How to Install Hive and Attach Your First Remote Agent Session
You want to run AI coding agents like Claude Code, Codex, or Copilot on your own servers, detach from them when you close your laptop, and reconnect from your phone later. The solution is straightforward: install Hive on your server, then attach a session from any device.
Hive keeps your agents running remotely inside a secure WebSocket connection. Sessions live on the server, not on your client. Close the app, switch devices, pick up where you left off.
Install Hive on Your Server
Start by installing the headless server daemon on any Linux, macOS, or Windows machine. The server handles all agent sessions and clustering logic.
One-line curl install (Linux / macOS)
Open a terminal on your server and run:
curl -fsSL https://dl.vazac.dev/install.sh | sh
This command downloads and runs the official Hive installer. It sets up the daemon, wires up auto-updates, and registers the hive CLI on your PATH. After installation, verify it is running:
hive status
If you see Hive daemon running, you are ready.
Installing on Windows or macOS
For Windows, download the .exe installer from the Download Hive page. macOS users can grab the universal build. Both packages include a graphical installer that walks you through the setup.
Verify the installation
Run the following check to ensure the daemon is active and listening:
hive nodes list
You should see at least one node: your current server. If you plan to run multiple machines, they can join into a leaderless mesh later.
Create Your Hive Account and License
Before you can attach a remote agent session, you need an account and a valid license. Go to the Pricing page and choose a plan that fits your needs. A one-time purchase includes one year of updates and perpetual use of the latest release from that window.
After purchase, you will receive an activation key. Link it to your Hive account:
hive login
Enter your email and the key when prompted. The daemon validates the license and enables session management.
Attach Your First Remote Agent Session
With the server installed and your account active, you can attach any AI coding agent or shell session. Hive supports Claude Code, Codex, Copilot, OpenCode, and plain terminals – all managed through the same WebSocket connection.
Attach via CLI (from any device)
On your local machine (laptop, desktop, or phone), install the Hive CLI or use the web client. Then run:
hive attach
You will be prompted to select an agent type. For example:
claudefor Claude Codecodexfor Codexcopilotfor Copilotshellfor a plain terminal
Once selected, Hive opens a session on the remote server. Everything you do inside this session runs on the server, not your local machine.
Detach and reattach
To detach without losing state, simply close the app or press Ctrl+D. The session stays alive on the server. Later, from another device or location, run:
hive attach --session <session-id>
You will reconnect instantly to the exact same terminal, agents, and even the command history.
Using the Notes Vault and Clustering
Hive includes a synced notes vault that travels with you across every device. It is agent-aware, so you can store prompts, configs, or context snippets that your AI agents can reference.
If you run multiple servers, you can cluster them into a leaderless mesh. Run on each additional server:
hive cluster join <existing-node-ip>
Once joined, you can see every node in the cluster, route sessions between them, and take over a session from any device without losing state.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Issue | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
hive status reports daemon not running | Installation incomplete or daemon crashed | Re-run the installer or check system logs |
| Cannot attach a session | License not activated or network blocked | Run hive login with your key; check firewall rules for WebSocket port |
| Session disconnects after a few minutes | Client timeout or server resource limits | Increase idle timeout in Hive config or allocate more RAM to the server |
Start Building with Hive Today
You now have a fully functional remote AI agent setup. Install Hive, attach a session, and let your agents run uninterrupted on your server. Close your laptop, go for a walk, and reconnect from your phone – your work is still there.
Ready to go? Get Hive and start vibecoding with your agents anywhere.
Frequently asked questions
What operating systems does Hive support for the server?
Hive runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. The server is headless and best suited for Linux or macOS, while the desktop and mobile apps are available for all major platforms.
Can I use Hive with multiple AI agents simultaneously?
Yes, Hive supports Claude Code, Codex, Copilot, OpenCode, and plain shells. Each session is managed independently over a single WebSocket connection.
How does the detach and reattach feature work?
When you close the app or detach, the session stays alive on the server. You can reattach from any device using the CLI or app with the session ID, picking up exactly where you left off.
Is my data secure when using Hive?
Yes, sessions run over an encrypted WebSocket connection. The server stores minimal data – your email, hashed password, and license activations. See the privacy policy for details.
Do I need a license to try Hive?
Yes, Hive requires a purchased license to activate. A one-time purchase includes one year of updates and perpetual use of the latest supported release from that window.