Circle "Something Went Wrong" on new RBR50 install

[6ftoompa]

Got my new RBR50 Router and Satellite set up and running with no issue.

Got to the part about installing Circle and hit a snag:

• Installed the Cirlce App (1st Gen) on iPhone
• Got the "Your router is compatible!" msg on the app
• Hit Enable Circle on the app
• Netgear router login screen appears
• Router login seems to work as it kicks you back to the Circle app.
• Cirlce app = Something Went Wrong. Please try again to enable Circle.

I've deleted and reinstalled the Circle app.

Router firmware is up to date: V2.7.0.70

Drank lots of coffee.

Read all the threads—again.

Repeated the above process.

Cried a little.

Posted here.

Any help is appreciated!

[FURRYe38]

Please post about this in the Circle app forum:
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Circle-Smart-Parental-Controls/bd-p/en-home-circle
Good Luck

[Blanca_O]

Hi @6ftoompa

Welcome to NETGEAR Community!

Firmware version 2.7.0.70 introduces NETEGAR Smart Parental Controls (SPC). This allows you to monitor your kids' online activity across their connected devices. 

Here's a reference of how to set it up: 

How do I set up and install NETGEAR Smart Parental Controls?

If you want to use Circlev1, you may need to downgrade the firmware to a lower version. If you have Circlev1 enabled, you can continue to use it even if the router upgrades to firmware v2.7.0.70 or higher. 

Regards,
Blanca
Community Team

[6ftoompa]

Thanks @Blanca_O!

So are you saying that SPC replaces Circle in Firmware version 2.7.0.70?

I don't have a subscription to Circle, so I can roll with SPC instead.

Thanks again!

[Blanca_O]

Hi @6ftoompa

Thank you for your interest. You can still use Circlev1 provided that you have enabled it prior to firmware v2.7.0.70. 

Should you need help setting up NETGEAR Smart Parental Controls, please let us know. 

For more information: 

• What are the features of NETGEAR Smart Parental Controls and Smart Controls Premium?
• How do I create a profile in NETGEAR Smart Parental Controls?
• How is NETGEAR Smart Parental Controls different from services like Apple Screen Time and Google Fam...

Regards,
Blanca
Community Team

[Mstrbig]

@Blanca_O 

Will this also be available for the RBK53 V1 systems (RBR50 and RBS50)?

[Daniel-UK]

@Blanca_O 

so basically the NEW Smart Parental control have much LESS than what Circle v1 was offering?!? 

In summary

- you pay a lot for RBK53 (this is the first mistake we made in the first instance)

- NG keep trying to sell you Armour to have security features (i.e. you have to pay to have a decent protection)

- NG provided free Circle v1 Parental Control functionalities... BUT with firmware 2.7.0.70 if you haven't subscribed before you don't even get them anymore and only the even more limited ones provided https://kb.netgear.com/000062103/What-are-the-features-of-NETGEAR-Smart-Parental-Controls-and-Smart-...

 ==> to have decent Parent Control you have to pay extra 😞

[pengwn]

As Circle kept disabling without me doing it, the firmware was complete with it not enabled.  How do I downgrade and enable it so that the circle filtering and monitoring that was available for free before is available again? 

[Fargojay]

I have the exact same issue.

RBR50 updated firmware with inability to reconnect Circle.

Were you able to get it fixed?

[sundavi]

I am joining the complaining bandwagon. I had to reset my router, and had paid for 1 year Circle membership. Now, when I try to connect Circle to Orbi, I get the "something went wrong" message.

I have several profiles set up in Circle -- and its already paid till next year. I dont want to sign up for NG's new software. Do I have NO options?

This was before I updgraded the firmware as well. I thought upgrading the firmware would fix it -- I am reading it wont. Please help !!

I prefer to keep the Circle 1st gen.

THanks

[Beagan]

Were you able to get this resolved?  I'm having the same problem.

Thanks,

[Beagan]

Blanca,

How do I enable CircleRev1 so that it still works?

[Stevenb711]

I’m in the same boat as well. Already paid for circle, my orbi upgraded after a reset today, no more circle. This is pretty ridiculous

[jaywalk03]

Hope there is a resolution for this.  The control that Circle gives is very detailed and just what a parent needs.  The parental controls on the Orbi are just not as detailed and leaves a lot of open holes.  My orbi died and I upgraded to the RBK50, and it clearly says Circle compatible on the box.  Now I try running the app and I get to the point of "something went wrong".  I have contacted NETGEAR and I got no where with them, execpt ran around in circles and then disconnected.  Pretty disapointed to have invested this much into the RBK50 to have the one feature I need not functional.

[FURRYe38]

Is parental controls enabled on the RBR? 

What firmware version are you using currently? 

In recent versions of FW, parental controls is now located under Basic Tab menu list on the left. 

https://community.netgear.com/t5/Circle-Smart-Parental-Controls/Missing-parental-controls-on-firmwar...

[ezemoney]

just to make sure there are no illusions. Netgear’s parental control software is horrible. Its not even close to what circle can do. Please bring circle back! I had to reboot my router and circle never came back. I would have never installed that upgrade knowing I would lose Circle. Does anyone know how to downgrade the router?

Now I will have to invest more money in a circle device because Netgear parental control is garbage. My 13 year old bypassed it on his first try. Its ridiculous.

Please help!