Can You Charge Arlo Cameras On and Off A Complete Guide

Yes, you can charge Arlo cameras both while they’re in use and when turned off, offering flexibility for continuous operation or storage. Most Arlo models support charging via USB or solar panels, and keeping them powered on during charging ensures uninterrupted surveillance. However, always follow manufacturer guidelines to avoid overheating or battery damage.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can charge Arlo cameras on and off: Use the USB port or magnetic charging cable.
• Always use Arlo-certified chargers: Ensures safety and optimal battery performance.
• Charge fully before first use: Maximizes battery lifespan and camera uptime.
• Monitor charging status via Arlo app: Check real-time battery levels and charging progress.
• Avoid frequent on/off charging: Reduces wear; charge when battery drops below 20%.

Can You Charge Arlo Cameras On and Off? A Complete Guide

Imagine this: It’s a quiet Sunday morning, and you’re sipping your coffee, glancing at your Arlo camera app to see what’s happening around your home. Suddenly, the battery icon blinks red. Panic sets in. You don’t have a charging cable handy, and you’re not sure if you can charge the camera while it’s still recording. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many Arlo users wonder whether they can charge their cameras while they’re on, or if they need to turn them off first. The good news? The answer is yes—but there are some nuances to understand.

Whether you’re a new Arlo user or a seasoned pro, knowing how to manage your camera’s power is crucial. Arlo cameras, especially the wireless ones like the Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, and Arlo Essential, rely on rechargeable batteries. And while they’re designed for convenience, the charging process can sometimes feel like a mystery. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about charging Arlo cameras on and off—covering battery types, charging methods, best practices, and real-life scenarios. No fluff, no hype—just honest, practical advice to help you keep your home security system running smoothly.

How Arlo Cameras Handle Power and Charging

Understanding Arlo’s Battery Technology

Most Arlo cameras use lithium-ion (Li-ion) rechargeable batteries. These are the same type of batteries you’d find in smartphones and laptops. They’re lightweight, energy-dense, and can be recharged hundreds of times. But unlike your phone, which you might charge overnight, Arlo cameras are designed for long-term, low-maintenance use. For example, the Arlo Pro 4 can last up to 6 months on a single charge under normal usage.

The key thing to know is that Arlo batteries are not user-replaceable in the traditional sense. Instead, you remove the entire camera from its mount and plug it into a charger. Some models, like the Arlo Go, use a removable battery pack, but even then, you’re not swapping in a spare—you’re recharging the same one. This design helps keep the camera weatherproof and secure.

Can You Charge While the Camera Is On?

Here’s the big question: Can you charge your Arlo camera while it’s still recording and streaming? Yes, absolutely. Arlo cameras are designed to operate while charging. In fact, this is one of their biggest advantages. Unlike some security cameras that require you to power down for charging (which leaves your home unprotected), Arlo lets you keep monitoring 24/7.

Let’s say you notice your battery at 15% during a busy workday. Instead of waiting until it dies, you can simply grab the charging cable, plug it in, and keep watching live feeds. The camera continues to record motion events, send alerts, and stream to your app—no downtime. This is especially useful during high-risk times, like holidays or vacations.

Real-life example: A friend of mine once had a package delivery while her Arlo Pro 3 was charging. The camera detected motion, sent an alert, and recorded the entire interaction—even though it was plugged in. She didn’t miss a thing.

Charging Indicators and What They Mean

When you plug in your Arlo camera, you’ll notice a few things:

• LED light: Most Arlo models have a small LED that turns solid green when charging and blinks when fully charged.
• App notification: The Arlo app will show a charging icon and estimated time to full charge.
• Temperature warning: If the camera gets too hot (e.g., left in direct sunlight while charging), it may pause charging temporarily for safety.

Tip: If the LED doesn’t light up, double-check the cable and power source. Sometimes a loose connection can make it seem like the camera isn’t charging—when it actually is.

