Are My Arlo Cameras Charging Here Is How to Check Fast

To quickly check if your Arlo cameras are charging, look for the LED indicator on the camera or hub—solid amber means charging, while green signals a full charge. You can also monitor charging status in real time using the Arlo app’s device settings, ensuring your security system stays powered and ready. No guesswork—just fast, reliable confirmation.

Key Takeaways

• Check LED indicators: Solid or blinking lights confirm charging status instantly.
• Use the Arlo app: View battery levels and charging progress in real-time.
• Inspect connections: Ensure cables and power sources are secure and functional.
• Monitor charging time: Full charge typically takes 2-4 hours; delays signal issues.
• Verify solar panel placement: Direct sunlight ensures continuous charging for solar-powered models.

Are My Arlo Cameras Charging Here Is How to Check Fast

You’ve just installed your shiny new Arlo camera system, or maybe you’ve had it for a while. Either way, you’re standing in your living room, staring at the little LED light on the camera, wondering: Are my Arlo cameras charging? It’s a question that pops up more often than you’d think—especially when you rely on these devices for security, peace of mind, or just checking in on your pet while at work. I remember the first time my Arlo Pro 3’s battery dropped to 10%. Panic set in. Was it charging? Was the base station working? Did I plug it in correctly? Spoiler: I had, but I just didn’t know how to verify it was charging. That’s exactly what this guide is for—no tech jargon, no fluff, just real answers to a real problem.

Whether you’re using Arlo Ultra, Arlo Pro 5, Arlo Essential, or the older Arlo Go, the basics of checking charging status are similar, but each model has its quirks. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to check if your Arlo cameras are charging—fast, clearly, and with practical steps you can take right now. I’ll cover the Arlo app, physical indicators, troubleshooting tips, and even some lesser-known tricks. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do when that low-battery notification pops up, and you’ll never have to wonder, “Are my Arlo cameras charging?” again.

Understanding Arlo Camera Charging Basics

How Arlo Cameras Are Designed to Charge

Most Arlo cameras—especially the wire-free models like the Pro 3, Pro 4, and Ultra—run on rechargeable batteries. These aren’t your standard AA batteries; they’re custom lithium-ion packs designed for long life and efficient charging. When you plug in the charging cable or place the camera on its magnetic dock, the internal circuitry kicks in to manage the charge. This includes preventing overcharging, regulating voltage, and signaling status via LED lights.

Here’s the thing: Arlo cameras don’t charge like your phone. You can’t just plug them in and expect the screen to show a percentage. Instead, they rely on LED indicators and app notifications to tell you what’s happening. That’s why it’s easy to get confused. For example, my Arlo Pro 4 has a small LED ring around the lens. When it’s charging, it pulses orange. When it’s fully charged, it turns solid green. But if the light is off? That’s when I start sweating.

Types of Charging Methods Across Arlo Models

Different Arlo models use different charging setups. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Arlo Pro 3/4, Arlo Ultra, Arlo Essential: Use a magnetic charging dock. The camera snaps on, and a small LED on the dock or camera shows charging status.
• Arlo Go: Uses a micro-USB port. Plug in the cable directly to the camera.
• Arlo Pro 5S: Supports both magnetic dock and USB-C charging. A big upgrade for faster, more flexible charging.
• Arlo Floodlight: Can be hardwired for continuous power or use a battery pack that’s charged separately.

Knowing your model helps you interpret the signals correctly. For example, if you’re using a Pro 5S and you plug it in via USB-C, the LED might behave differently than when it’s on the dock. Always check your user manual—yes, even if you hate reading manuals. A quick 30-second skim can save you hours of confusion.

Typical Charging Time and Battery Life

Most Arlo cameras take 4 to 6 hours to fully charge from zero, depending on the model and power source. The Pro 4 and Pro 5S can charge faster with a 5V/2A adapter (the one you use for iPads). Battery life varies:

• Arlo Pro 3/4: Up to 6 months (with moderate use)
• Arlo Ultra: Up to 3 months (due to 4K recording)
• Arlo Essential: Up to 6 months (1080p, motion-activated)
• Arlo Go: Up to 2 months (LTE usage affects this)

Remember: “Up to” means best-case scenario. If you have high motion activity, frequent live views, or poor Wi-Fi, your battery drains faster. I learned this the hard way when my backyard camera—facing a busy sidewalk—died in 3 weeks. Lesson: adjust motion sensitivity and check battery health regularly.

