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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Privacy and Security

Can you see my code?

No. Your code lives on your dedicated container, which only you have access to. ShellPod staff do not have access to your container filesystem. We cannot read your files, see your git history, or monitor your terminal sessions. Your container is your private workspace.

Do you store my Anthropic API key?

No. Your Anthropic credentials (API key or Pro/Max OAuth token) are stored by Claude Code inside your container. They never pass through ShellPod's servers. Authentication happens directly between Claude Code (running on your container) and Anthropic's API. We have zero visibility into your API key or how much you spend on Anthropic's API.

Is my data encrypted?

Your terminal connection uses TLS encryption (HTTPS/WSS). Your container runs on infrastructure with encrypted storage at rest. The connection between your browser and the terminal is end-to-end encrypted through our Traefik reverse proxy with automatic TLS certificates.

What happens to my data if I cancel?

When you cancel, there is a 30-day grace period during which your container data is preserved but your session is stopped. If you resubscribe within 30 days, everything is restored. After 30 days, your container and all its data are permanently and irreversibly deleted. We do not keep backups of deleted containers.

Access and Devices

Can I use ShellPod from an iPad or tablet?

Yes. ShellPod works in any modern web browser, including mobile browsers. The web-based terminal renders on iPads, Android tablets, and even phones. The experience is best with a physical keyboard connected, but touch input works too.

Many ShellPod users specifically appreciate being able to check on long-running Claude Code tasks from their phone or kick off work from a tablet while traveling.

Can I access my session from multiple devices simultaneously?

Yes, but with a caveat. Your tmux session is shared, so if you open the terminal from two devices at the same time, both will see (and control) the same terminal. This can be useful for showing your screen to someone else, but it also means keystrokes from both devices will go to the same session.

Do I need to install anything on my computer?

No. ShellPod is entirely browser-based. You do not need to install any software, extensions, or CLI tools on your local machine. Just open your browser, go to your dashboard, and click "Open Terminal."

ShellPod vs Alternatives

What is the difference between ShellPod and running Claude Code locally?

When you run Claude Code locally, it uses your laptop's CPU, memory, and battery. Sessions die when your laptop sleeps. You need to configure your environment on every machine you use.

With ShellPod, Claude Code runs on dedicated cloud hardware. Sessions persist 24/7, survive any disconnect, and are accessible from any device. Your laptop becomes a thin client — no fan noise, no battery drain, no lost context.

What is the difference between ShellPod and claude.ai's web interface?

Claude.ai's web interface is a chat tool — it generates code but cannot execute it, test it, or iterate on it. You copy-paste code and debug manually.

ShellPod runs the Claude Code CLI, which is a full agentic environment. It reads your files, runs commands, executes tests, and iterates until the code works. It is the difference between a suggestion engine and an execution engine.

What is the difference between ShellPod and a regular VPS?

You could set up a VPS yourself and install Claude Code on it. ShellPod saves you the setup time and ongoing maintenance. We handle:

  • Container provisioning and configuration
  • Web terminal access with authentication
  • Pre-installed tools (Claude Code, Git, Node.js, Python, tmux)
  • MCP server configuration
  • Dashboard with snapshots, reset, and management tools
  • Security hardening (non-root user, firewalls, auth headers)

Setting all this up yourself would take hours and require ongoing maintenance. ShellPod gives you a production-ready environment in seconds.

Technical Questions

What operating system does the container run?

Your container runs a minimal Debian-based Linux image optimized for development. It includes the standard GNU/Linux userland tools plus development essentials (Git, Node.js, Python, build tools).

Can I install custom software?

Yes. You have a full Linux environment with package management. You can install additional tools and languages as needed. Installed packages persist across sessions since they are on the persistent filesystem.

What are the container specs?

Each ShellPod container gets:

  • 4 vCPUs
  • 8 GB RAM
  • Persistent SSD storage
  • Symmetric gigabit network connection

Is there a bandwidth or storage limit?

There are no hard bandwidth limits — your container has a gigabit connection. Storage is generous and sufficient for typical development use cases (multiple repos, dependencies, etc.). If you are working with unusually large datasets, contact us to discuss your needs.

What happens during planned maintenance?

We schedule maintenance during low-usage hours and notify users in advance. Your persistent data is always preserved during maintenance. Running processes may be interrupted, but your files and configuration are safe.

Billing

Do I need an Anthropic subscription too?

Yes. ShellPod provides the infrastructure to run Claude Code. You still need your own Anthropic API key or Pro/Max subscription to use Claude Code itself. This keeps the billing transparent — ShellPod charges for infrastructure, and Anthropic charges for AI usage.

Can I try ShellPod before paying?

Yes. Both plans include a 7-day free trial. No charge until the trial ends, and you can cancel anytime during the trial.

For more billing details, see our Billing and Subscription page.

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