NanoKVM Go

Introduction

The NanoKVM Go series is a palm-sized USB-C KVM optimized for phones, tablets, and portable computers. After the initial network setup, connect it to a device that can output video over USB-C, then view its screen and click, swipe, and type from a browser on another phone or computer. It is particularly useful for helping family members with mobile-device settings from afar, as well as for carrying between devices that need occasional maintenance.

Unlike remote desktop software, NanoKVM Go captures the display and emulates keyboard, mouse, and storage devices at the hardware level. The target does not need a dedicated driver or remote-access client. NanoKVM Go remains available when the operating system is frozen, offline, or not yet running, so you can enter UEFI/BIOS, install an OS, or troubleshoot boot problems.

Product Video

Use Cases

Help Family Members with Phones and Tablets

You can leave a preconfigured NanoKVM Go at home with its WiFi and remote-access settings ready. When a family member needs help, they connect it to their phone or tablet with a full-featured USB-C cable. You can then view and operate the device directly from a browser on your own phone or computer instead of describing every button over a call.

The auxiliary USB-C port supports USB-PD passthrough, keeping the target charged during a longer session. The target does not need a remote-control app, but its USB-C port must support video output. An iPhone also requires AssistiveTouch; see Notes for Phone Connections for setup details.

Carry One KVM Between Laptops and Mini PCs

At approximately 45 × 40 × 15 mm, NanoKVM Go fits in a small tool pouch and can move between MacBooks, Mac minis, Windows laptops, mini PCs, Steam Decks, and other portable systems. Its main USB-C connection carries video, audio, keyboard and mouse control, a virtual USB drive, and a virtual network interface over one full-featured cable, reducing the adapters and wiring associated with a traditional KVM.

NanoKVM Go streams video and control traffic over dual-band 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz WiFi 6. Away from the local network, built-in Tailscale support provides an encrypted path to the device without exposing the KVM management interface directly to the public Internet. See the Tailscale guide for setup details.

Recover a Device When Its System Is Unavailable

NanoKVM Go does not depend on the target operating system or its network services. If remote desktop, SSH, or the OS itself stops working, you can still view the boot screen, enter UEFI/BIOS, change boot options, or mount an image to install and repair the system.

If the target is completely unresponsive, add the Finger Robot to press its physical power button remotely. See the Finger Robot guide for wiring and operation.

Connect Real Devices to AI Agents

On both Go and Go+, the user can enable an MCP server that exposes KVM capabilities to compatible AI tools. The tool can receive the target display through NanoKVM Go and send keyboard or mouse actions, effectively giving an AI agent eyes and hands on a real device. See the MCP guide for configuration.

NanoKVM Go+ also provides Memory Fabric. It periodically extracts text and context from screens that have changed, producing operation records that AI tools can search and query. Memory Fabric is not continuous video recording. See the Memory Fabric guide for its behavior, model configuration, and privacy considerations.

MCP and Memory Fabric must be enabled by the user. A target screen can contain account details, messages, or other sensitive information. Use these features only on trusted networks and with trusted AI tools, and keep the API Key private.

Models and Specifications

The series includes two models: NanoKVM Go and NanoKVM Go+. Both provide the same core KVM, MCP, wireless, and expansion capabilities. Go+ adds an on-device AI processor, more memory and storage, and screen-memory features.

Choose NanoKVM Go if you need complete remote viewing and control. Choose Go+ if you also want to search text that previously appeared on screen or give an AI agent more continuous context about your work.

4K @ 50 Hz / 2K @ 90 Hz describes the maximum video capture capability. The resolution and refresh rate available on the target also depend on the active EDID, operating system, and USB-C interface. The highest 4K mode in the current built-in EDID set is 3840 × 2160 @ 50 Hz. See Resolution and EDID Settings for the complete mode list and configuration steps.

Compatible Devices

For a target device, Apple products must use a native USB-C video-output model listed below. For other devices, the specific USB-C port in use must support DisplayPort Alt Mode. Ports limited to charging or ordinary USB data cannot output video. The Apple model ranges below follow Apple's current documentation; check Apple's technical specifications again for future models.

Official Apple references: USB-C display support on iPhone, USB-C display support on iPad, MacBook (2015), MacBook Air (2018), MacBook Pro (2016), iMac (2017), Mac mini (2018), Mac Studio (2022), and Mac Pro (2019).

The controlling device can be another phone, tablet, or computer. It only needs a modern browser and network access to NanoKVM Go. Use the included cable or another full-featured USB-C cable that supports video transmission.

Physical Features and Dimensions

NanoKVM Go has a 1.83-inch touchscreen that shows network, resolution, and operating status and supports network setup and selected local controls.

Built-in magnets attach the device to a metal PC case or another suitable metal surface; during heavier workloads, the metal surface can also help dissipate heat passively.

Hardware and Software Resources

• NanoKVM Go source code

Purchase

• NanoKVM Go Kickstarter campaign

Feedback

If you encounter an issue or have a suggestion, use one of the following channels:

• GitHub Issues
• MaixHub forum
• QQ group: 703230713