Mobile Access Guide
Access your private AI assistant from any mobile device. No internet required.
First-Time Setup (One-Time Only)
Before mobile access works, Windows needs permission to accept local connections. This is a quick setup you only do once.
Quick Setup Steps:
- Navigate to:
OffGrid_AI_ToolKit → Mobile_First_Time_Setup - Right-click on
setup-firewall.bat - Select "Run as administrator"
- Click "Yes" when Windows asks for permission
- Done. You will see "Setup Complete". This never needs to be done again.
Three Ways to Connect
1 Same WiFi Network (Home or Office)
Perfect for home use. Both devices on your existing WiFi.
How to Connect:
- Make sure laptop and phone are on the same WiFi network.
- Launch OffGrid AI ToolKit on your laptop.
- Look for the QR code in the dashboard.
- Scan with your phone camera.
- The dashboard opens on your phone.
✅ Yes, this is still offline. Your data never leaves your local network. Your WiFi router acts like a hallway that connects rooms in your house with no windows to the outside world.
2 Laptop Hotspot (Recommended for Field Use)
Your laptop becomes the WiFi source. This works anywhere.
How to Connect:
- On your laptop go to Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Hotspot.
- Toggle "Share my Internet connection" to ON.
- Note the Network name and Password that appear.
- On your phone connect to this new WiFi network.
- Launch OffGrid AI and scan the QR code.
- You are connected. No router or internet needed.
This is the most reliable method and works in the middle of nowhere. Your laptop becomes its own WiFi router.
3 Starlink Connection (Ultimate Portable)
For overlanders and remote workers. AI virtually anywhere on Earth.
How to Connect:
- Power on your Starlink (Mini works great).
- Connect both laptop and phone to Starlink WiFi.
- Launch OffGrid AI on the laptop.
- Scan the QR code with your phone.
- You now have full AI access even in remote locations.
Note: Starlink gives you the option of internet access. OffGrid AI does not use it. Your AI conversations stay private on your local Starlink network.
Perfect for:
- Overlanding adventures
- Remote job sites
- Emergency response
- Off grid living
Your Data Never Leaves Your Network
What "Offline" Really Means
- No cloud servers. AI runs on your computer.
- No internet required. Works with the router unplugged.
- No data harvesting. Your conversations stay yours.
- No subscriptions. No company tracking your usage.
Technical Deep Dive (For the Curious)
How Can This Be Offline If It Uses WiFi?
Understanding Local Networks
When your devices connect to WiFi they form a Local Area Network (LAN) using private IP addresses like 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x. These are like internal phone extensions in an office building. They work inside the building but not for calling the outside world directly.
↕ [STOPPED HERE]
Router (The Gatekeeper)
↕ [LOCAL ONLY]
Your Devices (192.168.1.x)
What Is Actually Happening
- OffGrid AI launches and opens ports 8000 (web) and 11434 (AI engine).
- IP detection finds your computer local address, for example 192.168.1.105.
- QR generation creates a code that contains
http://192.168.1.105:8000. - Phone scans and opens the browser to that local address.
- Direct connection happens between phone and laptop while the router only relays traffic.
- AI processing runs entirely on your laptop AI engine.
- Response is sent back to the phone over the local network.
Network Traffic View
Security Verification
- Unplug your router internet cable. OffGrid AI still works.
- Check router logs and look for external connections. There should be none.
- Monitor traffic and you will see packets stay in the 192.168.x.x range.
- Use airplane mode with WiFi only and everything still runs.
Port Explanation
- Port 8000 serves the dashboard (HTML and JavaScript interface).
- Port 11434 is the Ollama AI engine API endpoint.
- Both ports are bound to
0.0.0.0which accepts local connections. - Firewall rules only allow local network access, not internet traffic.
Troubleshooting
Phone Cannot Connect
- Confirm that the firewall setup has been completed using the one time setup above.
- Make sure both devices are on the same WiFi or hotspot network.
- Try manual connection by typing laptop IP and port 8000 in the phone browser.
- If you are on public WiFi note that many block communication between devices. Use the hotspot method instead.
Blank Screen on Phone
- Clear browser cache and refresh the page.
- Confirm that the OffGrid AI launcher is still running on the laptop.
- Try a different browser such as Chrome or Safari.
Connection Drops
- Laptop power settings may be putting WiFi to sleep. Adjust settings in Windows.
- The phone might be switching between WiFi and cellular. Turn off cellular data for testing.
Ready to Connect
Mobile access turns OffGrid AI from a desktop tool into a field ready AI assistant. Whether you are identifying plants on a hike, translating languages at a market, or getting medical guidance in remote locations, your AI is only one QR scan away.
Remember: Once firewall setup is complete, mobile access is as simple as:
- Launch OffGrid AI
- Scan QR code
- Start chatting
Own the Only AI That Works Anywhere.
From deserts to data centers, intelligence that works anywhere and stays private and off grid.
Imagine never worrying about who is watching your searches. Imagine not depending on an internet connection for important information. Imagine no monthly subscriptions for access to your own data.
The OffGrid AI Toolkit is not just a product. It is a choice for self reliance, privacy, and true ownership.