Does Arlo Pro 2 Battery Charge in Camera Find Out Here

The Arlo Pro 2 battery does not charge while inside the camera—it must be removed and charged externally using the included USB cable or optional charging station. This design ensures optimal battery health and uninterrupted surveillance, though it requires planning for continuous coverage during recharging.

Key Takeaways

• No in-camera charging: Arlo Pro 2 batteries must be removed to charge externally.
• Use the included dock: Always charge batteries with the official Arlo Pro 2 charging station.
• Spare batteries save time: Keep extras to swap and maintain 24/7 camera coverage.
• LED indicators help: Check battery status via the camera’s LED light alerts.
• Third-party risks: Non-Arlo chargers may damage batteries or void warranties.
• Charge fully before use: New batteries require 3+ hours for optimal performance.

Does Arlo Pro 2 Battery Charge in Camera? The Real Deal

Let’s be honest—security cameras are only as good as their battery life. If your camera dies halfway through the night, it’s not doing its job. That’s why I was so curious about the Arlo Pro 2, one of the most popular wireless outdoor security cameras on the market. I’ve used it for over a year now, and one question kept coming up in my mind (and from fellow users): Does the Arlo Pro 2 battery charge in camera?

You’ve probably seen the sleek design, the weather-resistant shell, and the promise of 6 months of battery life. But here’s the kicker: unlike some smart home devices that charge via USB while mounted, the Arlo Pro 2 doesn’t work that way. And if you’re like me, you hate the idea of constantly taking it down, charging it, and reattaching it—especially if it’s mounted 10 feet up on your porch. In this post, I’ll walk you through how the battery works, whether it charges in the camera, what your options are, and how to make the whole process less of a headache. Think of this as a real-world guide from someone who’s been there, done that, and learned the hard way (so you don’t have to).

How the Arlo Pro 2 Battery System Actually Works

The Battery: Rechargeable, Removable, and Weather-Resistant

The Arlo Pro 2 uses a custom 3.6V rechargeable lithium-ion battery that’s designed to last up to 6 months on a single charge—depending on usage. That’s a big “depending,” though. If your camera is in a high-traffic area (like a front porch or driveway), it might only last 2–3 months. The battery is removable, which means you can pop it out when it’s low and charge it separately. This is a double-edged sword: convenient for charging, but annoying if you have multiple cameras and batteries to juggle.

Here’s a quick tip: buy at least one extra battery. That way, you can swap in a fully charged one while the other charges. I learned this after missing a package delivery because my camera died mid-week. Not cool.

Charging Process: Camera Off, Battery Out

Now, here’s the big answer: No, the Arlo Pro 2 battery does not charge while it’s in the camera. Unlike some newer models (like the Arlo Pro 3 or Arlo Ultra), the Pro 2 doesn’t support in-camera charging via USB or a built-in charging port. You have to remove the battery and plug it into the included charging cradle.

The charging cradle connects to a standard wall outlet via a USB power adapter (usually 5V/2A). It takes about 3–4 hours to fully charge a depleted battery. While it’s charging, you’ll see an LED indicator—red for charging, green for full. Simple, but not exactly “set it and forget it.”

I’ll admit, the first time I tried to charge the battery while it was still in the camera, I thought I was being clever. Spoiler: it didn’t work. The camera doesn’t have a pass-through charging feature. So if you’re hoping for a “just leave it up and charge” solution, this isn’t it—at least not with the standard setup.

Why Arlo Chose This Design (And What It Means for You)

So why did Arlo go this route? There are a few reasons:

• Weatherproofing: Adding a charging port to the camera would compromise its IP65 rating. The sealed design keeps water and dust out.
• Cost & Simplicity: Removable batteries are cheaper to produce and easier to service. If the battery fails, you replace just the battery—not the whole camera.
• Modularity: You can have multiple batteries and swap them, which is great for large properties or frequent monitoring.

But let’s be real: the trade-off is convenience. If you’re someone who values ease of use over modularity, this design might feel outdated. I’ve seen neighbors with Arlo Pro 3 models that charge via a magnetic cable—no battery removal needed. It’s a night-and-day difference.

Can You Charge the Arlo Pro 2 Battery While It’s Still in the Camera?

Short Answer: No. But Here’s What People Try (And Why It Fails)

I’ve seen forum threads and Reddit posts where people swear they’ve charged the Arlo Pro 2 battery while it’s in the camera. Let’s clear this up: it’s not possible with the standard hardware. The camera doesn’t have a charging circuit that can power the battery while it’s installed. The only way to charge is through the external cradle.

