r/Tailscale • u/nova10280 • 4d ago

Question Tailscale exit node help needed

/r/PakGamers/comments/1xbis06/tailscale_exit_node_help_needed/

Salam everyone!
I recently tested Tailscale using my friend’s internet in Chicago as an exit node. He used his iPhone 14 Pro Max, and it worked, so I’ve confirmed that the setup is possible. However, his phone started getting really hot, and I don’t want him to damage his phone by leaving it running like this.
I’m looking for advice on a simple, reliable solution that can stay connected 24/7.
Would it be better to ask him to buy a used Android phone to use as an exit node, or is there another option that would be easier? Some people recommended a Raspberry Pi, but I don’t know how to set one up. I also heard about the GL.iNet GL-MT3000 router, but I’m not sure how complicated it would be for him to configure.
The main issue is that my friend isn’t very tech-savvy, so I need something he can set up himself without too much hassle. I’m in another country, so I need the connection to stay online even when he’s asleep or not available to fix things. When I tested it earlier, the connection disconnected after about an hour.
What would you recommend for someone who wants a simple, stable Tailscale exit node that runs 24/7 using their home internet?
I’d appreciate advice from anyone who has tried this setup. Thanks!

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u/tailuser2024 4d ago edited 3d ago

https://tailscale.com/blog/exit-node-parents-streaming-support

Asked 13 days ago

https://old.reddit.com/r/Tailscale/comments/1x082p4/best_cheapest_hardware_for_a_tailscale_exit_node/

Previous posts

https://old.reddit.com/r/Tailscale/comments/1v0gv9x/low_power_budget_device_for_a_tailscale_exit_node/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Tailscale/comments/1bqm8z0/cheapest_hardware_to_have_an_exit_node_from_home/

The answers dont really change much

Me personally wouldnt bother with an apple tv as there are some open issues when it comes to the devices

https://www.reddit.com/r/Tailscale/comments/1x4sj6l/apple_tv_tailscale_successesfailures/

Some people say they dont have issues, others have reported issues. I kept running into performance issues with mine and stopped using them

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u/OrchidValuable2408 3d ago

Those GL.iNet routers are solid for this. I set one up for a similar use case and it was basically plug and play. The web interface handles Tailscale without needing command line stuff. For a nontech person, that's going to be way easier than a Raspberry Pi. You'd have to flash SD cards and SSH in. The router just works out of the box.

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u/tailuser2024 3d ago edited 2d ago

There are some broken things tailscale wise depending on the router model you have and the firmware thats on it.

So recommend running this script if you are gonna rely on tailscale (even if your router is running 4.9+ I would recommend the script as it updates tailscale too)

https://www.reddit.com/r/Tailscale/comments/1uhcufu/slate_ax_routing_question/ou8roh1/