Can You Wire Arlo Camera A Complete Guide to Setup and Power Options

Yes, you can wire Arlo cameras for continuous power and reliable performance, eliminating battery changes and ensuring 24/7 surveillance. Most Arlo models support wired setups via weather-resistant power adapters or PoE (Power over Ethernet) accessories, offering flexibility for both indoor and outdoor installations—ideal for users seeking uninterrupted security coverage.

Key Takeaways

• Wired Arlo cameras offer stable power and eliminate battery changes.
• Use weatherproof cables for outdoor installations to ensure safety and durability.
• PoE adapters simplify wiring by combining power and data in one cable.
• Check voltage requirements to avoid damaging your Arlo camera.
• Hardwiring requires drilling for cable routing—plan placement carefully.
• Wired setups reduce false alerts caused by low battery or signal drops.

Can You Wire Arlo Camera? A Complete Guide to Setup and Power Options

When I first started looking into home security cameras, I was overwhelmed by the number of choices. I wanted something reliable, easy to set up, and—most importantly—flexible. That’s when I discovered Arlo. I’d heard great things about their wireless models, but I also had a nagging question: Can you wire Arlo camera systems? After testing multiple setups in my own home, I’ve learned a lot about how Arlo handles power, and I want to share that with you.

Whether you’re setting up a camera in your backyard, garage, or front porch, knowing your power options is crucial. Arlo is known for its wireless convenience, but that doesn’t mean wired power is off the table. In fact, many users don’t realize that Arlo cameras can be wired—and in some cases, should be. From continuous recording to avoiding battery swaps, wired power can make a big difference. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about wiring Arlo cameras, including which models support it, how to set it up safely, and when it makes the most sense for your home.

Understanding Arlo Camera Power Options

Arlo cameras are designed with flexibility in mind. While they’re marketed as “wireless,” that usually refers to their connectivity—meaning they connect to your Wi-Fi network without Ethernet cables. But when it comes to power, things are a bit more nuanced. Let’s break down the different ways Arlo cameras get their juice.

Wireless (Battery-Powered) Models

Most of Arlo’s popular models—like the Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Ultra 2, and Arlo Essential—run on rechargeable batteries. These are great for quick, tool-free setups. You just mount the camera, charge the battery, and pop it in. No drilling, no wires, no mess.

But here’s the catch: batteries don’t last forever. Depending on motion activity and video quality, you might be swapping or recharging every 1–3 months. For high-traffic areas (like a front door with constant deliveries), that can get annoying fast. Plus, cold weather can drain batteries quicker—something I learned the hard way during a winter storm when my camera shut off mid-recording.

Wired Power Options (Using Adapters)

Here’s the good news: you can wire Arlo camera systems using a power adapter. Arlo sells official AC power adapters designed for specific models. For example:

• Arlo Pro 4, Pro 3, and Ultra 2: Use the Arlo Solar Panel or the Arlo AC Power Adapter (sold separately).
• Arlo Essential Wire-Free: Can be powered via a USB-C wall adapter (5V/2A minimum).
• Arlo Pro 2 and older: Use a magnetic charging cable with a wall plug.

Using a wired power source means your camera runs 24/7 without battery interruptions. That’s a game-changer if you want continuous recording or live streaming. I’ve had my Arlo Pro 4 wired to a power adapter in my backyard for over six months, and it hasn’t missed a beat—even during heavy rain.

Hybrid Approach: Battery + Wired (Best of Both Worlds)

One of my favorite tricks? Use a battery-powered Arlo camera with a wired adapter. Here’s how it works: the camera still has a battery inside, but when you plug it into a power source (like a wall outlet or solar panel), the battery stays charged. This gives you the flexibility of wireless setup with the reliability of wired power.

For example, I installed an Arlo Ultra 2 on my detached garage. I ran a power cable through the wall to a weatherproof outlet, connected the Arlo adapter, and now the camera runs nonstop. If the power goes out (rare, but it happens), the battery kicks in as a backup. It’s like having a safety net—and it’s saved my footage more than once.

Which Arlo Cameras Can Be Wired?

Not all Arlo cameras support wired power, so it’s important to check your model before buying accessories. Let’s clarify which ones work with adapters and how.

Cameras That Support Official Wired Adapters

The following models are compatible with Arlo’s AC Power Adapter (sold separately):

• Arlo Pro 4
• Arlo Pro 3
• Arlo Ultra 2
• Arlo Pro 2 (with magnetic charging cable)
• Arlo Go (LTE model, with 12V adapter)

These adapters typically plug into a standard 110V–240V wall outlet and connect to the camera via a weather-resistant magnetic cable. The cable is designed to be discreet and durable, so you can run it along gutters, under eaves, or through conduit without worrying about damage.