Some users have tried:

• Using a USB cable directly into the camera (no port—doesn’t work).
• Modifying the camera with DIY charging ports (risky, voids warranty, and can damage the device).
• Using third-party “charging cases” (rare, expensive, and often unreliable).

Bottom line: don’t waste your time. Stick to the official method. I tried a sketchy USB adapter from Amazon once—ended up frying a battery. Not worth it.

Workarounds That Actually Work (And Save You Time)

Okay, so the battery doesn’t charge in-camera. But there are smarter ways to manage it:

• Use the Arlo Solar Panel: This is a game-changer. The Arlo Solar Panel (sold separately) connects to the camera via a weatherproof cable and keeps the battery topped off. It doesn’t charge the battery directly—instead, it powers the camera, which then uses the battery as a backup. So if the sun’s out, your camera runs on solar, and the battery stays charged. I installed one last summer, and my battery hasn’t dropped below 80% since.
• Keep a Charging Station at Home: I have a small shelf near my router with two charging cradles. When I notice a battery is low (Arlo app alerts you at 20%), I swap it out and charge the old one. Takes 2 minutes.
• Label Your Batteries: If you have multiple, label them with dates or locations. I use a Sharpie: “Front Porch – Charged 03/15”. No more guessing.

One thing I wish I knew earlier: the solar panel only works with the Arlo Pro 2 if it’s the outdoor version (not the indoor-only model). Check your camera’s specs before buying.

Alternative Charging Options: Solar, Power Cables, and More

Arlo Solar Panel: Your Best Bet for “Set and Forget”

If you’re tired of swapping batteries, the Arlo Solar Panel is your new best friend. It’s a small, weatherproof panel that mounts near your camera and connects via a 20-foot cable. The panel collects sunlight and sends power to the camera, reducing the drain on the battery.

Here’s how it works in real life:

• Sunlight hits the panel → panel powers the camera.
• Battery acts as a buffer—if it’s sunny, the battery stays full.
• On cloudy days, the battery kicks in, but it’s not drained as fast.

I installed mine on my garage roof (south-facing, full sun). In summer, my battery never drops below 90%. In winter, it dips to 60%, but I still only need to charge it twice a year. That’s a huge improvement over the 3–4 times I used to do it.

Pro tip: Angle the panel toward the sun (around 30–45 degrees works well). Clean it every few months—dust and leaves can cut efficiency by 20%.

Wired Power Options: Is There a Way to Plug It In?

Good news: yes, you can power the Arlo Pro 2 continuously with a power cable—but it requires an extra step. The camera doesn’t have a built-in port, but Arlo sells a Power Adapter Kit that connects to the camera’s battery compartment. It’s a small converter that lets you plug in a standard USB power source.

Here’s what you need:

• Arlo Pro 2 Power Adapter (model: VMA4410)
• USB power source (like a wall adapter or power bank)
• Weatherproof cable (sold separately or DIY with conduit)

I used this setup for my backyard camera, which is near an outdoor outlet. It’s been running 24/7 for 18 months with zero issues. The battery stays at 100% because the camera runs on wall power.

Important: This method requires you to drill a small hole in the back of the camera to run the cable. If you’re not comfortable with that, stick to solar or battery swaps. Also, make sure the cable is rated for outdoor use—I learned the hard way that regular USB cables degrade in the rain.

Third-Party Chargers and Accessories: What’s Safe to Use?

You’ll find plenty of “Arlo battery chargers” on Amazon. Some are fine; others are fire hazards. Here’s what to look for:

• Official Arlo Chargers: Always safest. They’re designed to match the battery’s voltage and current.
• Third-Party with Safety Certifications: Look for UL, CE, or FCC marks. Avoid anything under $10—it’s likely cheap components.
• Multi-Slot Chargers: Great if you have multiple batteries. I use a 4-slot charger that charges all my batteries overnight.

I once used a no-name charger that overheated and melted the battery casing. Lesson learned: never cheap out on charging gear.

Tips to Extend Battery Life (So You Charge Less Often)

Adjust Motion Detection and Recording Settings

Your camera’s biggest battery drain? Motion-triggered recordings. Here’s how to tweak it:

• Motion Zones: In the Arlo app, set up “activity zones” to ignore areas like trees or streets. I turned off motion detection for my neighbor’s driveway—cut my alerts by 40%.
• Recording Length: Change from 120 seconds (default) to 30–60 seconds. Shorter recordings = less battery use.
• Motion Sensitivity: Lower it slightly. I set mine to 70%—catches people, ignores squirrels.

