How to Set Up Claude Dispatch on Desktop and Mobile

To set up Claude Dispatch, install or update Claude on both your desktop computer and phone, open Cowork, select Dispatch, and follow the setup screen. Choose the local-file access and keep-awake options you need, then send a small read-only task to confirm the connection.

Dispatch runs assigned work on the desktop computer, not on the phone. The computer must therefore remain awake and online with Claude Desktop open until the task finishes.

What you need

An eligible Claude Pro or Max plan with access to the Dispatch beta.
The latest Claude Desktop app on a supported macOS, Windows, or Linux computer.
The latest Claude app for iOS or Android.
The same Claude account available on both devices.
A stable internet connection for the phone and computer; they do not need to share the same Wi-Fi network.

Feature availability and operating-system support can change during a beta. Check the current requirements in the Claude Dispatch setup documentation if the option does not appear in your apps.

1. Prepare the desktop computer

Update Claude Desktop and open it.
Open Cowork and make sure you are signed into the intended account.
Confirm that the computer can reach the internet.
Review operating-system permissions for files, notifications, and any applications Cowork may need.
Keep the computer connected to power for extended work.

Dispatch needs the desktop to stay awake. Its setup screen can offer a keep-awake option; use that when appropriate. You can also review the computer's power settings, but avoid disabling normal security controls on a shared or unattended machine.

On macOS, the built-in caffeinate command can temporarily prevent idle sleep while its process is running:

caffeinate -i

End the command with Control-C when you no longer need it. You do not need this command if the Dispatch keep-awake setting already handles the session.

2. Enable Dispatch in Cowork

Open Cowork on either the desktop or phone.
Select Dispatch in the left-side panel.
Read the explanation and choose Get started.
Choose whether Claude may use local files.
Enable the option to keep the desktop awake if required.
Select Finish setup.

The continuous Dispatch conversation should then synchronize across the desktop and mobile apps. Current setup uses this account-based flow; instructions that depend on generating and scanning a short-lived QR code may describe an older preview and should not be treated as the current interface.

3. Send a safe test task

Start with a result you can verify and that does not change anything. For example:

List the filenames in Documents/Dispatch Test. Do not modify, move, or delete anything.

Confirm that the response names the expected folder contents. Next, test a reversible creation task with a new filename:

Create Documents/Dispatch Test/dispatch-check.txt containing �Dispatch is working.� Do not overwrite any existing file.

If Claude requests approval, read the action and path before accepting. Then verify the new file directly on the computer. Delete it yourself after testing if it is no longer needed.

4. Check notifications and application access

Enable Claude notifications on the phone so Dispatch can alert you when a task finishes or requires a decision. On Android, also check whether aggressive battery restrictions are delaying notifications. On iOS or Android, Focus or Do Not Disturb settings can suppress alerts even when Dispatch is functioning.

If you plan to use connectors, plugins, or desktop applications, test them individually. On supported systems, Cowork computer use can interact with applications; the current Linux beta supports files, connectors, and plugins but not desktop-app control through computer use.

Before leaving the computer unattended

Check	Why it matters
Claude Desktop is open	Dispatch local work runs through the desktop app.
The computer is awake and powered	Sleeping or shutting down interrupts desktop tasks.
Internet access is stable	Both devices need a connection to exchange instructions and results.
Required folders are permitted	Cowork cannot use files outside its granted access.
A read-only test succeeded	This verifies the account, connection, and selected folder.
Phone notifications are enabled	You can see completion and approval prompts promptly.
The task has clear limits	Named sources, outputs, and prohibited actions reduce mistakes.

Troubleshooting

Dispatch does not appear

Update both apps, confirm that you are using an eligible plan and account, restart the apps, and check whether the beta is available in your region and rollout. Use the official help page rather than relying on old menu names.

The phone sends a task but nothing happens

Check that Claude Desktop is still open, the computer is awake, and both devices are online. Return to the desktop to look for an operating-system permission prompt or an approval request that could be blocking the work.

Claude cannot see a file

Confirm the path and grant only the relevant folder access. The file may also live in a cloud folder that has not been downloaded locally or in a connected service whose authorization expired.

No approval notification arrives

Open the Dispatch conversation directly, then review notification permissions, Focus settings, and battery restrictions. Do not repeat a consequential command until you know whether the first request is still pending.

Desktop application control fails

Verify that computer use is supported on the operating system and that the app is visible and permitted. Where possible, prefer a dedicated connector over screen interaction because connectors are generally more structured and reliable.