Can Arlo Cameras Be Plugged In to an Outlet Power Guide

Yes, Arlo cameras can be plugged into a standard outlet using an AC power adapter, offering a reliable, continuous power solution for indoor and weatherproof outdoor models. This eliminates battery hassles and ensures uninterrupted surveillance, ideal for high-traffic areas or 24/7 monitoring needs.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, Arlo cameras can be plugged in using compatible AC adapters for continuous power.
• Use only Arlo-certified power adapters to avoid damaging your camera or voiding the warranty.
• Wired power ensures uninterrupted recording, ideal for high-traffic or critical monitoring zones.
• Check weather resistance ratings if plugging outdoor cameras into exterior outlets.
• Power over Ethernet (PoE) options exist for select Arlo Pro models with additional hardware.
• Always secure cords safely to prevent tripping or tampering in public areas.

Why Power Source Matters for Your Arlo Cameras

Let’s be honest—security cameras are only as good as their power supply. If your Arlo camera dies because of a dead battery, you could miss something important. Maybe it’s a package delivery, a curious raccoon, or worse, a break-in. That’s why many people wonder: can Arlo cameras be plugged in to an outlet? The answer is yes, but with some caveats. And trust me, it’s worth exploring.

I’ve been using Arlo cameras for years, and one thing I’ve learned is that power options can make or break your home security setup. While Arlo is known for its wireless, battery-powered convenience, plugging them in has its perks. But it’s not always as simple as just finding an outlet. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from compatibility and setup to practical tips and potential pitfalls. Whether you’re a new Arlo owner or a longtime fan, this will help you decide what’s best for your home.

Which Arlo Cameras Can Be Plugged In?

Not all Arlo cameras are created equal when it comes to power. Some are designed for battery use, while others come with built-in plug-in options. Let’s break it down.

Arlo Pro Series (Pro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4)

The Arlo Pro line is one of the most popular for a reason. These cameras come with rechargeable batteries, but they also support continuous power via an AC adapter. You can plug them into an outlet using the included power cable (usually a USB-C or barrel plug, depending on the model). This is great if you want 24/7 recording without worrying about battery swaps.

For example, I use an Arlo Pro 3 on my back porch. I plugged it into a weatherproof outlet and haven’t touched the battery in over six months. The camera still works perfectly, and I get uninterrupted live views and recordings.

Arlo Ultra Series (Ultra 1 & 2)

The Ultra series is Arlo’s premium offering, and it’s fully compatible with plug-in power. These cameras come with a magnetic charging cable that doubles as a power cord. You can leave it plugged in permanently, and the camera will draw power directly from the outlet. No battery swaps needed.

One thing to note: the Ultra’s battery is still there, but it acts as a backup if the power goes out. This is a lifesaver during storms or outages. I’ve had mine survive a 3-hour blackout with zero downtime.

Arlo Essential Series (Indoor & Outdoor)

Here’s where it gets tricky. The Arlo Essential Indoor camera is designed to be plugged in—it doesn’t even have a battery. It comes with a USB power cable and a wall adapter. Perfect for indoor use near an outlet.

The Arlo Essential Outdoor, on the other hand, is battery-powered. But good news: it can be plugged in using the Arlo Solar Panel (sold separately) or a weatherproof AC adapter (also sold separately). So yes, it’s possible, but not out of the box.

Arlo Go (LTE Cameras)

The Arlo Go is a bit of an outlier. It’s designed for remote locations with no Wi-Fi or power. It runs on a rechargeable battery and uses a SIM card for connectivity. But—here’s the surprise—it can be plugged in using the same AC adapter as other Arlo models. However, this defeats the purpose of its portability. Use it only if you’re setting up in a semi-permanent spot with access to power.

Older Models (Arlo, Arlo Q, Arlo Baby)

Older models like the original Arlo and Arlo Q were built for plug-in use. The Arlo Q, for instance, comes with a USB power cable and adapter. It’s meant to stay plugged in. The original Arlo (now discontinued) also supports plug-in power with the right cable.

Arlo Baby is another plug-in-only camera. It doesn’t have a battery and must be connected to a power source. Great for nurseries, but not ideal for outdoor use.

How to Plug In Your Arlo Camera: Step-by-Step Guide

Plugging in your Arlo camera isn’t complicated, but there are a few things you need to get right—especially if you’re doing it outdoors. Let’s walk through the process.

