The VictronConnect app is the primary way to configure and monitor your Victron SmartSolar MPPT charge controller. Whether you're setting up a new install or fine-tuning charge voltages for your battery type, this guide walks through every setting step by step.
What You Need
- A Victron SmartSolar MPPT controller (any model with built-in Bluetooth)
- The VictronConnect app — free for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS
- A smartphone or tablet with Bluetooth 4.0 or later
- Your controller installed and connected to a battery (the MPPT must be powered to connect)
If you have a BlueSolar MPPT, you'll need a VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle plugged in to use VictronConnect wirelessly.
Step 1: Download and Open VictronConnect
Download VictronConnect from the App Store (iOS), Google Play (Android), or the Victron website (Windows/Mac). Open the app and ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your device.
The app will automatically scan for nearby Victron devices. Your SmartSolar MPPT should appear in the device list within a few seconds. Tap it to connect.
First Connection: Default PIN
On first connection, you'll be asked for a PIN. The default PIN for all Victron Bluetooth devices is 000000 (six zeros). You can change this later in the product info screen — and you should, to prevent unauthorised access.
Step 2: Update Firmware
Before configuring anything, check for firmware updates. Tap the gear icon (settings) in the top right, then scroll down to Product Info. If an update is available, VictronConnect will prompt you. Always update to the latest firmware before configuring — newer versions fix bugs and can add features.
Keep the app open and stay within Bluetooth range during the update. It typically takes 1–2 minutes.
Step 3: Configure Battery Settings
This is the most important configuration step. Tap the gear icon to enter settings, then select Battery.
Battery Preset
Victron provides several built-in presets:
| Preset | Absorption Voltage | Float Voltage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gel Victron Deep Discharge | 14.1V | 13.8V | Victron GEL batteries |
| Gel Victron Long Life | 14.0V | 13.5V | Victron GEL (extended life mode) |
| AGM Spiral Cell | 14.7V | 13.8V | Spiral-wound AGM batteries |
| AGM Deep Discharge | 14.7V | 13.8V | Flat-plate AGM batteries |
| Lithium Iron Phosphate | 14.2V | 13.5V | LiFePO4 batteries (without BMS comms) |
| User Defined | Custom | Custom | Any battery with specific requirements |
Select the preset that matches your battery type. If your battery manufacturer specifies different voltages, use User Defined and enter their recommended values.
Key Voltage Settings
- Absorption voltage: The target voltage during the main charging phase. The MPPT holds this voltage until the current tapers or the absorption time expires.
- Float voltage: The maintenance voltage after the battery is fully charged. Keeps the battery topped up without overcharging.
- Equalisation voltage: A higher voltage used periodically to balance lead-acid cells. Not used for lithium batteries — leave disabled for LiFePO4.
Absorption Time
The default adaptive absorption time works well for most installations. It adjusts the absorption duration based on how discharged the battery was. For lithium batteries, many users set a fixed shorter absorption time (30–60 minutes) since LiFePO4 batteries don't need extended absorption.
Temperature Compensation
Lead-acid batteries need voltage adjustment based on temperature. The default is -16.2mV/°C for a 12V system. If you have a Smart Battery Sense or SmartShunt with a temperature sensor, the MPPT receives real-time temperature data via VE.Smart Networking for automatic compensation.
For lithium batteries, set temperature compensation to 0 mV/°C — LiFePO4 cells don't need temperature-adjusted charge voltages.
Step 4: Configure the Load Output (Small Models Only)
The 75/10, 75/15, 100/15, and 100/20 models have a load output terminal that can power small DC loads directly. Configure it under Load Output in settings.
Options include:
- Always on — load output is permanently energised
- Conventional algorithm — disconnects load at low voltage, reconnects at higher voltage (adjustable thresholds)
- Battery life algorithm — Victron's intelligent algorithm that maximises battery lifespan by adapting disconnect thresholds based on daily solar harvest
- User-defined voltages — set your own disconnect and reconnect voltages
For most campervan builds, the load output isn't used because loads connect directly to the battery via a fuse box. If you do use it, the Battery Life algorithm is the best default choice.
Step 5: Set Up VE.Smart Networking
If you have multiple SmartSolar controllers, a SmartShunt, or a Smart Battery Sense, you can create a VE.Smart Network to share data between devices.
Benefits of VE.Smart Networking:
- Synchronised charging: Multiple MPPT controllers enter absorption and float at the same time.
- Shared battery voltage: The SmartShunt measures voltage at the battery terminals (more accurate than the MPPT's internal measurement).
- Shared battery temperature: A Smart Battery Sense or SmartShunt temperature sensor provides real-time temperature data to all networked devices.
To set up a network, go to Settings → VE.Smart Networking in VictronConnect. Create a new network or join an existing one. All devices must be within Bluetooth range of each other.
Step 6: Review the Dashboard
Once configured, the main VictronConnect screen shows your MPPT's live status:
- Solar yield: Current watts being produced
- Battery voltage: Current battery voltage
- Charge current: Amps flowing into the battery
- Charge state: Off, Bulk, Absorption, Float, or Equalisation
- Today's yield: Total watt-hours generated today
The History tab shows daily yields for the past 30 days, along with maximum power, maximum voltage, and any error codes. This data is invaluable for diagnosing performance issues.
Step 7: Optional Advanced Settings
Adaptive Absorption Time
Enabled by default. The MPPT adjusts absorption time based on how deeply the battery was discharged. For lead-acid batteries, leave this on. For lithium batteries, you can optionally set a fixed time.
Tail Current
The MPPT can end absorption early when the charge current drops below a threshold (the tail current). Default is 2A. This prevents the MPPT from sitting in absorption unnecessarily when the battery is already nearly full.
Voltage Drop Compensation (Streetlight Mode)
For systems with long cable runs, you can compensate for voltage drop in the wiring. This is more relevant for streetlight installations than typical campervan or boat setups.
Common Configuration Mistakes
- Wrong battery preset: Using the default lead-acid preset for a lithium battery results in undercharging and poor battery utilisation.
- Leaving equalisation enabled for lithium: Equalisation sends high voltage to the battery — safe for lead-acid, potentially damaging for LiFePO4 without BMS cutoff.
- Not setting temperature compensation to 0 for lithium: The default compensation adjusts voltage with temperature, which lithium batteries don't need.
- Not updating firmware: Older firmware versions may have bugs that affect charge performance or Bluetooth stability.
Summary
Setting up a Victron SmartSolar MPPT via VictronConnect takes about 10 minutes. The critical steps are selecting the right battery preset (or entering custom voltages), disabling equalisation and temperature compensation for lithium batteries, and setting up VE.Smart Networking if you have multiple Victron devices. Once configured, the VictronConnect dashboard gives you real-time monitoring and 30 days of history at a glance.