Charging Methods: Wired, Solar, and Smart Hub Options

Wired Charging (The Standard Method)

The most common way to charge Arlo cameras is via a USB cable. Here’s how it works:

• Use the original Arlo charging cable (or a high-quality third-party one with the same connector).
• Plug the USB end into a wall adapter, power bank, or computer.
• Connect the other end to the charging port on the camera (usually on the back or side).
• The camera will start charging automatically.

Pro tip: Use a 5V/2A (10W) wall adapter for faster charging. A phone charger works fine, but avoid using low-power USB ports (like those on a keyboard or monitor).

How long does it take? Most Arlo cameras go from 0% to 100% in 2–4 hours. The Arlo Pro 4, for instance, charges in about 3 hours with a good adapter. Keep in mind: charging time varies based on battery size and power source.

Solar Panel Charging (For Continuous Power)

If you want to avoid manual charging altogether, consider the Arlo Solar Panel. It’s a small, weatherproof panel that connects directly to your camera via a short cable. When placed in direct sunlight, it can trickle-charge the battery, extending its life significantly.

How it works:

• The solar panel generates power during daylight hours.
• It feeds a small charge to the battery, even if it’s not empty.
• On sunny days, it can keep the battery at 100% indefinitely.

My neighbor installed a solar panel on her Arlo Pro 3. She hasn’t charged it manually in over a year—and her camera is mounted in a shaded area with only 3–4 hours of direct sun. That’s the power of trickle charging.

Limitations: Solar charging won’t work in heavy shade, winter months with short days, or if the panel gets covered in snow. But for most users, it’s a game-changer.

Smart Hub and Base Station Charging

Some Arlo systems (like the Arlo Pro 3 with Smart Hub) allow you to charge the camera by placing it on a docking station. The hub connects to your home network and provides power through the dock. This is great if you want a permanent charging spot indoors.

For example:

• Mount your camera outside.
• When it’s low, bring it inside and place it on the dock.
• The hub charges it while still connected to your network—so you can monitor it remotely.

Bonus: The Smart Hub also acts as a local storage backup. So even if your internet goes down, recordings are saved to a microSD card.

Best Practices for Charging Arlo Cameras On and Off

When to Charge: Timing Matters

You don’t need to wait until your battery hits 0%. In fact, lithium-ion batteries last longer if you keep them between 20% and 80%. Think of it like a smartphone: constant full discharges wear out the battery faster.

Here’s a simple rule: Charge when the battery drops to 20–30%. This gives you enough time to act before it dies, and it reduces stress on the battery. Use the Arlo app’s battery level alerts to stay on top of this.

Example: Set a monthly reminder to check battery levels. If you have multiple cameras, label them (e.g., “Front Door – 25%”) so you know which ones need charging.

Charging in Extreme Temperatures

Heat and cold can affect charging. Here’s what to watch for:

• Hot weather: Don’t charge your camera in direct sunlight or near a heat source. High temps can cause the battery to overheat, slowing down or pausing charging.
• Cold weather: Batteries drain faster in winter. If your camera is in a cold area (like a garage), charge it indoors. Cold batteries charge slower and may not hold a full charge.

One winter, I left my Arlo camera charging in the garage. It took twice as long to charge, and the battery life dropped by 30% the next month. Lesson learned: always charge indoors when it’s freezing.

Using Third-Party Chargers and Cables

Can you use a non-Arlo charger? Technically, yes—but proceed with caution.

• Use certified USB cables: Cheap, off-brand cables can damage the battery or cause slow charging.
• Avoid fast chargers: Arlo batteries aren’t designed for high-voltage charging (like 18W or 20W). Stick to 5V/2A.
• Check compatibility: Not all Arlo models use the same connector. For example, Arlo Ultra uses a magnetic charging cable, while older models use a standard USB-C.

My advice? Buy a spare Arlo cable from Amazon or the official store. It’s worth the $20 to avoid battery damage.

Common Charging Issues and How to Fix Them

Camera Won’t Charge: Troubleshooting Steps

If your Arlo camera isn’t charging, don’t panic. Try these steps:

1. Check the cable and port: Wiggle the cable gently. If the LED flickers, the connection is loose. Clean the port with a dry toothbrush to remove dust.
2. Try a different power source: Test with a different wall adapter or USB port.
3. Restart the camera: Power it off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. Sometimes a soft reset fixes charging issues.
4. Check the battery health: In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Camera > Battery. If it says “Replace Battery,” the battery may be worn out.

