Ping Warden

Less lag.
More game.

Reduce AWDL-related Wi-Fi lag while you play. Ping Warden keeps wireless sharing paused and your connection in view.

Get Ping Protection · $15 Download free

One-time purchase in USD. macOS 13 or later.

Ping Warden dashboard with a latency session, network quality readings, and a ping history graph.
A view of the Ping Warden dashboard. Your readings will vary.

A quieter connection.

macOS uses Apple Wireless Direct Link (AWDL) for nearby-device features. Ping Protection keeps it paused while you play, even when macOS tries to turn it back on.

Sharing takes a pause.

AirDrop, AirPlay, Handoff, and other AWDL-dependent features are unavailable while protection is on. Turn it off or pause for 10 minutes when you need them.

Ready when you are.

  1. Install Ping Warden

    Download the app and move it to Applications. Open it from there. The signed, notarized build supports Intel and Apple silicon.

  2. Activate your license

    Gumroad delivers your download and license key after purchase. Enter the key in Settings → License. One key covers the Macs you own.

  3. Turn on Ping Protection

    Follow the welcome setup and approve the helper when macOS asks. Enable protection from the menu bar. You can also use Game Mode to activate it for recognized games.

What can I use for free?

The dashboard, latency history, diagnostics, and updates work without a license. Enabling Ping Protection requires the one-time $15 license. You can download the app now and add a key later.

The source is available under the MIT license. You can inspect, modify, and build it yourself.

Does this fix every kind of lag?

No. Ping Warden addresses the interference that AWDL can cause on Wi-Fi. It cannot fix a slow internet connection, an overloaded router, or a distant game server. Use the free dashboard to understand your connection first.

Already using Ping Warden?

If protection was enabled with an approved helper when you first launched version 4, you receive a 90-day transition from that launch. Updates preserve your original deadline. Check Settings → License for the time remaining.

If you donated through Buy Me a Coffee before version 4, email Oliver with your receipt and it will be honored as a full license.

What stays on my Mac?

Latency history, settings, and protection activity stay on your Mac. Ping Warden does not send usage analytics. Crash reporting is optional and off by default.

The app contacts Gumroad for license verification, checks for updates, and connects to your selected latency target. It also checks GeForce NOW’s status service to discover targets. License verification supports up to 14 days offline after a successful check.

Read the privacy details.

The details, when you need them.

Explore the complete setup guide, feature list, technical documentation, and troubleshooting guide.