topic Re: VBM4500r2 firmware not updating from 1.16.3.4 in Arlo Pro 2

VBM4500r2 firmware not updating from 1.16.3.4

rallymaster — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 23:15:22 GMT

Hello all, I have a weird one... I am a long time arlo user, but new to the forums. I have done a bit of searching and I am trying to replace my base with a "newer" one and I bought it new awhile back. I have been trying to get it to manually update the firmware from 1.16.3.4. I have waited longer than 24 hours, I have tried the app no idea how many times and even the my.arlo site. The app will say its checking for updates, I will either gets a "Firmware status could not be checked" (old one had just updated so it's not connection) or I will get a big question mark and it will not update. According to forums it should go to 1.21.1.0.

Is there a way to push an actual firmware update to get it past this block of 1.16.3.4, like set a DNS to point at a certain arlo server or what have you? Thanks in advance!

Re: VBM4500r2 firmware not updating from 1.16.3.4

Edinburgh_lad1 — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 08:00:17 GMT

A number of users, me including, have posted about having a similar experience. Mine is on old firmware, but is not updating. I don't think Arlo realises the gravity of the situation: we spend money on this poorly executed product and it doesn't work at all, or what looks like is actually deliberately made not to work, or how else do you explain all that. I find this absolutely appalling and unacceptable, and I'm shocked at the level of arrogance at Arlo. I'm surprised too that there isn't a huge fine yet (Apple-style) for what this company does.

Re: VBM4500r2 firmware not updating from 1.16.3.4

BrookeN — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 16:16:21 GMT

@rallymaster are you seeing this behavior on the VMB4000 or the VMB4500? It appears that your VMB4000 is offline, however the other basestation is online.

Re: VBM4500r2 firmware not updating from 1.16.3.4

rallymaster — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 16:29:27 GMT

This would be the VMB4500v2 that I have running currently on my account, I was going to work on migrating cameras over to it. I have a single ethernet in the location where the VMB4500v2 is located as it was a prime spot in the home to get all the cameras efficiently and making them happy battery wise.

Re: VBM4500r2 firmware not updating from 1.16.3.4

BrookeN — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 16:56:38 GMT

Have you tried to reset the basestation?

Re: VBM4500r2 firmware not updating from 1.16.3.4

rallymaster — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 21:05:57 GMT

It was the first thing I did because my phone wouldn't connect to it. But for testing purposes I have just tried resetting it again. After some time "checking for updates" it failed again. I had tried again, and I got the same message.

Re: VBM4500r2 firmware not updating from 1.16.3.4

Edinburgh_lad1 — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 21:46:04 GMT

This is a widespread issue @BrookeN and we're all waiting for a fix. No restart or reset will fix this. It needs to be fixed at software level.

Can you or Shayne please advise of the date by which this is going to be fixed (hint: this needs to be fixed pronto).

Because I'm not able to use your product that I bought, and I find that unacceptable and appalling.

Re: VBM4500r2 firmware not updating from 1.16.3.4

rallymaster — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 22:10:58 GMT

My original thought was to perhaps try the Arlo Legacy and see if that had a pathway to upgrade the base to a newer firmware. Then jump it to Arlo Secure... but sadly I cannot connect to my account on the Arlo Legacy app.

Re: VBM4500r2 firmware not updating from 1.16.3.4

BrookeN — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 17:29:36 GMT

I have reached out to our development team for an update. I will provide one as soon as possible.

Re: VBM4500r2 firmware not updating from 1.16.3.4

rallymaster — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 18:24:11 GMT

Hello BrookeN that would be great and appreciated if possible. If any testing needs to be done on this side please let me know.

Re: VBM4500r2 firmware not updating from 1.16.3.4

Edinburgh_lad1 — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 14:36:20 GMT

Hi @BrookeN

Can we please have an update on how and when the issue is going to be resolved?

I'm getting rather concerned about this issue not being resolved yet.

Can we please have an estimated date by which this is going to be resolved? If you're unable to provide it, would @JamesC please update us? Thank you.

To reiterate: I have a base station that I spent my hard-earned money on that I can't use. (I feel this needs to be said several times because it seems that not everyone gets that at Arlo.)

As this is a firmware issue, this should be fixable. Otherwise, please provide a replacement, as this isn't a hardware issue.

Thank you.

Re: VBM4500r2 firmware not updating from 1.16.3.4

BrookeN — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 17:30:50 GMT

@rallymaster and @Edinburgh_lad1 at the end of this month there should be a field trial that the basestations will be moved to. At that time you should be able to update the firmware.

Re: VBM4500r2 firmware not updating from 1.16.3.4

Edinburgh_lad1 — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 21:42:35 GMT

Perfect. Thank you @BrookeN - you've been very helpful, as always. I'll reconnect the base station at the start of the month and report back.

Re: VBM4500r2 firmware not updating from 1.16.3.4

BrookeN — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 22:08:32 GMT

To get the field trial it has to be online. So when you bring it online at the end of the month will you please let me know.

Re: VBM4500r2 firmware not updating from 1.16.3.4

rallymaster — Sat, 22 Nov 2025 17:32:26 GMT

Good day BrookeN, Thank you very much for looking into this and providing a potential solution for the firmware update! Greatly appreciate your time in this matter. My unit is on and ready to go whenever your team is or end of month. If you need any troubleshooting on this end, please reach out as well.

Re: VBM4500r2 firmware not updating from 1.16.3.4

Edinburgh_lad1 — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 19:26:00 GMT

Well, not a *potential solution*, but a *solution*.

Re: VBM4500r2 firmware not updating from 1.16.3.4

BrookeN — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:02:30 GMT

Yes, I will be in touch as soon as I have word.

Re: VBM4500r2 firmware not updating from 1.16.3.4

Edinburgh_lad1 — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 22:30:18 GMT

Hi @BrookeN

Hope you're keeping well.

I've reconnected my VMB4500 and it looks like it's online, so if you had anything to do with that, I'd like to thank you for it. I've not tried adding anything to it yet, though. However, I'm still unable to upgrade the firmware - I get a message that the battery is too low. I'll leave the base station on for the night to see if it's going to upgrade to the latest firmware.

Re: VBM4500r2 firmware not updating from 1.16.3.4

BrookeN — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 23:10:24 GMT

@Edinburgh_lad1 I reached out to the team today for any updates on this. I am just waiting on the confirmation regarding the firmware. I do believe it will be moved over by us on a field trial. I will update you tomorrow.

Re: VBM4500r2 firmware not updating from 1.16.3.4

Edinburgh_lad1 — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 07:53:05 GMT

Hi @BrookeN

Any chance you could provide an update please?

Thank you.