How Do I Know If Arlo Camera Is Charging A Quick Guide

The easiest way to confirm your Arlo camera is charging is by checking the LED indicator light—solid amber means charging, while solid green signals a full charge. You can also monitor charging status in real time through the Arlo app, which displays battery percentage and charging progress. This quick visual and digital feedback ensures you’re never left guessing when your camera is ready to go.

Key Takeaways

• Check the LED: A solid red light confirms active charging.
• Use the Arlo app: Monitor charging status remotely via device settings.
• Inspect the cable: Ensure the USB-C or magnetic cable is securely connected.
• Wait 30 minutes: Initial charge may take time to register visibly.
• Test with a wall outlet: Avoid power strips for reliable charging results.
• Look for battery icons: On-camera displays show charging progress clearly.

How Do I Know If Arlo Camera Is Charging A Quick Guide

Ever been in a situation where you’re about to leave the house and suddenly remember: *Did I plug in the Arlo camera?* Or worse—*Is it actually charging?* I’ve been there. That tiny blinking light can feel like a riddle, and if you’re relying on your Arlo camera for security, knowing whether it’s charging isn’t just convenient—it’s essential. Whether you’re using the Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, or the Arlo Essential series, the charging process is a common point of confusion for many users. And let’s be honest: no one wants to come home to a dead camera and a false sense of security.

So how do you *really* know if your Arlo camera is charging? It’s not always as simple as a green light or a full battery icon. Different models behave differently. Some give you clear visual cues, others rely on the app, and a few leave you guessing—especially if you’re using a third-party charger or a solar panel. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every way to tell if your Arlo camera is charging, from built-in LED indicators to app notifications and troubleshooting tips. Think of this as the friend who’s been through the charging drama and wants to save you the headache.

1. Check the LED Indicator Lights on Your Arlo Camera

The first and most immediate way to know if your Arlo camera is charging is by looking at the built-in LED light. Most Arlo cameras have a small LED indicator near the charging port or on the front face of the device. But here’s the catch: the color and behavior of the light vary depending on the model and the charging stage. Let’s break it down.

Understanding LED Colors and Patterns

• Solid Orange or Amber: This usually means the camera is charging. For example, the Arlo Pro 4 and Arlo Pro 5S show a steady orange light when plugged in and actively charging. It’s like a “we’re working on it” signal.
• Blinking Orange: Some models, like the Arlo Ultra, blink orange during charging. The blink rate might change depending on battery level—slower at low charge, faster as it nears full.
• Solid Green: A solid green light typically means the battery is fully charged. This is the “mission accomplished” signal. The Arlo Essential Indoor Camera uses this pattern.
• Blinking Green: This can mean the camera is in pairing mode or updating firmware. Not charging—just FYI.
• No Light: If the LED is off, it could mean the camera is completely drained, not connected properly, or the charger isn’t working.

Pro tip: If the light is blinking red, that’s usually a low battery warning, not a charging signal. Plug it in ASAP!

Model-Specific LED Behavior

Not all Arlo cameras use the same LED logic. For instance:

• Arlo Pro 3/4/5S: Solid orange = charging, solid green = full.
• Arlo Ultra: Blinking orange = charging, solid green = full, red = low battery.
• Arlo Essential Series (Indoor/Outdoor): Solid orange = charging, solid green = full, no light = off or disconnected.
• Arlo Go (LTE model): Uses a combination of LED and app notifications. The LED blinks blue when charging, solid blue when full.

One thing I’ve noticed? Sometimes the LED doesn’t turn on immediately when you plug in the camera—especially if the battery is *really* low. Give it 30–60 seconds. If it still stays dark, check the connection or try a different cable.

2. Use the Arlo App to Monitor Charging Status

If the LED is confusing or you’re charging the camera indoors while it’s mounted outside, the Arlo app is your best friend. It gives you real-time battery status, charging progress, and even estimated time to full charge. Here’s how to use it effectively.

Accessing Battery Information in the App

1. Open the Arlo app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Tap on the camera you want to check.
3. Look for the battery icon in the top-right corner of the live feed screen.
4. The icon shows a percentage (e.g., “Battery: 45%”).
5. If the camera is charging, you’ll often see a small lightning bolt icon next to the battery.

For example, when I plugged in my Arlo Pro 4 last week, the app showed “Battery: 28%” with a lightning bolt. After an hour, it climbed to 60%. That visual progress is super reassuring—especially when you’re not near the camera.

Charging Notifications and Alerts

The Arlo app can also send push notifications when:

• The camera starts charging.
• The battery reaches 100%.
• The charger is disconnected.

