Can You Connect Power Cord to Arlo Pro Camera A Complete Guide

Yes, you can connect a power cord to the Arlo Pro camera using the included 6-foot weather-resistant power adapter, ensuring continuous operation without battery changes. This hardwired setup is ideal for permanent outdoor or indoor installations, offering reliable performance and uninterrupted surveillance—just ensure the power source is within reach of the camera’s fixed cable length.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can connect a power cord to Arlo Pro for continuous power.
• Use weather-resistant cables to protect outdoor connections from damage.
• Indoor models need adapters to safely connect to power sources.
• Check voltage compatibility to avoid damaging your Arlo Pro camera.
• Hardwiring is optional but ideal for permanent setups without batteries.

Why Powering Your Arlo Pro Camera Matters

Imagine this: You’re finally getting a good night’s sleep because your home is protected by your trusty Arlo Pro camera. Suddenly, your phone buzzes with a low battery alert. You groan, realizing you’ll have to get up and charge it—again. Sound familiar? If you’ve ever dealt with a wireless security camera, you know the drill: frequent charging, dead batteries at the worst times, and that nagging worry about whether your home is still being monitored.

This is where the idea of connecting a power cord to your Arlo Pro camera becomes more than just a convenience—it’s a game-changer. Whether you’re tired of swapping batteries every few weeks or want to ensure 24/7 surveillance during critical times, a wired power solution can make your life easier. But here’s the big question: Can you connect a power cord to an Arlo Pro camera? The short answer is yes, but it’s not always straightforward. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from how it works and what equipment you need, to real-life scenarios, pros and cons, and even some clever DIY hacks. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a home security pro, you’ll walk away with practical, no-nonsense advice.

Understanding the Arlo Pro Camera Power System

How Arlo Pro Cameras Are Designed to Be Powered

The Arlo Pro series—including the Arlo Pro, Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Pro 3, and Arlo Pro 4—is built as a wireless security camera system. That means the primary design relies on rechargeable batteries. These batteries are removable and can be charged using the included USB cable. On average, a fully charged battery lasts 3 to 6 months, depending on usage, motion detection frequency, and environmental factors like temperature.

But “wireless” doesn’t mean you’re stuck with batteries forever. Arlo designed these cameras with flexibility in mind. Each model comes with a weather-resistant magnetic charging cable that allows you to plug the camera directly into a power source. This means you can keep the camera powered continuously without removing the battery—just plug it in and let it run.

What’s Included in the Box?

When you open your Arlo Pro box, you’ll typically find:

• The Arlo Pro camera
• Rechargeable battery (pre-installed or separate)
• Magnetic charging cable (USB to magnetic tip)
• USB power adapter (wall plug)
• Wall mount and screws
• Quick start guide

The magnetic charging cable is the key here. It attaches to the back of the camera with a secure magnetic connection. One end has a USB plug, and the other has a proprietary magnetic tip that snaps onto the camera’s charging port. This design protects the camera from water ingress and makes it easy to connect and disconnect—perfect for outdoor use.

Can You Use Any Power Cord?

Here’s where things get tricky. No, you can’t just use any random USB cable. The magnetic connector is specific to Arlo Pro cameras. While the USB end is standard (usually USB-A), the magnetic tip is not. Using a third-party cable without the correct magnetic connector won’t work. I learned this the hard way when I tried to use a generic USB cable—my camera didn’t even recognize it.

However, Arlo sells extension cables and power kits designed to work with their magnetic system. These include:

• Arlo Pro Power Adapter (5V/2A)
• Arlo Pro Magnetic Charging Cable (6 ft)
• Arlo Pro Extension Cable (up to 30 ft)
• Arlo Pro Solar Panel (for off-grid power)

So while you can’t just grab any cable from your drawer, Arlo has made it possible to power your camera continuously with the right accessories.

How to Connect a Power Cord to Your Arlo Pro Camera

Step-by-Step Guide Using the Magnetic Charging Cable

Let’s walk through how to connect a power cord to your Arlo Pro camera using the official Arlo accessories. This method is reliable, safe, and fully supported by Arlo.

1. Insert the battery: Make sure the rechargeable battery is inside the camera. Even when powered by a cord, the battery acts as a backup in case of a power outage.
2. Connect the magnetic cable: Take the magnetic charging cable and snap the magnetic tip onto the charging port on the back of the camera. You’ll feel it click into place.
3. Plug into a power source: Connect the USB end to the included power adapter and plug it into a wall outlet. For outdoor use, use a weatherproof outlet or a GFCI-protected outdoor socket.
4. Check the status light: The camera’s LED will glow solid amber while charging and turn solid green when fully charged. Once powered, the camera operates normally—no need to remove the battery.
5. Secure the cable: Use the included mounting clips or zip ties to secure the cable along the wall or railing. This prevents tripping hazards and protects the cable from weather damage.

