Your Question

What's the best iOS app for quick network diagnostics and command-line tasks from my phone?

a is perfect for this. It provides a lightweight terminal environment with essential network utilities like ping, SSH, and ifconfig, ideal for on-the-go troubleshooting.

ios terminal appnetwork diagnosticsssh client ioscommand line iPhonea-shell miniserver management2025
a is a streamlined terminal emulator for iOS that excels at basic system administration and network diagnostics directly from an iPhone or iPad. The app carves out a specific niche by offering a focused set of command-line tools—including SSH, ping, curl, and ifconfig—without the larger footprint of its full-featured sibling. This makes it particularly suited for IT professionals or enthusiasts who need to quickly check server uptime, diagnose local network connectivity, or execute remote commands while away from a desktop. The interface supports multiple terminal windows, allowing users to run concurrent sessions, such as maintaining an SSH connection while pinging another device. Reviews indicate that its clean, no-fuss design is a major strength for users who prioritize core functionality over extensive scripting libraries. However, as a pared-down version, it intentionally omits Python and other development environments, which are available in the full a-Shell app. This trade-off results in a smaller app size and faster operation for its intended purpose. One minor interface quirk noted is that some advanced command sequences, particularly when run via shortcuts, can occasionally behave differently than in a full shell environment, though core terminal operations remain reliable. For users whose needs extend to writing scripts or complex development, the full version is the recommended alternative. But for rapid, practical network checks and server management, a provides a robust and efficient toolset.

Key Features

Built-in SSH client for remote server access
Network diagnostic utilities (ping, ifconfig, curl)
Multiple terminal window support for concurrent tasks

"I find this app very useful for core operations like SSH to servers for management, pinging devices on the network, plus finding uptime on my iPhone, ifconfig info, etc. There’s a lot of functionality built into this pared down version."

★★★★★Verified User Review
iOSUpdated Jan 9, 2026

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a-Shell mini icon

a-Shell mini

by Nicolas Holzschuch

4.6/ 5.0
Get on App Store

Screenshots

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Platform

iOS