accessible SSH client iPhone

By arraze, 5 October, 2023

Forum
iOS and iPadOS

greetings to all on the forum who view this. I recall a post a few years ago about this very thing but in terms of the present time, does anyone have a recommendation for an SSH client for iPhone? I have tried a few on the App Store, but while I could connect and get to a prompt having the client use voiceover for reading, what is posted to the screen made it unusable for me as a blind person. I am re-teaching myself how to use the computer and have come to the point now where I am comfortable using my laptop to SSH to a server, but it would be more convenient on the go to use my iPhone for the same purpose. I am using an iPhone 13 with iOS 17.0.3 as of the time of this post. I appreciate any suggestions that have been found to do this well. Thank you in advance.

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Comments

By Jason on Thursday, October 5, 2023 - 10:27

Hi.
I've had some success with a-Shell. It's not the most accessible, primarily because it's hard to hear new/current output since it plays everything. I've found using the clear command helps a lot. With some patience, stuff can get done.
A-Shell simulates a linux environment, so opening it shows a command line. From here, you can run ssh as you would in Terminal on a Mac. For me, it works best with a BT keyboard.
Your mileage may vary, but I hope this helps.

By Dominique Stansberry on Thursday, October 5, 2023 - 10:27

Hi, why not try the client called Prompt on iOS? Best with a Bluetooth keyboard, but it's great. Can even use SSH keys.

By arraze on Thursday, October 5, 2023 - 10:27

I appreciate the response time. I shall have to look into both. The Bluetooth keyboard does make sense.

By arraze on Thursday, October 5, 2023 - 10:27

for anyone who may come across this discussion it does seem that prompt has a number of bills and whistles but the only version I could find as of the date of this post is prompt version two which is currently $14.99. The barrier to entry there I presume is how critical it is to have access to that software. The other downside is that it is paid software, so I do not know how it could be tested to see how well it would fit into your workflow.

By arraze on Thursday, October 5, 2023 - 10:27

this is more a curiosity if it is possible, or there is a recommendation for how I can do it properly. For example, when on my laptop, the screen reader, I have installed the SSH prompt when I press enter the screen reader will read automatically the new information displayed on the screen. Of the several iOS apps for SSH access I have tried when I press enter on a command. I have to use a one finger swipe to have the phone read to me the new data. perhaps if I have watch screen enabled? It occurs to me presently, but I have not tried it yet.