Quick Links

/docs/cli-flags/docs/troubleshooting/docs/webhooks/solutions/docs/referrals

Answer-first summary

Where should I start in InstaTunnel docs?

Follow this order: Install CLI, authenticate, run first tunnel, then move to MCP/webhooks/referrals based on your use case. Use CLI Flags and Troubleshooting for day-to-day operations.

Last reviewed: March 5, 2026
Compatibility: Core docs align with CLI v1 default and MCP --transport v2 for streaming clients.

Quick command

instatunnel auth login -e you@example.com && instatunnel 3000 --subdomain docs-demo

Common failures and quick fixes

  • Auth not persisted-Run instatunnel auth set-key it_your_api_key to store your key locally.
  • Webhook 401 signature errors-Use provider-specific secret verification guides in /docs/webhooks before production tests.

Evidence and trust

Use these references when evaluating compatibility, reliability, and security posture.

Release cadence

CLI and docs release notes are updated continuously, with version-specific compatibility notes.

View release notes

Security controls

Review policy enforcement, auth layers, and operational safeguards in the security whitepaper.

Open security whitepaper

Reliability runbooks

Troubleshooting guides cover common failures, recovery steps, and CLI compatibility baselines.

Read troubleshooting guides

Documentation

Framework Integration

InstaTunnel works seamlessly with all major development frameworks. Here are optimized setups for popular tools and frameworks.

Frontend Frameworks

RReact & Create React App

# Start your React app
$ npm start
# In another terminal
$ instatunnel 3000
# Or use auto-detection
$ instatunnel

React development servers typically run on port 3000. InstaTunnel automatically detects this and creates your tunnel instantly.

Pro Tips for React:
  • • Use --subdomain my-react-app for consistent URLs during development
  • • Test responsive design by accessing the tunnel URL on mobile devices
  • • Share with designers for real-time feedback on UI changes

NNext.js

# Start Next.js development server
$ npm run dev
# Expose to internet
$ instatunnel 3000 --subdomain my-nextjs-app

Perfect for testing SSR, API routes, and sharing Next.js applications with clients or team members.

Next.js Specific Benefits:
  • • Test API routes with external services
  • • Share SSR applications for SEO testing
  • • Test dynamic imports and code splitting
  • • Webhook testing with API routes

VVue.js & Vite

# Vue CLI
$ npm run serve
# Vite (default port 5173)
$ npm run dev
# Create tunnel
$ instatunnel 5173 # for Vite
$ instatunnel 8080 # for Vue CLI

Vite uses port 5173 by default, while Vue CLI uses 8080. InstaTunnel auto-detects both.

AAngular

# Start Angular development server
$ ng serve
# Expose to internet
$ instatunnel 4200

Angular CLI serves on port 4200. Perfect for sharing prototypes and testing PWA features.

Backend Frameworks

EExpress.js

# Start your Express server
$ node server.js
# Or with nodemon
$ nodemon server.js
# Create tunnel (adjust port as needed)
$ instatunnel 8000 --subdomain my-api

Perfect for API development, webhook testing, and sharing backend services.

Express.js Use Cases:
  • • Test webhooks from external services
  • • Share API endpoints with frontend developers
  • • Test authentication flows with OAuth providers
  • • Debug API issues with real-world clients

LLaravel

# Start Laravel development server
$ php artisan serve
# Or with custom port
$ php artisan serve --port=8080
# Create tunnel
$ instatunnel 8000 # default Laravel port
# Or use framework shortcut
$ instatunnel --laravel

Great for testing Laravel applications, sharing with clients, and webhook integrations.

FFlask (Python)

# Start Flask development server
$ python app.py
# Or with flask run
$ flask run --port=5000
# Create tunnel
$ instatunnel 5000

Flask typically runs on port 5000. Perfect for ML model APIs and Python web services.

Static Site Generators

Gatsby

$ gatsby develop
# Usually port 8000
$ instatunnel 8000

Perfect for sharing static sites and testing GraphQL queries.

Jekyll

$ jekyll serve
# Usually port 4000
$ instatunnel 4000

Great for GitHub Pages development and blog previews.

Hugo

$ hugo server
# Usually port 1313
$ instatunnel 1313

Fast static site sharing and content preview.

Nuxt.js

$ npm run dev
# Usually port 3000
$ instatunnel 3000

Vue.js SSR applications and universal apps.

Development Environment Integration

Package.json Scripts

Add InstaTunnel to your npm scripts for quick access:

{
"scripts": {
"dev": "next dev",
"tunnel": "instatunnel 3000",
"tunnel:named": "instatunnel 3000 --subdomain my-project",
"dev:shared": "concurrently \"npm run dev\" \"npm run tunnel\""
}
}
# Usage
$ npm run tunnel
$ npm run tunnel:named
$ npm run dev:shared # Starts dev server AND tunnel

Docker Integration

# Add to docker-compose.yml
services:
app:
build: .
ports:
- "3000:3000"
tunnel:
image: instatunnel/cli
command: instatunnel 3000 --subdomain my-docker-app
network_mode: host

Run InstaTunnel alongside your containerized applications for easy sharing.

⚡ Universal Tip: Most development servers can be auto-detected by running just instatunnel without a port number. InstaTunnel will scan common ports and connect to the first running application it finds.

Need a quick path?

See plans, then jump into a guided start whenever you are ready.

For MCP endpoints on Pro/Business, use: instatunnel 8787 --mcp.

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InstaTunnel Docs | CLI, Webhook Testing, MCP & Troubleshooting