To enable these, go to Settings > Notifications > Camera Alerts > Battery Status. I highly recommend turning this on. I once left my camera charging overnight, and the app notified me at 6:30 AM that it was full. That saved me from overcharging—and potential battery wear.

App Limitations to Keep in Mind

While the app is great, it’s not perfect. A few things to watch for:

• If the camera is completely dead, it might not connect to the app until it has a small charge (10–15%).
• Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity issues can delay updates.
• Third-party chargers may not trigger the “charging” icon reliably.

So, if the app says “Battery: 5%” and no lightning bolt, but the LED is orange—trust the LED. The app might just be a bit slow to update.

3. Physical Inspection and Charging Setup Checks

Sometimes, the camera *thinks* it’s charging, but it’s not. Or worse—you think it’s charging, but it’s not. This is where a good old-fashioned physical check comes in. Let’s make sure the basics are covered.

Inspect the Charging Port and Cable

• Check for debris: Dust, dirt, or moisture in the micro-USB or USB-C port can prevent charging. Use a dry toothbrush or compressed air to clean it gently.
• Look for bent pins: The Arlo Pro series uses a magnetic charging cable. If the metal contacts are bent or corroded, the connection fails. I once spent 20 minutes troubleshooting before realizing the magnetic connector was slightly bent—simple fix with a small tool.
• Test the cable: Try a different cable or power adapter. Arlo cameras are picky about voltage. Use only Arlo-certified chargers (5V/2A) for best results.

Power Source Matters

Not all power sources are equal. Here’s what works best:

• Wall outlet with Arlo charger: Most reliable. I keep a dedicated charger near my router for easy access.
• Power bank: Works in a pinch, but make sure it delivers at least 2A output. Cheap power banks often don’t charge Arlo cameras properly.
• USB port on a computer: Can work, but it’s slower and may not trigger charging if the port is weak.
• Solar panel: Great for outdoor cameras. But if the panel is dirty or in shade, charging stops. Check the solar panel’s LED (if it has one) to confirm it’s receiving sunlight.

Temperature and Environment

Extreme cold or heat can affect charging. Arlo cameras typically charge between 32°F and 104°F (0°C to 40°C). If your outdoor camera is in direct summer sun or a freezing garage, the battery may refuse to charge—or charge very slowly. I once left my Arlo Pro 3 in a car during a heatwave (don’t ask), and it wouldn’t charge until it cooled down. Lesson learned: keep it in a shaded, temperate spot when charging.

4. Charging with Solar Panels: Special Considerations

Solar charging is a game-changer for outdoor Arlo cameras. No more climbing ladders to swap batteries. But it comes with its own set of quirks. Here’s how to tell if your solar-powered Arlo camera is actually charging.

Solar Panel LED Indicators

Most Arlo solar panels have a small LED that shows status:

• Solid green: Panel is receiving sunlight and charging the camera.
• Blinking green: Charging in progress, but battery is low.
• No light: No sunlight or connection issue.

I have an Arlo Solar Panel on my backyard camera. On a sunny day, the green light comes on by 7 AM and stays on until dusk. On cloudy days, it might only blink for a few hours. That’s normal—just don’t expect full-day charging in overcast weather.

App-Based Solar Monitoring

The Arlo app shows “Charging via Solar” when the camera is receiving solar power. You’ll see the lightning bolt icon, and sometimes a small sun symbol. If the app says “Solar Charging: Yes,” you’re golden. If it says “No,” check:

• Is the solar panel clean? Dirt or leaves block sunlight.
• Is the panel facing south (in the Northern Hemisphere) for maximum sun exposure?
• Is the cable securely connected to the camera?

Common Solar Charging Issues

• Intermittent charging: If the camera charges for 30 minutes, then stops, it might be due to shade from trees or buildings. Reposition the panel.
• No charging at night: Obvious, but worth noting. Solar panels don’t work in the dark. Your camera will run on battery until sunrise.
• Low winter output: Shorter days and weaker sun mean less charging. You might need to plug in manually during winter months.

My personal tip: I keep a spare Arlo battery in the house. If winter solar charging isn’t enough, I swap the battery every 3–4 weeks. It’s a small chore that beats climbing a ladder in the snow.

5. Troubleshooting: When Your Arlo Camera Isn’t Charging

What if you’ve checked the LED, the app, the cable, and the power source—and still nothing? Don’t panic. Let’s troubleshoot like a pro.

