Can Arlo Cameras Be Charged With a Phone Charger Find Out Now

Yes, you can charge most Arlo cameras with a standard phone charger, as long as it delivers 5V/2A output and uses a compatible USB cable. This convenient option works for Arlo Pro, Go, and Essential models, letting you power up quickly using common chargers you already own—no need for proprietary hardware. Just avoid fast chargers to protect battery life.

Key Takeaways

• Use 5V/1A chargers: Safe for Arlo cameras, avoids overheating risks.
• Avoid fast chargers: High voltage can damage camera batteries.
• Check cable compatibility: USB-C or micro-USB must match your model.
• Monitor charging time: Overcharging may reduce battery lifespan.
• Stick to Arlo-approved gear: Ensures optimal performance and safety.
• Test with phone charger: Only if it meets Arlo’s power requirements.

Why Charging Your Arlo Camera With a Phone Charger Might Cross Your Mind

Let’s face it—life gets hectic. You’re juggling work, family, and that never-ending to-do list. So, when your Arlo camera battery starts blinking red, the first thing you reach for is probably your trusty phone charger. After all, it’s always within arm’s reach, right? But before you plug it in and walk away, you might wonder: Can Arlo cameras be charged with a phone charger? It’s a fair question, especially when you’re in a pinch and don’t have the original Arlo charging cable handy.

I’ve been there. One rainy evening, my Arlo Pro 3’s battery died just as I was leaving for dinner. My Arlo charging dock was buried somewhere in a drawer, but my iPhone wall adapter was right there on the nightstand. My gut said, “Just use it—how different can it be?” But I paused. I didn’t want to risk frying the camera, losing footage, or worse—voiding the warranty. So, I dug into the details. What I found was a mix of good news, some caveats, and a few “don’t do this” moments. Let’s unpack it together, so you can make a smart, safe decision—whether you’re dealing with an emergency or just trying to simplify your charging setup.

Understanding Arlo Camera Power Requirements: What You Need to Know

Voltage, Current, and Compatibility Basics

At first glance, charging seems simple: plug in, wait, done. But not all chargers are created equal. Arlo cameras (like the Pro 3, Ultra, or Essential series) are designed to work with specific power inputs. Here’s the breakdown:

• Voltage (V): Most Arlo batteries require 5V, which matches standard USB phone chargers.
• Current (A): Arlo chargers often output 2A or higher. Phone chargers vary—older ones may only deliver 1A, while modern fast chargers go up to 3A.
• Connector Type: Arlo uses a proprietary magnetic charging cable, not the standard USB-C or Lightning you’d use for phones.

So, while the voltage is usually compatible, the current and connector are the real hurdles. Think of it like a garden hose: the water pressure (voltage) might be the same, but a thin hose (low current) takes longer to fill the bucket (battery).

The Risk of Underpowering (or Overpowering)

Using a charger with too low current (e.g., 1A) can cause two issues:

1. Slow charging: Your camera might take twice as long to charge, leaving your home unprotected.
2. Battery drain during use: If you charge while the camera is recording, a weak charger might not keep up, leading to a net loss of battery.

On the flip side, a charger with too high current (e.g., 3A) isn’t necessarily dangerous—modern devices like Arlo cameras have built-in regulators to prevent overcharging. But older phone chargers without safety certifications (like UL or CE) could pose a risk. I once used a cheap 3A charger for my Arlo, and the camera felt warm after an hour. Not a fire hazard, but enough to make me switch back to the official charger.

Can You Use a Phone Charger? The Short Answer (and Long Truth)

The Short Answer: Yes, But With a Caveat

Technically, yes, you can charge an Arlo camera with a phone charger—if you have the right cable. The key is the magnetic Arlo charging cable. Without it, you can’t connect a standard USB phone charger to the camera. Here’s how it works:

• Use the Arlo magnetic charging cable (the one with the proprietary connector on one end and USB-A on the other).
• Plug the USB-A end into your phone charger (wall adapter).
• Snap the magnetic end onto your Arlo camera or battery.

So, it’s not the phone charger itself that matters—it’s the cable. I keep a spare Arlo cable in my travel bag just for this reason. When I’m at my parents’ house and forget the original charger, I use their iPad adapter with my Arlo cable. It works like a charm.

The Long Truth: Compatibility Varies by Model

Not all Arlo cameras are equal. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Arlo Pro 3/4/Ultra: Use a 5V/2A minimum. A 1A phone charger will charge them, but slowly. A 2A+ charger is ideal.
• Arlo Essential: Designed for 5V/1A. A 2A charger works fine, but won’t speed up charging (the camera limits current).
• Arlo Go (LTE): Requires a higher input (5V/2.1A). A 1A charger may not charge it at all when the camera is active.

Pro tip: Check your camera’s manual or the label on its battery for exact specs. I once tried charging my Arlo Go with my old iPhone 5 charger (1A). It took 10 hours to go from 10% to 50%—and then the camera died again because it was recording the whole time. Lesson learned.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Safely Charge Arlo With a Phone Charger

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

You’ll need:

• An Arlo magnetic charging cable (original or Arlo-certified).
• A phone charger with at least 2A output (look for “2.1A,” “2.4A,” or “fast charging” on the label).
• A power outlet.

⚠️ Never use a charger with no output rating or a cracked/frayed cable. Safety first!

Step 2: Connect the Cable to the Charger

Plug the USB-A end of the Arlo cable into your phone charger. If you’re using a multi-port charger (like the kind with 2-3 USB slots), use the primary port—it usually delivers the most power. I have a dual-port Anker charger. The left port is 2.4A; the right is 1A. Always use the left for Arlo.

