Can Arlo Camera Work Without Battery Power Options Explained

Yes, Arlo cameras can work without battery power when connected to a continuous power source like a weatherproof outlet or solar panel, offering uninterrupted surveillance and eliminating frequent battery changes. Wired and solar-powered options are ideal for users seeking reliability, especially in high-traffic areas or extreme weather conditions.

Key Takeaways

• Wired options exist: Arlo cameras can use AC power via adapters for continuous operation.
• Solar compatibility: Pair Arlo with solar panels for eco-friendly, uninterrupted power supply.
• Battery-free setups: Some models support direct hardwiring for permanent installations.
• Check model specs: Not all Arlo cameras support external power—verify before purchasing.
• Hybrid flexibility: Use both battery and wired power for backup during outages.

Can Arlo Camera Work Without Battery? Power Options Explained

Imagine this: You’ve just installed your shiny new Arlo camera to keep an eye on your home while you’re away. You’re feeling pretty proud of yourself—until the battery dies after a few weeks. Now you’re stuck with a lifeless camera and a growing sense of frustration. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. One of the most common questions Arlo users ask is, “Can Arlo camera work without battery?” The short answer? Yes, but it’s not always as simple as it seems.

Arlo cameras are beloved for their sleek design, smart features, and wireless convenience. But that freedom comes with a trade-off: reliance on batteries. Whether you’re using the popular Arlo Pro, Ultra, or the more budget-friendly Arlo Essential, power is a constant concern. The good news? Arlo has evolved over the years to offer several ways to keep your cameras running without constantly swapping out batteries. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every power option available—so you can choose the one that fits your lifestyle, budget, and peace of mind. No fluff, no sales pitch—just real talk from someone who’s been through the same power struggles as you.

How Arlo Cameras Are Designed: The Battery Default

When most people think of Arlo, they picture a small, wireless camera mounted on a wall or tree—no cords, no fuss. That freedom is one of Arlo’s biggest selling points. But that convenience comes from one key design choice: battery power as the default. Most Arlo models, especially the outdoor ones, are built to be truly wireless. That means no power outlets, no extension cords, and no drilling through walls to run cables.

Why Arlo Uses Batteries

Arlo’s engineers chose battery power for a few smart reasons:

• Easy installation: No need to find an outlet or hire an electrician. Just mount and go.
• Flexible placement: Want to monitor your backyard, side gate, or front porch? You can move the camera anytime.
• Weather resistance: Batteries eliminate the need for exposed power cords, which can be a hazard in rain or snow.
• Portability: Take your camera with you when you travel or move homes.

But here’s the catch: batteries don’t last forever. Depending on usage, temperature, and motion frequency, a standard Arlo battery (like the 2440mAh Rechargeable Battery) can last anywhere from 2 to 6 months. If your camera is in a high-traffic area (like a front door), it might need recharging every few weeks.

Real-World Example: The Front Door Dilemma

Take my neighbor, Sarah. She installed an Arlo Pro 3 at her front door. It was perfect—until the battery died every 6 weeks. With two kids, a dog, and frequent deliveries, the camera triggered motion alerts constantly. That meant the battery drained fast. She was constantly lugging the camera down, charging it indoors, and reinstalling it. It became a chore. That’s when she started asking the same question you’re probably asking: “Is there a way to run this without batteries?” Spoiler: Yes, there is.

Wired Power Options: Can You Plug In an Arlo Camera?

Yes! You absolutely can run an Arlo camera without batteries—by using wired power. This is one of the most overlooked features, but it’s a game-changer for anyone tired of battery swaps.

Using the Arlo Solar Panel

The Arlo Solar Panel is a popular choice for keeping your camera powered 24/7 without replacing batteries. It connects directly to the camera via a weatherproof cable and uses sunlight to recharge the internal battery continuously.

• How it works: The solar panel charges the camera’s built-in battery during the day. At night, the camera runs on that stored power.
• Best for: Outdoor cameras with direct or indirect sunlight exposure.
• Real tip: Angle the panel toward the sun for maximum efficiency. Even on cloudy days, it can still generate power—just slower.

Sarah tried this with her front door camera. She mounted the solar panel on her roof, angled slightly south. Now, her camera stays charged 95% of the time. She only swaps the battery once a year—just for maintenance.

