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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
Need help getting VRM set up?

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.

Book Setup Assistance — from £75Back to Victron hub

Independent — not affiliated with Victron Energy.

5.0
13 Trustpilot reviews
Trustpilot Google

I have a GivEnergy system consisting of two batteries, two inverters and a controlling EMS (Energy Management System) which has not worked since Nov 2025. After six months I discovered Solar Tech Support, reached out to them and Ron phoned me back – how often do you get that service? Could not be more helpful – worked directly with me over the phone, outside what I would call normal working hours. Lucid explanations and we were able to discuss the issues and history using camera and email history. As this was a very rare setup, Ron was able to access an EMS expert in the field to confirm the solution. One sunny day in, I am now only paying for standing charge and a few pence for spikes in grid consumption while battery catches up with house demand.

Ian · May 2026 Trustpilot

When my GivEnergy system had an issue, I was completely left without support and had honestly lost all hope. Thankfully, I searched online and found Ron, which completely turned things around. After sending him a message, he responded incredibly fast and called me to assure me that he would get the problem fixed. I really admire his dedicated, supportive nature and his determination to find a solution. With this kind of outstanding attitude and customer service, he has absolutely secured a future customer in me.

Sree · May 2026 Trustpilot

Ron want out of is way to help, nothing was to much. He was very thorough in what he did Very knowledgeable I would highly recommend Ron and his company He did a fantastic job for me. if you have any problems, he'll do his best to help you out and resolve your problem. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them

Dennis Brown · May 2026 Trustpilot

Ron took me through a diagnostic to confirm my GivEnergy Inverter had a fault. A common one as it turns out with the AC Inverter. As GivEnergy is defunct there is no immediate fix, aside from sourcing 2nd hand replacement. It may be that a fix becomes available over the summer which would make a lot of GivEnergy customers happy (Again)

Tony Deacon · May 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Ron with a problem and he sorted it out quickly with no problems at all. Very knowledgeable on anything solar/ batteries. I would recommend him to anyone

Phill · May 2026 Trustpilot

I've spoken to Ron a couple of times with issues with my Givenergy installation. Such a friendly knowledge guy very highly recommended. Thank you very much for resolving my issues

michael fairhurst · May 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Solar Tech Support in desperation. After explaining the issues I had with my system a diagnosis was made and a solution proposed. Fantastic service, even contacted a manufacturer to arrange replacement parts for me. Great communications, explained all they were doing and what I had to do, clearly and precisly. Followed up to confirm all was ok. Excellent service.

Mr Machin · May 2026 Trustpilot

After GivEnergy went into liquidation, just my luck, my battery started playing up (internal board crashed). Contacted my installer - not interested! Found Solar tech support on a Google search. Sooo glad I found this company! Ron is extremely helpful and has plenty of experience. He soon confirmed what the fault was, and helped me to get my system up and running again. Now moved my GivEnergy account to Solar tech support, and will definitely use again if I have more issues. Unusual to find such a helpful company in these times, no morons reading scripts, just direct contact with the engineer.

Keith Ballard · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Solar Tech Support when trying to understand what my Givenergy inverter problem might be and what might be my options. Received good/honest advise which backed up my thoughts.

Hugh Speirs · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

Ron is a super star. Two months ago my GivEnergy battery failed a firmware upgrade leaving it a brick. My installer couldn't/wouldn't fix it. GivEnergy couldn't/wouldn't fix it. Then they went into administration and all hope was lost. A flurry of emails later and Ron had diagnosed the fault (failed USB flash drive, something I'd suspected) and talked me through resolving it. Two months of nothing resolved in about 3 hours. It's great to work with someone who pays attention to the details, knows that they're doing (not just following a script) and gets stuff sorted without a fuss or up-charging.

