# a-Shell mini

> \*Local\* Unix terminal (& ssh)

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1543537943](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1543537943)

## Overview

- **ID:** `id1543537943`
- **Platform:** Apple
- **Type:** Apple app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Nicolas Holzschuch
- **Category:** Developer Tools
- **Rating:** 4.60 / 5 (118 ratings)
- **Version:** 2.2.0
- **Last updated:** 2026-08-31
- **First published:** 2020-12-09
- **Size:** 373 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-06
- **Store listing:** [Apple App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/a-shell-mini/id1543537943)
- **Website:** [https://holzschu.github.io/a-Shell\_iOS/](https://holzschu.github.io/a-Shell_iOS/)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://github.com/holzschu/a-shell/blob/master/privacy\_policy.md](https://github.com/holzschu/a-shell/blob/master/privacy_policy.md)

## Description

a-Shell mini is a complete local terminal emulator for iOS. It runs Python, Lua, JavaScript, and most Unix commands directly on the device with no network access. It includes native ffmpeg and image/video conversion, and supports file transfer with scp and curl, editing with vim, and scripting via shell, Python, and JavaScript.

Designed for speed and tight iOS integration, it supports iPadOS multi-window, allowing several shells in parallel across different directories. You can control it from Shortcuts to automate workflows, process files, and exchange results, all while keeping a small footprint (under 250 MB). If you need more commands and packages, consider the full a-Shell for additional Python modules, Perl, a C/C++ compiler, TeX, and more.

## Rankings

- #127,486 — Overall

## Review summary

Reviewers repeatedly praise a-Shell mini’s clean, intuitive GUI and its lightweight footprint. It’s valued for practical SSH and network tasks, quick access to devices, and easy navigation. Users also note it works well with iOS Shortcuts and a small, focused feature set. Reported drawbacks are infrequent and not universally shared, including occasional crashes after updates, a rotating display issue, and some feature gaps (local OpenSSL commands, Python modules in shortcuts). Overall, the app is seen as a fast, fuss-free tool for IT administration on iOS.

### Pros

- Clean and intuitive GUI/interface
- Lightweight / small footprint with a minimal feature set
- Strong for SSH and network tasks (remote management)
- Easy to use and navigate with convenient input

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1543537943)