Cameras That Support USB-C or Third-Party Wiring

Some newer models, like the Arlo Essential Wire-Free, use a USB-C port for charging. While Arlo doesn’t sell a “wired” adapter for this model, you can plug it into a standard USB wall charger (like the one you use for your phone). Just make sure it’s at least 5V/2A to avoid underpowering the camera.

Pro tip: Use a weatherproof USB outlet cover if you’re installing the camera outdoors. I bought a $12 cover from Amazon that keeps rain and snow out—and it’s saved me from short-circuiting my adapter more than once.

Cameras That Are Truly Wire-Free (No Wired Option)

Some Arlo models, like the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera, are designed to be used inside only and don’t support external power adapters. These plug directly into a wall outlet via a built-in cord, so they’re already wired—just not in the way outdoor cameras are.

Also, older models like the original Arlo Q have a fixed power cable, so they’re permanently wired and not battery-powered at all. These are great for indoor monitoring but not suitable for outdoor use unless you run an extension cord (not recommended for safety reasons).

How to Wire Arlo Camera: Step-by-Step Setup

Wiring an Arlo camera isn’t rocket science, but it does require some planning—especially if you’re running cables outdoors. Here’s how I set up my wired Arlo Pro 4 in the backyard, and the lessons I learned along the way.

Step 1: Choose the Right Power Source

First, decide where your power will come from. Options include:

• Outdoor wall outlet (most common)
• Indoor outlet with a cable run through a wall (for detached garages or sheds)
• Weatherproof junction box (for permanent installations)

I used an outdoor GFCI outlet on my back porch. It’s weather-resistant and shuts off automatically if there’s a short—perfect for safety.

Step 2: Run the Cable (Safely and Neatly)

Arlo’s power adapter comes with a 25-foot magnetic cable. If you need more reach, you can extend it with a weatherproof extension cord (look for one rated for outdoor use).

To run the cable:

• Use cable clips to secure it along gutters, siding, or eaves.
• For wall penetration, use a grommet or conduit to prevent water leaks.
• Keep the cable away from sharp edges or moving parts (like garage doors).

When I ran mine, I used a flexible conduit from the outlet to the camera. It looks clean and protects the cable from critters—yes, squirrels love chewing on wires.

Step 3: Connect the Adapter to the Camera

Once the cable is in place, plug the adapter into the outlet and connect the magnetic end to your Arlo camera. The magnetic design is genius—it snaps on easily and detaches if someone tugs the cable, preventing damage.

After connecting, open the Arlo app. You should see a notification: “Camera is now charging” or “Power source: Wired.” If not, check the connection and make sure the outlet has power.

Step 4: Adjust Settings for Continuous Use

With wired power, you can take advantage of continuous recording (if you have an Arlo Smart subscription). Go to your camera settings and:

• Enable Continuous Recording (if available).
• Adjust Activity Zones to reduce false alerts.
• Set Video Quality to 2K or 4K for best results.

I noticed that after switching to wired power, my camera’s AI detection (like person or vehicle alerts) improved because the processor wasn’t conserving battery.

Step 5: Test and Monitor

Give your setup a week to settle in. Check the Arlo app daily to ensure the camera stays online. If it disconnects, it could mean a loose cable or power fluctuation.

One time, my camera kept going offline at night. Turns out the outlet was on a timer that shut off at 10 PM. Lesson learned: use a non-switched outlet or one on a 24/7 circuit.

Pros and Cons of Wiring Your Arlo Camera

Like any home tech decision, wiring your Arlo camera has trade-offs. Let’s weigh the benefits and drawbacks so you can decide what’s best for your setup.

Pros of Wired Power

• No battery swaps: Never worry about your camera dying mid-event.
• Continuous recording: Ideal for 24/7 monitoring (with a subscription).
• Better performance: Cameras run at full power, improving video quality and AI detection.
• Reliability: Less prone to Wi-Fi interference since power isn’t fluctuating.
• Backup during outages: Battery-powered cameras with wired power keep working even if the grid goes down.

I can’t tell you how many times my wired Arlo caught a delivery person or a stray cat that my battery-only front camera missed because it was “resting” to save power.

Cons of Wiring Your Arlo Camera

• Installation effort: Running cables takes time and planning.
• Less flexibility: You can’t move the camera as easily once wired.
• Weatherproofing required: Outdoor wiring needs proper protection.
• Extra cost: Adapters and cables add $20–$50 to your setup.
• Power dependency: If your outlet fails, the camera goes offline (unless it has a battery).

