Do Arlo Ultra Cameras Come With a Charge Everything You Need to Know

No, Arlo Ultra cameras do not come with a rechargeable battery or charging cable included in the box, so you’ll need to purchase a compatible charging kit separately. This high-end security camera requires an Arlo Solar Panel or a 6-foot magnetic charging cable (sold individually) to keep it powered, especially for continuous outdoor use—plan your setup accordingly to avoid downtime.

Key Takeaways

• No included charger: Arlo Ultra cameras do not come with a power adapter.
• USB-C required: Use a USB-C cable (included) with a 5V/2A+ power source.
• Buy separately: Purchase a compatible charger for continuous wired operation.
• Solar option: Pair with Arlo Solar Panel for eco-friendly, uninterrupted power.
• Battery-powered: Cameras include rechargeable batteries for flexible placement.
• Check specs: Always verify power requirements to avoid damage or downtime.

Do Arlo Ultra Cameras Come With a Charge? Let’s Set the Record Straight

Picture this: You’ve just unboxed your shiny new Arlo Ultra camera, excited to set up your home security system. You plug it in, wait for the LED to blink, and… nothing. No charge. No power. Just silence. You start to panic—did you buy a dud? Or worse, did Arlo forget to include the battery?

If you’ve ever found yourself in this situation, you’re not alone. The question “Do Arlo Ultra cameras come with a charge?” is one of the most common queries from new buyers. And honestly, it’s a fair one. After all, no one wants to invest in a high-end security camera only to discover they need to hunt down a compatible charger or wait days for a replacement battery. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—what’s included in the box, how the charging system works, and how to keep your Arlo Ultra running smoothly. Think of this as your friendly, no-nonsense companion to avoiding that dreaded “dead battery” moment.

What’s Included in the Arlo Ultra Camera Box?

Let’s start with the basics. When you buy an Arlo Ultra camera (whether it’s the Ultra, Ultra 2, or Ultra 2 XL), what exactly do you get in the box? This is where a lot of confusion starts—especially if you’re upgrading from older Arlo models or buying a single camera instead of a kit.

The Standard Arlo Ultra Kit Contents

If you purchase the Arlo Ultra 2 4K Security Camera Kit (the most common bundle), here’s what you’ll find:

• One Arlo Ultra 2 camera (or two, depending on the kit size)
• One or more rechargeable batteries (pre-installed in the camera)
• A magnetic charging cable (USB-C)
• An outdoor magnetic mount
• A quick start guide and setup instructions
• An Arlo SmartHub (required for local storage and enhanced connectivity)

Yes—you read that right. The battery comes pre-installed and pre-charged. That means when you take the camera out of the box, it should already have some juice. You don’t need to charge it from zero before setup. This is a huge plus for first-time users who just want to get things up and running quickly.

Important: Not All Kits Are Created Equal

Here’s where things get tricky. If you’re buying a single Arlo Ultra camera (not part of a kit), the contents may vary. Some retailers or third-party sellers offer standalone cameras that do not include the charging cable. I learned this the hard way when I ordered a single Ultra 2 from a marketplace and had to wait an extra day for a cable to arrive.

Always check the product description. Look for phrases like:

• “Includes charging cable”
• “Battery and USB-C charger included”
• “Full setup kit”

If those aren’t there, assume the cable isn’t included. And trust me—you don’t want to be stuck with a camera you can’t power.

Pro Tip: Keep the Original Packaging

I know it’s tempting to toss the box and cables, but hang onto them—especially the charging cable. Arlo’s magnetic charging system is proprietary. While it uses a USB-C connector, the magnetic tip is designed specifically for Arlo cameras. Generic USB-C cables won’t charge the battery. I’ve seen people try, and it never ends well.

How the Arlo Ultra Charging System Works

Now that we know what’s in the box, let’s talk about how the charging actually works. The Arlo Ultra uses a removable, rechargeable battery—a design that sets it apart from many competitors. But there are some quirks you should know about.

The Removable Battery: A Game-Changer

Unlike cameras with built-in batteries (which require you to take the entire unit down to charge), the Arlo Ultra lets you swap batteries. This means you can keep one battery charging indoors while the other powers your camera outside. It’s perfect for uninterrupted monitoring.

Each battery holds about 4,600 mAh of power. In real-world use, that translates to:

• 3–6 months of battery life (depending on usage, weather, and motion detection)
• Faster recharge time (about 4–6 hours from 0 to 100%)

I’ve had my Ultra 2 for over a year, and I keep a spare battery on a shelf in my office. When the outdoor camera hits 20%, I swap it out and plug the old one into the magnetic cable. Zero downtime.

