Get started

This project's official instance is https://pairfob.com. Herdr must be able to run on the computer. macOS and Linux are supported; Windows is not yet.

Four steps: install Herdr → install Pairfob → pair → open a session.

What you need

Need	Notes
A macOS or Linux computer	pairfob and the agents run here
Herdr 0.8 or newer	Pairfob does not ship an agent and does not replace Herdr
curl	The install script downloads the binary
A browser on another device	Phone, tablet, or another computer

1. Herdr is installed on the computer

Pairfob does not replace Herdr. Agents still run here, but Herdr does not need to be open before Pairfob starts. When pairfob launches and finds Herdr offline, it starts it. Running herdr later attaches to that same server, so the sessions already opened from the phone are not copies.

If automatic startup fails, the phone explicitly says Herdr is not running. Run herdr once on the computer and Pairfob recovers without a restart or new pairing. There is no extra “remote mode” to turn on.

2. Install pairfob

curl -fsSL https://pairfob.com/install.sh | sh

This downloads pairfob, enrolls with the official instance at https://pairfob.com, and installs a user-level login service.

The service starts after you log in, not at power-on. Sleeping with the lid closed, or logging out, stops it until you return to that same session.

A second computer uses the same command, then Settings → Switch computer → Add a computer on the phone.

Flags, install paths, and uninstall: Install.

After install, type pairfob with no subcommand. It prints whether it is running, how many devices are paired, and whether Herdr is open. For the full checklist use pairfob doctor.

3. Pair

On a terminal on the computer that runs pairfob:

pairfob pair

It leads with a QR code and keeps a manual code as fallback. On the other device open pairfob.com/pair:

• Can scan: scan and pairing starts
• Cannot scan: type the code. That is 8 pairing glyphs + 6 locator glyphs (you can paste all 14)

After the other side proves the code, press Enter once in the computer terminal. This is authorization, not an account login. Neither side shows security words.

Details and errors: Pairing.

4. Open a session

Herdr sessions appear in the Pairfob list. Tapping a card opens that session on the computer, not a copy.

When the status is Needs you, the prompt stays in the terminal. Pairfob does not blindly send Enter. Use the keypad's ↑/↓ to choose, then Enter. In Chat, a numbered prompt can be answered on the Needs your confirmation card (the terminal screen is checked before sending), or tap Handle in terminal to switch to Control. The compose box uses the system keyboard, including dictation and autocorrect. What you send lands in that session on the computer.

UI: Using the app. Leaving and sitting down: Leave and return.

Add to Home Screen

Pairfob is a web app. Pinning it removes the browser chrome.

iOS / iPadOS (Safari)

1. Open pairfob.com/pair (after pairing this goes straight to the list)
2. Share → Add to Home Screen
3. Open from the icon next time

iOS is meant to run from the Home Screen. A Safari tab still works; notifications and full screen are weaker.

Android (Chrome)

Chrome may offer “Install app”, or use the menu → Install app / Add to Home Screen.

The credential lives in this browser profile on this device. Another browser, cleared site data, or a private tab means pairing again.

What success looks like

On the computer	On the phone
pairfob doctor shows Running / Herdr / Origin healthy	Opening Pairfob shows the same session list
pairfob list includes this device	Opening a Needs you card, the prompt is on screen; confirm with the keypad then Enter
The Herdr window is still there	Typed text appears in that computer session

Next: Multiple devices, Notifications, or skim the FAQ.