Once you have configured the WireGuard server on your LocalNode and generated a client profile, connecting your phone is as easy as pointing your camera at a QR code.
Overview
The WireGuard mobile app holds the cryptographic keys required to unlock the tunnel into your home network. By scanning the QR code from the server dashboard, you instantly import the keys, IP addresses, and routing rules without typing a single character.
Step 1: Install the WireGuard App
The official app is free and uses virtually no battery in the background.
iPhone/iPad: Open the App Store and download WireGuard (the icon is a dragon/shield).
Android: Open the Google Play Store and download WireGuard.
Step 2: Scan the QR Code
Ensure you have the WireGuard web dashboard open on your computer screen, with the QR code displayed.
Open the WireGuard app on your phone.
Tap the + button (or "Add a tunnel" in the center of the screen).
Select Create from QR code.
Your phone will ask for permission to use the camera. Allow it.
Point your phone at your computer screen to scan the QR code.
The app will ask you to name the tunnel. Name it "LocalNode Home" and tap Save.
(iOS only): iOS will ask for permission to add VPN configurations. Tap Allow and enter your passcode.
WireGuard logo from wireguard.com; refer to project repositories for component licenses. Official clients vary by OS—follow those docs for tunnel keys and DNS fields.
Step 3: Test the connection
It is critical that you test the VPN from outside your home network.
Turn off Wi-Fi on your phone so you are on 5G/LTE cellular data.
Open your web browser and try to go to http://localnode.local. It should fail to load (this is expected, since you are not home).
Open the WireGuard app and toggle "LocalNode Home" to ON.
A small VPN icon should appear in the top status bar of your phone.
Go back to your browser and reload http://localnode.local.
If the dashboard loads perfectly, congratulations! You have successfully established a secure tunnel from the cellular network back into your living room.
⚠️ Warning: If the toggle turns on, but you have no internet access at all, it usually means your Port Forwarding rule in your router is incorrect, and the phone cannot reach the server.
Bonus: Connecting a Laptop
If you are at a coffee shop with a laptop, you can't easily scan a QR code.
In the WireGuard web dashboard on your LocalNode, click the Download icon (down arrow) next to the laptop's client profile. This downloads a .conf file.
Transfer that .conf file to your laptop securely (e.g., via Nextcloud, USB drive, or email).
Download the WireGuard desktop app for Windows or Mac.
Click "Import tunnel(s) from file" and select the .conf file.