The Magnetic Charging Cable: Convenient but Picky

The magnetic USB-C cable is sleek and easy to use. Just snap it to the camera or battery, and it clicks into place. No fumbling with ports. But here’s the catch: it only works with Arlo’s magnetic tips. I tried using a third-party magnetic adapter—it connected, but the battery wouldn’t charge. Arlo’s system uses a specific voltage and communication protocol to prevent overheating.

Also, the cable is only about 3 feet long. That’s fine for indoor charging, but if you’re charging a spare battery near an outlet, you might need an extension. I keep a 6-foot USB-C extension cable handy for this.

Charging the Camera While It’s Mounted (Yes, You Can)

One of the best features? You don’t need to remove the camera to charge it. Just attach the magnetic cable to the back of the camera while it’s on the mount. The camera will continue recording, and you won’t lose coverage.

I tested this during a thunderstorm. The camera was mounted under the eaves, and I didn’t want to climb a ladder. I just reached up with the magnetic cable—snap—and it started charging. The system even shows “Charging” in the Arlo app. Genius.

Battery Life and Charging Tips for Real-World Use

Let’s be honest: battery life isn’t just about capacity. It’s about how you use the camera. A camera in a high-traffic area with frequent motion alerts will drain faster than one in a quiet backyard. Here’s how to get the most out of your Arlo Ultra’s battery.

Factors That Affect Battery Drain

Here are the biggest culprits behind battery drain:

• Motion detection frequency: If your camera is triggered 50 times a day, it’s working harder.
• Video quality: 4K recording uses more power than 1080p.
• Weather conditions: Cold weather (below 32°F) can reduce battery efficiency by up to 30%.
• Wi-Fi signal strength: A weak connection forces the camera to work harder to transmit data.
• Night vision usage: Infrared LEDs draw extra power in the dark.

My front yard camera (facing the street) lasted 4 months. My backyard camera (facing a quiet garden) lasted 7 months. The difference? Motion events. The front camera triggered 20–30 times a day. The backyard? Maybe 2–3.

How to Extend Battery Life

Want to go longer between charges? Try these tips:

• Adjust motion zones: In the Arlo app, draw zones to ignore areas like busy streets or tree branches.
• Lower video quality: If you don’t need 4K, switch to 1080p. It saves power and storage.
• Use activity schedules: Turn off motion detection during low-risk hours (e.g., 9 AM–5 PM).
• Keep the camera warm: In winter, bring it inside overnight or use a weatherproof cover.
• Optimize Wi-Fi: Place the SmartHub close to the camera for a strong signal.

I once had a camera die in January because it was mounted in a windy spot. The cold + wind drained it in 6 weeks. Now, I bring it inside on freezing nights. Problem solved.

Charging Best Practices

To keep your battery healthy, follow these rules:

• Don’t overcharge: Unplug the battery once it hits 100%. Leaving it plugged in for days won’t hurt, but it’s unnecessary.
• Avoid deep discharges: Try not to let the battery drop below 20%. Recharge at 30–40% for longevity.
• Use the original cable: Third-party cables can damage the battery or void the warranty.
• Store spares properly: Keep extra batteries at 50% charge in a cool, dry place.

Arlo’s batteries are lithium-ion, so they degrade over time. After 2–3 years, you might notice shorter runtimes. That’s normal. Just replace the battery—no need to buy a new camera.

Arlo Ultra vs. Competitors: Charging Comparison

How does the Arlo Ultra’s charging system stack up against other popular security cameras? Let’s compare it to three top competitors: Ring Spotlight Cam, Google Nest Cam (battery), and Eufy SoloCam S40.

Arlo Ultra: Pros and Cons

• Pros:
  • Removable battery (swap and go)
  • Charging while mounted (no downtime)
  • 4K video with HDR
  • Strong magnetic cable (secure connection)
• Cons:
  • Proprietary charging cable (can’t use standard USB-C)
  • Shorter cable length (3 feet)
  • No solar charging option (yet)

Ring Spotlight Cam Battery

Ring uses a similar removable battery, but it’s larger (6,000 mAh) and takes longer to charge (8+ hours). The cable is standard USB, but you must remove the camera to charge. No charging-while-mounted feature. Ring does offer a solar panel accessory, which Arlo lacks.

Google Nest Cam (Battery)

Nest uses a built-in battery. To charge, you must remove the camera and plug it in. No battery swapping. The cable is USB-C, but again, proprietary. Nest claims 3–6 months of battery life, similar to Arlo. But no charging-while-mounted option.