After these changes, my battery life jumped from 3 months to 5 months. Not bad for a few taps in the app.

Use Night Vision Wisely

The infrared (IR) night vision LEDs eat battery fast. To save power:

• Turn off night vision in areas with good street lighting (like your front yard).
• Use the “Auto” mode—it only turns on IR when it’s dark.

I turned off night vision for my driveway camera (it’s well-lit by a streetlight). Battery life went up 20%.

Keep the Camera Firmware Updated

Arlo regularly releases firmware updates that optimize battery use. Check for updates monthly in the app. My last update added a “low-power mode” that disables non-essential features when the battery hits 20%. It’s not perfect, but it helps.

Bonus tip: If you’re going on vacation, set the camera to “Away” mode. It records only when motion is detected, not continuously.

Real-World Battery Performance: What to Expect

Let’s talk numbers. Here’s a table based on my experience and data from Arlo forums:

Usage Scenario	Battery Life (Months)	Tips
Low traffic (backyard, garage)	5–6	Use motion zones; disable night vision if lit
Medium traffic (front porch, driveway)	3–4	Adjust recording length; use solar panel
High traffic (doorbell area, busy street)	1.5–2.5	Use wired power or solar; reduce sensitivity
With Arlo Solar Panel	6+ (battery rarely drops below 80%)	Angle panel toward sun; clean monthly
With Wired Power Adapter	Unlimited (battery stays at 100%)	Use weatherproof cable; check connections

These are estimates, of course. Cold weather can reduce battery life by up to 30% (lithium-ion hates freezing temps). In winter, I move my cameras under eaves or use the solar panel more.

Final Thoughts: Is the Arlo Pro 2 Right for You?

So, does the Arlo Pro 2 battery charge in camera? No—it never has, and it never will. The design requires you to remove the battery for charging, which can be a hassle if you’re not prepared. But with the right accessories (solar panel, power adapter, extra batteries), you can work around it.

Here’s what I wish I knew when I bought mine:

• The solar panel is almost essential for hassle-free use.
• Extra batteries save you from missed recordings.
• Wired power is an option—but only if you’re comfortable with DIY.

The Arlo Pro 2 is a solid camera with great video quality and reliable motion detection. But if in-camera charging is a must-have for you, consider upgrading to the Arlo Pro 3 or Arlo Ultra. They support magnetic charging, which is a dream compared to battery swaps.

At the end of the day, the Arlo Pro 2 is like an old pickup truck: it’s not flashy, but it gets the job done. Just don’t expect it to be a Tesla. If you’re willing to put in a little extra effort (or invest in solar/wired power), it’s a great choice. And hey, once you’ve got your charging system dialed in, you’ll barely notice the battery anymore.

So go ahead—set it up, tweak the settings, and enjoy peace of mind. Just remember: the battery’s not charging in the camera. But with a little planning, that doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Arlo Pro 2 battery charge while inside the camera?

No, the Arlo Pro 2 battery does not charge while inside the camera. You must remove the battery and charge it separately using the included USB charging cable or a compatible charging dock.

How do I charge the Arlo Pro 2 battery?

To charge the Arlo Pro 2 battery, remove it from the camera and connect it to the provided USB charger or a third-party dock. The charging process typically takes 2-3 hours for a full charge.

Can I leave the Arlo Pro 2 battery charging overnight?

Yes, you can safely leave the Arlo Pro 2 battery charging overnight. The system has built-in overcharge protection, which automatically stops charging once the battery reaches 100%.

Does the Arlo Pro 2 support in-camera charging like newer models?

No, the Arlo Pro 2 lacks in-camera charging capabilities, unlike newer models like the Arlo Pro 3 or Ultra. Its battery must be removed and charged externally using the included accessories.

How long does the Arlo Pro 2 battery last per charge?

The Arlo Pro 2 battery lasts 3-6 months per charge, depending on usage, motion detection frequency, and environmental factors. Regularly checking the Arlo app can help monitor battery levels.

Is there a way to charge the Arlo Pro 2 battery without removing it?

Unfortunately, there’s no way to charge the Arlo Pro 2 battery without removing it. However, you can purchase spare batteries to swap in while charging others, ensuring uninterrupted camera operation.