VMB5000 not updating firmware

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My VMB4000 Base Station is stuck on firmware version 1.14.1.2_2916_1fdeefd, which I understand is significantly out of date (latest should be around 1.21.x.x).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

[ShayneS]

Hi @TOEKNEEE 

Your device was updated to a firmware on the backend that should help with the symptom you were experiencing. Can you test this again and let me know how it goes.

Thanks 

[alex_loo]

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@jguerdat wrote:

I looked at my 5000 to see if there was an update but nope. I then tried the Check for Update and got the attached error. @JamesC , @ShayneS , @BrookeN  is there an update for these hubs? I have 1.28.1.0_1940.

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I missed this message back oct-2025 but now that it's dec-2025, I am still seeing the same error message above with my VMB5000, which has firmware 1.28.2.0_1941_53ee4a5

Kindly advise, @ShayneS @JamesC @BrookeN ?

Alex

[Edinburgh_lad1]

I presume what's happening here is that they have one error message to fit a range of  firmware search scenarios that result in 'no firmware available', in relation to either the camera or SmartHub or base station. Because of the poor wording of the message, it becomes confusing.

This app is a commercial product, not some kind of internal product made for the needs of the team where  everybody involved knows what the error message means, regardless of what it says. They should either reword the message or add another one, and be more aware of who the target audience of their product is.

[ShayneS]

@alex_loo 

Your device was also updated to a firmware on the backend that should help with the symptom you were experiencing. Can you test this again and let me know how it goes.

[alex_loo]

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@ShayneS wrote:

@alex_loo 

Your device was also updated to a firmware on the backend that should help with the symptom you were experiencing. Can you test this again and let me know how it goes.

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hi @ShayneS , I don't quite understand you here but I tried it just now and it stayed showing the same "firmware could not be updated" screen as before.

In short, the issue has NOT been fixed.

Kindly advise.

Alex

[ShayneS]

@alex_loo 

Thanks for the heads up, I'm checking on this now. 

[alex_loo]

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@ShayneS wrote:

@alex_loo 

Thanks for the heads up, I'm checking on this now. 

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hi @ShayneS do you have any updates please?

Alex