GitHub: Copilot CLI remote control now generally available on all platforms

GitHub announced on May 18, 2026 the general availability (GA) of remote control functionality for GitHub Copilot. The feature, previously in limited preview, is now available to all Copilot subscribers — at no additional cost.

What is Copilot CLI remote control and how does it work?

GitHub Copilot CLI is an AI agent that works in the terminal, allowing developers to plan, generate and execute code through natural language. Remote control extends that capability beyond the boundaries of a single device: with the /remote on command inside an active CLI or VS Code session, the user allows monitoring and control of that session from any other supported client.

Four surfaces are supported: GitHub.com (web), GitHub Mobile (iOS and Android), VS Code and JetBrains IDEs. The last two clients were added with this GA release. Sessions are private by default — access is exclusively for the session owner, with no possibility for external users or systems to view them.

How does Copilot Remote Control change the workflow?

The practical effect is the elimination of interruptions between planning and execution. A developer can start a long-running task on a local machine via Copilot CLI and then monitor or steer it from a phone while on the go. It is possible to send further natural language instructions, respond to approval requests, review implementation plans and directly create or merge pull requests — all from the GitHub Mobile app, without returning to a desk.

The same workflow also works in reverse: a session can be started in VS Code and then continued or monitored from the terminal or web.

Availability and subscription inclusion

The remote control functionality is included in existing GitHub Copilot subscriptions without a price change. There is no special opt-in — simply update the Copilot CLI or IDE extension to the latest version and use the /remote on command as needed. GA status means the feature is stable, supported and intended for everyday professional use, not just experimentation.