Checking Charging Status via the Arlo App

Step-by-Step: How to See Battery Level in the App

The Arlo app is your best friend when it comes to monitoring battery and charging. Here’s how to check:

1. Open the Arlo app on your phone or tablet.
2. Tap on the camera you want to check.
3. Look for the battery icon in the top-right corner of the live view screen.
4. Tap the camera name to go to Device Settings.
5. Scroll down to “Battery” to see the exact percentage and charging status.

For example, if I open my Arlo Pro 5S feed and see “Battery: 85% – Charging,” I know it’s actively charging. If it says “Battery: 40% – Not Charging,” I need to check the dock or cable. The app updates every few minutes, so if you just plugged it in, wait 2–3 minutes for the status to refresh.

Using the “Devices” Tab for a Quick Overview

Want to check all your cameras at once? Use the Devices tab:

• Tap the “Devices” icon (usually looks like a grid or list).
• You’ll see a list of all your Arlo devices.
• Each camera shows its battery percentage and a small lightning bolt icon if it’s charging.

This is super handy if you have multiple cameras. I use this every morning to scan for low batteries. If I see a camera at 15% with no lightning bolt, I know it’s not charging and needs attention.

Push Notifications: The Silent Charging Alerts

Arlo sends push notifications when:

• A camera starts charging
• A camera stops charging (e.g., unplugged)
• Battery drops below 20%
• Battery reaches 100%

Make sure these are enabled in the app:

1. Go to Settings > Notifications.
2. Enable “Battery” and “Charging” alerts.
3. Choose whether you want alerts for all cameras or specific ones.

I once got a “Charging Stopped” alert at 2 a.m. Turned out my toddler had unplugged the dock. Without that alert, I wouldn’t have known for days. These notifications are a game-changer.

Physical Indicators: What the LED Lights Mean

Decoding the LED Colors and Patterns

Arlo cameras use LED lights to communicate charging status. But the colors and blinking patterns vary by model. Here’s a breakdown:

Model	Charging	Fully Charged	Low Battery	Not Charging (Error)
Arlo Pro 3/4	Pulsing orange	Solid green	Solid red	Rapid red blinking
Arlo Ultra	Pulsing orange	Solid green	Solid red	Rapid red blinking
Arlo Essential	Pulsing amber	Solid green	Solid red	Off (no light)
Arlo Pro 5S	Pulsing orange (dock), solid orange (USB)	Solid green	Solid red	Rapid red blinking
Arlo Go	Solid amber	Solid green	Solid red	Off

Note: The dock itself may also have LEDs. For example, the Arlo Pro 4 dock has a small LED that turns green when the camera is fully charged. If the dock LED is off, the dock isn’t powered or isn’t detecting the camera.

Common LED Confusion and How to Fix It

Here are real-world scenarios I’ve faced—and how to solve them:

• Problem: LED is off, but camera is on the dock. Solution: Check if the dock is plugged in. Try a different outlet. Test the dock with another camera.
• Problem: LED is blinking red rapidly. Solution: This means a charging error. Remove the camera, clean the contacts (see next section), and reattach. If it persists, try a different power adapter.
• Problem: LED is solid red. Solution: Low battery. Plug it in. If it doesn’t start pulsing orange, the battery may be deeply drained. Leave it for 30 minutes—sometimes it needs a “jump start.”

I once thought my Arlo Essential wasn’t charging because the LED stayed off. Turns out, the dock’s power brick had failed. Replaced it, and it worked perfectly. Always check the entire charging chain.

Troubleshooting: When Your Arlo Isn’t Charging

Check the Power Source and Cable

Before blaming the camera, check the basics:

• Is the wall outlet working? Plug in a lamp or phone charger to test.
• Is the USB cable damaged? Look for fraying or bent connectors.
• Are you using the original Arlo adapter? Third-party chargers (especially cheap ones) may not provide enough power. Arlo recommends 5V/2A (10W) or higher.

I once used a phone charger that only output 1A. The camera charged, but very slowly—like 5% per hour. Switched to a 2.4A adapter, and it charged in 4 hours. Lesson: use the right power source.

Clean the Charging Contacts

Over time, dust, lint, and moisture can build up on the camera’s charging contacts (the metal pads on the bottom) and the dock. This prevents a good connection.

Here’s how to clean them:

1. Power off the camera (if possible).
2. Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to wipe the contacts.
3. For stubborn grime, use a cotton swab lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher).
4. Let it dry completely before reattaching to the dock.