Pro tip: If you’re mounting the camera high up (like under an eave), run the cable along the roofline and down a downspout or corner. This keeps it out of sight and reduces exposure to rain and wind.

Using Extension Cables for Hard-to-Reach Areas

What if your camera is mounted 20 feet from the nearest outlet? No problem. Arlo offers extension cables that connect between the magnetic cable and the power adapter. These come in 10 ft, 20 ft, and 30 ft lengths and are weather-resistant.

Here’s how to set it up:

• Connect the magnetic charging cable to the camera.
• Plug the other end into the extension cable.
• Connect the extension cable to the power adapter.
• Plug the adapter into the wall.

I used this setup for my backyard camera, which is mounted on a tall fence. I ran a 20 ft extension cable from the garage outlet, along the fence, and up to the camera. It’s been running smoothly for over a year—no battery swaps, no downtime.

Alternative: Using a Power Outlet with USB Ports

If you don’t want to use a wall adapter, consider a smart power outlet with built-in USB ports. These are great for indoor cameras or when you want to control power remotely via an app. For example, the TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug has two USB ports, so you can plug in the magnetic cable directly without an adapter.

Just make sure the USB port delivers at least 5V/1A. Most modern smart plugs meet this requirement. This setup is especially useful if you want to schedule power on/off times or integrate with smart home routines.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Wired Power for Arlo Pro Cameras

The Upsides: Why You Might Want to Go Wired

Switching to a power cord isn’t just about convenience—it offers several real benefits:

• Continuous operation: No more worrying about low battery alerts. Your camera runs 24/7, even during storms or power outages (as long as your home has power).
• Reduced maintenance: Forget about removing and charging batteries every few months. This is especially helpful for cameras in hard-to-reach places.
• Better performance: When the battery is full and the camera is plugged in, it can record longer video clips, send faster notifications, and maintain a stronger Wi-Fi connection.
• Weather resilience: The magnetic connector is sealed and weather-resistant. Unlike exposed USB ports, it won’t corrode or short out in the rain.
• Energy savings: Over time, using a power cord can be cheaper than buying replacement batteries. Arlo batteries cost $25–$30 each, and you might go through 2–3 per year per camera.

I noticed a significant improvement in my camera’s responsiveness after switching to wired power. Motion alerts arrived 2–3 seconds faster, and video clips were longer because the camera wasn’t conserving battery.

The Downsides: What to Keep in Mind

Of course, nothing is perfect. Here are the potential downsides of using a power cord:

• Installation effort: Running cables outdoors requires planning. You may need to drill holes, use conduit, or hide wires behind trim. It’s more work than just mounting a battery-powered camera.
• Power dependency: If your home loses power, the camera shuts off—unless you have a backup battery or UPS system. The internal battery only works if it’s charged, and it won’t charge without external power.
• Tripping hazards: Exposed cables can be a hazard, especially in high-traffic areas. Use cable covers, raceways, or bury them shallowly (with proper conduit) to avoid accidents.
• Cost of accessories: Extension cables and adapters aren’t cheap. A 30 ft extension cable costs around $30, and a power adapter is $15. But compared to buying batteries, it pays off in 1–2 years.
• Not fully “wireless” anymore: If you chose Arlo Pro for its wire-free design, adding a power cord defeats part of the appeal. But for many users, the trade-off is worth it.

One user on a home security forum mentioned that their camera stopped working during a winter storm when the power went out. They now use a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for their Arlo base station and cameras—a smart move for critical areas.

Creative Power Solutions and DIY Tips

Using Solar Panels for Off-Grid Power

If you don’t have an outdoor outlet nearby, consider the Arlo Pro Solar Panel. It’s designed to work with Arlo Pro cameras and keeps the battery charged using sunlight. The solar panel connects to the magnetic charging cable and can be mounted on a roof, fence, or pole.

Here’s how it works:

• Mount the solar panel in a sunny spot (south-facing is ideal in the Northern Hemisphere).
• Connect the panel to the magnetic cable.
• Snap the cable onto the camera.
• The panel charges the battery during the day, keeping the camera powered at night.

One user in Arizona reported that their solar panel charged the battery fully in 4 hours of direct sunlight. In cloudy areas, it may take longer, but the battery still gets a trickle charge, extending its life between manual charges.

Powering Multiple Cameras from One Outlet

Got several Arlo Pro cameras? You can power multiple units from a single outlet using a USB power strip or multi-port adapter. Just make sure the total output meets the power requirements (at least 5V/2A per camera).

For example, a 6-port USB charger with 6A total output can safely power three Arlo Pro cameras (2A each). I use this setup in my garage, where I have two cameras facing the driveway and one monitoring the side yard. All three are powered from one outlet, with extension cables running to each camera.

