networks, but stable once established.

Step 1: Sign up for Tailscale

Go to tailscale.com and create an account (supports Google / GitHub / Microsoft sign-in).

Install the Tailscale client on your control computer or phone too, and log in with the same account.

Step 2: Enable on FlexKVM

Go to Web interface → Settings → App Center, find the Tailscale section:

  1. Toggle the Tailscale switch on → service starts
  2. Click Login Status → a login link appears
  3. Open the link in your browser → authorize the device to join your Tailscale network

Verify: The interface shows a Tailscale IP (typically 100.x.x.x) and Online status.

Login/logout, connection info, troubleshooting → Tailscale

Step 3: Access from outside

On your remote computer or phone, make sure the Tailscale client is running and logged into the same account.

Then:

  • Web interface: Open https://<FlexKVM's Tailscale IP> in your browser
  • SSH: ssh <username>@<FlexKVM's Tailscale IP>

It's just like being on the same LAN.

Verify

Turn off WiFi on your phone and use 4G/5G. Then open a browser to FlexKVM's Tailscale IP — if you see the login page, it's working.

FAQ

Hotspot direct won't connect?

→ Make sure Button B was held for 3 seconds (OLED must show the hotspot icon). If you can't find it scanning, try adding the WiFi manually — SSID is FlexKVM-AP.

Tailscale won't connect?

→ Verify FlexKVM has internet access (Ethernet or WiFi connected). Verify both ends are logged into the same Tailscale account. Check FlexKVM's Tailscale page — status should be Online.

I have a public IP — can I use port forwarding?

→ Yes, port forwarding + DDNS works too. But Tailscale is simpler and safer — no ports exposed to the internet.

Next Steps

Back to Scenarios