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Forum Discussion
Circle Support for RBR50
I'm starting to look for options for limiting my kids online activity after failing with Apple's Screen Time product. I'm an IT professional, so this not for lack of trying. I'm curious if Circle is a viable option with my Orbi mesh system as I've only read negative reviews (which is what the internet is best at). Any tips or success stories would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
1 Reply
Circle has worked very well on the RBK50 for many years, especially with the extra paid features for $4.99/mo. Unfortunately it looks like Netgear is preventing Circle functionality from being installed on new devices, and even disabling the functionality on existing units trough firmware updates. Instead, they are pushing their own Parental Control service with the extra features for $7.99/mo.
Had been using Circle on an RBK50 for several years, but then it bricked and I had to replace it. Bought another RBK50, but out of the box Circle could not be found (nor could their replacement service). After much sleuthing, found that I could install an older firmware to bring back the ability to activate Circle. Problem is, Netgear automatically upgrades to the latest firmware, which again kills Circle.
Am now attempting to implement nvram hacks to prevent automatic updates, to keep the older firmware with Circle going. Results uncertain for now.
The other problem I'm struggling with is getting the $4.99 Circle Premium subscription activated. It's been charged to my account, but isn't showing up in the app...
Anyone looking to use Circle should not be buying Netgear at this time. I'd switch to Netgear's own service but the competition's offering is priced more competitively.