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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.
Free remote diagnostic £125 only if we fix it remotely
Start setup
  • Bluetooth pairing & firmware
  • Cerbo GX network config
  • VRM portal & remote console
Need help getting VRM set up?

We help with VictronConnect pairing, firmware updates, VRM registration and remote console once the Cerbo GX is online. If it isn't on your network yet, or VRM has gone offline because it lost its WiFi, we can set it up on site, from £195. If a device has stopped reporting while the Cerbo GX is online, the diagnostic is free and you pay £125 only if we fix it.

Book Setup Assistance — £145 fixedBack to Victron hub

Independent — not affiliated with Victron Energy.

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My GivEnergy hybrid inverter + battery system had worked faultlessly for 3 years when it suddenly stopped charging and discharging the battery. On contacting my supplier, who had used a sub-contractor for the installation work, I was provided with an email address at GivEnergy but, as it turned out, this is only for GivEnergy Software who are not able to assist. A Google search led to the Solar Tech Support web site, which contains a wealth of helpful information. I requested a remote solar diagnostic, and after providing Ron access to my inverter, he was able to identify and fix the problem within minutes. I am very impressed by Ron’s expertise and knowledge, which included useful information on the current state of GivEnergy Ltd. I would thoroughly recommend Solar Tech Support.

Simon Riddle · Jun 2026 Google

Prompt and useful support regarding my Sunsynk system lack of performance. Ronald simplified the technical issues to make them understandable. Many thanks, looking forward to follow up.

Patrick Keenan · May 2026 Trustpilot

We moved from BT to Vodafone recently. Unfortunately our GivEnergy AIO would no longer appear on the App. Additionally our GivEnergy EV charger stopped working. Vodafone insisted that their dual 2.4ghz and 5ghz compatibility mode would work with the 2.4ghz system. Unfortunately it doesn't. After nearly two weeks of trying to sort this, which also involved searching on various chat forums, I sent an email for help to STS. Within a very short time the same day I got a call from Ash, who is only 45 minutes away from us. He came and quickly got the AIO appearing on the app, so we could once again see the state of the battery. The EV charger presented more of a challenge as the QR code fixed on the side of the charger had worn away. Ash was able to find the necessary information to restore the EV charger to working order. I have a copy of the QR code and other information should we have an issue another time. I had bought a TP-Link TL-WA850RE that just works on 2.4ghz and this is linked permanently to the GivEnergy kit. STS are definitely the people to contact if you find yourself in a similar situation. We are very happy with the service STS provided.

Colin Niblock · Jul 2026 Google

Just had my whole givenergy system go down. Battery and inverter. Ron sorted me out today 3 hours to get it all sorted. Clear instructions and successful. Could not ask for better. Now that givenergy has gone bust i was concerned as to where to go for help. I have found it and can recommend them to all you givenergy users out there. Off for a cup of coffee now😄

Eaton Edwards · Jul 2026 Google

The ONLY technical person, who has ever exceeded my own high standards !!!! Being a professional commissioning engineer of over 37yrs in the field of emergency power generation, I approached Ron for some advice on a GivEnergy battery issue as happy to state I don't know everything. Not only did he reply immediately, his advice got the system working and all on a Sunday. You really do not get support as good as this anywhere now for anything. Thank you Ron

Ridgeback Ray · Oct 2026 Trustpilot

Very happy with the support I got from Ron at Solar Tech Support with my GivEnergy battery problem. The battery having operated perfectly for 3 years suddenly stopped discharging. He sorted it out in minutes.

Paul Elliott · Sep 2026 Google

Written by · Independent Solar Engineer Last updated

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. If the signal still won't reach, we can fit a WiFi extender on site: our WiFi setup visit is from £195, and the extender is an extra £75.

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.

Related Victron setup
Useful guides
FAQ

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 is a fixed £145 and covers VictronConnect pairing, firmware updates, VRM portal registration, remote console setup and full verification once the Cerbo GX is online. If the Cerbo GX isn't on your network yet, or VRM has gone offline because it lost its WiFi, we can set it up on site, from £195. We don't set up or diagnose WiFi remotely or over the phone: it's quicker and more reliable done on site. If a device has stopped reporting while the Cerbo GX is online, the remote diagnostic is free and you pay £125 only if we fix it.
Book

Need help with VictronConnect or VRM setup?

We help with Bluetooth pairing, firmware updates and VRM portal registration in a remote session once the Cerbo GX is online. If it isn't on your network yet, we can set it up on site, from £195.

  • Setup support: £145 fixed fee
  • Cerbo GX & VRM portal covered
  • No remote WiFi setup or diagnosis: we come to you
  • Bluetooth and Ethernet diagnosis included
  • On-site WiFi setup, from £195

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