No LED, No App Response

1. Wait it out: A completely dead battery might take 5–10 minutes to show any sign of life. Leave it plugged in.
2. Try a different cable and charger: Use the original Arlo magnetic cable and wall adapter. Third-party cables often fail.
3. Check the battery: If the camera uses a removable battery (like Arlo Pro series), remove it and inspect for swelling or damage.
4. Reset the camera: Hold the sync button for 10 seconds. This won’t fix charging, but it rules out software glitches.

LED On, But Battery Isn’t Rising

This is frustrating. The light says “charging,” but the battery percentage stays the same. Possible causes:

• Faulty battery: Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time. After 2–3 years, they may hold less charge or refuse to charge at all.
• Overheating: If the camera is hot to the touch, it may have paused charging to cool down. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
• Firmware issue: Outdated firmware can cause charging bugs. Update the camera via the app.

When to Contact Arlo Support

If you’ve tried everything and the camera still won’t charge, it might be a hardware issue. Contact Arlo support with:

• The model number (e.g., VMC4040P).
• Photos of the charging setup.
• App screenshots showing battery status.

Arlo’s warranty usually covers charging issues for 1 year. I once had a camera that wouldn’t charge after a firmware update. Support sent a replacement within a week—no questions asked.

6. Best Practices to Ensure Reliable Charging

Now that you know how to tell if your Arlo camera is charging, let’s talk about how to make charging *work better*. A few simple habits go a long way.

Use the Right Equipment

• Stick to Arlo-certified chargers and cables. They’re designed for the camera’s voltage and current needs.
• For solar, use the Arlo Solar Panel. Third-party panels may not deliver the right power.

Charge Regularly

Don’t wait until the battery hits 10%. Lithium-ion batteries last longer if you keep them between 20% and 80%. I charge mine when it hits 30%—like topping up a phone.

Keep It Clean and Cool

• Wipe the charging port monthly.
• Avoid charging in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
• For solar panels, clean the surface every few weeks.

Monitor via the App

Set up battery notifications and check the app weekly. I have a reminder on my phone every Sunday to review camera battery levels. It takes 2 minutes and saves me from surprises.

Rotate Batteries (If Applicable)

If you have multiple Arlo Pro cameras with removable batteries, rotate them. This extends battery life and ensures you always have a charged spare.

Arlo Camera Model	Charging LED Behavior	Full Charge Time (Avg.)	Recommended Charger
Arlo Pro 4/5S	Solid orange (charging), solid green (full)	3–4 hours	Arlo 5V/2A magnetic charger
Arlo Ultra	Blinking orange (charging), solid green (full)	4–5 hours	Arlo 5V/2A magnetic charger
Arlo Essential (Indoor)	Solid orange (charging), solid green (full)	2.5–3 hours	Standard USB-C charger (5V/2A)
Arlo Go (LTE)	Blinking blue (charging), solid blue (full)	4–6 hours	Arlo 5V/2A USB-C charger
Arlo Solar Panel	Solid green (sunlight detected), blinking green (charging)	Depends on sunlight	N/A (powers camera directly)

Knowing whether your Arlo camera is charging doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Between LED lights, app notifications, and simple physical checks, you’ve got multiple ways to confirm it’s working. The key is consistency: check regularly, use the right gear, and don’t ignore small signs (like a blinking light or a missing lightning bolt). I’ve learned the hard way that a “set it and forget it” approach doesn’t work with security cameras. But with a little attention, your Arlo camera will stay charged, ready, and watching when you need it most. And honestly? That peace of mind is worth every minute you spend checking that little orange light.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my Arlo camera is charging?

When your Arlo camera is charging, the LED indicator on the device will typically turn solid amber or orange. Once fully charged, the light usually shifts to solid green, depending on your Arlo model.

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

The LED light provides real-time charging status: a blinking amber light indicates charging is in progress, while a solid green light confirms a full charge. Refer to your specific Arlo camera’s manual for model-specific LED behaviors.

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

Yes, the Arlo app may display charging status for some models under the device settings or battery section. However, the most reliable method is observing the physical LED indicator on the camera itself.

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

The LED indicator should light up within seconds of connecting the charger. If it doesn’t, check the cable, power source, or battery connection to ensure proper contact.

Why isn’t my Arlo camera showing any charging signs?

If the LED doesn’t activate, try a different USB cable, power adapter, or charging port. A loose battery or faulty charger is often the culprit when the Arlo camera charging process fails.

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

While the LED is the primary indicator, you can estimate charging status by monitoring the battery level in the Arlo app over time. A rising percentage confirms the Arlo camera is charging properly.