Firewalla app update boosts DAP security & family tools

Firewalla has released version 1.68 of its mobile app, adding updated network protection controls, new family time-management options, and a redesigned interface.

The update focuses on Device Active Protect (DAP), a machine-learning security feature that runs on Firewalla's Gold Series hardware. Version 1.68 adds two operating modes and new settings that adjust how DAP behaves during and after its learning period.

Users can now choose Default mode, positioned as a more flexible option while the system learns device behaviour and optimises profiles. Strict mode applies tighter enforcement after the learning phase, which can take several days.

An additional option lets users restart learning on eligible devices, resetting behaviour profiles. It is intended to refine results when usage patterns change or after configuration updates.

For customers using Firewalla's AP7 hardware with DAP, the app can now automatically isolate compatible Wi‑Fi devices. Firewalla says this can reduce unnecessary local-network "chatter," signalling a greater focus on managing internal network activity as well as traffic to and from the wider internet.

Interface changes

The app has received a visual refresh, including a new bottom navigation bar for Home, Devices, and Alarms. A new Rules shortcut on the home screen brings policy management closer to daily monitoring.

Version 1.68 also introduces custom user avatars stored locally on the device rather than uploaded to the cloud. Firewalla says avatars make it easier to identify family members or profiles in device lists and shortcuts, especially on busy home networks.

Time management

Parental and productivity controls expand in 1.68 with Time Limit rules that apply to groups of apps rather than individual services. This pools usage across selected apps under one shared limit, reducing the need to manage multiple restrictions.

The update also adds the ability to track and enforce total internet activity time per profile. Users can set limits at a network-wide level, extending controls beyond individual devices and shifting enforcement to user or household profiles.

Firewalla has updated its Disturb feature, introduced in version 1.66. Disturb can now be used after time limits expire, creating simulated network slowdowns instead of hard blocks.

Support for Disturb has also expanded to target lists, individual IP addresses, and domains. Trigger buttons are now available from shortcuts and device detail screens. Firewalla positions this as a way to apply graduated responses, moving from limits to reduced performance before full restriction.

Rules and visibility

Rule management and diagnostic visibility have also been updated. Users can now assign custom rule names, while the Rules List shows hit-time views indicating when rules matched traffic. Flow detail pages now display matching rules, reducing the steps needed to understand why a connection was allowed, slowed, or blocked.

The update adds summary counts for local, online, and offline devices, and introduces per-device notes to document owners, purposes, or exceptions within the app.

Other additions include an option to disable previously locked control-button rules, improved captive portal handling on select hardware, and IPv6 support for the OpenVPN server and client to improve compatibility as more services use IPv6 alongside IPv4.

App version 1.68 supports Firewalla Orange, Purple, Purple SE, Gold, Gold Plus, Gold SE, and Gold Pro models. Many new features require box version 1.982 or later, available through Firewalla's Early Access or Beta programmes.

The rollout begins with Beta participants on iOS via TestFlight and on Android via Google Play Beta. Early Access users received the update earlier this month.

Firewalla sells hardware devices for home and small-business network security. It says it does not charge mandatory subscription fees for standard device features, and that core app functions and updates remain available without a monthly fee after purchase.

Jerry Chen, co-founder of Firewalla, said:

"With 1.68, we're making Firewalla even more powerful and user-friendly, giving families smarter ways to automatically protect devices, intuitively control screen time, and enjoy a cleaner, faster app experience."

"Beta users are already loving the new navigation and avatars, and the enhanced DAP and time tools are game-changers for busy households," Chen added.

The update is part of Firewalla's ongoing app and firmware development cycle, with broader availability expected as it moves from Beta to general rollout across supported models.