Lifeguard Firmware v4

We're proud to announce a new version of firmware for the Safe Surfer Lifeguard router, version 4. It's a big update, so we highly recommend reading this article before deciding to update, as some features have been changed or removed.

If you've been with us for a while, you might remember our very first lifeguard device, the Lifeguard mini. This venerable little router is about the size of a matchbox, and unfortunately no longer powerful enough to support the new features we've developed. So it will not receive this update. The next iteration (model B1300, a larger white box) will receive this update, so read on.

If you've visited our site recently, you may have noticed that we have a new Lifeguard model available. This is an upgraded model with WiFi 6 and better specifications for improved speed. If you're in need of an upgrade, check it out here. This model comes with firmware version 4 already, so you should already be familiar with the changes if you have this model. However, there have been some small updates since the initial release bringing us to version 4.0.5.

Changes

Pro Surfer

Version 4 brings all lifeguard features over to the Safe Surfer dashboard at my.safesurfer.io. This is the same place where you can manage mobile devices, browsers, etc. This means that you can now edit screentime settings without having to be on the Lifeguard WiFi network itself, as well as update blocked sites and view browsing history.

This means that access to these features is now part of a Pro Surfer subscription, which was previously limited to managing devices with the app. We've made this decision to help make our company sustainable. For the Lifeguard to function, it connects to our infrastructure, which is an ongoing cost for us to maintain and improve. To help out with this transition, we'll give all existing users an extended year-long trial of Pro Surfer. You can also choose to stay on an existing firmware version. If you've already got Pro Surfer, thanks heaps for your support in building a safer internet.

Accessing the Lifeguard

Like a regular router, you now access the Lifeguard by going directly to its IP address: 192.168.8.1

Your Safe Surfer account is also no longer used to access the router. Instead, you set a PIN code, which you're prompted for the first time you access the device. You now only need to access the lifeguard directly for the following tasks:

- Seeing which devices are connected and their connection strength
- Edit WiFi settings or other settings
- Update firmware
- Factory reset or diagnostics

Updated Screentime Features

Screentimes rules are now much more flexible. You can now create timetables and timers for specific sites as well as, or in addition to, blocking the internet entirely. You can also change your mind at any time and allow/block a particular site (or the internet) for a certain amount of time.

When updating from a pre-4.0 firmware, you will have to re-create your desired screentime rules. Blocking internet for the entire device is no longer supported, although we're planning on adding this back in future.

Delete Devices

You can now delete old devices that are cluttering the list. They will be re-added if they reconnect again.

Data Usage

The data usage feature has been removed to improve performance.

Meshing

Allow more time for the upgrade to complete if you have a mesh setup.

Updated on: 31/05/2022