Base station requires updated but battery too low

[TOEKNEEE]

VMB 5000 not updating firmware. Arlo support says its system problem and not a problem with my unit. Is this true?

[Edinburgh_lad1]

Well, I can't do much with it, as it's not connecting any cameras. Otherwise I'd have left it the way it is.

[Edinburgh_lad1]

Hi @ShayneS 

I've sent you a PM, but thought I'd post on here, too.

That's the base station online but it says the battery is too low to update firmware and I can't connect any cameras to it.

Would you please kindly look into this?

Thank you. 

[JC-]

Getting message "a firmware update is required for this camera, but it's battery is too low to proceed.  However it's not a camera, it's the base station which does not have a battery

[RichWood]

I got that too. It was just a glitch. I called and was already on the most current firmware. 

[SaturnsEdge]

Hello Community,

I am experiencing a critical issue with a "brand new, never used" Arlo Pro Base Station (VMB4000) that seems to be a widely known problem with very old firmware versions. I am unable to get the device to update automatically or manually.

The Issue:

My VMB4000 Base Station is stuck on firmware version 1.14.1.2_2916_1fdeefd, which I understand is significantly out of date (latest should be around 1.21.x.x). When I attempt to manually update the firmware via the Arlo Secure App (Settings > My Devices > Base Station > Device Info > Firmware), I receive a bizarre error message: "A firmware update is required for this camera but the battery levels are too low to proceed."

This message makes no sense as the device is a wired base station and has no battery. This appears to be a bug in the old firmware preventing proper communication with the update server.

Troubleshooting Steps Taken (All Failed):

I have attempted the following steps multiple times, as suggested in various community posts and support articles, without success:

1. Manual Update Attempt: Failed consistently with the "low battery" error message.
2. Power Cycling: Unplugged the base station, waited 30+ seconds, and plugged it back in. The device successfully comes back online, but no update is triggered, and the issue persists.
3. Factory Reset: Performed a hard factory reset using a paperclip on the rear reset button (held for 15+ seconds until LEDs flashed amber).
4. Remove and Re-add Device: After factory reset, I removed the device from my account and added it back as a "New System." The app claims it will update during this process, but after setup is complete, it remains on the old 1.14.1.2 firmware version.
5. Checked Network: The base station is connected directly to my main router via a new, stable Ethernet cable. Internet speeds are fast (verified by speed test, well above 1 Mbps upload).

Request for Assistance:

Given that all standard user troubleshooting steps have failed and I cannot access live technical support, I believe this issue requires a manual intervention from Arlo support staff.

[RamyS]

Hi

I’m experiencing a persistent issue with my Arlo SmartHub where the firmware update fails to complete. I’ve followed all recommended troubleshooting steps, including restarting the hub, checking network connectivity, and attempting manual updates via the Arlo Secure app, but the problem remains unresolved.

Here are the details of my setup:

- Device: Arlo SmartHub  

- Model: VMB4540  

- Current Firmware Version: 1.28.2.0193853ee4a5  

- Last Update Check: No update check yet (as shown in app)  

- Connection: Ethernet to router, stable internet  

- Issue: Firmware update fails repeatedly; app shows no update check or progress

Please advise on how to proceed. If a manual firmware push or deeper diagnostic is needed, I’m happy to assist with any steps required.

Or maybe  the version is the final version?

Thanks in advance 

Ramy

[denuitct]

Base station has the message:

"A firmware update is required for this camera but its battery levels are too low to proceed".

However, it's a base station, it does not have any battery. 

Clicking "Update" won't get the devices updated. This has been stuck for many days.

[jguerdat]

Have you tried turning the base off, wait for 10 seconds or so and then turn it back on? No guarantees...

[denuitct]

These are the things that I've tried:

• Ensured the other camera batteries are full charged.
• Restart the base station a few times.
• Unplug the power and turn it back on a few times.

The problem still persists.

I gave up.

Today I checked again, it seems like the problem itself is gone, not sure why.