How Do I Change Batteries in My Arlo Camera A Quick Guide

Changing the batteries in your Arlo camera is quick and simple—just power off the camera, remove the battery compartment, and swap in fresh CR123A batteries. Ensure the camera is mounted within Wi-Fi range during replacement to avoid reconnection issues. Always use high-quality, name-brand batteries to maximize performance and lifespan.

Key Takeaways

• Power off first: Always turn off the camera before battery replacement.
• Use correct batteries: Insert only Arlo-approved or compatible lithium batteries.
• Open the compartment: Slide the battery cover gently to access the battery tray.
• Check polarity: Align the + and – symbols correctly during insertion.
• Reboot after replacement: Restart the camera to ensure it recognizes new batteries.
• Recycle old batteries: Dispose of depleted batteries safely and responsibly.

How Do I Change Batteries in My Arlo Camera? A Quick Guide

Let’s be honest—nothing is more frustrating than checking your Arlo camera feed only to see that dreaded “Low Battery” notification. You’re not alone. Whether you’re monitoring your front porch, keeping an eye on the backyard, or ensuring your home is secure while you’re away, a dead battery can throw a wrench in your peace of mind. I’ve been there. I once missed a package delivery because my Arlo Pro 3 went silent for a day. It was a simple fix—just a battery swap—but I had no clue how to do it quickly. That’s when I realized: changing batteries in Arlo cameras isn’t as intuitive as it should be, especially for first-timers.

The good news? It’s actually pretty straightforward once you know the steps. This guide will walk you through how to change batteries in your Arlo camera—from identifying your model to safely removing, replacing, and recycling old batteries. Whether you own an Arlo Pro, Ultra, Essential, or the newer wire-free models, this guide has you covered. We’ll also share pro tips to extend battery life and avoid common mistakes. No tech degree required—just a few minutes of your time and a fresh set of batteries.

Know Your Arlo Camera Model Before You Start

Why Model Matters

Not all Arlo cameras use the same batteries or have the same battery compartment design. Jumping in without knowing your model can lead to frustration—or worse, damage to your device. For example, the Arlo Pro 2 uses rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, while the Arlo Ultra 2 uses a larger, higher-capacity version. The Arlo Essential Spotlight and Arlo Go (LTE) have slightly different designs too.

Here’s a quick rundown of common models and their battery types:

• Arlo Pro 2 & 3: Rechargeable 3.85V lithium-ion battery (model: ABL1000 or ABL2000)
• Arlo Ultra & Ultra 2: Rechargeable 3.85V, 4800mAh battery (model: ABL3000)
• Arlo Essential (Wire-Free): Rechargeable 3.7V, 2440mAh battery (model: ABL1500)
• Arlo Go (LTE): Uses standard AA batteries (4x) or a rechargeable lithium pack
• Arlo Go 2: Rechargeable 3.7V, 3200mAh battery (model: ABL1700)

How to Identify Your Model

If you’re unsure which Arlo camera you have, here’s how to find out:

• Check the back or bottom of the camera—most models have a label with the model number.
• Open the Arlo app, tap on your camera, and go to Device Settings > Device Info. It will show the model name and firmware version.
• Look at the camera’s design: Ultra models have a sleek, rectangular shape with a spotlight; Pro models are more rounded with a visible charging port; Essential models are compact and often come in white.

Once you know your model, you can buy the correct replacement battery. I made the mistake once of ordering a Pro 3 battery for my Essential Spotlight—don’t do that. It won’t fit, and you’ll waste time and money.

Step-by-Step: Removing the Old Battery

Power Down the Camera (Optional but Recommended)

You don’t *have* to power off your Arlo camera before removing the battery, but it’s a good safety habit. Why? It reduces the risk of a short circuit and gives you a clean slate when reinserting the new battery. Here’s how:

• Open the Arlo app.
• Tap on your camera.
• Go to Device Settings > Power Management > Power Off.
• Wait for the camera to shut down (the LED light will turn off).

I always do this—even if it takes an extra 30 seconds. It’s like turning off a laptop before unplugging the charger. Simple, but smart.

