Share Localhost with a Client
When to use a tunnel for client previews
A tunnel lets you share live work-in-progress without deploying to staging. The client opens a URL in their browser while you iterate locally.
npx localtolink --port 5173
Send them the public URL: https://k7m2x9p4q1.localtolink.com
Best practices
- Keep the tunnel running during the review session — sessions expire after 2 hours
- Warn about the interstitial — clients see a one-time LocalToLink warning page before your app
- Use
--no-qrin screen shares if the QR code is distracting - Specify
--portif you have multiple apps running
Limitations to communicate
| Limit | Impact on client previews | |-------|---------------------------| | 2-hour session | Schedule reviews within the window or restart | | Random subdomain | URL changes on new session — send updated link | | 1 GB bandwidth | Sufficient for UI review; not for load testing | | 10 req/s | Fine for normal browsing |
Alternatives for longer reviews
- Deploy to a staging environment for multi-day reviews
- Record a Loom/video walkthrough for async feedback
- LocalToLink v1.5 Pro will offer custom subdomains and extended limits
Mobile client reviews
Scan the terminal QR code so clients can open the preview on their phone. See Test Localhost on Your Phone.
Try it now
Start a tunnel from your project directory — no account required.
$ npx localtolink