Siemens HMI Remote Access via Sm@rt Server: TIA Portal V13/V14 Configuration
Remote visualization and operation of a SIMATIC HMI from a smartphone, tablet, or laptop is a common requirement for service engineers, machine builders, and end users. Siemens provides this functionality through the Sm@rt Server option integrated in WinCC Comfort/Advanced, accessed remotely via the Sm@rtClient application. This reference details the hardware prerequisites, software configuration in TIA Portal V13 and V14, the licensing model across panel families, and the differences between the Sm@rtClient full and Lite apps.
1. Architecture Overview
The Sm@rt ecosystem uses a client/server model:
- Sm@rt Server runs inside the WinCC Runtime on the HMI panel itself. It hosts the live screen of the panel and exposes it as a service on the network.
- Sm@rtClient is a thin client that connects to that service and renders the panel screen on a remote device.
- Available clients:
- Android / iOS: SIMATIC WinCC Sm@rtClient app (Lite and full versions).
- Windows: [email protected], installed as part of the WinCC Advanced/Comfort runtime package on the engineering PC.
Communication is TCP/IP-based, typically over the panel's PROFINET/Ethernet port. The Sm@rt Server listens by default on TCP port 1434 (or 1433 in older firmware) for Sm@rtClient sessions.
2. HMI Hardware Compatibility Matrix
Sm@rt Server availability depends on the HMI family and the firmware/OS version running on the panel.
| HMI Family | OS / Image Version | Sm@rt Server Supported? | License Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Panels (TP700–TP2200, KP700–KP1500, KTP400 Comfort) | < 14.0.0.0 (TIA V13 and earlier) | Yes | Yes — Sm@rtServer for SIMATIC Panels license + WinCC Advanced RT license |
| Comfort Panels | ≥ 14.0.0.0 (TIA V14 and later) | Yes | No — included in TIA Portal V14 image |
| Basic Panels 2nd Generation (KTP400–KTP1200) | With earlier WinCC Sm@rt Server license | Limited (Lite features only) | Yes — Sm@rt Server license |
| Basic Panels 2nd Generation | Current WinCC Sm@rt Server license | Yes | Yes — Sm@rt Server license (Sm@rtServer is not bundled by default on Basic) |
| WinCC Advanced Runtime (PC-based, WinCC RT Advanced) | Any TIA V13+ | Yes | Yes — WinCC Sm@rtServer license |
Key version line: 14.0.0.0 refers to the HMI panel OS / image version, not the TIA Portal engineering version. It is the firmware release that bundles Sm@rt Server into the Comfort panel image, eliminating the need to transfer a separate license for the Sm@rt Server option.
3. TIA Portal V13 vs V14 Licensing Rules
The licensing model changed at TIA Portal V14. The decision path is:
-
If you use TIA Portal V13 (or earlier) on a Comfort panel with an OS image < V14: you must purchase and transfer two licenses to the panel:
- WinCC Comfort/Advanced RT license (the runtime itself).
- Sm@rtServer for SIMATIC Panels option license.
- If you use TIA Portal V14+ on a Comfort panel with OS image ≥ 14.0.0.0: the Comfort panel ships with the Sm@rtServer functionality already enabled. No additional Sm@rtServer license is required. You only need the standard WinCC Comfort RT license.
- If you use a Basic 2nd Generation panel: the Sm@rtServer is a separately licensed option regardless of TIA Portal version. There is no free bundling — even on V14.
- If you use a PC-based WinCC Advanced Runtime: the Sm@rtServer option is licensed separately and is required for the runtime to host remote sessions.
4. Sm@rtClient App: Lite vs Full Version
| Feature | Sm@rtClient Lite (free) | Sm@rtClient Full (paid) |
|---|---|---|
| Live screen visualization | Yes | Yes |
| Operation time limit | Limited (time-bounded demo) | Unlimited |
| Automatic connection detection | No | Yes |
| Connection management (multiple servers / favorites) | No | Yes |
| Remote function key operation | No | Yes |
| Typical use | Demonstration, evaluation | Production remote service |
The full version is the production choice. The Lite version is a viewer only and is intended for evaluation. If the engineer needs to control the HMI from a phone, the full app is mandatory — the Lite variant will time out and will not deliver function-key events back to the HMI.
5. Prerequisites Checklist
- SIMATIC HMI panel from a supported family (Comfort or Basic 2nd generation).
