---
title: "Mobile Control | Using Your Laptop as a Wi-Fi Hotspot for DMXDesktop Remote Control - DMXDesktop"
lang: en
source: /mobile-control
---

# 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.