I clean my cameras every 3 months. It’s a 2-minute job that prevents charging issues. One time, my Pro 4 wouldn’t charge after a rainstorm. Cleaning the contacts fixed it instantly.

Reboot the Camera and Base Station

If the camera shows “Not Charging” in the app and the LED is off, try a soft reset:

• Camera: Press and hold the sync button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes. This reboots the camera.
• Base Station: Unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.

After rebooting, reattach the camera to the dock. The system often reconnects and starts charging. I do this once a month as maintenance.

When to Contact Arlo Support

If none of the above works, you might have a hardware issue. Contact Arlo support if:

• The camera gets hot while charging
• The LED stays off even with a known-good dock and cable
• The app shows “Charging” but the battery percentage never increases
• The dock LED doesn’t light up at all

Arlo offers a 1-year warranty. If your camera is under warranty, they’ll replace it. I once had a dock that failed after 10 months. They sent a replacement free of charge.

Pro Tips to Keep Your Arlo Cameras Charging Smoothly

Use Smart Charging Schedules

Don’t wait for the battery to hit 10%. Set up a charging routine:

• Charge cameras when they hit 30–40%
• Use the Arlo app to check battery levels weekly
• Create a “charging rotation” if you have multiple cameras (e.g., charge one every weekend)

I keep a charging log in a notes app. Every Sunday, I check all cameras and charge any below 50%. This way, I never get caught off guard.

Optimize Camera Settings to Save Battery

You can extend battery life—and reduce charging frequency—by tweaking settings:

• Reduce motion detection sensitivity (especially in high-traffic areas)
• Set activity zones to ignore irrelevant motion (e.g., trees, cars)
• Lower video quality (e.g., 1080p instead of 4K)
• Turn off color night vision if you don’t need it
• Use scheduling to disable recording during certain hours

After I turned off color night vision on my front porch camera, battery life jumped from 4 months to 6. Small changes make a big difference.

Keep Spare Batteries or Use Solar Panels

For cameras in remote locations, consider:

• Arlo Solar Panel: Mounts on the camera and keeps it charged with sunlight. Works well for outdoor cameras with good sun exposure.
• Extra batteries: Buy a spare battery pack. When one drains, swap it out and charge the other. I keep two for my backyard camera.

I installed a solar panel on my Arlo Pro 4 facing the backyard. It gets 6 hours of direct sun daily, and the battery has stayed above 70% for months. No more climbing ladders to charge it.

Checking if your Arlo cameras are charging doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right tools—the Arlo app, LED indicators, and a few troubleshooting steps—you can know the status in seconds. Whether you’re using a Pro 5S with USB-C charging or an older Arlo Go with micro-USB, the principles are the same: check the app, watch the LED, verify the power chain, and maintain your gear.

Remember: charging issues are rarely the camera’s fault. It’s usually the cable, outlet, contacts, or power adapter. By staying proactive—cleaning contacts, checking battery levels, and using smart settings—you’ll keep your Arlo system running smoothly. And the next time you ask, “Are my Arlo cameras charging?” you’ll know exactly where to look and what to do. No panic. No guesswork. Just peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my Arlo cameras are charging?

Check the LED indicator on the camera or charging base—solid amber means charging, while solid green indicates a full charge. You can also view the battery status in the Arlo app under the device settings.

Why is my Arlo camera not charging even when plugged in?

This could be due to a faulty power adapter, loose connection, or a drained battery needing more time. Try unplugging and reconnecting the cable or using a different outlet to troubleshoot.

Can I check my Arlo camera’s charging status remotely?

Yes, open the Arlo app and select your camera—the battery level and charging status are displayed on the device dashboard. This is the fastest way to confirm if your Arlo cameras are charging without physical checks.

How long does it take for Arlo cameras to fully charge?

Most Arlo cameras take 2–4 hours to charge fully, depending on the model and battery level. Fast charging models (like Arlo Pro 4) may reach 80% in under 2 hours.

Is it safe to leave my Arlo camera charging overnight?

Yes, Arlo cameras have built-in overcharge protection, so leaving them plugged in after reaching 100% is safe. However, unplugging once charged can prolong long-term battery health.

What does it mean if the Arlo charging LED flashes red?

A flashing red LED usually signals a charging error—try cleaning the charging contacts or replacing the power cable. If the issue persists, contact Arlo support for further assistance.