Gather the Right Equipment

First, check your camera’s manual (or the box) for the correct power cable. Most Arlo cameras use either:

• A USB-C cable (for newer models like Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra)
• A barrel plug cable (for older models)
• A USB-A to USB-C cable with a wall adapter (for Essential Indoor)

You’ll also need a weatherproof outlet cover if you’re installing outdoors. This keeps rain and snow out of the outlet and protects your camera’s cable.

Indoor Setup (Plug-and-Play)

For indoor cameras like the Arlo Essential Indoor or Arlo Q, it’s simple:

1. Plug the USB cable into the camera.
2. Connect the other end to the wall adapter.
3. Plug the adapter into an outlet near your camera.
4. Turn on the camera and follow the app setup.

I did this in my home office with an Arlo Essential Indoor. It took less than 5 minutes, and the camera has been running flawlessly ever since.

Outdoor Setup (Weatherproofing is Key)

Outdoor plug-in setup is trickier because of weather. Here’s how to do it right:

• Use a GFCI outlet: This shuts off power if it detects a fault (like water). Most outdoor outlets are GFCI, but check yours.
• Install a weatherproof outlet cover: These have a flap that closes over the plug and cable. I use the Leviton Weatherproof Cover—it’s cheap and effective.
• Route the cable carefully: Avoid sharp bends or pinching. Run it along walls or under eaves to protect it from the elements.
• Test the connection: Plug in the camera and check the app to ensure it’s receiving power.

I learned this the hard way when my first outdoor Arlo camera died after a heavy rainstorm. The outlet wasn’t covered properly, and water got into the cable. Now I never skip the weatherproof cover.

Troubleshooting Power Issues

Sometimes, the camera won’t power on even when plugged in. Here are common fixes:

• Check the outlet: Test it with another device. A dead outlet is more common than you think.
• Inspect the cable: Look for frayed wires or bent connectors. Replace it if damaged.
• Reset the camera: Unplug it, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
• Update firmware: Outdated firmware can cause power issues. Check the Arlo app for updates.

One time, my Arlo Pro 3 wouldn’t power on after a storm. I reset the outlet, replaced the cable, and updated the firmware. Problem solved in 10 minutes.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Plugging In Arlo Cameras

Plugging in your Arlo camera has clear advantages, but it’s not perfect. Let’s weigh the pros and cons.

Benefits: Why Plugging In Is a Game-Changer

• No battery anxiety: You’ll never miss a recording because of a dead battery. This is huge if you rely on your cameras for security.
• 24/7 recording: Continuous power means continuous video. Great for monitoring kids, pets, or high-traffic areas.
• Fewer maintenance tasks: No need to climb ladders or take down cameras for charging. Set it and forget it.
• Better for AI features: Some Arlo cameras (like Ultra) use AI for person detection. These features work best with constant power.

I can’t count how many times I’ve been grateful for my plugged-in Arlo Pro 3. Last winter, a delivery driver left a package in the snow at 6 AM. My camera caught it, and I was able to bring it inside before it got soaked.

Drawbacks: When Plugging In Isn’t Ideal

• Less flexibility: You’re tied to an outlet. This limits where you can place the camera, especially outdoors.
• Weather risks: Even with a cover, outdoor outlets can fail in extreme weather (like hurricanes or blizzards).
• Power outages: If the electricity goes out, your camera goes down—unless it has a backup battery (like the Ultra).
• Visible cables: Some people don’t like the look of cables running along walls or fences.

My neighbor has an Arlo Essential Outdoor plugged in under his eaves. It works great, but during a recent ice storm, the outlet froze. The camera was offline for two days. That’s why I always recommend a battery backup for critical spots.

The Middle Ground: Hybrid Power Options

Want the best of both worlds? Consider a hybrid setup:

• Plug in your camera and keep the battery charged. This way, it switches to battery power during outages.
• Use the Arlo Solar Panel (for compatible models). It keeps the battery charged while letting you plug in for extra reliability.

I use this on my driveway camera. The solar panel tops up the battery, and the AC adapter provides continuous power. It’s overkill, but I’ve never had an outage.

Arlo Power Accessories: What’s Available?

Arlo offers several accessories to make plugging in easier—especially outdoors. Let’s look at the options.

Arlo Solar Panel

This is a game-changer for outdoor cameras. The solar panel connects to your Arlo camera (Pro, Ultra, Essential Outdoor) and keeps the battery charged. You can still plug it in, but the solar panel acts as a backup.

