# Set up a Linux Host

Install the OpenSSH server, herdr or tmux 3.2, and Node 20 on your Linux machine, then run the Waycar install command and pair.

To use a Linux machine as a Host, install and start the OpenSSH server, install herdr or tmux 3.2 or later and Node.js 20 or later, then run the Waycar install command and scan its Pairing Code.

## Set up your Linux machine

1. **Install and start the OpenSSH server.**
2. **Install herdr or tmux.** Get herdr at [herdr.dev](https://herdr.dev), or use tmux 3.2 or later.
3. **Install Node.js 20 or later.** See the table below.
4. **Install mosh (optional).** Install `mosh-server` and let UDP traffic reach it. See [mosh.org](https://mosh.org/#getting).
5. **Run the install command**:

   ```sh
   curl -fsSL https://waycar.dev/install.sh | sh
   ```

6. **Pair.** Say yes when it offers a pairing QR code, then tap **Scan to Pair** in Waycar. See [Pair with a Pairing Code](https://waycar.dev/help/pairing).

## Does my distribution's tmux and Node work?

| Distribution | tmux | Node.js by default |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ubuntu 24.04 | 3.4 | 18: install a newer one |
| Ubuntu 22.04 | 3.2a | 12: install a newer one |
| Debian 12 | 3.3a | 18: install a newer one |
| Rocky Linux 9 | 3.2a | 16: install a newer one |
| Fedora 44 | 3.7c | 22 |

Where the default Node is too old, install Node 20 or later with NodeSource or nvm. The install command also finds Node from fnm, Volta, asdf and mise. Enterprise Linux 8 ships tmux 2.7, which is too old.

## Allow forwarding for herdr

Waycar reaches herdr's socket through SSH stream-local forwarding. `AllowTcpForwarding no` in `sshd_config` blocks it, so set `AllowTcpForwarding` to `local` or `yes` and restart sshd. tmux Hosts don't need this.

## Copy the Pairing Code on Linux

If you can't scan the QR, press `c`. On Linux the code is shown on screen so you can select and copy it, then tap **Paste Pairing Code** in Waycar.

## Troubleshooting

- **"Could not open the herdr socket"**: start herdr on the Host, or enable SSH stream-local forwarding, then run the checks again.
- **"Node.js >= 20 required"** from the install command: install Node 20 or later and run it again.
- **`waycar` isn't found**: add `~/.local/bin` to your PATH.

---

Waycar Help › Get started: https://waycar.dev/help/linux-host