VMB4500 offline but online

[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My VMB4000 Base Station is stuck on firmware version 1.14.1.2_2916_1fdeefd, which I understand is significantly out of date (latest should be around 1.21.x.x).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.