Hardware & buying
One small board gives Handsy a way to see and use your iPhone. Start with the supported board below, then choose the connection that fits your phone.
The board
Section titled “The board”Use the Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32S3, standard version, with 8 MB flash and 8 MB PSRAM. This is the board supported by the website’s browser installer.
Amazon · boardSeeed Studio XIAO ESP32S3 Look for the standard 8 MB flash / 8 MB PSRAM version.
Before ordering, check the full model name. The Sense, Plus, ESP32-C3, and other ESP32 variants are not supported by this installer. Choose the standard XIAO ESP32S3 for this guide.
Attach the antenna
Section titled “Attach the antenna”Connect the included Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antenna to the board’s antenna socket before pairing. Without it, Bluetooth may not connect, or may work only with the board right beside your phone. See the antenna installation guide for the connector location.
Connect it to your iPhone
Section titled “Connect it to your iPhone”| Your phone | What to prepare |
|---|---|
| USB-C iPhone | A short USB-C to USB-C data cable between the phone and board. |
| Lightning iPhone | A Lightning to USB Camera Adapter and a USB data connection to the board. |
Handsy supports iPhone XS or newer, with iOS 18 or later. The iPhone powers the board. Keep cellular data available for your AI service while the phone uses the board’s Wi-Fi for Screen Mirroring.
Check that your cable supports data transfer, not just charging. The USB-C cable link is for USB-C phones; Lightning phones need the adapter connection above.
Before the first run
Section titled “Before the first run”You will also need a computer with Chrome or Edge to install the board firmware once. With the app, the task then runs with your iPhone and the board. With the upcoming CLI, your computer stays nearby and runs the agent over Bluetooth; the CLI release will supply matching board firmware. You can start with a free AI service available in the app. If you choose your own service, have its endpoint and API key ready for setup.
When the hardware arrives, follow Using the app. The installation video and phone walkthrough are embedded there, alongside each step.
Amazon links & supporting Handsy
Section titled “Amazon links & supporting Handsy”These are the same Amazon purchase links used on the Handsy homepage. Buying through them can support the project.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.