Desktop App Guide

Complete guide to installing and configuring the Pinger desktop application for Windows and macOS

Two Ways to Use Pinger

The desktop app works in two modes: Standalone (local only) or Cloud Sync (remote access + automatic alerts).

Choose standalone if you want complete control and privacy. Choose cloud sync for remote monitoring and automatic failover alerts.

Installation

Windows

Download the .exe installer from GitHub Releases
Run the installer (you may see a Windows SmartScreen warning - click "More info" then "Run anyway")
Follow the installation wizard
Launch Pinger from your desktop or Start menu
The app will appear in your system tray (bottom-right corner)

macOS

Download the .dmg file from GitHub Releases
Open the .dmg file
Drag Pinger to your Applications folder
Launch Pinger from Applications
The app will appear in your menu bar (top-right corner)

Mode 1: Standalone (Local Only)

Perfect for: Single location, complete privacy, no cloud dependencies

In standalone mode, everything runs locally on your computer. You configure your own email (SMTP) for alerts, and all data stays on your machine. No cloud account needed.

Setting Up Email Alerts (Standalone)

Gmail

Go to Settings → Email Setup
Select "Gmail" as provider
Enter your Gmail address
Create an App Password (requires 2FA enabled)
Use the App Password (not your regular password)
Add recipient email addresses
Click "Test Email" to verify

Outlook/Office 365

Go to Settings → Email Setup
Select "Outlook" as provider
Enter your Outlook/Office 365 email
Enter your password
Add recipient email addresses
Click "Test Email" to verify

Custom SMTP

For other email providers:

Select "Custom" as provider
Enter SMTP server (e.g., smtp.example.com)
Enter port (usually 587 for TLS or 465 for SSL)
Enter your email and password
Choose encryption (TLS recommended)

⚠️ Limitation

In standalone mode, if your internet goes down, the app can't send email alerts. Consider cloud sync for automatic failover alerting.

Mode 2: Cloud Sync (Recommended)

Perfect for: Remote monitoring, multiple locations, automatic failover alerts

Cloud sync connects your desktop app to Pinger's cloud service. You get remote access via web dashboard, automatic email alerts (no SMTP setup), and the cloud detects when your location goes offline.

Enabling Cloud Sync

Open Pinger desktop app
Go to Settings → Cloud Sync
Click "Enable Cloud Sync"
Your browser will open for authentication
Sign in with Google (or create an account)
Authorize the connection
Return to the app - you're connected!

What Cloud Sync Provides

✓ Remote Access

Check device status from anywhere via web dashboard at ping.wbmtek.com

✓ Automatic Email Alerts

No SMTP setup needed - cloud handles all email delivery automatically

✓ Internet Outage Detection

Cloud detects when your location goes offline within 90 seconds and sends alerts

✓ Multi-Location Management

Manage all your locations from one dashboard - perfect for multiple sites

✓ Alert History

Review past incidents and track uptime trends over time

Adding Devices

Whether you're using standalone or cloud sync, adding devices works the same way:

Click "Add Device" in the app (or web dashboard if using cloud sync)
Enter a friendly name (e.g., "Office Router" or "Cabin 7 Wi-Fi")
Enter the IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1)
Optionally add notes or mark as critical
Click "Save"

💡 Tips

Use static IP addresses for devices (not DHCP)
Mark critical devices (main router, servers) for immediate alerts
Add location info in notes (e.g., "Building A, 2nd floor")
Test each device after adding to verify it responds to ping

Auto-Start on Boot

Enable auto-start to ensure monitoring continues even after computer restarts:

Go to Settings → General
Enable "Start Pinger on system startup"
The app will launch automatically when your computer boots

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