Locate and Open the Battery Compartment

This is where things vary slightly by model:

• Arlo Pro 2/3 & Ultra: Flip the camera upside down. You’ll see a small, circular battery door with a rubberized grip. Twist it counterclockwise until it pops open. (Pro tip: Use a microfiber cloth to get a better grip if it’s slippery.)
• Arlo Essential: The battery compartment is on the back. Look for a small latch or sliding panel. Push it gently to the side or down to open.
• Arlo Go: If using AA batteries, remove the back cover by sliding it down. If using a lithium pack, twist the battery door like the Pro models.

When I first tried opening my Pro 3, I thought I was breaking it. The door is snug—but it’s designed that way to keep out dust and rain. Just twist gently. No brute force needed.

Remove the Old Battery Safely

Once the compartment is open:

• Use your fingers to gently pull the battery out. Don’t yank it—there’s a small connector cable attached.
• If the battery is stuck, wiggle it slightly side to side while pulling up. (I once used a plastic spudger tool from my phone repair kit—worked like a charm.)
• For models with a pull tab (like the Pro 3), grab the tab and lift straight up.

Inspect the battery compartment for dirt, moisture, or corrosion. If you see any, wipe it clean with a dry, lint-free cloth. Moisture can shorten battery life and damage the camera over time.

Inserting the New Battery: A Smooth Process

Check the New Battery

Before inserting, make sure your new battery is:

• The correct model (double-check the label).
• Fully charged. Arlo batteries usually ship at 30–50% charge, but it’s best to top them off before first use.
• Free of physical damage (dents, swelling, or cracks).

I learned this the hard way. I once bought a cheap third-party battery that swelled after a week. Not only did it not fit, but it also left residue in the compartment. Stick to Arlo-branded or reputable third-party brands like Anker or RAVPower.

Align and Insert the Battery

Here’s the key: alignment matters. The battery has a specific orientation—look for the connector (a small plastic plug) and match it to the slot in the camera.

• For Pro/Ultra models: The connector should face the front of the camera. The battery will only slide in one way.
• For Essential models: The battery has a flat side and a curved side. Match it to the shape of the compartment.
• Gently press the battery in until it clicks into place. You should feel a soft snap—don’t force it.

Pro tip: If it doesn’t go in easily, double-check the orientation. I’ve wasted 10 minutes trying to jam a battery in the wrong way—only to realize I was off by 180 degrees.

Close the Battery Door

Once the battery is seated:

• For twist-lid models (Pro/Ultra): Place the lid over the compartment and twist clockwise until it’s snug. It should feel tight but not overly so.
• For sliding panels (Essential): Slide the panel back into place until it clicks.
• Give the camera a gentle shake. If you hear rattling, the door isn’t fully closed.

After closing, wait a minute for the camera to power up. The LED light should blink blue (or green, depending on your model) to indicate it’s reconnecting to Wi-Fi.

Reconnecting to Wi-Fi and the Arlo App

Wait for Automatic Reconnection

Most Arlo cameras reconnect automatically within 1–2 minutes. You’ll know it’s back online when:

• The LED light turns solid green (or blue, for newer models).
• The camera appears in the Arlo app with a “Ready” status.
• You can access the live feed.

If it doesn’t reconnect automatically, don’t panic. This happens sometimes—especially if the battery was out for a while.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

If your camera stays offline:

• Check the battery charge: A very low battery (below 10%) might not power the Wi-Fi module. Plug the camera into a USB charger for 10 minutes and try again.
• Restart the camera: Press and hold the sync button (on the side) for 10 seconds. The LED will blink amber, then blue. Wait for it to reconnect.
• Re-sync with the base station: If you have a Pro or Ultra system, press the sync button on the base station, then on the camera. They’ll pair again.
• Check Wi-Fi signal: Arlo cameras need at least 2 bars of signal. If you’re in a weak zone, consider relocating the camera or adding a Wi-Fi extender.

I once had a camera that wouldn’t reconnect after a battery swap. Turned out my Wi-Fi was down for a few hours. Once the router was back, the camera synced in 30 seconds. Always check the basics first!

Verify Battery Status in the App

Open the Arlo app and check:

• The battery percentage (should show 90–100% if fully charged).
• No error messages (like “Battery Not Detected”).
• Motion detection and night vision are working.

If the battery shows “Unknown,” try restarting the app or rebooting your phone. Still no luck? Try reinserting the battery.

