Understanding Monitored Networks in Fing

A monitored network is a network that Fing continuously supervises using automated scanning and security features. Manual scans require an action every time you want an update; with automated scans, Fing quietly runs in the background - tracking device activity, detecting changes, and alerting you to important events.

Monitoring a network gives you: 

• Continuous visibility into devices and their behavior
• A historical log of network changes
• Proactive alerts for security, connectivity, and device activity
• The ability to detect issues early and understand how your network evolves over time

How to Monitor a Network with Fing

Fing lets you choose between two monitoring approaches depending on how hands‑on or continuous you want your setup to be.

Using Fing Desktop

When Fing Desktop is open and active on your computer, it automatically:

• Runs background device scans
• Performs security checks
• Generates device-status alerts (requires user activation)
• Logs events in a chronological network timeline 

This option is ideal if you regularly keep your computer on and want advanced insights without installing additional hardware. Note that if the computer is switched off or goes offline, the network will stop being monitored.

Using Fing Agent

For uninterrupted monitoring, you can install Fing Agent on supported platforms such as Raspberry Pi, Docker and NAS devices.

Once installed, Fing Agent works as a dedicated monitoring hub - running 24/7. This is the recommended setup for users who need:

• Always‑on visibility
• Reliable remote access to network data
• Monitoring that never depends on a desktop being active

How can I change a network monitored by Fing Desktop?

If you need to change the network assigned to your Fing Desktop installation, follow these steps:

1. Open the Fing Web App.
2. Click the Profile icon in the bottom‑left corner and select “Monitoring sources.”
3. Find the network and click “Deactivate.”
4. Open Fing Desktop, connect to the network you want to monitor, and click “Start monitoring” when prompted.
5. From that moment on, your Fing Desktop will monitor the new network.

How many networks can I monitor?

Your Fing subscription defines the number of networks you can monitor:

• Starter: 1 monitored network
• Premium: 2 monitored networks
• Professional: 3 monitored networks (with the option to add more)

Please note that accounts without an active subscription can only scan their network manually; continuous monitoring is not available.

Monitoring Status Badges in Fing Desktop

Fing Desktop displays a status badge for every network, helping you immediately understand the monitoring state and what action (if any) is needed.

Below is a complete overview of the possible scenarios:

Badge	Description	Message
Not monitoring (case 1)	Permission granted, slots available. It can be activated.
Not monitoring (case 2)	Permission missing in personal workspace.
Not monitoring (case 3)	Permission granted, limit reached in personal or owned workspace.
Not monitoring (case 4)	Permission missing in workspace owned by other.
Not monitoring (case 5)	Permission granted, limit reached in workspace owned by other.
Monitoring active (case 1)	Monitoring device is up and running.
Monitoring active (case 2)	Monitoring device is monitored by another desktop.
Monitoring offline	Monitoring device is offline or unreachable.
Monitoring suspended	Permissions not available.
Monitoring locked	Admin operation.