Configuring Your Nightscout URL

Configuring Your Nightscout URL

Configuring your Nightscout URL is one of the first steps after creating your Nightscout Pro account. This guide walks you through choosing your site address, setting initial options, and safely creating your Nightscout site.

No technical knowledge is required for this step.

What is a Nightscout URL?

Your Nightscout URL is the web address where you, your caregivers, and healthcare professionals can view your glucose data.

It will look like this:

This address is unique to you and is the main way you access your Nightscout dashboard from any device with an internet connection.

Configuration Steps

Step 1. Choose your site name

Choose a unique name for your Nightscout site. This name becomes part of your URL.

For example:
https://your-chosen-name.nightscoutpro.com

Guidance for choosing a site name:

• Pick something memorable but not too personal
• Avoid using full names or sensitive information
• Shorter names are usually easier to share and remember

As you enter a site name, the system checks availability automatically.
This check is handled securely on the server to ensure accuracy.

If the name is already in use, you will be prompted to choose another.

Step 2. Select your region

Choose the server region closest to your physical location.

This helps optimise performance and page load speed.
Your region selection does not affect who can access your site and does not restrict sharing.

Step 3. Create your API Secret

The API Secret acts as a secure password for your Nightscout site.

It is required when setting up uploaders, follower apps, and integrations that send or read data.

API Secret recommendations:

• Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols
• Make it at least 12 characters long
• Avoid names, dates, or easy patterns

Keep your API Secret private. Do not share it publicly or include it in screenshots.

Step 4. Choose your display units

Select how glucose values should be displayed on your Nightscout site:

• mg/dL, commonly used in the US and some other regions
• mmol/L, commonly used in most other countries

Make sure this matches the units used by your CGM and diabetes management tools to avoid confusion.

Step 5. Create your Nightscout site

Once all fields are completed, select the Create Nightscout button.

The system will validate your settings and create your site automatically.
Your Nightscout site is typically live within one minute.

Important Notes

Site name availability checks

Site name availability is validated on the server to ensure reliability, even if browser-based checks are unavailable.

If your chosen name is unavailable, you will be prompted to select a different one before the site is created.

API Secret security

Your API Secret is a critical security component.

• Never share it publicly
• Do not send it via social media or unsecured messages
• Use Nightscout authentication features to grant viewing access instead of sharing your API Secret

Changing settings later

Many Nightscout settings can be updated after creation.

However, your site URL cannot be changed once your site is created.
Take a moment to choose a site name you are happy to keep long-term.

After Configuration

Once your Nightscout site is live:

• Bookmark your Nightscout URL for easy access
• Configure your uploaders to send data to your site
• Review and complete your Nightscout profile settings
• Share your Nightscout URL, not your API Secret, with caregivers or clinicians who need access

Your Nightscout Pro site is now ready to use.