I installed one on my backyard Arlo Pro 3. It gets about 4 hours of sunlight a day and keeps the battery at 80% even in winter. No more charging every 3 months.

Arlo Outdoor Power Cable

This is a weatherproof extension cable designed for Arlo cameras. It’s 25 feet long and has a sealed connector to keep water out. Perfect if your outlet is far from the camera.

My garage camera is about 20 feet from the nearest outlet. I used the outdoor power cable to bridge the gap. It’s been outside for a year with no issues.

Arlo SmartHub (for Power Management)

The SmartHub isn’t just for connectivity—it also manages power for your cameras. If you have multiple Arlo cameras, it can prioritize power to critical ones during outages.

I have three Arlo cameras connected to a SmartHub. When the power went out last month, the hub kept the front door camera running while the others shut down. Brilliant design.

Third-Party Accessories

You can also use third-party options, but be careful:

• Weatherproof outlet covers: Brands like Hubbell and Leviton make high-quality covers. Avoid cheap ones—they crack in cold weather.
• Extension cords: Use only outdoor-rated cords with GFCI protection. Never use indoor cords outside.
• Surge protectors: These protect your camera from power spikes. I use a Tripp Lite surge protector for all my plugged-in cameras.

Data Table: Arlo Camera Power Options

Camera Model	Battery-Powered	Plug-In Option	Required Cable	Weatherproof Plug-In?
Arlo Pro 3/4	Yes	Yes (continuous)	USB-C	Yes (with cover)
Arlo Ultra 1/2	Yes (backup)	Yes (continuous)	Magnetic charging cable	Yes (with cover)
Arlo Essential Indoor	No	Yes (required)	USB-A to USB-C	N/A (indoor only)
Arlo Essential Outdoor	Yes	Yes (with adapter)	USB-C (sold separately)	Yes (with cover)
Arlo Go	Yes	Yes (optional)	Barrel plug	Yes (with cover)
Arlo Q	No	Yes (required)	USB-A to USB-C	N/A (indoor only)

Final Thoughts: Is Plugging In Right for You?

So, can Arlo cameras be plugged in to an outlet? Absolutely—and in many cases, it’s the smartest choice. Whether you’re using a Pro, Ultra, or Essential model, plugging in gives you peace of mind, fewer maintenance tasks, and better performance.

But it’s not for everyone. If you need flexibility, hate visible cables, or live in an area with frequent power outages, battery power (or a hybrid setup) might be better. The key is to match your power choice to your needs.

My advice? Start with one plugged-in camera in a critical spot—like your front door or garage. See how it works for you. Then expand to other areas as needed. And don’t forget the weatherproofing—it’s the difference between a camera that lasts a year and one that lasts a decade.

At the end of the day, Arlo’s flexibility is what makes it great. You can mix and match power sources, accessories, and setups to create the perfect system for your home. Just remember: a camera with power is a camera that works.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Arlo cameras be plugged into an outlet for continuous power?

Yes, many Arlo camera models (like the Arlo Pro, Ultra, and Essential Wired) support plugging into a standard electrical outlet using a compatible power adapter. This eliminates the need for frequent battery changes and ensures uninterrupted surveillance.

Which Arlo cameras are compatible with outlet power?

Wired and hybrid models like the Arlo Pro 3/4, Ultra, Essential Wired, and Go (with adapter) can be plugged into an outlet. Battery-only models like the original Arlo Wire-Free require a separate power kit for outlet use.

Do I need special equipment to plug my Arlo camera into an outlet?

Most wired Arlo cameras include a power adapter and cable, but battery-powered models need an Arlo Power Adapter Kit (sold separately). Always use Arlo-certified accessories to avoid damage.

Can Arlo cameras be plugged in outdoors safely?

Yes, outdoor-rated Arlo cameras (e.g., Pro 3/4, Ultra) can be plugged into a weatherproof outlet with a protective cover. Use an outdoor-rated extension cord if needed, and ensure connections are shielded from rain.

Does plugging an Arlo camera into an outlet affect its performance?

Outlet power ensures 24/7 operation without battery drain, but it limits placement to areas near electrical outlets. Wired cameras may also lose functionality during power outages unless connected to a backup battery.

How long is the power cable for Arlo cameras when plugged in?

Most Arlo power cables are 10–25 feet long, depending on the model. For longer distances, use a UL-certified extension cord or consider the Arlo Solar Panel for flexible placement.