Christopher · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

I can add to the list of customers who had already 'given up' on GivEnergy due to their appalling customer service, and that was before they went into administration (their Trustpilot reviews don't lie!). So you can imagine my desperation when, having changed my ISP and my Inverter, predictably, proving to be the only device that didn't connect automatically to my new network, I found zero prospect of any customer support with GivEnergy having called in the administrators just five days earlier! The salvation came from Solar Tech Support. My IT advisor stumbled across their web site and some very helpful tips for beleaguered GivEnergy customers, as well as an offer to provide direct assistance. Nothing ventured, I decided to drop them an E-Mail, with very low expectations based on my experience of GivEnergy customer support. Within an hour Ron had responded with some pin point advice, and after a few exchanges of E-Mails he had nailed the problem, enabling the combined efforts of my IT advisor and solar installer to resolve it and reconnect my Inverter. Thank you Solar Tech Support, and Ron in particular, for coming to the aid of a deserted and despondent GivEnergy customer. Expert, razor sharp advice and first class customer service, even though I wasn't officially a customer.

customer · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

This company are a rare gem, I had a very unusual problem following a failed firmware upgrade on my GivEnergy kit. I then found out GivEnergy were in administration and had dismissed all their support staff! None of the usual fixes to try and restore my inverter comms would work, and I looked everywhere, forums, GivEnergy youtube support videos - even AI couldn't figure it out. My installer was talking about huge sums for system replacements, and being vague / evasive about if they'd even install replacement GivEnergy inverter. Enter Solar Tech Support, reassuring and knowledgeable from the very start, I've learnt loads about my solar system though the friendly chat while my engineer worked as he diagnosed the problem and figured out a fix procedure that I've not found anywhere else - amazing . If you need solar system repairs - especially if you like me have been left high and dry by GivEnergy, I cannot recommend this company enough. Give them a call.

Andy Thomas · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

I sent a message on their website regarding a problem I have on my Givenergy system. Although not supplied by Ronald, I thought it was worth an email. Within the hour on a Saturday, he phoned and we discussed the problem. He logged in remotely and gave excellent advice. I'm too far away for his on-site help but he did diagnose the problem and was happy also to chat through my thoughts about an upcoming solar/battery install I'm planning. Great bloke.... if only he was nearer!

Philip · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

I have a GivEnergy system consisting of two batteries, two inverters and a controlling EMS (Energy Management System) which has not worked since Nov 2025. After six months I discovered Solar Tech Support, reached out to them and Ron phoned me back – how often do you get that service? Could not be more helpful – worked directly with me over the phone, outside what I would call normal working hours. Lucid explanations and we were able to discuss the issues and history using camera and email history. As this was a very rare setup, Ron was able to access an EMS expert in the field to confirm the solution. One sunny day in, I am now only paying for standing charge and a few pence for spikes in grid consumption while battery catches up with house demand.

Ian · May 2026 Trustpilot

When my GivEnergy system had an issue, I was completely left without support and had honestly lost all hope. Thankfully, I searched online and found Ron, which completely turned things around. After sending him a message, he responded incredibly fast and called me to assure me that he would get the problem fixed. I really admire his dedicated, supportive nature and his determination to find a solution. With this kind of outstanding attitude and customer service, he has absolutely secured a future customer in me.

Sree · May 2026 Trustpilot

Ron want out of is way to help, nothing was to much. He was very thorough in what he did Very knowledgeable I would highly recommend Ron and his company He did a fantastic job for me. if you have any problems, he'll do his best to help you out and resolve your problem. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them

Dennis Brown · May 2026 Trustpilot

Ron took me through a diagnostic to confirm my GivEnergy Inverter had a fault. A common one as it turns out with the AC Inverter. As GivEnergy is defunct there is no immediate fix, aside from sourcing 2nd hand replacement. It may be that a fix becomes available over the summer which would make a lot of GivEnergy customers happy (Again)

Tony Deacon · May 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Ron with a problem and he sorted it out quickly with no problems at all. Very knowledgeable on anything solar/ batteries. I would recommend him to anyone

Phill · May 2026 Trustpilot

I've spoken to Ron a couple of times with issues with my Givenergy installation. Such a friendly knowledge guy very highly recommended. Thank you very much for resolving my issues

michael fairhurst · May 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Solar Tech Support in desperation. After explaining the issues I had with my system a diagnosis was made and a solution proposed. Fantastic service, even contacted a manufacturer to arrange replacement parts for me. Great communications, explained all they were doing and what I had to do, clearly and precisly. Followed up to confirm all was ok. Excellent service.

