Do I need Gmail for email alerts?

Yes. Stream Watchdog is designed to send alert emails through a Gmail account. The Gmail account needs 2-Step Verification turned on, and you will use a Gmail App Password inside Stream Watchdog instead of your normal Gmail password.

How do I get alerts quickly on my phone?

For the fastest alert experience, install the Gmail app on your phone and turn on push notifications for the Gmail account used by Stream Watchdog. That way, outage and recovery alerts can appear as phone notifications instead of waiting for you to manually check email.

What is a Gmail App Password?

A Gmail App Password is a special 16-character password that lets Stream Watchdog send email through your Gmail account. It is different from your regular Gmail password and can be revoked later from your Google Account.

How do I create a Gmail App Password?

1. Sign in to the Gmail/Google account you want Stream Watchdog to use for alerts.
2. Open your Google Account security settings.
3. Turn on 2-Step Verification if it is not already enabled.
4. Open Google's App Passwords page.
5. Create a new app password for Stream Watchdog.
6. Copy the 16-character app password Google shows you.
7. Paste that app password into Stream Watchdog Setup.

Open Google App Password instructions

What if I do not see the App Passwords option?

Google may hide App Passwords if 2-Step Verification is not fully set up, if the account belongs to a work or school organization, if the account uses Advanced Protection, or if the account is configured to use only security keys. If that happens, try a regular personal Gmail account with 2-Step Verification enabled.

Do I paste my normal Gmail password into Stream Watchdog?

No. Use the Gmail App Password only. Do not use your regular Gmail login password in Stream Watchdog.