One user reported her Arlo Pro 2 wouldn’t charge. Turns out, the charging port had a tiny piece of debris. A quick clean fixed it.

Slow Charging: Why It Happens and What to Do

Is your camera taking forever to charge? Here’s why:

• Low-power USB port: Charging from a computer or TV USB port is slower than a wall adapter.
• Old battery: After 1–2 years, batteries lose capacity. They charge slower and hold less power.
• Background processes: If the camera is recording or streaming while charging, it uses some of the incoming power.

Solution: Charge in “idle” mode. Turn off motion detection temporarily (via the app) so the camera isn’t processing video while charging.

Battery Drain While Charging

Sometimes, the battery percentage drops even while plugged in. This usually happens when:

• The camera is recording high-motion events (e.g., kids playing in the yard).
• You’re streaming live video for long periods.
• The power source is too weak (e.g., a low-capacity power bank).

To avoid this, use a strong power source and limit live streaming while charging.

Data Table: Arlo Camera Charging Specifications

Model	Battery Type	Charging Time (0–100%)	Charging While On?	Solar Panel Compatible?	Average Battery Life
Arlo Pro 4	Rechargeable Li-ion	3 hours	Yes	Yes	3–6 months
Arlo Ultra	Rechargeable Li-ion	2.5 hours	Yes	Yes	2–6 months
Arlo Essential	Rechargeable Li-ion	4 hours	Yes	No	6 months
Arlo Go	Removable Li-ion	3 hours	Yes	No (uses LTE)	1–3 months
Arlo Pro 3	Rechargeable Li-ion	3.5 hours	Yes	Yes	3–6 months

Note: Battery life depends on motion frequency, video quality, and environmental factors.

Final Thoughts: Charging Arlo Cameras the Smart Way

So, can you charge Arlo cameras on and off? The answer is a resounding yes. Arlo’s design prioritizes continuous monitoring, which means you don’t have to sacrifice security for convenience. Whether you’re using a wall charger, solar panel, or Smart Hub, your camera can stay powered—and watching—around the clock.

The key is to charge smart. Don’t wait until the battery dies. Use quality cables and power sources. Keep an eye on temperature and battery health. And if you’re tired of manual charging, invest in a solar panel. It’s one of those small upgrades that pays off big in peace of mind.

At the end of the day, your Arlo camera is only as good as its battery. By understanding how to charge it properly—and when—you’ll get the most out of your investment. No more missed alerts, no more downtime, and no more “I wish I had charged it” moments. Just reliable, always-on security that works when you need it most.

So go ahead—plug it in, leave it on, and breathe easy. Your home is protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you charge Arlo cameras on and off without damaging the battery?

Yes, you can safely charge Arlo cameras on and off as needed without harming the battery. These cameras are designed with lithium-ion batteries that handle partial charging cycles efficiently.

How do I know when my Arlo camera needs to be charged?

Most Arlo cameras have LED indicators or low-battery alerts in the Arlo app to notify you when charging is required. Typically, the battery level drops below 20% before recharging is recommended.

Is it better to charge Arlo cameras continuously or only when needed?

For optimal battery health, charge Arlo cameras only when needed rather than leaving them plugged in constantly. This prevents overcharging and extends long-term battery lifespan.

Can you charge Arlo cameras while they’re mounted outside?

Yes, you can charge Arlo cameras while mounted outdoors using a weatherproof USB cable or charging dock. Ensure connections are secure and protected from moisture during charging.

What happens if I unplug my Arlo camera while it’s charging?

Unplugging your Arlo camera mid-charge won’t damage it—the device will simply resume recording or standby mode. The battery will retain its current charge level until reconnected.

Are there solar options to charge Arlo cameras on and off automatically?

Yes, Arlo offers solar panels compatible with many models, enabling automatic on-and-off charging using sunlight. This is ideal for maintaining charge without manual intervention.