USB or Wi-Fi
The meter can follow your status over its USB cable or over Wi-Fi. You don't pick a mode in the app: while the meter is plugged into this PC, the app uses USB. When it isn't, the app uses Wi-Fi (if you've set it up).
USB #
Plug the meter into your PC and leave it there.
- Works on any network, through a VPN, and on office Wi-Fi.
- No Wi-Fi setup needed.
- The meter gets its power from the PC, so it goes dark when the PC sleeps or shuts down.
Best for a meter on your desk.
Wi-Fi #
Plug the meter into any USB charger (by your door, for example) and the app reaches it over your Wi-Fi.
- Needs a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. Most home routers have one; 5 GHz-only networks won't work.
- Work Wi-Fi that asks for a username (enterprise login) won't work. Keep those meters on USB.
- Some office and guest networks stop devices talking to each other. If the app can't see the meter there, use USB.
- Lets Home Assistant control the meter too.
Best for a meter by a door, out of cable reach. To set it up, see Set up Wi-Fi.
Both #
A meter can have Wi-Fi set up and still be plugged into your PC. Then Settings › Meters shows a line like:
USB · COM3 · Wi-Fi ready at 192.168.1.48, used when unplugged
That's normal: the app keeps using the cable while it's plugged in, and switches to Wi-Fi as soon as you move the meter to a charger. The button on the card reads Change Wi-Fi once Wi-Fi is set up (Set up Wi-Fi before that).
When your PC is away #
The meter turns off when the app can't keep it up to date, so it never shows an old status:
- The app turns the meter off when your PC sleeps, shuts down or signs out, and when you quit the app.
- If the app stops suddenly (a crash, or the Wi-Fi drops), a Wi-Fi meter turns itself off within about 10 minutes.
- You can still tap the meter by hand while the app is away.