just got my first droplet because i heard i can run my node.js apps here but i got to the terminal and none of the huge chains of numbers and letters are copypasteable and a bunch of things say ‘now type this into your computer’.
all i want to do is browse and edit the files on my virtual harddrive (like how Glitch allowed). once i can upload stuff there i have a node page which will let me edit the files of the server straight from the node page.
so my question is what is the best way to access the node droplet via phone?
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Hey!
Managing a Droplet from your phone is definitely possible.
Think of your Droplet as a remote computer, you connect to it via SSH, which gives you terminal access. Since you’re on mobile, try an app like Termius (available on iOS and Android). It lets you SSH into your server and run commands just like you would on a desktop terminal.
Once you’re connected, you can navigate folders, install packages, and even edit files using simple tools like nano. Later on, you could also set up a browser-based editor like code-server if that makes things easier.
I’d also recommend checking out this series to get more familiar with how cloud servers work: 👉 https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorial-series/getting-started-with-cloud-computing
And for more tips and tutorials, DevOps Daily has some useful stuff too.
- Bobby
Heya,
There are a couple of option I would say,
Option 1: Use a File Manager + Terminal App (Recommended for Android)
If you’re on Android, this is the best combo:
1. Termius (for SSH access)
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Free and very polished SSH client.
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You can log into your droplet terminal and run commands.
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Has clipboard support to make “huge chains of numbers and letters” manageable.
Steps:
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Install Termius.
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Add a new host with:
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IP address of your droplet
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Username (
root) -
SSH key or password
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You can copy-paste commands and access the terminal just like on desktop.
2. JuiceSSH (another SSH app, lighter but Android only)
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Great alternative to Termius.
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Easier for just command line access.
3. Material Files + SFTP Plugin (File Browsing)
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A file manager that can connect to remote servers via SFTP.
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You can browse your droplet’s file system, edit and upload/download files.
✅ Option 2: iPhone (iOS)
If you’re on iOS, your best tools are:
1. Blink Shell (paid but powerful)
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SSH client built for iOS, supports mosh and SSH.
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Has clipboard, terminal multitasking, and more.
2. Termius for iOS
- Also available on iPhone and works just as well.
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