FAQ
Questions
What does HiveControl cost?
Nothing. HiveControl is free to use, and the HiveDevice software that runs on your hive is open source.
Do I need any hardware?
No. Without a monitor you can still keep inspections, treatments, feedings, harvests and queen records, get reminders for inspections and mite checks, and join a club. A monitor adds weight, temperature and the alerts that come from them.
What hardware can I use?
Build your own on a Raspberry Pi with the open-source HiveDevice software and common sensors (an HX711 scale, SHT31 or BME280 temperature sensors and more), and add commercial products we work with, such as BroodMinder sensors and the WeatherFlow Tempest weather station, which the HiveDevice software reads for you.
How hard is it to build a monitor?
If you can image an SD card, you can do it. The HiveDevice installer is one command and the step-by-step guide covers setting up the Pi. The hard part is usually building a stable platform for the scale.
Can I build my own device or app that sends data?
Yes. The device API is documented on the Developers page. Create a device token in Settings and post readings to it.
Is there a phone app?
The iOS app is coming soon. Until then the website works on your phone, including inspections and alerts.
I used HiveControl before. Is my data still here?
Yes. Accounts, hives and readings from the earlier hivecontrol.org moved over in October 2026. Sign in with the same email and password, and your HiveDevice keeps reporting with the token it already has.
Who can see my hives?
Only you, unless you join a club and share a hive with it. You choose which hives to share and whether the club sees their exact location, an approximate one, or only the town.
What does a club see when I share a hive?
Its readings and health records: inspections, mite counts and treatments, including suspected brood disease, so members can help each other. Your notes stay private, and so does every hive you don't share.
How will I hear about an alert?
Alerts show on your dashboard and alerts page, with a count in the menu. You can tune or turn off each kind of alert in Settings.
Start keeping better records today
Free, with or without hardware. Add your hives in a few minutes and connect a monitor whenever you're ready.