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Quick Start

Get Contop running in under 5 minutes.

Step 1: Launch the Desktop App​

Open Contop from your Start Menu, Applications folder, or run the AppImage.

[SCREENSHOT: Contop desktop app main window with QR code]

First launch

If this is your first time opening Contop (after installing via Homebrew, Scoop, or direct download on macOS/Linux), the app will automatically download and install Python dependencies. A progress overlay shows the download status - this takes a few minutes depending on your internet speed. Subsequent launches skip this step.

The app automatically starts the Python server as a sidecar process. You'll see the QR code appear once the server is ready.

Step 2: Open the Mobile App​

Launch Contop on your phone. The app opens to the connection screen.

[SCREENSHOT: Mobile app connection screen]

Step 3: Scan the QR Code​

Tap Scan QR Code on the mobile app and point your camera at the desktop QR code.

[SCREENSHOT: QR scanning in progress]

The QR code contains:

  • Server connection details (LAN IP, Tailscale IP, tunnel URL)
  • Pairing token for authentication
  • DTLS certificate fingerprint for WebRTC encryption verification
  • Subscription mode flags (which providers use CLI proxy instead of API keys)

Step 4: Authenticate​

Complete biometric authentication (Face ID, Touch ID, or Android biometric) to confirm the pairing.

[SCREENSHOT: Biometric authentication prompt]

Step 5: Start Commanding​

You're connected! Type a message in the execution bar or tap the microphone to use voice input.

[SCREENSHOT: Connected session with execution thread]

Try these example commands:

"Open Chrome and search for the weather"
"Create a new folder on my desktop called Projects"
"What's currently on my screen?"
"Open the terminal and run git status"

The execution agent will:

  1. Observe your screen via screenshot + element detection
  2. Plan the necessary steps
  3. Execute CLI commands and GUI actions
  4. Report results back to your phone in real time

What Happens Behind the Scenes​

Next Steps​

Related: Installation · Configuration · Mobile App · Agent Execution