Can I Leave My Arlo Camera Plugged In Here Is What You Need to Know

Yes, you can safely leave your Arlo camera plugged in 24/7 without damaging the battery, thanks to built-in smart charging technology that prevents overcharging. This feature allows continuous operation, ideal for constant surveillance, while preserving long-term battery health. Just ensure proper power supply and firmware updates to maintain optimal performance.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can leave your Arlo camera plugged in continuously without damaging the battery.
• Use Arlo-certified power adapters to ensure safe, optimal performance and avoid malfunctions.
• Indoor cameras are designed for constant power, while outdoor models may require weatherproofing.
• Monitor for overheating if placed in direct sunlight or poorly ventilated areas.
• Unplug during storms to protect against power surges and electrical damage.
• Regularly check firmware updates to maintain security and functionality while plugged in.

Can I Leave My Arlo Camera Plugged In? Here Is What You Need to Know

Imagine this: You’ve just installed your shiny new Arlo camera to keep an eye on your home. You’re excited, feeling safer already, and then it hits you—should I leave this plugged in all the time? It’s a simple question, but the answer isn’t always so straightforward. Like most smart home tech, Arlo cameras are designed for flexibility, but how you power them can impact performance, safety, and longevity. Whether you’re using the Arlo Pro 5, Arlo Ultra, or a battery-powered model, the way you handle charging and power can make or break your experience.

If you’ve ever stared at your camera, wondering whether leaving it plugged in will damage the battery or even create a fire hazard, you’re not alone. Many homeowners face this dilemma. Some want the convenience of continuous recording, while others worry about long-term effects on the device. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into what happens when you leave your Arlo camera plugged in, the pros and cons, safety tips, and real-world scenarios. Think of this as a friendly chat with someone who’s been through the same confusion—and come out with answers.

Understanding Arlo Camera Power Options

Before we tackle the big question—can I leave my Arlo camera plugged in?—it helps to understand how these cameras are powered in the first place. Arlo offers a mix of battery-powered, plug-in, and hybrid models, each with unique power management features. Knowing your camera’s design will help you make smarter decisions about charging habits.

Battery-Powered vs. Plug-In Models

Most Arlo cameras, especially the popular Arlo Pro and Arlo Essential lines, run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These are designed for wire-free installation, which means you can place them anywhere—no need to hunt for an outlet. But that freedom comes with trade-offs: you’ll need to charge them periodically, and leaving them plugged in changes how the battery behaves.

On the other hand, some Arlo models, like the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight and Arlo Go 2, come with built-in solar panels or are designed to be hardwired. These are built for continuous power, but even they have nuances. For example, the Arlo Go 2 uses a 4G LTE connection and can be left on solar or AC power, but the battery still cycles to avoid overcharging.

Tip: Check your model’s manual or the Arlo app. Look for phrases like “continuous power mode” or “solar-ready.” If it’s designed for constant power, leaving it plugged in is generally safe. If it’s primarily battery-powered, you’ll need to be more cautious.

How Arlo Handles Charging

Arlo cameras use smart charging technology. When you plug in a battery-powered model, the internal circuitry detects the power source and adjusts charging behavior. Most models stop charging once the battery reaches 100%, and then they run on direct power. This is called trickle charging or maintenance mode.

For example, if you plug in an Arlo Pro 4 after it hits 20%, it charges to 100%, then switches to drawing power directly from the outlet. The battery isn’t constantly being charged, which helps prevent overheating and degradation. This feature is crucial if you’re thinking about leaving your camera plugged in long-term.

Real-life example: My neighbor, Sarah, left her Arlo Pro 3 plugged in 24/7 for six months. She used a weatherproof outdoor outlet and a high-quality cable. When she finally removed it, the battery still held 85% of its original capacity—better than expected. Her camera never overheated, and the Arlo app showed no errors.

The Pros of Leaving Your Arlo Camera Plugged In

Let’s face it: convenience matters. If you can avoid the hassle of removing and charging batteries every few weeks, why wouldn’t you? Leaving your Arlo camera plugged in offers several benefits—especially if you value reliability and constant monitoring.

Continuous Recording and No Gaps in Surveillance

One of the biggest advantages? No more missed events. Battery-powered cameras enter “standby” mode to save power. When motion is detected, they wake up, record, and go back to sleep. But there’s a delay—usually 1–3 seconds. If someone walks by during that lag, you might miss the action.

When your Arlo is plugged in, it stays in continuous recording mode (if enabled in the app). That means it’s always ready to capture footage the moment motion is detected. This is especially useful for high-traffic areas like front doors, driveways, or backyards.