- PLC (S7-1200, S7-1500, S7-300/400, or third-party via PROFINET) connected to the HMI.
- WinCC Comfort or WinCC Advanced engineering license in TIA Portal.
- TIA Portal V13 SP1, V14, V14 SP1, or later (V15, V16, V17 also supported; the OS-image ≥ 14.0.0.0 license rule still applies).
- Sm@rtServer license for SIMATIC Panels — only if the panel OS image is < 14.0.0.0, or the panel is a Basic 2nd generation, or the runtime is PC-based.
- Ethernet switch or direct cable between HMI and engineering PC for commissioning.
- Remote client device (Android, iOS, or Windows) with the appropriate Sm@rtClient app installed.
6. Step-by-Step Configuration in TIA Portal
6.1 Configure the panel IP and runtime
- Open the project in TIA Portal.
- Select the HMI device in the project tree.
- Open Properties > General > PROFINET interface [X1] and assign a static IP address, subnet mask, and (if needed) gateway. Avoid DHCP for Sm@rtServer targets — clients expect a stable address.
- Open Runtime settings and confirm the Start Center settings (auto-start of the configured runtime project).
6.2 Enable Sm@rt Server in runtime settings
- In the HMI device properties, navigate to Runtime settings > Sm@rt Server (the menu name may differ slightly between V13 and V17, e.g., Services > Sm@rt Server in newer versions).
- Tick Activate Sm@rtServer.
- Configure access protection:
- Set a password to restrict who can connect.
- Configure the maximum number of simultaneous Sm@rtClient sessions (typically 1–3 depending on panel performance).
- Enable or disable remote operating rights as required. By default, the remote client is observe-only; explicit configuration is required to allow input.
- Note the configured port (default 1434) — the remote client will need this.
6.3 Compile and transfer the project
- Compile the HMI (right-click the device > Compile > Software (rebuild all)).
- Transfer the project to the panel via Ethernet using the Transfer dialog. Enter the panel IP, set the PG/PC mode to Ethernet, and transfer.
- After transfer, the panel restarts and starts the runtime. Confirm that the runtime is running on the panel display before attempting a remote connection.
6.4 Test from a Windows Sm@rtClient
- On the engineering PC, launch [email protected] from
C:\Program Files\Siemens\Automation\WinCC RT Advanced\SmartTools(path varies with version). - Enter the panel IP and the configured port (default 1434).
- Enter the Sm@rtServer password if one was set.
- Click Connect. The live panel screen should appear in the Sm@rtClient window.
- Verify mouse clicks transmit to the panel (touch / function-key area responses).
6.5 Connect from a smartphone or tablet
- Install SIMATIC WinCC Sm@rtClient from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Open the app and add a new connection:
- Name: free text (e.g.,
LineA_ComfortPanel). - Address: panel IP (e.g.,
192.168.1.50). - Port: 1434 (or the configured port).
- Name: free text (e.g.,
- Save the connection and tap it to launch the remote view.
- Verify the screen renders, the connection is stable, and operation works (input is enabled on the full app only).
7. Network and Security Configuration
Sm@rtServer has no built-in encryption or strong authentication. The protocol is intended for trusted networks. When exposing the panel to a phone over the public internet, take the following precautions:
- VPN: Put the remote device and the panel site behind a VPN (IPsec, OpenVPN, WireGuard). This is the recommended path for industrial sites.
- Sinema Remote Connect: Siemens' managed remote-access platform, which establishes an OpenVPN-based tunnel between the panel network and the client. Native integration exists in newer Comfort panels.
- Firewall rules: If you must use port forwarding, restrict source IPs, and change the default port (1434) to a non-standard one. Combine with a strong Sm@rtServer password.
- Disable Sm@rtServer when not in use, or schedule it via runtime scripting to start only during service windows.
