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Setup guide · Victron Energy

VictronConnect & VRM Setup — Bluetooth, Firmware Updates & Remote Monitoring

Setting up monitoring on a Victron system involves two layers: VictronConnect for local Bluetooth access to individual devices, and VRM for remote cloud monitoring via a Cerbo GX. This guide walks through both from scratch — pairing, firmware updates, network setup, portal registration, and remote console.

Bluetooth pairing & firmware Cerbo GX network config VRM portal & remote console
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We walk you through VictronConnect pairing, firmware updates, Cerbo GX network config, VRM registration, and remote console — via phone, video call, or direct VRM access if partially connected.

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Two monitoring layers. VictronConnect is Victron's free mobile app for local Bluetooth access — you can view live data, change settings, and update firmware on individual devices from your phone. VRM (Victron Remote Management) is the cloud portal at vrm.victronenergy.com — it provides remote access, historical data logging, alarm notifications, and the ability to control the system from anywhere. VRM requires a GX device (Cerbo GX, Venus GX, or Cerbo-S GX) connected to the internet.

Setup

5-step VictronConnect & VRM setup

This guide assumes you have a Victron system installed and want to set up monitoring for the first time. If VRM was working and has gone offline, see our VRM portal offline diagnosis instead.

1

Install VictronConnect and pair via Bluetooth

VictronConnect is free on iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. Download from your app store and ensure Bluetooth is enabled:

Range: Stand within 5 metres of the Victron device. The internal Bluetooth antenna in most Victron products is small — walls and metal enclosures reduce range significantly.
Scanning: Open VictronConnect and it scans automatically. Devices appear by name (e.g. "SmartSolar 150|45", "SmartShunt 500A"). Tap to connect.
PIN code: The default PIN is printed on a sticker on the device — usually the last 5 digits of the serial number. Some older products use 000000.
One connection at a time: Most Victron products only allow one Bluetooth connection. If another phone is connected, disconnect it first.

On Android, location services must be enabled for Bluetooth scanning to work — this is an Android OS requirement, not a VictronConnect limitation.

2

Update firmware on all Victron devices via VictronConnect

Always update before configuring. Older firmware may lack features or contain bugs that affect DVCC, VE.Bus, or VRM connectivity:

Recommended update order
1. Cerbo GX: Update first — it coordinates all other devices. Settings → Firmware → Online updates.
2. MPPT controllers: Update via VictronConnect Bluetooth. Takes 2–3 minutes each.
3. SmartShunt / BMV: Update via VictronConnect Bluetooth.
4. MultiPlus / Quattro: May require MK3-USB adapter for direct update. Some models support Bluetooth update via VictronConnect.

Never interrupt a firmware update — do not close the app, disconnect power, or move out of Bluetooth range. A failed update can leave the device in a non-functional state requiring a MK3-USB recovery.

3

Connect the Cerbo GX to your local network

The Cerbo GX is the bridge between your Victron system and VRM. It needs internet access:

Ethernet (recommended): Plug a Cat5e/Cat6 cable from the Cerbo GX to your router. DHCP assigns an IP automatically. Check Settings → Ethernet for a valid IP address.
WiFi: On the Cerbo GX touchscreen or via VictronConnect, navigate to Settings → WiFi. Select your network and enter the password. Verify a valid IP is assigned.
IP validation: A valid IP looks like 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x. If you see 0.0.0.0 (no connection) or 169.254.x.x (DHCP failure), see our VRM offline guide.
WiFi warning: The Cerbo GX internal WiFi antenna is weak. If the device is in a garage, loft, or metal enclosure, expect dropouts. Run Ethernet if at all possible.

Ethernet takes priority when both WiFi and Ethernet are connected. Disconnecting the Ethernet cable forces the Cerbo GX to WiFi.

4

Register the Cerbo GX on the VRM portal

Once the Cerbo GX has internet access, it contacts VRM automatically. You need to claim the installation:

VRM registration steps
1. Go to vrm.victronenergy.com and create a free account (or log in).
2. Click "Add installation" in the top menu.
3. Enter the VRM portal ID — found on the Cerbo GX under Settings → VRM online portal, or on a sticker on the device.
4. Give the installation a name (e.g. your property name).
5. Data should appear within 2 minutes. If not, check that the Cerbo GX VRM status shows "Connected".

You can add multiple users to the same installation. Share access with your installer under Settings → Users in VRM — they get their own login and can be set to read-only or full access.

5

Enable remote console access for advanced monitoring and control

Remote console gives you full Cerbo GX access from anywhere — the same interface as the local touchscreen, available through VRM:

Enable it: On the Cerbo GX, go to Settings → VRM online portal → VRM remote console → Enabled.
Access it: In VRM, the "Remote Console" tab appears for your installation. Click to open the full Cerbo GX interface in your browser.
Security: Set a PIN under Settings → General on the Cerbo GX to prevent unauthorised changes via remote console.
No port forwarding needed: The Cerbo GX initiates an outbound connection to VRM — no router configuration required.
Capabilities: View all connected devices, change DVCC settings, check battery cell data, adjust charge parameters, restart equipment, and manage generator auto-start conditions — all remotely.

Remote console requires Cerbo GX firmware v2.60 or later. If the tab doesn't appear in VRM, update the firmware first.

Why proper monitoring setup prevents most Victron faults

The majority of Victron fault calls we receive could have been prevented — or caught much earlier — with proper VRM monitoring. A battery BMS disconnect that goes unnoticed for days causes deep discharge damage. A VE.Bus error that triggers overnight leaves the system offline until someone physically checks it in the morning. An MPPT controller that has been in overvoltage protection for a week means a week of lost solar generation. VRM sends email and push notifications for every alarm, so you know within minutes when something goes wrong.

Beyond fault detection, VRM provides the historical data that makes remote diagnosis possible. When you contact us for support, the first thing we check is your VRM data — battery voltage curves, charge and discharge patterns, solar yield, temperature readings, and alarm logs. Without VRM, diagnosing a fault remotely is extremely difficult and often requires an on-site visit. Spending 30 minutes setting up VRM correctly saves hours of troubleshooting later.

FAQs

VictronConnect & VRM setup — common questions

The default PIN varies by product — it's printed on a sticker on the device, typically the last 5 digits of the serial number. Some older products use 000000. If the PIN has been changed and you don't know it, a PUK reset using the code on the same sticker restores the default without changing device settings.

Most likely another phone or tablet is already connected — most Victron products only allow one Bluetooth connection at a time. Disconnect the other device first. Other causes: standing too far away (5–10m range), Bluetooth disabled on your phone, the Victron device lacking Bluetooth (some older models), or Android location services being disabled (required for Bluetooth scanning on Android).

In VRM, go to your installation's Settings → Users and click Add user. Enter their email and select access level — full access for settings changes, read-only for viewing. They receive an email invitation and can view the installation from their own VRM account. You can revoke access at any time.

Locally yes — VictronConnect works via Bluetooth within 5–10 metres. But for remote monitoring via VRM you need a GX device (Cerbo GX, Venus GX, or Cerbo-S GX). The GX device collects data from all connected equipment and sends it to VRM over the internet. There is no alternative path to VRM without a GX device.

Our remote setup assistance starts from £75 and covers VictronConnect pairing, firmware updates, Cerbo GX network configuration, VRM portal registration, remote console setup, and full verification. We walk you through each step via phone or video call, or configure remotely via VRM if partially connected.

Book

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We walk you through Bluetooth pairing, firmware updates, Cerbo GX network config, and VRM portal registration — remote session via VRM console or screen share.

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