VMB4540 and Gen 2 compatibility

[ameganf]

Hello, 

Any timeline on when gen 2 cameras will be compatible with the VMB4540 SmartHub. The website for smart hub had the cameras advertised on that item's page and I was quite upset to learn that they don't work together. In addition, the build your own bundle allows you to add this to the cart without any warning or prompts. This would be helpful to consumers so that they do not make this mistake.  

Any timeline beyond "soon" would be helpful. Right now I have a $100 paperweight in my house and would like to return it, but if the update is coming within the next 30 days, I am happy to keep it. 

[JamesC]

While we do intend to release a compatibility update for 2nd Generation devices to allow them to connect to Base Stations/SmartHubs, I do no have a timeline available for when the firmware will be available for this update. Please stay tuned for an announcement here on the community and on arlo.com

JamesC

[ameganf]

So what do I do in the meantime? Buy the subscription to have useable products? All while compromising on the thing I bought the base station for, keeping my videos out of the cloud? Incredibly disappointed. 

[Omaruis]

I wish i saw that post earlier, ending up with unsuable equipement as well. Do arlo intend to make them compatible or should I just return this?

[Edinburgh_lad1]

Crazy situation that people spend their hard earned money and then there's that. 

[ashdeangelis]

In the same boat. I have camera's up, but they basically are nothing because I refuse to pay for a subscription that keeps rising in cost when I was also told that it was "coming soon". And of course, I can't even complain to Arlo because in order to get support, you have to be a paying customer... I'm about ready to take the loss and get some home kit enabled ones at this point. 

[ech0]

I've read that the new Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Generation) is compatible with the Smart hub VMB4000r3. 

When I add the Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Generation) device through the app, I'm never given the option to select the smart hub. It only allows me to connect to the network. 

I've done all firmware updates, removed devices and tried to add again but no luck. 

Smart hub firmware:  1.21.1.0_4302_9611cf3

Hardware: VMB4000r3

Hook up type: wired

Arlo Video Doorbell 2K firmware: 1.4.2_720_d572335

Hardware: AVD4001Aer1.3

[StephenB]

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@ech0 wrote:

I've read that the new Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Generation) is compatible with the Smart hub VMB4000r3. 

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Where did you read that?  None of the Gen 2 cameras can be paired to a hub.  Arlo has said they will add the feature, but they haven't said when.

[ech0]

Right! You are 100% correct. This post is referring to the "Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell". 

So users are required to purchase the subscription plan? That's lame!

https://community.arlo.com/t5/Arlo-Video-Doorbell/Doorbell-Won-t-Connect-to-Base-Station-or-Wireless...

[ech0]

I think I'm going to return the Gen 2 and get the older one so I can use it on the smart hub. 

[dezmangos]

Same here. I bought a bundle, like they show. And now I'm with a $100 product that doesn't work and I can't even have a way to complain. Shame on you, Arlo.

[JohnBlaze]

Yes; I too am here fighting with this incompatibility issue and it’s November 2024. I purchased the VMB4540 as the product page touted this as a compatible unit with my cameras.  Ive tried everything only to come here and find that many users have this unaddressed issue.  I will return the device and place in the Amazon comments page that Arlo has virtually zero customer support or reliable documentation or customer support; so look elsewhere for a reliable solution to your camera needs. Thanks for nothing Arlo…

[JamesC · Accepted solution]

2nd generation devices are now compatible with Base Stations/SmartHubs. You can read more about this here: https://community.arlo.com/t5/Announcements/Essential-2nd-Generation-devices-are-now-compatible-with...

JamesC

[Bloodbath]

You posted this non-helpful response a dozen times in a dozen places. It's useless garbage, because if you can't connect the device to the app (because the WiFi won't connect), then you can't upgrade the firmware.

Please detail the exact steps necessary to work around this issue. How do I upgrade the firmware WITHOUT connecting the device to the app? Or how can I connect the device to the app WITHOUT connecting to the WiFI? I have a cord, I have an online account, I have an app, and I have a camera. You have a company with product support and engineers. You should be able to solve our problems easily.

[StephenB]

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@Bloodbath wrote:

 if you can't connect the device to the app (because the WiFi won't connect), then you can't upgrade the firmware.

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Although the compatibility response isn't helpful to you, there are a lot of folks in this forum who really wanted to shift their already installed Gen 2 cameras from their home wifi to their smarthub.  That gives them the option of using local storage.

If you can't install your new gen 2 camera either to your home wifi or to your smarthub, then you can get access to support.  The mods - @BrookeN , @JamesC , @ShayneS - can create a support request on your behalf.

You could also open a new discussion thread that gives more details on the install issue you are dealing with.  We might also be able to help with that.