One downside I’ve noticed: if I ever want to move my backyard camera, I have to rerun the cable. It’s not impossible, but it’s not as easy as just taking a battery out.

Alternative Power Solutions: Solar and More

What if you don’t have an outlet nearby? Or you want to avoid running wires altogether? Arlo has you covered with alternative power options.

Arlo Solar Panel

The Arlo Solar Panel is a game-changer for remote locations. It connects directly to compatible cameras (Pro 4, Pro 3, Ultra 2) and keeps the battery charged using sunlight.

Key features:

• Weather-resistant (IP65 rating)
• 25-foot cable (same as the AC adapter)
• Works in partial shade (but full sun is best)

I installed one on my garden shed—no power outlet, no problem. It keeps the battery at 80–90% even on cloudy days. Just make sure to angle it toward the sun and clean it monthly to remove dust.

Third-Party Solar Panels

Some users rig up generic solar panels with USB outputs to charge Arlo cameras. While this works, I don’t recommend it unless you know what you’re doing. Voltage mismatches can damage your camera. Stick with Arlo’s official panel for peace of mind.

PoE (Power over Ethernet) Adapters

For tech-savvy users, PoE adapters can power your Arlo camera using an Ethernet cable. You’ll need:

• A PoE injector or switch
• A compatible adapter (like the Arlo PoE Adapter, available for older models)
• Cat 6 cable (up to 300 feet)

This is ideal for large properties where Wi-Fi is spotty. The camera gets both power and data through one cable. I used this setup for my driveway camera, and the video quality is rock-solid.

Power Comparison Table

Power Method	Best For	Pros	Cons	Estimated Cost
Battery (Wireless)	Temporary setups, rentals, easy install	No wires, portable, quick setup	Frequent charging, weather-sensitive	$0 (included)
AC Power Adapter	Permanent outdoor/indoor use	24/7 power, reliable, no battery swaps	Requires outlet, cable run	$25–$35
Solar Panel	Remote areas, off-grid use	No outlet needed, eco-friendly	Sun-dependent, slower charging	$50–$60
PoE	Large properties, stable networks	Power + data in one cable	Complex setup, not for all models	$70+ (adapter + cable)
USB-C Wall Charger	Essential models, indoor/outdoor	Cheap, widely available	Less weatherproof, lower power	$10–$15

Final Thoughts: Should You Wire Your Arlo Camera?

So, can you wire Arlo camera systems? Absolutely. And in many cases, you should. Whether you’re tired of swapping batteries, want continuous recording, or need a reliable setup for a high-traffic area, wired power delivers peace of mind.

My advice? Start with a battery-powered model if you’re unsure. Test it for a month. If you find yourself recharging often or missing events, then invest in a power adapter or solar panel. For permanent installations—like a front door, backyard, or garage—go wired from the start. It’s worth the extra effort.

Remember: flexibility is key. Arlo’s hybrid approach (battery + wired) lets you have your cake and eat it too. You get the ease of wireless setup with the reliability of constant power. And if you ever need to move the camera, you can always unplug and go battery-only again.

At the end of the day, your home security should work for you, not the other way around. Whether you choose wired, solar, or battery power, Arlo gives you the tools to build a system that fits your life. So grab your adapter, run that cable, and enjoy 24/7 peace of mind—no more “battery low” alerts at the worst possible moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you wire Arlo cameras for continuous power?

Yes, most Arlo cameras (like Pro 3/4/Ultra) support wired power via a weather-resistant outdoor power adapter or micro-USB cable. This eliminates battery replacements and ensures uninterrupted surveillance.

What are the power options for Arlo cameras besides batteries?

Arlo cameras can be powered via AC adapters, solar panels (sold separately), or PoE (Power over Ethernet) with compatible base stations. Wired setups are ideal for permanent installations.

Do wired Arlo cameras still work during internet outages?

If wired to a base station with local storage (e.g., Arlo Pro 4/Ultra), recordings continue during outages. However, cloud features and live streaming require an active internet connection.

How do you install a wired Arlo camera outdoors?

Mount the camera, then route the weatherproof power cable to an outlet or PoE injector. Use Arlo’s app to sync the camera—no wiring expertise needed for standard setups.

Can you wire Arlo cameras without drilling holes?

Yes! Use the included magnetic mounts and discreetly run cables along gutters or walls. Alternatively, opt for Arlo’s solar panel for a no-wiring solution.

Does wiring an Arlo camera affect its motion detection?

Wired power doesn’t impact motion detection performance. However, continuous power may improve responsiveness compared to battery-saving modes in wireless operation.