Wi-Fi Requirements for Friendship Lamps

Friendship Lamps connect through Wi-Fi so they can send and receive touches from other lamps in their group. Before setup, make sure the network meets the requirements below.

2.4 GHz Wi-Fi is required

Friendship Lamps connect to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks.

Most modern routers use both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz under the same network name. This usually works, but setup may fail if the router automatically moves devices between bands.

If setup is unsuccessful, try temporarily:

• Connecting your phone to the 2.4 GHz network
• Disabling Smart Connect, Wi-Fi Optimizer, or band steering
• Separating the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks in the router settings

You can turn those settings back on after the lamp is connected.

Use the Wi-Fi where the lamp will stay

The lamp should be connected to the Wi-Fi network at the location where it will be used.

For example, if the lamp is being gifted to someone who lives elsewhere, it will usually need to be connected to their Wi-Fi after it arrives. Setting it up on your own network does not automatically connect it to the recipient’s network.

The lamp will remain in its existing group when it is connected to a different Wi-Fi network.

Your phone must be on the intended network

During app setup, the phone or tablet must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network you want the lamp to use.

Before beginning:

• Connect your phone to the correct Wi-Fi
• Turn off cellular data temporarily if the app keeps switching networks
• Turn off any VPN or privacy service
• Confirm that the Wi-Fi password is correct

Phones sometimes add an extra space when a password is copied and pasted, so typing it manually may help.

Use a strong Wi-Fi signal

Set up the lamp near the main router whenever possible.

Weak signal can cause setup failures or frequent disconnections. Thick walls, floors, large furniture, and long distances from the router can weaken the connection.

After setup, the lamp can be moved to its normal location as long as the Wi-Fi signal remains strong.

Eero and mesh networks

Friendship Lamps can work with Eero and other mesh Wi-Fi systems.

After setup, the lamp may blink blue for approximately two minutes before it finishes connecting. This can be normal on Eero and some other mesh networks.

If the lamp continues blinking blue or never comes online, follow our Why Won’t My Friendship Lamp Connect to Wi-Fi? Router Troubleshooting Checklist.

For setup, place the lamp and phone near the main router or primary mesh unit rather than a satellite unit.

Shared, public, and managed networks

Some networks block smart devices or require a sign-in page before internet access is allowed.

This is common with:

• Hotels
• Dorms and college campuses
• Hospitals
• Assisted-living communities
• Apartment or shared-building Wi-Fi
• Workplace networks
• Public Wi-Fi

The Friendship Lamps App cannot complete a browser sign-in or accept terms on behalf of the lamp.

The network administrator may need to allow the lamp using its MAC address. A personal hotspot, private router, or Filimin Bridge may be another option depending on the location.

Mobile hotspots

A personal hotspot can be used for setup and testing as long as it:

• Broadcasts a 2.4 GHz connection
• Has active internet service
• Does not require a browser sign-in
• Allows connected devices to access the internet

Some dedicated hotspot devices must be activated with a mobile-data plan before they provide internet access.

Hidden networks

A hidden Wi-Fi network may prevent the lamp or app from finding the network during setup.

Temporarily make the network name visible, complete setup, and then hide it again if desired. The lamp should continue connecting as long as the network name and password do not change.

Router security

Friendship Lamps may have trouble connecting when the router uses:

• Device blocking
• Parental controls
• Client isolation
• Strict firewall rules
• MAC filtering
• Guest-network isolation

The lamp may appear in the router’s device list under a name containing ESP or Espressif.

Still not sure whether your Wi-Fi is compatible?

Try the setup first. Most standard home Wi-Fi networks work without router changes.

If setup fails, follow our Why Won’t My Friendship Lamp Connect to Wi-Fi? Router Troubleshooting Checklist.