How Can I Tell If My Arlo Camera Is Charging A Quick Guide

Check the LED light on your Arlo camera—it turns solid amber while charging and switches to solid green when fully charged. For wire-free models, the Arlo app also displays real-time charging status and battery percentage, ensuring you’re never caught off guard. This quick visual and digital feedback makes monitoring effortless and reliable.

Key Takeaways

• Check the LED: A solid red or amber light means charging is in progress.
• Use the app: The Arlo app displays real-time battery status and charging alerts.
• Inspect connections: Ensure the cable and power source are securely linked.
• Monitor charging time: Most Arlo cameras fully charge in 2-3 hours.
• Restart if needed: Power cycle the camera if charging indicators don’t appear.

Understanding Your Arlo Camera’s Charging Status

So, you’ve set up your Arlo camera, placed it in the perfect spot to keep an eye on your front porch, backyard, or maybe even your garage—only to realize you’re not entirely sure if it’s charging. You plug it in, wait a few hours, and then… crickets. No flashing light, no notification, nothing. Now you’re left wondering: *How can I tell if my Arlo camera is charging?*

Trust me, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. I once spent an entire afternoon convinced my Arlo Pro 4 was broken because it wasn’t “acting” like it was charging. I even called support (twice) before realizing I had simply missed the subtle signs. The truth is, Arlo cameras—especially the battery-powered ones—don’t always scream “I’m charging!” the way your phone does with a big green lightning bolt. Instead, they rely on small, often easy-to-miss indicators that, once you know what to look for, become second nature.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most reliable ways to tell if your Arlo camera is charging, from visual cues and app notifications to troubleshooting common charging issues. Whether you’re using an Arlo Pro, Ultra, Essential, or a solar-powered model, this guide has you covered. No jargon, no fluff—just real, practical advice from someone who’s been in your shoes.

Visual Indicators: Lights, Colors, and What They Mean

One of the easiest ways to tell if your Arlo camera is charging is by paying attention to the LED indicator light. This tiny light is your camera’s way of communicating, and once you learn its “language,” you’ll never be in doubt again.

Arlo Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3, and Pro 4 LED Behavior

Most Arlo Pro models use a single multicolor LED on the front or side of the camera. Here’s what the colors mean during charging:

• Solid red light: The camera is charging. This is the most common and reassuring sign. If you see a steady red glow, your Arlo is happily soaking up power.
• Flashing red light: The camera is charging, but the battery is low. It’s normal to see this when you first plug it in after a long drain.
• Solid green light: The battery is fully charged and ready to go. This is the “mission accomplished” signal.
• No light: Either the camera is off, not receiving power, or the LED is malfunctioning (rare). Try unplugging and replugging the charger.
• Flashing blue light: Usually means the camera is trying to connect to Wi-Fi or is in pairing mode. Not directly related to charging, but worth noting if you’re troubleshooting.

Example: I once thought my Arlo Pro 3 wasn’t charging because the light was off. Turns out, I had used a low-quality USB cable that couldn’t carry enough current. When I switched to the original Arlo cable, the red light popped on immediately. Lesson learned: not all cables are created equal.

Arlo Ultra and Ultra 2 LED Signals

Arlo Ultra models have a slightly more complex LED setup, but the charging indicators are similar:

• Solid red: Charging in progress.
• Flashing red: Charging with low battery.
• Solid green: Fully charged.
• Flashing green: Charging complete but still connected (some users report this as a “trickle charge” mode).

One thing to note: Arlo Ultra cameras have a built-in battery that’s not user-replaceable, so consistent charging is even more important. If you notice the red light isn’t coming on after several minutes, it’s time to check the power source.

Arlo Essential and Wire-Free Models

The Arlo Essential series (including the Essential Spotlight and Essential XL) uses a similar LED system but with a twist: the light is often smaller and located near the base or under the lens housing. It can be easy to miss if you’re not looking closely.

• Solid amber (orange): Charging. Yes, Arlo calls it amber, but it looks orange to most people.
• Solid green: Fully charged.
• Flashing amber: Low battery while charging.

Tip: Shine a flashlight at the camera in a dark room. The LED light often reflects off the lens, making it easier to spot. I do this every time I charge my Essential Spotlight in the garage.

Using the Arlo App to Monitor Charging Status

While the LED light is helpful, the Arlo app is your most powerful tool for tracking your camera’s charging progress. It gives you real-time data, battery percentage, and even estimated time to full charge.

