DMXDesktop
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Mobile Control

Using Your Laptop as a Wi-Fi Hotspot for DMXDesktop Remote Control

DMXDesktop includes a built-in webserver that lets you control your lights from a phone or tablet. You don't need an internet connection - your laptop can create its own local Wi-Fi hotspot. Once connected, your mobile device can access DMXDesktop's web interface in any browser. Below you'll find simple steps for both Windows and macOS.

Windows Setup

1. Enable Hotspot

  • • Open Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile hotspot.
  • • Turn Mobile hotspot = On.
  • • Click Edit, then set a Network name (SSID) and Password.
  • • Your laptop now broadcasts its own Wi-Fi network. (It works even if the laptop has no internet connection.)

2. Start DMXDesktop Webserver

  • • Open DMXDesktop → Settings → General.
  • • Enable Webserver.
  • • The software will display the IP address and port it is bound to (e.g. http://192.168.1.1:8080).

3. Connect Phone/Tablet

  • • On your phone or tablet, join the laptop's hotspot Wi-Fi using the SSID and password you set.
  • • Open a browser and enter the address shown in DMXDesktop.
  • • You now have remote control of DMXDesktop from your device.

Tip: If the page does not load, make sure Windows Firewall allows DMXDesktop to communicate on private networks.

macOS Setup

1. Enable Hotspot

  • • Open System Settings → Network → Internet Sharing.
  • • Select the network interface you want to share (e.g. Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
  • • Choose Wi-Fi as the sharing method and set a Network name (SSID) and Password.
  • • Tick Internet Sharing to turn it on.
  • • Your Mac now broadcasts its own Wi-Fi network.

2. Start DMXDesktop Webserver

  • • Open DMXDesktop → Settings → General.
  • • Enable Webserver.
  • • The software will display the IP address and port it is bound to (e.g. http://192.168.2.1:8080).

3. Connect Phone/Tablet

  • • On your phone or tablet, join the Mac's Wi-Fi hotspot with the SSID and password you set.
  • • Open a browser and enter the address shown in DMXDesktop.
  • • You now have remote control of DMXDesktop from your device.

That's It!

With just a few clicks, your laptop becomes a self-contained control hub. Whether you're on Windows or macOS, you can create a local hotspot, connect your phone or tablet, and access DMXDesktop's web interface, no internet connection required.