# Quick start
Add a VPN monitor, run a live test, and read the first result. It takes about five minutes, and you don't need the API or the CLI.
:::note[Before you start]
You need a TunnelHQ account and one VPN endpoint to test: a host and port, a config file, or a share link such as `vless://` or `ss://`.
:::
## Add your first monitor
1. **Open Monitors and click Add monitor.**
In the dashboard, go to **Monitors** in the left sidebar and click **Add monitor** in the top right. On mobile, the button is in the header.
2. **Paste a config, or enter the details by hand.**
The fastest way is to paste a config or share link into the box at the top. TunnelHQ detects the protocol and fills in the fields. To type the details instead, click **Enter details manually**, choose a protocol, and fill in the host, port, and any credentials. [VPN protocols](/docs/protocols/) lists the fields for each protocol.
3. **Choose where to test from (optional).**
A monitor tests from **Any** location by default, and TunnelHQ picks a checker for you. On Pro and Business, the **Test from region** field adds one specific location, where the first check runs. The monitor is saved with **Any** plus that location. To add more locations, use the monitor's **Locations** panel after saving. See [Locations and status](/docs/concepts/regions/).
4. **Save.**
The monitor shows **Pending** until its first check finishes. If the check passes, it shows **Healthy**, with a latency reading. If it fails, the monitor shows **Unknown** while it retries, and **Down** if the next check fails too.
A new monitor runs every 3 minutes, or at your plan's fastest interval if that's longer (Free: every 10 minutes). You can change the [test interval](/docs/concepts/monitors/#test-interval) in the monitor's settings.
From then on, TunnelHQ checks the monitor on your schedule, records every heartbeat, and opens an [incident](/docs/concepts/incidents/) when it starts failing.
## Run an on-demand test
To check a monitor without waiting for the schedule, open it and click **Run Now**. On the Dashboard, **Run visible tests** re-checks every monitor currently in view.
On-demand tests don't affect scheduled checks. They count separately against your plan's test quota.
## Next steps