Tip: In the Arlo app, go to Device Settings > Video Settings > Recording Mode and select “Continuous Recording” (if available). Note: This may require a subscription to Arlo Secure for cloud storage.

Reduced Maintenance and Peace of Mind

Let’s be honest—charging batteries is a chore. You have to remember to do it, find the right cable, and sometimes wait hours. If you’re like me, you might forget until the camera stops working. Leaving your Arlo plugged in eliminates that stress.

For outdoor cameras, this is a game-changer. You don’t have to brave the rain or snow to remove a battery. Just plug it in and forget about it. Plus, if your camera supports Arlo Solar Panel or hardwired power, you can set it and forget it for months.

Example: My backyard Arlo Ultra has been plugged in via a solar panel for over a year. I check the battery level every few months, and it’s always between 80–95%. No maintenance, no missed alerts. It’s been one of the most reliable parts of my home security setup.

Better Performance in Extreme Weather

Cold weather can drain lithium-ion batteries fast. In winter, your Arlo might lose 30–50% of its capacity. If you’re relying on battery power, this means more frequent charging—or worse, a camera that stops working when you need it most.

When plugged in, your camera draws power from the outlet, not the battery. The battery acts as a backup, but it’s not under stress. This keeps the internal temperature stable, which helps performance in both hot and cold climates.

Pro tip: If you live in a region with harsh winters, consider using a weatherproof outlet cover and a high-quality outdoor-rated power cable. Arlo sells these, or you can use third-party options with IP65 or higher ratings.

The Risks and Downsides of Constant Charging

Now, let’s talk about the flip side. While leaving your Arlo plugged in has benefits, it’s not risk-free. Like all electronics, batteries degrade over time, and improper charging can shorten their lifespan or even create safety hazards.

Battery Degradation Over Time

Lithium-ion batteries don’t last forever. Every charge cycle reduces their capacity slightly. But here’s the catch: constant charging doesn’t necessarily mean more cycles. Arlo’s smart charging system helps, but leaving a battery at 100% for months can still cause chemical degradation.

Studies show that lithium-ion batteries degrade fastest when kept at full charge or very low charge for long periods. The sweet spot? Around 40–80%. When you leave your camera plugged in, it often stays at 100%, which can accelerate wear.

Data point: A 2022 study by Battery University found that a lithium-ion battery kept at 100% charge for a year lost about 20% of its capacity, compared to just 4% for one kept at 50%.

What this means for you: If you leave your Arlo plugged in 24/7 for years, the battery may not hold a charge as well if you ever unplug it. It might still work fine on direct power, but the backup battery could be weaker.

Heat Buildup and Safety Concerns

Heat is a battery’s worst enemy. When a battery charges, it generates heat. If your camera is in direct sunlight or a hot garage, the temperature can rise, increasing the risk of overheating.

Arlo cameras have built-in thermal protection, but it’s not foolproof. If the camera gets too hot, it may shut down temporarily or reduce performance. In rare cases, poor-quality cables or damaged outlets can cause short circuits or even fires.

Red flags to watch for:

• Camera feels warm or hot to the touch
• Arlo app shows “Overheating” warning
• Charging cable is frayed or damaged
• Outlet feels warm or has a burning smell

Tip: Use only Arlo-branded or certified third-party cables. Avoid extension cords or power strips with poor ventilation.

Potential for Power Surges

If you live in an area with frequent storms or unstable power, leaving your camera plugged in increases the risk of power surges. A lightning strike or grid fluctuation can send a surge through the outlet, damaging the camera’s internal circuitry.

While Arlo cameras have surge protection, it’s limited. For extra safety, consider using a surge protector or uninterruptible power supply (UPS). These devices absorb excess voltage and keep your camera safe.

Best Practices for Safe and Smart Charging

So, should you leave your Arlo plugged in? The answer is: yes, but with conditions. With the right setup and habits, you can enjoy the convenience of constant power without sacrificing safety or battery life.

Use the Right Equipment

Not all chargers and cables are created equal. Here’s what to use:

• Arlo Outdoor Power Adapter – Designed for weatherproof charging, with a 10-foot cable
• Arlo Solar Panel – Great for sunny areas; keeps the battery topped up without AC power
• High-quality USB-C or Micro-USB cable – Look for 24 AWG thickness and IP65 rating
• Weatherproof outlet cover – Prevents water damage

Example: I use the Arlo Outdoor Power Adapter with a metal outlet box cover for my front porch camera. It’s survived two hurricanes with no issues.