Eufy SoloCam S40

Eufy uses a built-in solar panel—no charging needed. The battery lasts up to 365 days. But if the solar panel fails (e.g., in winter), you must remove the camera to charge via USB-C. No battery swap.

Comparison Table: Charging Features

Camera Model	Battery Type	Charging While Mounted?	Battery Swap?	Solar Option?	Avg. Battery Life
Arlo Ultra 2	Removable (4,600 mAh)	Yes	Yes	No	3–6 months
Ring Spotlight Cam	Removable (6,000 mAh)	No	Yes	Yes (accessory)	2–6 months
Google Nest Cam	Built-in (5,400 mAh)	No	No	No	3–6 months
Eufy SoloCam S40	Built-in + solar	No	No	Yes (built-in)	Up to 12 months

As you can see, Arlo strikes a balance between flexibility and convenience. The ability to charge while mounted and swap batteries gives it an edge for users who value uninterrupted coverage.

Common Charging Issues (And How to Fix Them)

Even the best systems have hiccups. Here are the most common Arlo Ultra charging problems—and how to solve them.

Problem 1: Battery Won’t Charge

Possible causes:

• Dirty magnetic contacts (dust, debris)
• Faulty cable or power source
• Extreme cold (battery shuts down below -4°F)

Fix: Wipe the contacts with a dry cloth. Try a different outlet or power bank. If it’s cold, warm the battery indoors for 1–2 hours.

Problem 2: Charging Stops at 80%

This is normal. Arlo uses a trickle charge after 80% to protect the battery. It’s not a bug—it’s a feature.

Problem 3: Camera Shows “Low Battery” Too Soon

Possible causes:

• Firmware bug (update the app and camera)
• Weak Wi-Fi signal (forces camera to retransmit data)
• Frequent 4K recordings (high power draw)

Fix: Update firmware via the Arlo app. Move the SmartHub closer. Switch to 1080p.

Problem 4: Magnetic Cable Falls Off

The magnet is strong, but wind or accidental bumps can dislodge it. Solution: Use the included cable clip to secure the cable to the mount.

Problem 5: Spare Battery Not Recognized

If a new battery doesn’t work, it might need a “reset.” Insert it into the camera, charge for 10 minutes, then remove and reinsert. This often fixes communication issues.

Final Thoughts: Are Arlo Ultra Cameras Worth the Charge?

So, do Arlo Ultra cameras come with a charge? Yes—but with caveats. The camera and battery are pre-charged, and the magnetic cable is included in most kits. But if you’re buying a single camera from a third-party seller, double-check the listing. And remember: you can’t use just any USB-C cable. Arlo’s system is designed for its own hardware.

After using the Arlo Ultra for over a year, I’m still impressed by its charging flexibility. The ability to charge while mounted and swap batteries is a lifesaver for busy homeowners. Yes, the proprietary cable is annoying, and the lack of solar charging is a missed opportunity. But for reliability, ease of use, and 4K clarity, it’s hard to beat.

My advice? Buy the full kit from Arlo’s website or a trusted retailer. Keep a spare battery and an extension cable handy. And don’t panic when you see “Low Battery”—just swap and go. Because when it comes to home security, peace of mind shouldn’t come with a dead battery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Arlo Ultra cameras come with a charge out of the box?

Yes, Arlo Ultra cameras are shipped with a pre-charged battery to allow immediate setup and testing. However, for prolonged use, a full charge via the included magnetic charging cable is recommended.

How long does the initial charge last on an Arlo Ultra camera?

The pre-installed battery typically holds enough charge for initial setup and short-term use (a few days). For uninterrupted 4K video recording and motion detection, fully recharge the battery before permanent installation.

What type of charging accessories come with the Arlo Ultra?

Each Arlo Ultra includes a magnetic USB charging cable and power adapter. The kit also supports optional solar panel charging (sold separately) for continuous power without manual recharging.

Can I use third-party chargers to charge my Arlo Ultra camera?

While the Arlo Ultra supports standard USB power sources, using non-Arlo chargers may void the warranty or damage the battery. Always use the official magnetic charger or certified Arlo accessories for safety.

Does the Arlo Ultra base station charge the cameras?

No, the base station doesn’t charge the cameras directly. The Arlo Ultra uses removable, rechargeable batteries that must be charged separately using the provided magnetic cable or a compatible charging dock.

How do I know when my Arlo Ultra camera needs a charge?

The Arlo app displays real-time battery levels and sends low-battery alerts. When the charge drops below 20%, a notification prompts you to recharge via the magnetic cable or swap in a spare battery.