Connecting without a server
Instead of an ID, you can type an IP address (or hostname) into Connect to a device. Remora then opens a TCP connection straight to that computer on port 21118; no server is involved at all, and the session shows direct in the toolbar.
The catch: home routers block unsolicited incoming connections. So this works when the host is reachable, in one of these three ways.
On the computer you connect to, check that Settings → Direct connections is on (it is by default). Its Home page then shows a chip like LAN 192.168.1.20:21118.
On the same network
Type the host's LAN address, for example 192.168.1.20. If you use a different port, add it: 192.168.1.20:9000.
Through a VPN such as Tailscale
The easiest way across networks without a server. Install Tailscale (or ZeroTier or WireGuard) on both computers and sign in to the same account. Every device gets a private address like 100.101.102.103 that works from anywhere. Type that address in Remora. There's nothing to configure on routers, and nothing is exposed to the internet.
With port forwarding
On the host's router:
- Give the host a fixed LAN address, usually under DHCP Address reservation.
- Forward TCP 21118 to that address and port.
- Find the host's public IP (search for "what is my IP" on it).
Then type public-ip:21118 in Remora on your side.
CGNAT: many mobile and some home providers share one public IP between customers, so forwarding can't work. If the router's WAN address differs from what "what is my IP" shows, or starts with 100.64–100.127, use a VPN or a server instead.
Changing IPs: home IPs change; a free dynamic DNS name gives you a stable address.
Exposure: the port is reachable by anyone. Use a long permanent password, or switch direct connections off when you don't need them.
Limitations
- The direct listener currently accepts IPv4 only.
- Connecting by ID always needs a server, because the server is what knows where an ID is. That's also true of TeamViewer: it simply runs the servers for you.