Using a Weatherproof Power Adapter

For cameras near a power outlet, the Arlo Outdoor Power Adapter is a solid option. It’s a small, weatherproof plug that connects to your camera via a long cable (up to 25 feet).

• How it works: Plug one end into a standard outlet (GFCI recommended for outdoor use) and the other into the camera. The adapter keeps the internal battery charged.
• Best for: Cameras mounted near a garage, porch, or exterior wall with an outlet.
• Pro tip: Use a surge protector or outdoor-rated outlet cover to prevent water damage.

One user, Mark, installed an Arlo Ultra near his garage. He ran the adapter cable under a door and plugged it into an indoor outlet. No drilling, no mess—just constant power. His camera has been running nonstop for over a year with zero battery swaps.

DIY Wired Solutions (With Caution)

Some users go a step further and wire their Arlo cameras directly to a low-voltage power source (like a 12V transformer). This is not officially supported by Arlo, but it’s possible with the right adapters and electrical know-how. I’ve seen people connect Arlo cameras to existing outdoor lighting circuits or even low-voltage landscape transformers.

Important: This method carries risks—electrical shock, voided warranty, or camera damage if the voltage is too high. If you’re not confident with wiring, stick to Arlo-approved accessories. But if you’re handy and safety-conscious, it’s a powerful way to eliminate battery dependence.

Hybrid Power: Using Battery + Solar or Adapter

Here’s a little-known truth: Arlo cameras can run on battery power while being charged. This is called hybrid power, and it’s one of the smartest ways to use your camera long-term.

How Hybrid Power Works

When you connect a solar panel or power adapter, the camera continues to draw power from its internal battery—but the external source recharges it in real time. Think of it like a phone: you can use it while it’s plugged in. The battery stays topped up, and you never lose surveillance coverage.

• No downtime: Even during a cloudy week or power outage, the battery acts as a backup.
• Extended battery life: Constant trickle charging reduces wear and tear on the battery.
• Peace of mind: You’re not relying solely on one power source.

Practical Example: The All-Season Setup

Take James, who lives in a region with harsh winters. He installed an Arlo Pro 4 on his shed. In summer, the solar panel keeps the battery full. In winter, when sunlight is scarce, he switches to the outdoor power adapter. He never removes the battery—just plugs in the adapter during the cold months. His camera has stayed online year-round for three winters now.

Tip: Monitor Battery Health

Arlo’s app shows battery percentage and health. If you’re using hybrid power, check the app monthly. If the battery health drops below 70%, consider replacing it. A weak battery can’t hold a charge well, even with solar or wired power.

Indoor Arlo Cameras: Power Options for the Home

Not all Arlo cameras are meant for outdoors. The Arlo Essential Indoor Camera and Arlo Baby are designed for inside use—and they come with built-in power cords.

Plug-and-Play Convenience

Indoor Arlo models plug directly into a wall outlet. No batteries required. This makes them ideal for:

• Monitoring nurseries, playrooms, or home offices
• Keeping an eye on pets while you’re at work
• Adding security to interior entry points (like a back door)

One mom, Lisa, uses an Arlo Baby in her son’s room. It’s plugged in 24/7, with night vision and two-way audio. She says, “I never worry about batteries dying at 3 a.m. It’s just always on.”

Can You Use a Battery in an Indoor Camera?

Technically, yes—but it’s not practical. Indoor Arlo cameras don’t have removable batteries like outdoor models. They’re designed to be plugged in. If you unplug one, it shuts off immediately. So while you can run it on battery temporarily (via an external power bank), it’s not a long-term solution.

Creative Workaround: Power Banks for Temporary Use

Need a camera for a short-term event (like a party or construction project)? You can power an indoor Arlo with a high-capacity power bank. Use a USB-C cable (if compatible) or a DC adapter. Just remember:

• Power banks drain fast—most last 6–12 hours.
• Not ideal for continuous recording or live streaming.
• Use only as a backup, not a primary power source.

What Happens When the Battery Dies? Backup and Redundancy

Even with solar or wired power, things can go wrong. A storm knocks out your outlet. The solar panel gets covered in snow. The adapter fails. That’s why understanding backup options is crucial.

