📡 FreshRSS Monitor
Chrome extension that shows unread counts from several self-hosted FreshRSS servers on the toolbar, with Google Reader and Fever API support.
FreshRSS Monitor
Polls one or more of your self-hosted FreshRSS servers in the background, shows the total unread count on the Chrome toolbar and tells you when new articles arrive.
Features
Several servers, each with its own settings
- Manage any number of FreshRSS servers.
- Give each one its own name, URL, username, API password and polling interval (5 minutes by default).
- The connection is tested before saving, so wrong credentials show up immediately.
One click to your unread articles
- When only one server has unread articles, clicking the icon opens it in a new tab (optional).
- When several do, a popup lists each server’s count; click a name to open it.
- Hover the icon to see the count for every server.
Google Reader and Fever APIs
- Supports FreshRSS’s default Google Reader API (/api/greader.php).
- Supports the Fever API (/api/fever.php) with MD5 key authentication.
- Detects the API endpoint automatically and falls back to the other protocol if one fails.
Notifications and status
- A desktop notification for new articles; click it to open that server (optional).
- A “!” badge when a server is unreachable, with the reason shown in the popup and options page.
- Requests time out after 15 seconds, so a dead server never stalls the rest.
Options page
- Turn polling on or off per server.
- Choose the badge colour.
- Export settings as JSON and import them on another computer.
- Traditional Chinese and English interface that follows your browser language.
Getting started
- In FreshRSS, tick “Allow API access” under Administration → Authentication, then set an API password under Settings → Profile.
- Install FreshRSS Monitor from the Chrome Web Store.
- Open the extension’s options page, add a site with its URL, username and API password, and allow access to that server.
- Once saved, the unread count appears on the toolbar icon.
Privacy and security
- No user data is collected, and no analytics or tracking is used.
- It connects only to the FreshRSS servers you add, and asks for access to each one only when you add it.
- API passwords stay on the device and are not uploaded through Chrome Sync; exported backups leave them out by default.
- You are warned when an http:// address would send credentials unencrypted.
FAQ
How do I set up FreshRSS Monitor?
In FreshRSS, allow API access under Administration → Authentication and set an API password under Settings → Profile. Then open the extension’s options page, add a site with your FreshRSS URL, username and API password, and save; the connection is tested first.
Where is my API password stored?
Only in the browser’s local storage on that computer. It is not uploaded to your Google account through Chrome Sync, and exported backups leave it out unless you tick the option to include it.
Why does a site card say “Grant access” after updating?
Since version 1.1.0 the extension no longer asks for access to all websites at install; it asks for each server when you add it. Click “Grant access” and allow it, and everything works again with your settings intact.
Can I use an http:// address?
Yes, but your username and password are then sent unencrypted, and the extension warns you about it. Setting up HTTPS for FreshRSS is recommended.
Does the extension collect any data?
No. All settings stay in your browser, the extension connects only to the FreshRSS servers you add, and it uses no analytics or tracking.