Checking Battery Percentage and Charging State

Here’s how to use the Arlo app to confirm charging:

1. Open the Arlo app on your phone or tablet.
2. Tap the camera icon for the device you want to check.
3. Look at the battery icon in the top-right corner of the live feed.
4. If the battery is charging, you’ll see a small lightning bolt inside the battery icon.
5. The app will also display the current battery percentage. If it’s increasing over time, your camera is charging.

Example: Last winter, my Arlo Pro 4 was sitting at 15% battery after a week of heavy use. I plugged it in, and within 30 minutes, the app showed 25% and the lightning bolt was active. I knew it was working—no need to panic.

Estimated Time to Full Charge

Starting with Arlo app version 3.10+, some models (especially Pro 4 and Ultra 2) display an estimated time until full charge. You’ll see something like “Charging: 2h 15m remaining” under the battery icon.

This feature is a game-changer. It removes the guesswork and helps you plan when to re-deploy your camera. I use it religiously when prepping for a weekend trip.

Notifications and Alerts

The Arlo app can also send push notifications when:

• Your camera starts charging.
• Your camera reaches 100% charge.
• Charging is interrupted (e.g., power loss).

To enable these:

1. Go to Settings > My Devices.
2. Select your camera.
3. Tap Device Notifications.
4. Toggle on “Battery Charging Started” and “Battery Fully Charged.”

Pro tip: If you’re using a solar panel, enable “Solar Panel Connected” notifications. This way, you’ll know when the sun is powering your camera—even if you’re not home.

Charging Accessories: Cables, Adapters, and Solar Panels

Not all charging setups are created equal. The accessories you use can make or break your charging experience—and your ability to tell if the camera is charging.

Original vs. Third-Party Cables and Chargers

Arlo cameras come with proprietary charging cables (usually a magnetic connector for Pro/Ultra models or a USB-C for Essential). While third-party cables exist, they’re not always reliable.

• Original Arlo cable: Magnetic, secure connection. Delivers optimal current. Most likely to show a charging LED.
• Third-party magnetic cable: May fit, but often lacks the correct resistance. Can cause intermittent charging or no LED.
• USB-C to USB-A cable (Essential models): Use a high-quality cable (at least 2A output). Cheap cables may charge too slowly to trigger the LED.

My experience: I once bought a “universal” magnetic charging cable on Amazon for $8. It worked for two weeks, then stopped charging. The LED never lit up. When I switched back to the original, the red light came on instantly. Save yourself the hassle—stick with Arlo-certified accessories.

Power Adapters and Outlet Quality

The power adapter matters too. Arlo recommends using a 5V/2A (10W) adapter for most models. Here’s what to avoid:

• Low-output chargers (e.g., 5V/1A): May charge too slowly to trigger the LED, especially if the battery is very low.
• Faulty outlets: Test the outlet with a phone charger or lamp. If other devices don’t work, the issue isn’t your Arlo.
• Power strips with surge protection: Some high-end strips limit current, which can interfere with charging. Try plugging directly into the wall.

Solar Panel Charging Indicators

If you’re using an Arlo Solar Panel (compatible with Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, and Essential models), the charging process is a bit different.

• Solar panel LED: A small LED on the panel glows green when receiving sunlight and charging the camera.
• Camera LED: The camera will show a solid red light if charging via solar.
• Arlo app: You’ll see the lightning bolt and increasing battery percentage. The app may also show “Solar Panel Connected” in the device status.

Tip: On cloudy days, the solar panel may charge intermittently. The camera LED might flicker or go dark temporarily—this is normal. As long as the battery percentage increases over time, it’s working.

Troubleshooting: When Your Camera Isn’t Charging

Even with the right setup, things can go wrong. Here’s how to diagnose and fix common charging issues.

No LED Light and App Shows No Charging

If the LED is off and the app shows no lightning bolt, follow this checklist:

1. Check the cable connection: Wiggle the magnetic connector or USB-C plug. Ensure it’s fully seated.
2. Inspect for damage: Look for frayed wires, bent pins, or corrosion on the camera’s charging port.
3. Test the outlet and adapter: Plug a phone charger into the same outlet. If it works, the issue is likely with the Arlo cable or adapter.
4. Try a different cable and adapter: Use the original Arlo set if available.
5. Restart the camera: Remove the battery (if removable), wait 10 seconds, reinsert, and plug in again.