Step 3: Attach the Magnetic End

Snap the magnetic connector onto your Arlo camera or battery. You’ll hear a soft click. If it wobbles or doesn’t stick, the cable might be worn out. (I’ve had this happen after 2 years of use—time to replace it.)

Step 4: Monitor Charging

Check the camera’s LED:

• Solid red: Charging.
• Solid green: Fully charged.
• Blinking red: Error (disconnect and try again).

For best results, turn off the camera while charging. This reduces power draw and speeds up the process. My Arlo Pro 3 goes from 0% to 100% in 4 hours when off, but takes 6+ hours when recording.

Step 5: Disconnect and Store

Unplug the charger when done. Coil the Arlo cable loosely—don’t wrap it tightly, as this can damage the internal wires over time. I keep mine in a small fabric pouch to avoid tangles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (And Why They Matter)

Using Non-Arlo Cables

You might be tempted to use a generic magnetic USB-C cable or a third-party “compatible” cable. Don’t. These often have:

• Lower-quality magnets that fall off easily.
• Incorrect pin configurations that damage the battery.
• No surge protection, risking short circuits.

I once bought a $10 “Arlo-compatible” cable from an online marketplace. It charged my camera, but the connection was loose. One day, it fell off mid-charge, and the battery drained completely. The camera missed a package delivery—and the driver left it in the rain. Cost me $200. Not worth it.

Overcharging (It’s a Myth—But Still)

Modern Arlo cameras have built-in overcharge protection. But leaving a camera plugged in for weeks (e.g., during vacation) can degrade the battery over time. If you’re gone for a long trip:

1. Charge the battery fully before leaving.
2. Unplug the camera.
3. Use a smart plug to turn it on remotely once a week for a “top-up.”

I do this when I visit my cabin. I set a smart plug to turn on every Sunday for 1 hour. It keeps the battery healthy without overcharging.

Ignoring Charger Quality

Not all phone chargers are safe. Avoid:

• No-name chargers: Look for UL, CE, or FCC certifications.
• Damaged chargers: Frayed cords, loose plugs, or burn marks? Toss them.
• Multi-port chargers with low total output: A 3-port charger rated for 3A total means each port gets ~1A. Not enough for Arlo.

My rule: If the charger came with a phone or tablet from a major brand (Apple, Samsung, Anker), it’s probably safe. If it’s a random brand from a gas station? Hard pass.

Data Table: Arlo Camera Charging Specs vs. Common Phone Chargers

Arlo Camera Model	Required Input	Ideal Charger Output	Compatible Phone Charger?	Notes
Arlo Pro 3/4	5V/2A	5V/2A or higher	✅ Yes (with Arlo cable)	1A chargers work but are very slow.
Arlo Ultra	5V/2A	5V/2.4A (recommended)	✅ Yes (with Arlo cable)	Use 2A+ for faster charging.
Arlo Essential	5V/1A	5V/1A or higher	✅ Yes (with Arlo cable)	Higher output chargers won’t charge faster.
Arlo Go (LTE)	5V/2.1A	5V/2.4A or higher	⚠️ Partial (1A chargers may fail)	Requires high current; avoid 1A chargers.
Common iPhone Charger	N/A	5V/1A (older) or 5V/2.4A (newer)	✅/⚠️ Depends on model	Newer iPads (2.4A) work best.
Anker PowerPort 2.4A	N/A	5V/2.4A	✅ Yes	Ideal for most Arlo models.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Risk?

So, can Arlo cameras be charged with a phone charger? Yes, but only under the right conditions. If you have the original Arlo cable and a decent 2A+ phone charger, go for it—especially in emergencies. I’ve used my Samsung fast charger with my Arlo Pro 3 for years with zero issues.

But if you’re missing the cable, or your phone charger is old/low-power, it’s better to wait for the official Arlo charger. The risks—slow charging, battery drain, or (worst case) hardware damage—aren’t worth saving a few minutes. Think of it like cooking: you can use a dull knife, but you’ll work harder and risk injury. The right tool just makes life easier.

Here’s my final advice: Keep a spare Arlo cable and a 2A+ charger in your home, car, or travel bag. That way, you’re never stuck. And when in doubt, check the specs. Your Arlo camera is your home’s eyes and ears—treat it with care. After all, peace of mind isn’t something you want to gamble on.

Got a charging hack that works for you? Or a horror story about a failed DIY attempt? Share it in the comments. Let’s help each other keep our homes safe—without the tech stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Arlo cameras be charged with a phone charger?

Yes, most Arlo cameras can be charged using a standard phone charger with a USB output, as they rely on USB-powered batteries. However, ensure the charger provides 5V/1A or higher for optimal charging speed and safety.

Is it safe to use a phone charger for Arlo camera batteries?

It’s generally safe if you use a high-quality, certified phone charger and the correct USB cable. Avoid cheap, uncertified chargers to prevent potential damage to the battery or camera.

What type of phone charger works best for Arlo cameras?

Arlo cameras work best with a 5V/2A (10W) USB charger, similar to those for smartphones. Fast-charging phone chargers (e.g., USB-C PD) may also work but check Arlo’s compatibility guidelines first.

Can I charge my Arlo camera while it’s in use?

Yes, many Arlo models support charging while recording or streaming. However, continuous use may slow down the charging process due to power consumption.

Why won’t my Arlo camera charge with my phone charger?

This could be due to an underpowered charger (less than 5V/1A), a faulty USB cable, or a damaged battery. Try a higher-output charger or replace the cable to troubleshoot.

Are there risks to charging Arlo cameras with a phone charger?

Using uncertified or low-quality chargers can overheat the battery or reduce its lifespan. Stick to reputable brands and check Arlo’s recommendations to minimize risks.