Monitor Battery Health in the Arlo App

The Arlo app gives you detailed battery stats. Check it monthly to see:

• Current charge level
• Estimated days remaining (if unplugged)
• Temperature alerts
• Charging history

If the battery level stays at 100% for weeks, consider unplugging it for a few days to let it cycle down to 70–80%. This can help maintain long-term health.

Rotate Between Charging and Discharging (Optional)

If you’re concerned about battery degradation, try this: Unplug your camera for 1–2 weeks every 3–6 months. Let the battery drain to 20–30%, then plug it back in. This mimics natural usage and keeps the battery chemistry balanced.

Note: This isn’t necessary for all users, but it’s a smart habit if you plan to use the camera on battery power occasionally.

Real-World Scenarios: When to Plug In vs. Use Battery

Let’s put this into practice. Here are common situations and the best approach for each.

Scenario 1: Front Door Camera in a Storm-Prone Area

Recommendation: Plug in with a surge protector and weatherproof outlet. Use continuous recording mode. The camera needs to be reliable during storms, and battery life is less important since power is stable.

Scenario 2: Backyard Camera with No Nearby Outlet

Recommendation: Use a solar panel. It charges the battery during the day and powers the camera at night. No outlet needed, and the battery stays healthy with natural cycles.

Scenario 3: Garage Camera with Frequent Motion

Recommendation: Hardwire it if possible. If not, plug in with a long cable. Frequent motion triggers drain batteries fast, so constant power is ideal.

Scenario 4: Temporary Installation (e.g., Construction Site)

Recommendation: Use battery power. It’s easier to move and doesn’t require permanent wiring. Charge every 2–3 weeks.

Data Table: Arlo Camera Power Management Comparison

Model	Power Type	Continuous Power Safe?	Best Use Case	Battery Lifespan (Years)
Arlo Pro 5	Battery + Solar/AC	Yes (with smart charging)	Front door, driveway	2–3
Arlo Ultra	Battery + AC	Yes	High-traffic outdoor areas	2–3
Arlo Essential	Battery only	Limited (avoid long-term 100%)	Indoor or low-traffic areas	1.5–2
Arlo Go 2	Battery + Solar/AC	Yes (4G LTE + solar)	Rural or remote areas	2–3
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight	Battery + AC	Yes	Outdoor with frequent use	2–3

This table gives you a quick reference. As a rule, if your model supports AC or solar power, it’s designed for long-term plug-in use. If it’s battery-only, limit constant charging to avoid premature wear.

Conclusion: Yes, You Can Leave Your Arlo Plugged In—But Do It Smart

So, can you leave your Arlo camera plugged in? Absolutely—but with a few caveats. If your model supports continuous power and you use the right equipment, it’s safe, convenient, and reliable. You’ll enjoy uninterrupted recording, fewer maintenance headaches, and better performance in extreme weather.

But don’t ignore the downsides. Long-term charging can degrade the battery, and poor setup choices can lead to overheating or surges. The key is smart charging: use quality gear, monitor battery health, and occasionally let the battery cycle if you’re concerned about longevity.

At the end of the day, your Arlo is a tool—and like any tool, it works best when used correctly. Whether you’re a busy parent, a frequent traveler, or just someone who wants peace of mind, knowing how to power your camera properly makes all the difference. Plug it in with confidence, but stay informed. Your home—and your camera—will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave my Arlo camera plugged in all the time?

Yes, most Arlo cameras (like the Arlo Pro series) are designed for continuous power when plugged into an outlet. This ensures 24/7 recording and eliminates battery recharging hassles.

Is it safe to leave my Arlo camera plugged in overnight?

Absolutely. Arlo cameras use low-voltage DC power and have built-in surge protection. Leaving them plugged in overnight or during the day won’t damage the device or pose a fire hazard.

Will leaving my Arlo camera plugged in drain the battery?

If your Arlo camera is plugged into a power source, it bypasses the battery and runs on direct power. The battery will only engage during power outages (if supported), so no unnecessary drain occurs.

Does leaving an Arlo camera plugged in affect video quality or performance?

No, continuous power doesn’t impact video quality or performance. In fact, a plugged-in Arlo camera ensures uninterrupted live streaming, motion detection, and cloud storage without battery-related interruptions.

Can I leave my outdoor Arlo camera plugged in during extreme weather?

Yes, outdoor Arlo cameras are weather-resistant (IP65 or higher). As long as the power adapter is rated for outdoor use and protected from direct rain, leaving it plugged in is safe in extreme temperatures.

How does leaving an Arlo camera plugged in impact its battery lifespan?

Since the camera runs on direct power when plugged in, the battery remains idle and isn’t cycled. This helps preserve the battery’s lifespan over time, reducing wear from frequent charging.