LED Light Flashes Then Turns Off

This often means the camera is detecting a power issue. Possible causes:

• Low-quality cable: The camera briefly connects, then disconnects due to insufficient current.
• Overheating: If the camera or battery is too hot (e.g., in direct sun), it may stop charging for safety. Let it cool down.
• Battery failure: After 2-3 years, Arlo batteries degrade. If the camera won’t hold a charge, it may need a battery replacement (for models like Pro 3).

Charging Is Extremely Slow

If the battery percentage increases by only 1-2% per hour, consider:

• Using a low-output adapter: Upgrade to a 5V/2A charger.
• Background processes: If the camera is recording or streaming, it uses power while charging. Turn off live view in the app.
• Extreme temperatures: Charging slows below 32°F (0°C) or above 113°F (45°C). Bring the camera indoors if possible.

Data Table: Charging Times and Indicators by Model

Here’s a quick reference table to help you understand what to expect from your Arlo camera during charging:

Arlo Model	Battery Type	Charging LED Color	Full Charge Time	App Indicator	Notes
Arlo Pro 3	Rechargeable (user-replaceable)	Solid red (charging), green (full)	3-4 hours	Lightning bolt + % increase	Use magnetic cable only
Arlo Pro 4	Rechargeable (user-replaceable)	Solid red (charging), green (full)	3-4 hours	Lightning bolt + time estimate	USB-C charging also supported
Arlo Ultra	Built-in (not user-replaceable)	Solid red (charging), green (full)	4-5 hours	Lightning bolt + % increase	Requires original magnetic cable
Arlo Essential	Rechargeable (user-replaceable)	Solid amber (charging), green (full)	2-3 hours	Lightning bolt + % increase	USB-C charging; check small LED
Arlo Solar Panel (any compatible)	External charging	Panel: green; Camera: solid red	Varies by sunlight	“Solar Panel Connected” + % increase	Ideal for continuous charging

Note: Charging times are approximate and depend on battery health, ambient temperature, and power source quality.

Final Thoughts: Staying Confident in Your Camera’s Charging Status

Knowing how can I tell if my Arlo camera is charging isn’t just about convenience—it’s about peace of mind. Whether you’re monitoring your home while on vacation, keeping an eye on a pet, or securing a remote property, you need to trust that your camera is ready when you need it.

The good news? Arlo has made the process surprisingly intuitive once you know the signs. From the reassuring red LED to the lightning bolt in the app, there are multiple ways to confirm charging. And if something goes wrong, the troubleshooting steps above can help you get back on track fast.

My best advice? Develop a routine. Every time you plug in your camera, take 30 seconds to:

• Check the LED color.
• Open the Arlo app and confirm the lightning bolt.
• Note the battery percentage and estimated time to full charge.

Do this once, and it becomes habit. You’ll never have to wonder again. And if you’re using a solar panel, check the panel’s LED during the day—it’s a small habit that ensures your camera stays powered, rain or shine.

At the end of the day, your Arlo camera is only as reliable as its battery. By understanding how it charges, what the lights mean, and how the app communicates, you’re not just solving a mystery—you’re building trust in your home security system. And that’s worth every second.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my Arlo camera is charging?

Check the LED indicator on your Arlo camera—most models show a solid amber light while charging and turn green when fully charged. You can also monitor the battery level in the Arlo app under the device settings.

What does the LED light mean when my Arlo camera is charging?

A solid amber LED typically indicates active charging, while a green light means the battery is fully charged. Refer to your camera’s manual for model-specific color codes.

Can I check if my Arlo camera is charging through the app?

Yes! The Arlo app displays real-time battery levels and charging status in the device settings. Open the app, select your camera, and look for the battery icon to confirm if it’s charging.

Why isn’t my Arlo camera showing a charging indicator?

If the LED doesn’t light up, ensure the power source and cable are working properly. Try resetting the camera or checking for firmware updates in the Arlo app to resolve charging issues.

How long does it take for an Arlo camera to show it’s charging?

Most Arlo cameras display the charging LED within seconds of being connected to power. If it doesn’t appear after a minute, inspect the cable, adapter, or charging port for damage.

Is there a way to tell if my Arlo camera is charging without the LED?

If the LED is unresponsive, use the Arlo app to check for rising battery percentages over time. Alternatively, feel the camera’s temperature—a slight warmth can indicate active charging.