8. Alternatives to Sm@rt Server
When the use case does not justify the Sm@rtServer license or the panel family does not support it, consider the following alternatives:
| Alternative | Panel / Platform | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web server (S7-1500 / S7-1200 built-in) | S7-1500, S7-1200 (CPU with web server) | Free; standard browser; no extra license | Custom HTML pages; no direct HMI screen mirroring |
| OPC UA server on the PLC | S7-1500, S7-1200 (V4+), ET 200SP CPUs | Standards-based, encrypted, scalable | Requires custom HMI/client app; does not mirror WinCC screens |
| VNC server on a PC-based runtime | WinCC RT Advanced / Professional on Windows | Free VNC clients; full screen mirror | PC runtime only; no native VNC server on Comfort panels |
| Third-party SCADA mobile apps (e.g., Ignition Perspective, AVEVA) | PC-based SCADA systems | Modern HTML5 dashboards; multi-user | Significant architecture change; not a direct HMI replacement |
9. Troubleshooting Matrix
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Sm@rtClient cannot connect; "Connection refused" | Sm@rtServer not enabled, or wrong port | Enable Sm@rtServer in TIA runtime settings; verify port (default 1434) and that the panel firewall allows it |
| Connection succeeds but screen is blank | Runtime is not started on the panel, or a screen change is blocked by a user-rights mismatch | Confirm a project is loaded and running on the panel; check HMI user administration |
| Client times out after a few minutes | Sm@rtClient Lite version is in use | Install the full version of the app |
| Remote input (touch / key) has no effect | Remote operation rights disabled in Sm@rtServer settings | Enable "Allow operation" in Sm@rtServer configuration and recompile/transfer |
| "License missing" message on the panel at startup | OS image < 14.0.0.0 and no Sm@rtServer license transferred | Transfer the Sm@rtServer option license using the Automation License Manager |
| Connection works on local Wi-Fi but not from 4G/5G | No public route to the panel; carrier-grade NAT | Implement VPN or Sinema Remote Connect; or configure port forwarding with strong password |
| Connection is unstable; frequent drops | Wi-Fi interference, duplex mismatch, or panel CPU overloaded by too many sessions | Reduce session count; check switch port statistics; use a wired connection on the panel |
10. Verification Procedure
After commissioning, run the following verification steps to confirm a working Sm@rtServer deployment:
- Local Windows client: connect from the engineering PC using [email protected]. The screen should appear within 2–4 seconds.
- Local mobile client: connect a phone to the same Wi-Fi as the panel. Open the Sm@rtClient app, add the panel IP, and confirm a live view.
- Authentication: confirm the configured password is enforced by entering a wrong password and verifying that the connection is rejected.
- Operation rights: with the full Sm@rtClient app, tap a button on the remote screen and verify the panel responds (e.g., a tag change visible in the HMI tag monitoring).
- Disconnect: close the Sm@rtClient and confirm the panel returns to normal local operation with no alarm or log entry.
- Reconnect: reconnect and verify the session is re-established cleanly within a few seconds.
- Long-duration test: leave the session open for at least 30 minutes (Lite will expire; full will not).
- Cycle power: power-cycle the HMI and verify Sm@rtServer comes back up automatically once the runtime restarts.
11. Reference Documentation
- Siemens Support entry 109476153 — Sm@rt Server / Sm@rtClient configuration manual: https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/109476153
- SIMATIC HMI Operator Panels Comfort Panels operating instructions (entry ID 49313233) — covers OS image upgrade paths and licensing.
- WinCC Advanced V14 / V15 / V16 system manual — Sm@rtServer licensing, runtime settings, and security configuration.
- Sinema Remote Connect product page — recommended secure remote-access platform for HMI networks.
FAQ
Do I always need the WinCC Sm@rtServer license for WinCC Advanced Runtime?
Yes. For any PC-based WinCC Advanced Runtime (WinCC RT Advanced) used as a Sm@rt Server, the Sm@rtServer option license must be installed. It is required in addition to the WinCC RT Advanced license.
When can I skip the Sm@rtServer license on a Comfort panel?
On a Comfort panel running OS image version 14.0.0.0 or higher (i.e., the V14+ image), the Sm@rtServer functionality is bundled and no separate option license is required. Panels with older OS images still need the Sm@rtServer license.
What is the difference between the Sm@rtClient app and the Sm@rtClient Lite app?
The Lite version is a free, time-limited viewer for evaluation. The full version includes unlimited operation time, automatic connection detection, connection management, and remote function-key operation — making it the only choice for production use.
Can a Basic 2nd generation panel host Sm@rt Server?
Yes, with a separately purchased Sm@rt Server license. Note that the Sm@rtServer feature on Basic 2nd generation panels was originally limited; the current WinCC Sm@rt Server license version provides full functionality comparable to Comfort panels.
Is it safe to expose Sm@rtServer to the public internet?
No. Sm@rtServer has no built-in encryption. For internet access, always use a VPN, Sinema Remote Connect, or a tightly restricted firewall rule with a strong password. Direct exposure of port 1434 to the public internet is not recommended.