Mr Machin · May 2026 Trustpilot

After GivEnergy went into liquidation, just my luck, my battery started playing up (internal board crashed). Contacted my installer - not interested! Found Solar tech support on a Google search. Sooo glad I found this company! Ron is extremely helpful and has plenty of experience. He soon confirmed what the fault was, and helped me to get my system up and running again. Now moved my GivEnergy account to Solar tech support, and will definitely use again if I have more issues. Unusual to find such a helpful company in these times, no morons reading scripts, just direct contact with the engineer.

Keith Ballard · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Solar Tech Support when trying to understand what my Givenergy inverter problem might be and what might be my options. Received good/honest advise which backed up my thoughts.

Hugh Speirs · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

Ron is a super star. Two months ago my GivEnergy battery failed a firmware upgrade leaving it a brick. My installer couldn't/wouldn't fix it. GivEnergy couldn't/wouldn't fix it. Then they went into administration and all hope was lost. A flurry of emails later and Ron had diagnosed the fault (failed USB flash drive, something I'd suspected) and talked me through resolving it. Two months of nothing resolved in about 3 hours. It's great to work with someone who pays attention to the details, knows that they're doing (not just following a script) and gets stuff sorted without a fuss or up-charging.

Christopher · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

I can add to the list of customers who had already 'given up' on GivEnergy due to their appalling customer service, and that was before they went into administration (their Trustpilot reviews don't lie!). So you can imagine my desperation when, having changed my ISP and my Inverter, predictably, proving to be the only device that didn't connect automatically to my new network, I found zero prospect of any customer support with GivEnergy having called in the administrators just five days earlier! The salvation came from Solar Tech Support. My IT advisor stumbled across their web site and some very helpful tips for beleaguered GivEnergy customers, as well as an offer to provide direct assistance. Nothing ventured, I decided to drop them an E-Mail, with very low expectations based on my experience of GivEnergy customer support. Within an hour Ron had responded with some pin point advice, and after a few exchanges of E-Mails he had nailed the problem, enabling the combined efforts of my IT advisor and solar installer to resolve it and reconnect my Inverter. Thank you Solar Tech Support, and Ron in particular, for coming to the aid of a deserted and despondent GivEnergy customer. Expert, razor sharp advice and first class customer service, even though I wasn't officially a customer.

customer · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

This company are a rare gem, I had a very unusual problem following a failed firmware upgrade on my GivEnergy kit. I then found out GivEnergy were in administration and had dismissed all their support staff! None of the usual fixes to try and restore my inverter comms would work, and I looked everywhere, forums, GivEnergy youtube support videos - even AI couldn't figure it out. My installer was talking about huge sums for system replacements, and being vague / evasive about if they'd even install replacement GivEnergy inverter. Enter Solar Tech Support, reassuring and knowledgeable from the very start, I've learnt loads about my solar system though the friendly chat while my engineer worked as he diagnosed the problem and figured out a fix procedure that I've not found anywhere else - amazing . If you need solar system repairs - especially if you like me have been left high and dry by GivEnergy, I cannot recommend this company enough. Give them a call.

Andy Thomas · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

I sent a message on their website regarding a problem I have on my Givenergy system. Although not supplied by Ronald, I thought it was worth an email. Within the hour on a Saturday, he phoned and we discussed the problem. He logged in remotely and gave excellent advice. I'm too far away for his on-site help but he did diagnose the problem and was happy also to chat through my thoughts about an upcoming solar/battery install I'm planning. Great bloke.... if only he was nearer!

Philip · Apr 2026 Trustpilot
📱

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.

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 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

Need help with VictronConnect or VRM setup?

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

  • Setup support from £75
  • Cerbo GX & VRM portal covered
  • Bluetooth, WiFi & Ethernet diagnosis included

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