Do Arlo Cameras Work Without Power A Complete Guide

Arlo cameras do not function during a power outage unless equipped with battery backup or connected to a solar panel. Most Arlo models rely on continuous power, but select versions—like the Arlo Go and Arlo Pro series—offer battery-powered operation, ensuring surveillance continues when the grid fails. For uninterrupted security, consider battery-powered models or integrate a UPS system to maintain power during outages.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras require power to function—no power means no recording or alerts.
• Battery-powered models work temporarily during outages but need recharging.
• Solar panels offer backup for continuous operation if power fails.
• Wired models shut down immediately without power; no fail-safes included.
• Check battery levels often to avoid gaps in surveillance coverage.
• Use UPS systems to bridge short outages and maintain connectivity.

Do Arlo Cameras Work Without Power? A Complete Guide

Imagine this: a sudden power outage hits your neighborhood, and your home security system goes dark. You’re left wondering, “Are my Arlo cameras still working?” It’s a question many homeowners ask, especially after investing in smart security. The good news? Arlo has designed its cameras with power resilience in mind. But the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on the model, your setup, and how prepared you are.

In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about Arlo cameras during power outages. Whether you’re a new Arlo user or considering a purchase, we’ll cover the tech behind these devices, how they handle power loss, and practical tips to keep your home secure—even when the lights go out. Think of this as your friendly, no-nonsense chat with someone who’s been there, tested the gear, and wants to help you avoid a security blind spot.

How Arlo Cameras Handle Power: The Basics

Wired vs. Wireless: What’s the Difference?

Arlo offers a mix of wired and wireless cameras, and this distinction is key to understanding how they perform during power outages. Let’s break it down:

• Wireless models (Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, Arlo Essential, etc.) run on rechargeable batteries. These are the most common and popular because they’re easy to install and don’t require drilling into walls for power cables.
• Wired models (Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight, Arlo Go, and some Arlo Pro 3 variants) plug into a power outlet or use a solar panel. They’re always charging, so they’re less likely to run out of juice—unless the power goes out.

Here’s the catch: wireless Arlo cameras can work without wall power because they’re battery-powered. But wired models? They depend on that outlet. If the power fails, so does the camera—unless you’ve added backup power (more on that later).

Battery Life and Real-World Performance

Arlo’s battery life varies by model and usage. For example:

• Arlo Pro 4: Up to 6 months on a single charge (with average use).
• Arlo Ultra 2: Around 3-6 months, depending on 4K recording and spotlight usage.
• Arlo Essential: Up to 6 months, but drains faster with frequent motion alerts.

But here’s a real-world tip: battery life drops in extreme weather. Cold winters or hot summers can reduce performance by 20–30%. So, if you live in Minnesota or Arizona, plan for more frequent charging.

And don’t forget: even wireless cameras need occasional recharging. If you’re away on vacation during a power outage and the battery dies, your camera won’t record—even if the power comes back on later.

The Base Station and Power Dependency

Most Arlo systems use a base station (like the Arlo SmartHub or Arlo Base Station) to connect cameras to your Wi-Fi. This base station plugs into a power outlet and your router. If the power goes out, the base station goes offline—and so do your cameras, even if they’re battery-powered.

Wait, what? Yes. Even wireless Arlo cameras need the base station to send alerts, store recordings, and connect to the cloud. Without it, they’re just standalone cameras with no way to notify you.

So, to keep your system alive during a blackout, you need to power the base station. That’s where backup power solutions come in (more on that in a later section).

Arlo Cameras That Work Without Wall Power (Battery-Powered Models)

Which Arlo Cameras Are Battery-Powered?

If you want cameras that work during a power outage, focus on battery-powered models. These include:

• Arlo Pro 3 and Pro 4 (wireless versions)
• Arlo Ultra and Ultra 2
• Arlo Essential (wireless)
• Arlo Go (uses a SIM card, but runs on battery)
• Arlo Baby (indoor, battery-powered)

These cameras are designed to run independently of wall power. As long as the battery has charge, they’ll keep recording, detecting motion, and triggering alerts.

