Firewalls

Firewalls are like virtual security guards — they help keep your network safe by controlling which devices can send and receive data over the internet. Most routers and internet providers have firewalls built in, so even if you never set one up yourself, you probably already have one.

If you can browse the internet on your phone, laptop, or tablet, your firewall usually won’t cause any problems for your Friendship Lamp. But if your lamp is stuck pulsing blue or can’t connect, the firewall might be the reason.

How Do Friendship Lamps Communicate?

Friendship Lamps only send data out to our servers — they don’t receive incoming connections. This means they use standard web traffic to operate. Specifically, they connect using these TCP ports:

• 53

• 68

• 80

• 123

• 443

These are all commonly used by web browsers and other everyday devices.

If You’re on a Shared or Public Network (Like at a Dorm, Hotel, or Office)

Some networks (especially public or shared ones) have extra layers of security, which can block devices like your Friendship Lamp from connecting properly.

If you're using a network that asks you to sign in through a web browser (called a captive portal), your lamp may not be able to connect without extra help.

➡️ See our article: Do I need my own router to use a Friendship Lamp? for tips on using shared networks or mobile hotspots.

Special Notes About Certain Routers and Providers

• Spectrum Users

We’ve seen cases where Spectrum’s built-in firewall prevents the lamp from connecting. Some customers have been able to work around this by temporarily turning off the firewall through their Spectrum account settings or VPN website. Once the lamp is connected, you can turn the firewall back on — but if your lamp disconnects later, you may need to repeat this process.

• Smart Routers with Control Apps

If your router has a mobile app (like Xfinity or Netgear), it might be blocking your Friendship Lamp without you realizing it. Look for a setting that allows or pauses devices, and check if the lamp is listed as:

• Espressif IoT
• ESP_XXXXXX (The Xs are the last six characters of your lamp's ID)

Make sure it's not paused or blocked.

• Mesh Networks

Just upgraded to a mesh Wi-Fi system? Some Friendship Lamps may need a firmware update before they can connect. Please contact us with your lamp’s ID number and the name of your mesh system, and we’ll help get you back online.

Still Stuck?

We’re happy to help! Reach out to our support team and let us know your lamp’s ID number and what kind of Wi-Fi setup you're using.