Dashy Hosting

Allow several minutes for the initial build; PikaPods notes that this may temporarily need extra RAM. Open your pod URL, use the built-in editor to add sections and links, then save the configuration. You can also edit conf.yml through SFTP. Follow the configuration guide for the file structure.

No. PikaPods sets up and runs Dashy for you, including OS and app updates and HTTPS. You won't touch Docker or a server. Your files and database stay accessible if you ever want to move them elsewhere.

Yes. Open the dashboard in a browser on each device. Dashy has a responsive interface and can be installed as a progressive web app. A dashboard link does not make the linked service reachable from outside your network.

Links can point to services your own browser can reach, but the hosted pod cannot directly reach private addresses on your home network. Widgets and status checks depend on where requests run, network access and the target service’s browser permissions. Some widgets also need an external account or API key; see the widget documentation.

Set up incremental backups to S3 in your pod settings for automatic nightly snapshots, or download your files and database yourself. We keep whole-server backups for server failures, but they aren't a per-pod restore service, so your own backup is what protects your data.

You can use Dashy instead of Start.me. PikaPods runs it for you, and you can move your files and database elsewhere.

Start.me is a hosted start page and bookmark manager with an account of its own. Dashy is aimed at people running services: it adds status checks and widgets, and can be configured through YAML. If you only need a tidy page of bookmarks, Start.me is simpler, as there's nothing to host.

No. You add prepaid credit and your pods are billed by the hour from that balance, rounded up to full hours. There are no contracts or minimum terms: delete a pod anytime and billing stops. Optional automatic top-ups keep your pods running without manual payments.

You do. And you're in full control. If you ever want to download, migrate, edit or delete your data, just enable file and database access for your pod and it will be right there.