Real-World Example: The Weekend Power Outage

Let’s say a storm knocks out power for 48 hours. You have:

• Three Arlo Pro 4 cameras (battery-powered)
• An Arlo SmartHub plugged into a wall outlet
• No backup power yet

What happens?

1. Cameras stay on—they’re running on battery and keep recording.
2. SmartHub shuts down—no power, no connection to the cloud.
3. No alerts on your phone—you won’t get notifications, even if someone walks by.
4. Local storage only—if you have a microSD card in the SmartHub, recordings are saved locally. But you can’t access them remotely until power returns.

So, the cameras work—but your ability to know they’re working? That’s the problem.

Tips to Maximize Battery Life During Outages

To keep your Arlo cameras running longer during a blackout, try these practical tips:

• Lower video quality: Switch from 4K to 1080p. This cuts battery use by up to 30%.
• Reduce motion sensitivity: Avoid false alerts from trees or pets. Fewer recordings = longer battery life.
• Turn off the spotlight: The LED light is a major battery drain. Use it only when needed.
• Use schedules: Set cameras to sleep during low-risk hours (e.g., 2 AM to 5 AM).
• Keep batteries charged: Before a storm, fully charge all batteries. Keep spares ready.

Pro tip: Buy a second set of batteries and a portable charger. Swap out dead batteries and charge them in your car or a power bank.

Keeping Your Arlo Base Station Alive During Power Outages

Why the Base Station Matters

Remember: even battery-powered Arlo cameras need the base station to send alerts and connect to the cloud. If the base station loses power, your system is “dumb”—it records, but you won’t know.

So, the real challenge isn’t keeping the cameras on. It’s keeping the base station online. Here’s how:

Backup Power Solutions for the Base Station

There are three main ways to power your base station during a blackout:

1. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
2. Portable power station (solar generator)
3. Car power inverter

Let’s explore each:

1. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

A UPS is a battery backup for your electronics. When the power fails, it kicks in instantly. Look for a UPS with:

• At least 300–600VA capacity
• Surge protection
• Enough outlets for your base station and router

For example, the APC Back-UPS 600 can power your Arlo SmartHub and router for 2–4 hours, depending on usage. It’s affordable ($80–$100) and easy to set up.

Tip: Place the UPS near your router and SmartHub. Plug both into it, and you’re covered.

2. Portable Power Station

These are like giant power banks for your home. Brands like EcoFlow, Jackery, and Bluetti offer models with 200–500Wh capacity.

Pros:

• Long runtime (up to 8+ hours for a SmartHub)
• Rechargeable via solar, car, or wall
• Can power other devices (lights, phone, etc.)

Cons:

• Expensive ($200–$600)
• Bulky

Best for: frequent outages or off-grid homes.

3. Car Power Inverter

If you’re stuck in a blackout and need a quick fix, plug your base station into your car using a 12V power inverter.

How it works:

• Plug the inverter into your car’s cigarette lighter
• Connect the base station and router to the inverter
• Keep your car running (or use the battery if you have a modern inverter)

Warning: Don’t run your car for hours in a closed garage. Carbon monoxide is dangerous.

Best for: short-term emergencies.

Arlo Solar Panels: A Game-Changer for Wired Cameras

What Are Arlo Solar Panels?

Arlo sells solar panels that attach to compatible cameras (Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, Essential, etc.). They charge the camera’s battery using sunlight, so you never have to plug it in.

Key features:

• Weatherproof and durable
• Works in direct or indirect sunlight
• No wiring needed—just clip it to the camera

Do Solar Panels Work During Power Outages?

Yes—but with a caveat. The solar panel charges the camera’s battery, so the camera stays on. But if the base station loses power, you still lose remote access.

So, solar panels are great for keeping cameras charged, but they don’t replace backup power for the base station.

