[BUG] Remote Control: Changing model on iPhone resets immediately to terminal default when switching screens/tabs

Preflight Checklist

• [x] I have searched existing issues and this hasn't been reported yet
• [x] This is a single bug report (please file separate reports for different bugs)
• [x] I am using the latest version of Claude Code

What's Wrong?

When using Claude Code via remote control on an iPhone, changing the model works initially, but it immediately reverts back to the default terminal model if the mobile session/tab is moved to the background or another screen.

What Should Happen?

The selected model should persist even when the mobile session screen is switched, blurred, or backgrounded.

Error Messages/Logs

Steps to Reproduce

1. Start a Claude Code remote control session on a Linux terminal.
2. Connect to the session from an iPhone.
3. Change the model using the mobile UI.
4. Move or switch the mobile session window/tab to another screen or background.

Claude Model

Not sure / Multiple models

Is this a regression?

Yes, this worked in a previous version

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

2.1.202 (Claude Code)

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

Ubuntu/Debian Linux

Terminal/Shell

WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux)

Additional Information

_No response_