The Role of the Internal Battery

Every Arlo outdoor camera has a built-in battery—even when using solar or adapter power. This battery acts as a fail-safe. If the external power source fails, the camera switches to battery mode automatically. You’ll get a notification in the app, and the camera continues recording for hours (depending on settings).

• Pro tip: Keep the battery at 50% or higher when using external power. That way, it has enough juice to act as a backup.
• Warning: If you remove the battery completely, the camera won’t work at all—even if plugged in.

Cloud vs. Local Storage: Power Matters

Arlo offers cloud storage (subscription-based) and local storage (via USB drive or SD card). If power fails and the battery dies:

• Cloud: Recordings stop. No new footage is saved.
• Local: If you have a Arlo SmartHub with USB storage, recordings continue as long as the hub has power.

One user, Tom, lost power during a storm. His camera switched to battery, but it died after 4 hours. However, his SmartHub (plugged into a UPS) kept recording locally. He didn’t miss a minute of the event.

Redundancy Tips

• Use a battery-powered Wi-Fi extender to keep the camera online during outages.
• Pair your camera with a smart plug so you can turn the power adapter back on remotely.
• Set up battery health alerts in the Arlo app to replace batteries before they fail.

Comparing Power Options: Which One Is Right for You?

Choosing the right power setup depends on your needs, location, and budget. Here’s a quick comparison of the main options:

Power Option	Best For	Pros	Cons	Estimated Cost
Battery Only	Truly wireless, temporary use	Easy install, portable, no cords	Frequent swaps, limited runtime	$0 (included)
Solar Panel	Outdoor, sunny areas	Renewable energy, low maintenance	Needs sunlight, seasonal variation	$79–$99
Outdoor Power Adapter	Near outlets, permanent install	Reliable, constant power	Requires outlet, cable management	$39–$59
Hybrid (Battery + Solar/Adapter)	All-weather, long-term use	Backup power, no downtime	Higher upfront cost	$80–$150
Indoor Plug-In	Inside homes, offices	Always on, no battery	No outdoor use, needs outlet	$0 (included)

For most users, I recommend the hybrid approach. Use solar or adapter power for daily operation, but keep the battery installed for backup. It’s the best of both worlds: convenience and reliability.

Remember: Can Arlo camera work without battery? Absolutely. But whether you should depends on your situation. If you hate battery swaps, go wired or solar. If you need flexibility, stick with batteries—but consider adding a solar panel for longer life.

At the end of the day, Arlo’s power options are designed to give you choices. You don’t have to live with the frustration of dead batteries. With a little planning, your camera can stay online 24/7—rain, snow, or shine. Whether you’re a busy parent, a homeowner, or just someone who wants peace of mind, there’s a power solution that fits your life. So take a look at your setup, assess your needs, and pick the option that keeps you—and your home—secure, without the hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Arlo cameras work without a battery?

Yes, most Arlo cameras can operate without batteries when connected to a continuous power source, such as a weatherproof power adapter or PoE (Power over Ethernet) module. However, battery-free operation depends on the specific model and its compatibility with wired power options.

What are the power options for Arlo cameras besides batteries?

Arlo cameras support multiple power alternatives, including solar panels, AC power adapters, and PoE injectors (for select models like Arlo Pro 3/4 and Ultra). These options provide uninterrupted operation while eliminating frequent battery replacements.

Do all Arlo cameras support wired power without batteries?

Not all models support battery-free operation. For example, the Arlo Essential series requires batteries but can use optional solar panels, while Pro/Ultra models often include AC/PoE compatibility. Always check your camera’s specifications before relying solely on wired power.

Can I use an Arlo solar panel to replace batteries entirely?

Yes, Arlo’s solar panels (sold separately) can power compatible cameras continuously without batteries, provided the panel receives adequate sunlight. This setup is ideal for outdoor cameras in sunny locations.

How does the Arlo camera work without battery power during outages?

If your Arlo camera is connected to an AC adapter or PoE, it will remain operational during power outages only if paired with a backup power source (e.g., UPS). Otherwise, batteries are needed for uninterrupted use.

Is there a way to monitor Arlo cameras without batteries or Wi-Fi?

Arlo cameras require either battery or wired power to function, but Wi-Fi (or Ethernet for PoE models) is essential for live streaming and cloud storage. For offline recording, consider models with local SD card storage (e.g., Arlo Pro 4).