Localhost tunnel in seconds

Share your local app with teammates, clients, or mobile devices using a secure public URL.

Optimized onboarding path

Expose localhost in seconds

Quickest path for demos and local QA.

Expose localhost in seconds
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Answer-first summary

How do I share localhost securely in minutes?

Install InstaTunnel CLI, authenticate once, and start a tunnel on your local port. You get an HTTPS public URL that works for demos, mobile testing, QA, and webhook callbacks.

Last reviewed: March 5, 2026
Compatibility: Works with local HTTP services on common frameworks. Use v1 default for standard traffic; v2 for streaming MCP clients.

Quick command

instatunnel 3000 --subdomain localhost-demo

Common failures and quick fixes

  • No connection to localhost-Confirm your app is running on the same local port and protocol.
  • Shared URL returns 502/404-Restart local service, then restart tunnel to refresh endpoint routing.

Stable URLs

Custom subdomains keep your share links consistent across restarts.

HTTPS by default

All tunnels are secured with SSL without extra configuration.

24-hour sessions

Keep demo environments live without frequent reconnects.

How it works

Step 1

Install

npm install -g instatunnel

Step 2

Run

it --port 3000

Step 3

Share

Send the generated URL to anyone who needs access.

Localhost tunnel examples that match real work

Use the same tunnel pattern for frontend QA, backend webhook callbacks, and stakeholder demos.

Next.js app preview

instatunnel 3000 --subdomain next-preview

Open https://next-preview.instatunnel.my on a phone, tablet, or teammate laptop.

Vite dev server

instatunnel 5173 --subdomain vite-demo

Share a stable HTTPS URL while keeping the Vite dev server running locally.

FastAPI backend

instatunnel 8000 --subdomain api-qa

Let QA call local API endpoints through https://api-qa.instatunnel.my.

Decision table

Workflow needInstaTunnelCommon alternative
Sharing with teammatesOne HTTPS URL points to your local service during active development.Screenshots or staging deploys slow down review loops.
Webhook testingExternal providers can POST directly to localhost through the tunnel.Provider callbacks usually require a public staging endpoint.
Stable demosReserved subdomains keep links memorable and reusable.Random URLs can break docs, tickets, and provider configuration.

Common questions

What is a localhost tunnel?

A localhost tunnel gives your local development server a public HTTPS URL so external services, teammates, and mobile devices can reach it.

Can I use it for mobile device testing?

Yes. Start the tunnel on your local app port and open the generated HTTPS URL from the phone or tablet you are testing.

Do I need to deploy to staging first?

No. InstaTunnel forwards requests directly to your local service, so you can review features before creating a staging build.

Use a tunnel for every workflow

Great for demos, QA, mobile testing, and remote debugging.