Setup Guide

Get Hermes running in minutes. This guide walks you through installing, pairing, and configuring Hermes for your development workflow.

Prerequisites

  • 🖥
    Desktop computer macOS, Windows, or Linux
  • 📱
    Smartphone iOS or Android
  • ⬢
    Node.js 18+ Installed on your desktop
  • 📡
    WiFi or internet LAN for local mode, internet for relay
1

Install Desktop App

Download the desktop app for your operating system:

macOS

  1. Download the .dmg file
  2. Open the disk image
  3. Drag Hermes to Applications
  4. Launch from Applications

Windows

  1. Download the .exe installer
  2. Run the installer
  3. Follow the setup prompts
  4. Hermes starts automatically

Linux

  1. Download the .AppImage
  2. Make it executable:
chmod +x Hermes-*.AppImage
  1. Run the AppImage
System Tray: The desktop app runs as a system tray icon. Look for the Hermes icon in your menu bar (macOS) or system tray (Windows/Linux) after installation.
2

Install Mobile App

iOS

  1. Open the App Store
  2. Search for "Hermes Dev"
  3. Tap Get to install

Android

  1. Open Google Play
  2. Search for "Hermes Dev"
  3. Tap Install
Expo Go: For development builds, you can also use the mobile app with Expo Go. This is useful if you're building Hermes from source or want to try the latest features.
3

Pair Your Devices

Pairing creates a secure, encrypted connection between your desktop and phone.

  1. Desktop: Open the desktop app and click "New Pairing" A QR code will appear on your screen
  2. Mobile: Open the Hermes app and tap "Pair" Your camera will activate for QR scanning
  3. Scan: Point your phone at the QR code on your desktop The app automatically reads the pairing data
  4. Done: Both devices confirm the pairing End-to-end encryption is established automatically
Secure by default: Pairing uses Diffie-Hellman key exchange with TweetNaCl (XSalsa20-Poly1305). Your encryption keys never leave your devices.
4

Configure Claude CLI

Why? Claude CLI integration enables you to queue AI coding tasks from your phone. Start a task while commuting, come back to committed code on your desktop.

Install the Claude CLI globally:

npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

Log in to authenticate:

claude login

This opens your browser to complete API key authentication. Once logged in, Hermes automatically detects the Claude CLI when your devices are connected.

5

Connect GitHub

Why? GitHub integration lets you view branches, pull requests, and diffs directly from your phone. Switch branches, review code, and stay in the loop without opening your laptop.
  1. Open the desktop app
  2. Navigate to Settings → GitHub → Sign In
  3. Authorize read access to your repositories
  4. Branch switching and PR viewing become available from mobile
6

Connect Google Drive

Why? Google Drive integration enables cloud file access and sharing between your devices. Access documents, share files, and sync project assets seamlessly.
  1. Open the desktop app
  2. Navigate to Settings → Google Drive → Connect
  3. Authorize file read/write access
  4. Browse and transfer Drive files from mobile
✓

First Connection

After pairing, your devices connect automatically:

  • Same network: Devices connect directly over LAN for the fastest possible experience. No data leaves your local network.
  • Away from home: Hermes falls back to the relay server automatically. All data remains end-to-end encrypted — the relay can't read your content.
  • Connection status: Check the mobile app header for connection mode (Local / Relay) and status indicators.
  • Desktop tray: The system tray icon shows which devices are currently connected.
You're all set. Open a terminal from your phone, browse your project files, or queue a Claude task — your desktop is now in your pocket.