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Transform Your iPhone into a Powerful Remote Laptop — Configuring Termix

  • Writer: Aastha Thakker
    Aastha Thakker
  • Oct 30, 2025
  • 3 min read


You’re on the couch, coffee in hand ☕, when you remember that script running upstairs. Instead of climbing up, you just grab your iPhone and connect instantly with Termix. Its that simple!


What Exactly is Termix?


Termix is a full-fledged SSH client application that supports designed to provide users with an efficient and secure remote server management experience. But calling it “just another SSH client” would be like calling a Swiss Army knife “just another blade.” While this guide focuses on iPhone usage, Termix is available for both iOS and Android systems, offering the same powerful features across both platforms. Whether you’re managing servers, troubleshooting issues, or simply need to grab a file from your desktop while away from home, this app bridges the gap between mobile convenience and desktop power.


Why Termix Became Essential for Modern Users


The Remote Work Revolution


With remote work becoming standard practice, system administrators and developers found themselves needing instant access to their machines from anywhere. Traditional solutions were clunky, required complex VPN setups, or lacked mobile optimization. Termix solved these pain points with:


  • Instant connectivity: Connect with one click from any mobile and desktop device. No re-entering IP addresses, ports, and passwords


  • Cross-platform synchronization: Your connections, keys, and settings sync across all devices


  • Mobile-optimized interface: Get a desktop-grade terminal experience with a virtual keyboard covering all the special keys required


Setting Up Ubuntu Linux for Termix Access


Step 1: Install and Configure OpenSSH Server


Ubuntu makes SSH setup straightforward:


# Update package list
sudo apt update

# Install OpenSSH server
sudo apt install openssh-server -y

# Start and enable SSH service
sudo systemctl start ssh
sudo systemctl enable ssh

# Check status
sudo systemctl status ssh

Step 2: Configure SSH Security Settings


Edit the SSH configuration for enhanced security:


sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config

Key security modifications:


# Change default port (optional but recommended)
Port 2222

# Disable root login
PermitRootLogin no

# Enable key-based authentication
PubkeyAuthentication yes

# Disable password authentication (after setting up keys)
PasswordAuthentication no

# Allow specific users only
AllowUsers yourusername termius-user

# Set maximum login attempts
MaxAuthTries 3

Restart SSH service after changes:


sudo systemctl restart ssh

Step 3: Create SSH Keys for Authentication


Generate a dedicated key pair for Termix:


# Generate SSH key pair
ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -f ~/.ssh/termius_key -C "termius-iphone"

# Set proper permissions
chmod 700 ~/.ssh
chmod 600 ~/.ssh/termius_key
chmod 644 ~/.ssh/termius_key.pub

# Add public key to authorized_keys
cat ~/.ssh/termius_key.pub >> ~/.ssh/authorized_keys
chmod 600 ~/.ssh/authorized_keys

Step 4: Configure Firewall

Ubuntu’s UFW firewall needs to allow SSH connections:


# Check firewall status
sudo ufw status

# Allow SSH on default port
sudo ufw allow ssh

# If you changed the port, use:
sudo ufw allow 2222/tcp

# Enable firewall if not already active
sudo ufw enable

Step 5: Test SSH Connection


Verify SSH works locally:


# Install ddclient for automatic IP updates
sudo apt install ddclient

# Configure your DDNS provider (No-IP, DuckDNS, etc.)
sudo nano /etc/ddclient.conf

Example configuration for DuckDNS:


protocol=duckdns
use=web
server=www.duckdns.org
login=yourdomain.duckdns.org
password=your-token
yourdomain.duckdns.org

Configuring Termix on Your iPhone


Download and Install: Download Termix from the App Store — it’s free with premium features available through subscription.


Add Your Ubuntu Connection


  • Label: “Ubuntu Server”

  • Address: Your Ubuntu machine’s IP/hostname

  • Port: 2222 (if changed)

  • Username: yourusername

  • Key: Select your Ubuntu SSH key / Password if you have entered.


Once the session is established, you’ll see it connected. In upcoming blogs, we’ll explore how to use this app for remote desktop access and how to leverage it effectively for future tasks.


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