HelpTesting

Preview a local project on another device

Create temporary network URLs for phones, tablets, and other devices on the same network.

Start Device Preview

  1. Start the project's local processes.
  2. Open Device Preview from the project menu.
  3. Start the preview from its window.
  4. Scan the generated QR code from a device on the same local network.

The preview remains active after closing its window. A status icon beside the project name shows whether all exposed URLs respond.

Linked local URLs

Add every local service that the frontend references through a hostname or URL the other device cannot reach directly.

Main URL: http://localhost:3000
Linked URL: https://admin.example.local

Localdeck proxies the linked service and rewrites matching requests so images, GraphQL calls, APIs, and CMS assets remain accessible.

Understand preview status

  • Available means the local service responded through its preview proxy.
  • No response means the service is stopped, unreachable, or returned an application error.
  • The project icon is green when every preview URL responds and red when at least one fails.

Preview does not work

  • Confirm both devices use the same Wi-Fi or local network.
  • Confirm the Mac firewall allows Localdeck to accept connections.
  • Start the local service before refreshing its preview status.
  • Add backend and CMS hostnames as linked local URLs.
  • For Vite or Nuxt HMR errors, restart the preview after the process is running.