How to access localhost on mobile within the same network?

Web developers often need to run a development server on their PC and test it on a mobile device within the same network. This tutorial ensures seamless localhost access on mobile devices, guiding you step-by-step through the process for testing across devices.

Prerequisites to access localhost on mobile:

• To get started, set up a PC to execute the localhost program (for example, with XAMPP, WAMP, or Node.js).
• Additionally, you will require a mobile device, such as a tablet or smartphone, to access and test the application.
• The smartphone or tablet and computer must connect to the same wireless network.

Step 1: Find Your Computer’s Local IP Address

To access the computer’s localhost from your mobile device, you must have its local IP address.

For Windows:

1. Open Command Prompt (type cmd in the Start Menu search bar).
2. Type the command ipconfig
3. Look for the IPv4 Address under the active network connection. It will look like 192.168.x.x

For macOS:

1. Open System Preferences > Network
2. Select your active network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
3. Find the IP Address displayed as something like 192.168.x.x

Or You can also make use to terminal to get local IP address

1. Open your terminal from apps
2. Type the command ifconfig
3. Find out the local IP address of your network

Step 2: Ensure Your Localhost Server Is Running

1. Start your development server on your laptop or pc (e.g., XAMPP, WAMP, or any Node.js application).
2. Replace PORT with the port number your server is running on (e.g., http://localhost:3000)

Step 3: Modify Your Firewall Settings if Needed for Proper Access to Localhost in the same network

Firewalls can block external devices from accessing your localhost.

For Windows:

1. Open the Windows Security app.
2. Navigate to Firewall & Network Protection > Allow an app through firewall.
3. Add your server application (e.g., Apache for XAMPP) to the allowed list.
4. Select both Private and Public networks to ensure proper configuration.

For macOS:

1. Open System settings > Network.
2. Go to the Firewall tab and click Firewall Options.
3. Add your server application and allow incoming connections.

Step 4: Access localhost on your mobile or tablet

1. On your mobile device, open a browser (e.g., Chrome or Safari).
2. Enter the URL in the format: http://<YOUR_LOCAL_IP_ADDRESS>:PORT
   Replace <YOUR_IP_ADDRESS> with your system’s IP address from Step 1, and PORT with the port your server is running on (e.g., 192.168.1.5:3000)
3. If you set up everything correctly, the mobile browser will load your application.

Step 5: Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Issue: The Page Doesn’t Load on Mobile
   • Check both devices are connected to the same network.
   • Recheck the IP address and port running on your computer.
   • Verify the firewall settings on your computer.
2. Issue: Server Not Responding
   • Confirm the server is running on your computer and can access the application on your computer first.
   • First, check if another application blocks the port.
3. Issue: Connection Refused
   • Ensure your server is configured to listen to external requests. For example: For Node.js: Use 0.0.0.0 instead of localhost in your app’s server setup.

One of the most effective and simple ways to test your online applications in real-world situations is to access your localhost application from a mobile device connected to the same network. This configuration guarantees a smooth end-user experience by enabling developers to test responsive designs, user interactions, and performance directly on mobile browsers.

By following the steps in this guide such as identifying your computer’s IP address, configuring the firewall, and using the correct URL format you can easily bridge the gap between development and testing. Moreover, this method not only ensures that your projects remain accessible and functional on devices connected to the same network, but also guarantees that both complex web applications and simple static websites work seamlessly. Therefore, you can quickly verify and refine your work across multiple devices without unnecessary complications.