Real-World Example: The Solar-Powered Setup

Meet Sarah, who lives in a rural area with frequent outages:

• She has three Arlo Pro 4 cameras with solar panels
• Her base station is on a UPS
• She also has a portable power station as a backup

During a 24-hour blackout:

1. Cameras stay on—solar panels keep batteries charged
2. UPS powers the base station for 3 hours
3. She switches to the portable power station after 3 hours
4. She gets alerts the whole time

Result: Zero security downtime.

Tips for Using Solar Panels Effectively

• Angle toward the sun: Install panels facing south (in the Northern Hemisphere) for maximum exposure.
• Keep them clean: Dust and leaves reduce efficiency. Wipe them monthly.
• Use during cloudy days: Solar panels work in partial sunlight, but charging slows down.
• Pair with a UPS: Don’t rely on solar alone. Combine it with backup power for the base station.

Data Table: Arlo Cameras and Power Resilience

Here’s a quick comparison of popular Arlo models and how they handle power outages:

Model	Power Source	Battery Life (Avg)	Works Without Wall Power?	Needs Base Station?	Best Backup Option
Arlo Pro 4	Battery + Solar	3–6 months	Yes (if base station is powered)	Yes	UPS + Solar Panel
Arlo Ultra 2	Battery	3–6 months	Yes	Yes	Portable Power Station
Arlo Essential (Wireless)	Battery	6 months	Yes	Yes	UPS
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight (Wired)	Wall Power	Always on (if powered)	No	Yes	UPS for base station
Arlo Go	Battery + SIM	1–2 months	Yes (uses cellular)	No (standalone)	Extra batteries

Final Thoughts: How to Ensure Arlo Cameras Work Without Power

So, do Arlo cameras work without power? The short answer: yes—but only if you plan ahead.

Here’s a checklist to keep your home secure during outages:

• Choose battery-powered cameras for outdoor use (Pro 4, Ultra, Essential).
• Get a UPS for your base station—it’s the cheapest, most reliable backup.
• Add solar panels to keep batteries charged long-term.
• Keep spare batteries and a portable charger handy.
• Test your setup before a storm—simulate a blackout and see what works.

One last tip: Don’t wait for the first outage to test your system. I learned this the hard way when my neighbor’s dog triggered a motion alert during a blackout—and I never got the notification because my base station was off. A UPS would’ve saved me.

Arlo cameras are smart, reliable, and flexible. But they’re not magic. They need power—just like your phone, your fridge, and your Wi-Fi. The key is to plan for the unexpected.

With the right mix of battery power, solar charging, and backup solutions, your Arlo cameras can keep working—rain or shine, day or night, even when the grid goes dark. And that peace of mind? It’s worth every penny.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Arlo cameras work without power during outages?

Yes, most Arlo cameras (like Arlo Pro, Ultra, and Go) have built-in rechargeable batteries or support external battery packs, allowing them to operate during power outages. However, wired models like Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell require continuous power to function.

How long do Arlo cameras work without power?

Battery-powered Arlo cameras typically last 3–6 months on a single charge, depending on usage and settings. For extended outages, consider using solar panels or spare batteries to maintain functionality.

Can Arlo cameras record without power?

Yes, battery-powered Arlo cameras continue recording and sending alerts during power outages. Local storage via microSD (select models) ensures footage isn’t lost even if cloud connectivity is interrupted.

Do Arlo cameras work without power if they’re Wi-Fi dependent?

Arlo cameras rely on Wi-Fi for remote access, but during power outages, they’ll still record locally if the Wi-Fi router has a backup power source. Without Wi-Fi, motion-triggered recordings are stored on-device (if supported).

Are there Arlo cameras that work completely off-grid?

The Arlo Go (LTE-enabled) works off-grid using cellular data and a rechargeable battery, making it ideal for remote locations without power or Wi-Fi. Solar panels can further extend its off-grid runtime.

What happens to Arlo cameras without power and no battery?

Wired Arlo cameras (e.g., Essential Wired) will shut down entirely if power is lost and lack a battery backup. To avoid this, use a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) or opt for battery-powered models.