Pro Tips to Extend Battery Life and Avoid Frequent Changes

Optimize Camera Settings

Battery life depends heavily on how you use your camera. Here’s how to stretch it:

• Lower video quality: 1080p uses less power than 4K. If you don’t need ultra-HD, switch to 1080p in Device Settings > Video Settings.
• Reduce motion detection sensitivity: High sensitivity = more recordings = faster battery drain. Set it to “Medium” unless you need precision.
• Use activity zones: Limit recording to specific areas (e.g., only the front door). Go to Motion Detection > Activity Zones.
• Enable sleep mode: For indoor cameras, set a schedule (e.g., 11 PM–7 AM) to conserve power.

After I switched my Pro 3 to 1080p and reduced sensitivity, battery life jumped from 2 months to 4 months. Huge difference!

Use the Right Charging Method

Always charge Arlo batteries with the official Arlo charger or a high-quality USB-C/USB-A cable. Avoid cheap knockoffs—they can overcharge or damage the battery. I use an Anker PowerPort for all my Arlo batteries. It’s reliable and fast.

Store Batteries Properly

If you have spare batteries:

• Store them at 50% charge in a cool, dry place.
• Don’t leave them in the camera for months without use—this can degrade the battery.
• Recycle old batteries at an electronics store (Best Buy, Home Depot, etc.). Never throw them in the trash.

Consider a Solar Panel

For outdoor cameras, a Arlo Solar Panel can keep your battery topped up year-round. I installed one on my backyard camera, and it’s gone 6 months without a battery change. Worth every penny.

Battery Comparison and Performance Data

Arlo Model	Battery Model	Capacity (mAh)	Typical Battery Life*	Charging Time
Arlo Pro 3	ABL2000	4800	3–6 months	3–4 hours
Arlo Ultra 2	ABL3000	4800	2–5 months	3–4 hours
Arlo Essential	ABL1500	2440	1–3 months	2–3 hours
Arlo Go (AA)	4x AA	2000–3000	1–2 months	N/A (replaceable)
Arlo Go 2	ABL1700	3200	2–4 months	3 hours

*Battery life varies based on usage, Wi-Fi signal, temperature, and settings.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Arlo Running Smoothly

Changing batteries in your Arlo camera is one of those small but essential tasks that keeps your home security system running like a well-oiled machine. It’s not rocket science, but it does require attention to detail—especially when matching batteries to your model or troubleshooting Wi-Fi issues. The key takeaway? How do I change batteries in my Arlo camera? The answer is simple: know your model, remove the old battery carefully, insert the new one with proper alignment, and reconnect to the app.

Remember, a little maintenance goes a long way. By optimizing settings, using quality chargers, and considering solar power, you can reduce battery changes from every few months to just once or twice a year. And when you do need to swap batteries, now you know exactly what to do—no stress, no confusion.

So the next time you see that low-battery alert, don’t panic. Grab your spare, follow these steps, and get back to enjoying the peace of mind that comes with a fully functional Arlo system. Your home (and your packages) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change batteries in my Arlo camera?

To change the batteries in your Arlo camera, first remove the camera from its mount by pressing the release tab. Open the battery compartment, replace the old batteries with fresh ones (usually AA or CR123A), and ensure they’re properly aligned before resealing.

What type of batteries does my Arlo camera use?

Most Arlo cameras use either AA lithium or CR123A lithium batteries, depending on the model. Check your camera’s user manual or the label inside the battery compartment to confirm the correct type for your device.

Do I need to reset my Arlo camera after changing batteries?

No, you don’t need to reset your Arlo camera after changing the batteries. The camera will automatically reconnect to your Arlo account once powered back on, though it may take a few moments to sync.

How often should I change the batteries in my Arlo camera?

Battery life varies by model and usage, but most Arlo cameras last 3–6 months on a single charge. Use the Arlo app to monitor battery levels and get low-battery alerts so you know when to change them.

Why won’t my Arlo camera turn on after replacing the batteries?

If your camera doesn’t power on, double-check that the batteries are inserted correctly and fully charged. Also, ensure the battery compartment is clean and free of debris that could interfere with contact points.

Can I use rechargeable batteries in my Arlo camera?

Yes, you can use rechargeable batteries (like NiMH AA or CR123A), but note they may have a shorter lifespan than lithium batteries. For best performance, Arlo recommends using high-quality, non-rechargeable lithium batteries.