Hidden Cable Hacks for a Clean Look

No one wants ugly wires ruining their home’s curb appeal. Here are a few tricks to hide your power cords:

• Use cable clips and paintable covers: Run the cable along baseboards or rooflines and use adhesive clips to hold it in place. Paint the cover to match your wall color.
• Bury the cable in conduit: For underground runs, use PVC conduit to protect the cable from moisture and damage. Bury it at least 6 inches deep.
• Route through existing structures: If you have gutters, downspouts, or trim, run the cable behind them. Use a fish tape to pull it through tight spaces.
• Use a power-over-ethernet (PoE) converter: While not officially supported, some tech-savvy users have used PoE injectors with a USB converter to power Arlo Pro cameras over Ethernet. This is more complex but eliminates the need for a power adapter.

Real-World Use Cases and User Experiences

Homeowners, Renters, and Business Owners

Let’s look at how different users benefit from connecting a power cord to their Arlo Pro cameras.

Homeowners: Most homeowners install wired power for front door, backyard, or garage cameras. These are high-traffic areas where constant monitoring is crucial. One family in Texas told me they switched to wired power after their battery died during a break-in attempt. Now, their cameras run 24/7 with no interruptions.

Renters: Renters have a tougher time because they can’t drill holes or run permanent wires. A great workaround is using a long extension cable from an indoor outlet, running it out a window or door (with a small gap). Use a weatherproof seal to prevent drafts. Just make sure your landlord approves.

Business Owners: Small businesses use Arlo Pro cameras for parking lots, storage areas, and entrances. Wired power is essential here—no one wants to climb a ladder to swap batteries every few months. One coffee shop owner in Portland runs all six of her Arlo Pro cameras on wired power. She uses a central power strip in the back office and extension cables to each camera.

Data Table: Power Options Compared

Power Option	Cost (Est.)	Installation Effort	Weather Resistance	Best For
Battery Only	$0 (included)	Low	High	Temporary or low-usage setups
Magnetic Cable + Wall Outlet	$15 (adapter)	Medium	High	Most outdoor cameras
Extension Cable (20 ft)	$25–$30	High	High	Cameras far from outlets
Solar Panel	$50–$70	Medium	High	Off-grid or remote areas
USB Power Strip (Multi-Camera)	$20–$40	Low	Medium	Indoor or garage setups

This table helps you choose the best power solution based on your budget, location, and needs.

Final Thoughts: Is Wired Power Right for Your Arlo Pro?

So, can you connect a power cord to an Arlo Pro camera? Absolutely—and in many cases, you should. The official magnetic charging system makes it safe, easy, and reliable. Whether you’re tired of battery swaps, need 24/7 surveillance, or just want a more stable connection, wired power is a smart upgrade.

But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re renting, have cameras in hard-to-wire locations, or prefer a completely wireless setup, batteries might still be your best bet. And if you’re in an area with frequent power outages, consider a solar panel or UPS as a backup.

At the end of the day, the goal is peace of mind. Your Arlo Pro camera is there to protect your home, family, and property. By choosing the right power method—whether battery, wired, or solar—you ensure it’s always ready when you need it.

My advice? Start with one camera. Try the magnetic cable with an extension if needed. See how it performs. If you love it (and I think you will), expand to the rest of your system. You’ll save time, reduce stress, and sleep better knowing your home is truly under watch—24/7, no interruptions.

After all, the best security system is one that just works—quietly, reliably, and without you having to think about it. And with a little planning, your Arlo Pro camera can do exactly that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you connect a power cord to an Arlo Pro camera?

Yes, you can connect a power cord to an Arlo Pro camera using the included weather-resistant AC power adapter. This allows for continuous power, eliminating the need for frequent battery replacements.

What type of power cord does the Arlo Pro camera use?

The Arlo Pro camera uses a proprietary 13-foot weather-resistant power cord with a barrel connector. For replacements or extensions, ensure compatibility with Arlo’s 12V DC power specifications.

Is it safe to use a third-party power cord with the Arlo Pro?

While possible, using non-Arlo power cords may void your warranty or damage the camera. Always verify the voltage (12V DC) and connector size (5.5mm x 2.1mm) to ensure compatibility.

Can you power the Arlo Pro camera outdoors with a cord?

Yes, Arlo’s power cord is designed for outdoor use with an IP65 weather-resistant rating. Just ensure the outlet is covered and the connection stays dry for safe operation.

How do you hide or secure the Arlo Pro power cord?

Use Arlo’s cable clips or conduit to route the power cord along walls or under eaves. For a cleaner look, drill a small hole to run the cord indoors to an outlet.

Does connecting a power cord affect Arlo Pro’s motion detection?

No, powering the Arlo Pro via cord doesn’t impact its motion detection. The camera will still record and send alerts, but you’ll need to disable the battery-saving mode in the Arlo app.