Your home computer can run the model while your laptop supplies the browser interface. The Off Grid AI extension can connect to OGAD (Off Grid AI Desktop) at a local-network or Tailscale address, so a small laptop does not need to load the same model itself.
The home computer must remain awake, connected, and running OGAD. A connection away from home needs internet or another working route between the devices. A private address does not make that remote connection internet-free.
Download OGAD | Desktop beta 122 release notes
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Decide where the model should run
Use the more capable computer as the host. Download and load the model there, then confirm that it answers a short desktop chat. This checks the model before you diagnose networking.
The laptop extension is a client. Its browser page and prompt can be sent to the host for processing. If the host uses a local model, that computation stays on the host. If the host selects a cloud model, the cloud endpoint becomes part of the path.
This workflow is different from copying a model file to the laptop. It also differs from syncing saved conversations. The live model stays on the host, and each new request needs a connection to it.
Choose a network route
| Situation | Address to use |
|---|---|
| Browser and OGAD on the same computer | The default local connection |
| Laptop and host on the same home network | The host's reachable LAN address |
| Laptop away from home | The host's Tailscale address on your private network |
Use the host's address, not the laptop's. A loopback address such as 127.0.0.1 always points back to the machine using it. On the laptop, it will not identify a different computer in your home.
Prepare Tailscale separately if you need remote access. Both devices must belong to the private network and be able to reach one another. This guide does not require you to expose OGAD on a public internet port.
Connect the laptop extension
Use a current desktop beta with the private-network extension bridge and the early-access extension. Prepare the desktop access needed for paired chat and Pro tools.
- Start OGAD on the host and load the intended local model.
- Open the extension settings on the laptop.
- Enter the host address under Desktop address. The default port is 7878.
- Select Save address and grant the extension access to that address when requested.
- Open Settings > Desktop and start pairing.
- Compare the six words and approve the request on the host desktop.
For a LAN example, the address might look like 192.168.1.40:7878. That is an example only. Use the address assigned to your own host. Do not copy an example address and assume it identifies your machine.
Check the connection before using a private page
Ask a short question with no page-specific information first. Confirm that the host model answers. Then open a simple page on the laptop and ask for one fact from it.
This checks two different things: the route to the model and the extension's access to the page. If the first works and the second fails, changing the model host address is unlikely to solve a page-permission problem.
Keep the first job small. A larger model can still respond slowly if the host is busy, memory is tight, or the network is unstable. Do not measure the host's speed from a single reply while other jobs are running.
Keep the host available
A sleeping or powered-off host cannot answer new requests. Before leaving home, confirm the app state and the power settings appropriate to your setup. Check the private-network connection from the laptop while you still have access to the host.
If the host's LAN address changes, update the saved address. If the laptop changes networks, the previous LAN route may no longer work. Use the intended private remote route rather than repeatedly retrying an unreachable home address.
Troubleshoot in order
| Symptom | Check |
|---|---|
| Desktop unavailable | Host power, OGAD, network, address, and port |
| Address saved but no trusted connection | Pairing approval on the host |
| Connection works but no model reply | Active host model and available memory |
| Page question lacks page text | Laptop browser page permissions |
| It worked at home but not outside | Private remote route and internet connectivity |
The extension requests access to the configured host. That is separate from permission to read a website. Grant each permission for the task you intend, and keep the host on a network you control.
Set up OGAD on the home computer first. Pair the laptop while both machines are available, then test one small request through the route you plan to use away from home.
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