What the Friendship Lamp subscription includes
The Friendli Friendship Lamp is a connected device that lets you and someone else send each other light signals across distance. The subscription is what makes the lamp actually work — without it, the device is just a decorative object. When you subscribe, you get the cloud service that connects two lamps to each other, the mobile app to control your lamp remotely, and access to Friendli's servers that store your connection history.
The subscription covers one paired connection between two lamps. If you want to connect a lamp to more than one other person, or if multiple people in your household want their own separate connections, you will need additional subscriptions. The service works over Wi-Fi and cellular data, so both lamp owners need internet access for the signal to travel between them.
Key Takeaways
- The Friendship Lamp subscription activates the cloud connection between two lamps, without which the device cannot send or receive signals.
- You control your lamp through the Friendli mobile app, which requires the subscription to function.
- Each subscription covers one paired connection, so connecting to multiple people requires multiple subscriptions.
- Both lamp owners need internet access and the Friendli app installed on their phones for the system to work.
How to set up your subscription and connect two lamps
Start by creating a Friendli account on the Friendli website or through the mobile app. You will need an email address and password. Once your account exists, you purchase the subscription through the app or website — the subscription begins when ready after payment processes.
Next, connect your lamp to Wi-Fi using the setup instructions that come in the box. The lamp will prompt you to join your home network. After the lamp connects, open the Friendli app and sign in with your account. The app will detect your lamp and ask you to name it. At this point, your lamp is registered to your account but not yet paired to anyone else.
To connect with another person, you send them an invitation through the app. They must also own a Friendship Lamp, have created their own Friendli account, and have an active subscription. Once they accept your invitation, the two lamps are paired and can send signals to each other. The pairing happens through the cloud service, so you do not need to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
What happens if your subscription lapses or you cancel
If you stop paying for the subscription, your lamp will no longer connect to the cloud service. The device itself will not break — you can still use it as a lamp with the physical button on the device. However, you will not be able to send or receive signals from the paired lamp, and the mobile app will not function for remote control.
If you restart the subscription later, your pairing with the other lamp will still exist. You do not have to set up the connection again. Your lamp will reconnect to the cloud service and resume sending and receiving signals once the subscription is active.
Subscription cost and billing cycle
Friendli offers the subscription on a monthly or annual billing cycle. The exact price varies depending on which plan you choose and whether you are a new or existing customer — Friendli sometimes offers promotional rates for first-time subscribers. You can view current pricing on the Friendli website or in the mobile app before you purchase.
Your subscription renews automatically on the same date each month or year, depending on which cycle you selected. You can cancel the subscription at any time through your account settings in the app or on the website. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period, so you will retain access until that date.
Troubleshooting common subscription and connection problems
If your lamp is not sending or receiving signals, first check that both lamps have active subscriptions and are connected to the internet. Open the Friendli app and confirm that your account shows an active subscription. If the subscription shows as expired, purchase a renewal when ready.
If the subscription is active but signals still are not traveling, restart both lamps by unplugging them for 30 seconds and plugging them back in. Then restart the Friendli app on both phones. If the problem persists, check that both lamps are still paired in the app — sometimes a connection can drop if one lamp loses internet access for an extended period. You can re-pair them by sending a new invitation.
If you cannot see the other person's lamp in your app or send them an invitation, confirm that they have created a Friendli account and have an active subscription. They must also have completed the lamp setup and named their device. Ask them to restart their app and check their account settings to make sure their lamp is still registered.
Whether the subscription is worth the cost
The subscription cost is ongoing, so you should consider whether you will actually use the lamp regularly. The Friendship Lamp works best for people who want a straightforward, low-friction way to stay connected — a quick light signal takes seconds and does not require a conversation. If you are already texting or calling the person regularly, the lamp may feel redundant.
The lamp also requires both people to own the device and maintain active subscriptions. If the other person stops paying or loses interest, your lamp becomes a one-way device. Before you commit to the subscription, make sure the person you want to connect with is genuinely interested in using it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the lamp without a subscription?
The physical lamp will turn on and off with the button on the device, but the subscription is required for any remote control or signal-sending features. Without it, the lamp is just a light with no connection to the other person's device.
What if the other person cancels their subscription?
Your lamp will no longer receive signals from theirs, and you will not be able to send signals to them. The pairing will remain in your app, but it will not function. If they restart their subscription later, the connection will work again without needing to re-pair.
Do I need a separate subscription for each lamp I own?
No. One subscription covers one lamp and one paired connection. If you own two lamps and want to connect them to two different people, you need two subscriptions — one for each pairing.
Can I pause my subscription instead of canceling?
Friendli does not offer a pause feature. You can cancel and restart your subscription whenever you want, but you will lose access to the service between cancellation and restart. Your pairing information will remain in your account if you restart later.
What if I move or change my Wi-Fi network?
Your lamp will need to reconnect to your new Wi-Fi network. Use the Friendli app to update the Wi-Fi settings, and the lamp will reconnect to the cloud service. Your subscription and pairing will not be affected.