Start your Nuxt dev server with npm run dev, which serves on http://localhost:3000 by default, then run “Mobile Preview: Show” from the VS Code Command Palette. The extension detects the server, shows your app in a phone or tablet frame next to your code and reloads it each time you save.
Set up
- Install the extension and start your server with npm run dev.
- Open the Command Palette and run “Mobile Preview: Show”.
- Check that the address bar shows http://localhost:3000; if your terminal printed another port, type that address instead.
- Choose a device from the menu and edit your code.
What to check on a phone with Nuxt
- Navigation that switches between a menu icon and a full bar around your breakpoint.
- Server-rendered pages: compare the first paint with the hydrated page on a narrow screen.
- Forms: check that inputs are at least 16px so iOS Safari does not zoom in on focus.
Common checks for any framework
Mobile Preview is a layout preview in a device frame, not an emulator. Check touch behavior and browser-specific rendering on a real phone before you ship.
- The viewport meta tag is present, otherwise phones lay the page out as if it were much wider.
- Tap targets are comfortably large and not too close together.
- Nothing is hidden behind the notch or Dynamic Island: see the viewport sizes and cutouts on the devices page.
Frequently asked questions
- What port does Nuxt use in development?
- Nuxt serves on port 3000 by default (http://localhost:3000). If that port is busy, the dev server usually moves to another one and prints it in the terminal.
- Does Mobile Preview work with Nuxt?
- Yes. It works with any page that loads in a browser, and it detects a local dev server automatically. You can also type any URL in its address bar.
- Does the preview reload when I save?
- Yes. It reloads each time you save a file.
- Is it free?
- There is a free version with three iPhone models. Pro, a one-time payment of €6.99, adds Android phones, iPads and more iPhones.
Install Mobile Preview from the Visual Studio Marketplace · Open VSX (Cursor, Windsurf, VSCodium) · Pricing
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