Here's an update. After leaving home for a few hours, I checked my Orbi app upon return. NOW, when I click the Netgear Armor security badge/medallion, it apparently connects, and invites me to activate Netgear Armor/Bitdefender. There's only a big button at the bottom to activate, nothing like a "no thanks," or anything to fully disable, etc., so I just clicked the back arrow at the top to get out of the dialog. So (1) something happened between the prior attempt and this'n to get me to the dialog, and (2) -- MAYBE -- it's an indication that Armor is "inactive" (though I bet if I telnet in, the daemons are still running). The telly was off when I returned, so I don't know if the Spectrum TV streaming app suffered in the meantime. I'll fire it back up again and try to keep track of it.
Haven't had a single issue with the Spectrum TV streaming app on Roku since resetting the router. Not touching any enablement of Armor/Bitdefender ever again. Am using Adguard ad-blocking DNS (they have a family protection one as well, and Neustar also has a slew of free public DNSes that provide security against malware, phishing, and more). Dunno just what Bitdefender blocks, but apparently a lot of stuff folks WANT to get to.
Got off the phone with Netgear "technical" support this morning, who didn't give me anything else to help. No better way of fixing the problem after the Armor/Bitdefender trial period expires without you first disabling it, other than having to do a hard reset of the router. This is a MAJOR PITA, Netgear! I asked if there was hope for a firmware update soon that fixes the problem. First, the next likely firmware update isn't likely to surface until something like April, and second, even then, there's not any likelihood of the issue at hand (being able to disable Armor after the trial expires) being fixed. Not happy.
Also, on the Roku community board, I learned that the issue with Bitdefender (not simply Netgear, you could be using a "Bitdefender Box" with another brand of router) also affects other streaming services like Netflix on an LG smart TV.
One last thing. I tried what @pizza_pablo had suggested last year. Doesn't work, at least if you registered your router (which probably is done automagically). Trying a new account/email requires that you enter the Orbi's serial #, and it won't let you register it under a different email address, apparently.
@pizza_pablo wrote: @tadam, I tried to remove the Armor by factory resetting my router, but because I used the same login / password combo, for the router and the smartphone app as I had, previously, for each, I believe this allowed the Armor to stay on my account. If I were to try again, I would factory reset the router and uninstall the smartphone app. When setting up the router I would deny the installation of the Armor. When creating a login, I would use a different email address, creating an entirely new account, for both the router and the smartphone app. If you try this and it works, please post that, here. Regards, Pablo
I can't disable Armor... When I toggle the switch in the app, I there is a "Disabling NETGEAR Armor." screen which appears for a period of time witht he swirly icon indicating waiting for something to occur. Then an error message "Process is taking too long (more than 60 secs), Try again!" or "Sorry, the action was failed. Please try again."
So how can I get rid of this crap which is killing my internet performance? I've tried this at least 50 times, can't get past the error messages.
I can't disable Armor... When I toggle the switch in the app, I there is a "Disabling NETGEAR Armor." screen which appears for a period of time witht he swirly icon indicating waiting for something to occur. Then an error message "Process is taking too long (more than 60 secs), Try again!" or "Sorry, the action was failed. Please try again."
So how can I get rid of this crap which is killing my internet performance? I've tried this at least 50 times, can't get past the error messages.
I am also having an issue with many sites being blocked. The directions to disable Netgear Armor are easy to follow, unfortunately the slider does not unblock sites. Before I return this product that I just bought, can someone post instructions on how to disable Armor, this would likely help reduce your call volumns.
I bought the RBR50 based on Consumer Reports recommendation. I think they should publish information on these issues with Armor and the lack of support for customers unable to use your product.
Contacted Consumers Reports, they will look into it and decide if their recommendation should be updated. Reviews on their site also mention that Bitdefender is useless. I just want to turn it off since the HW works fine.
Please refer to the article linked below on how to turn of Armor using the Nighthawk/Orbi app. If you still run into issue(s), please send me a private message with your name, email, phone, preferred contact time, and serial number.
@Christian_R You guys have gone WAY past the point of total ridiculousness! One again, I'll describe what happens when I try to turn off the evil Armor, using the Orbi app. I go to settings and select security. That brings up the Armor page. I select the off button, circled in red with a red arrow pointing to it, in the attached screenshots. Then, I get the blue progress screen. Another attached screenshot. After a minute or so, I get the next screenshot, with the "took too long, try again" error message. RINCE AND REPEAT! I've uninstalled and reinstalled the App, cleared data, logged out logged in. Nothing works.
DO NOT ACCEPT THE FIRMWARE UPDATE! I foolishly fell for their offer, promising the ability to whitelist web sites. The intent has gone down and back up all evening.
Owen, make sure you're logged on, then click on Christian's avatar icon. There should be a selection of actions around the top left of his profile where you can elect to send a private message.
Have the same issue. In any disable mergers armor. When I slide to turn off I get error process taking to long over 60 sec. need this fixed. As my internet keeps disconnecting.
