Problems with Initial Setup VMB4000 & VMC4030

[ktb973]

I purchased a set of 3 Arlo Pro VMC4030 cameras with the VMB4000 base station (the set is VMS4330-100NAS).

I've been trying to get them set up, but whenever I attempt to add the device in the Arlo Secure app, it stays on the "Looking for your Arlo device" screen. I've tried multiple times and have tried leaving it for over 30 minutes with no results.

The base shows green lights for power and the internet connection. The camera light is amber.

If I try to connect a camera, I press the sync button on the base and the camera light starts flashing green. When I press the sync button on the camera the blue led on it starts flashing. After a short time, the blue camera led starts flashing rapidly. When it does this, the camera light on the base station goes back to solid amber.

I've tried adding the base station through the app before and after attempting to sync the cameras to the base station. Every time I'm stuck on the "Looking for your Arlo device" screen.

The base is connected to my network. I can see its IP address and can successfully ping it from within the network.

Is there another way to add the device? Or anything I'm missing?

Thanks!

[StephenB]

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@ktb973 wrote:

I've tried adding the base station through the app before and after attempting to sync the cameras to the base station.

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The base station needs to be in your account first, so start there. Is it currently in your account, or are you unable to add it?

One challenge with purchasing used is that the previous owner might not have removed the equipment from their account.  That would prevent you from adding it to yours.

[ktb973]

I'm unable to add it. Every time I try it says "Looking for your Arlo device" but never finds it. 

I did purchase it at a local thrift store, but everything was still wrapped in the original plastic and unopened. So I don't think it would have been added to an account previously. 

[StephenB]

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@ktb973 wrote:

I'm unable to add it. Every time I try it says "Looking for your Arlo device" but never finds it. 

I did purchase it at a local thrift store, but everything was still wrapped in the original plastic and unopened. So I don't think it would have been added to an account previously. 

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Maybe try on a PC (my.arlo.com).  That sometimes will work when the app fails.

Also, try resetting the base with a paperclip before trying to install it.

[ktb973]

I've reset and tried adding it again, same results. If I go to my.arlo.com, the only options are to choose an Arlo Secure or Arlo Safe subscription. Am I forced to pick a subscription before I can add a device? 

[StephenB]

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@ktb973 wrote:

 If I go to my.arlo.com, the only options are to choose an Arlo Secure or Arlo Safe subscription. Am I forced to pick a subscription before I can add a device? 

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No.

But it sounds like you might be using a tablet or phone browser.  You need to use a PC.

[ktb973]

LOL, thanks for gently pointing out my stupidity there... I was using my phone.

Attempting to add through the PC browser yielded similar results. Before starting, I reset the base, and also restarted my modem, and turned off suspicious activity detection in my router, just in case it was attempting to block anything. It does at least get past the "Looking for your Arlo device" screen, but then I'm met with "Your base station could not be discovered. Make sure your device is powered on correctly and you're connected to the network." 

I'm close to giving up on this. Thanks for all of your ideas @StephenB! I appreciate your help, especially over a holiday weekend!