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

Check the LED indicator light on your Arlo camera—it turns solid red while charging and switches to solid green when fully charged. For wire-free models, you can also verify charging status in the Arlo app under Device Settings > Battery. Charging typically takes 3–4 hours, so monitor the app or LED to avoid overcharging.

Key Takeaways

• Check the LED light: A solid amber light means your Arlo camera is charging.
• Monitor battery status: Open the Arlo app to view real-time battery percentage.
• Verify power connection: Ensure the charger and cable are securely plugged in.
• Look for full charge: A green LED indicates your camera is fully charged.
• Use compatible chargers: Only Arlo-approved chargers prevent damage and ensure safety.
• Restart if stuck: Reset the camera if charging indicators don’t respond.

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

Imagine this: It’s a quiet evening, and you’re relaxing after a long day. Suddenly, you remember—your Arlo camera has been running low on battery. You plug it in, but how do you know if it’s actually charging? You glance at the camera, the app, maybe even shake the cable a little, hoping for a sign. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many Arlo users, especially new ones, find themselves asking, “How do I know if my Arlo camera is charging?”

The good news? Arlo has built-in indicators to help you monitor the charging status, but they’re not always obvious. Whether you’re using a solar panel, a USB cable, or a power adapter, understanding the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) cues can save you time, frustration, and even a false sense of security. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from visual indicators to app notifications—to confirm your Arlo camera is charging properly. Think of this as a friendly chat between two Arlo users who’ve been there, done that, and learned a few tricks along the way.

Understanding Your Arlo Camera’s Charging Indicators

Let’s start with the basics. Arlo cameras are designed to give you clear, real-time feedback on their charging status. But here’s the catch: the indicators vary depending on the model. For example, the Arlo Pro 4, Ultra, and Essential series have different LED behaviors. So, before we dive into specifics, it’s important to know which Arlo you’re using.

LED Light Behavior: The First Clue

The most immediate way to check if your Arlo camera is charging is by looking at the LED light. Most Arlo models have a small LED near the charging port or on the front face. Here’s what the colors and patterns mean:

• Solid Amber/Yellow Light: This is your go-to sign. A steady amber glow means the camera is actively charging. If you’ve just plugged it in, this should appear within 30 seconds to a minute.
• Flashing Amber/Yellow Light: This usually indicates a charging issue—like a poor connection, faulty cable, or incompatible power source. Try unplugging and reconnecting the cable.
• Solid White Light: Once the battery reaches 100%, the LED often switches to white. Some models (like the Arlo Pro 3) keep the amber light on until fully charged, then turn it off completely.
• No Light: If there’s no LED activity after plugging in, check the cable, power source, and port. It could also mean the battery is completely drained and needs a few minutes to “wake up” before showing a charge.

Pro Tip: If your camera has been sitting unused for weeks, the battery might be in a deep discharge state. In this case, leave it plugged in for 5–10 minutes before expecting an LED response.

Model-Specific LED Differences

Not all Arlo cameras are created equal. Here’s a quick breakdown of common models:

• Arlo Pro 2/3/4: Amber = charging, White = fully charged (or off).
• Arlo Ultra: Amber = charging, Blue = fully charged.
• Arlo Essential (Indoor/Outdoor): Amber = charging, no light = fully charged.
• Arlo Go (LTE): Flashing amber = charging, solid amber = 100% charged.

Personal Note: I once had an Arlo Pro 3 that wouldn’t show any LED. I panicked, thinking the battery was dead. Turns out, the USB-C cable had a loose connection. A quick wiggle fixed it—and the amber light came back to life. Lesson learned: always check the cable first.

Using the Arlo App to Monitor Charging Status

While the LED is helpful, the Arlo app is your best friend for real-time, detailed charging updates. It gives you more than just a light—it tells you the exact battery percentage, charging speed, and even estimated time to full charge.

Checking Battery Percentage in the App

Open the Arlo app and navigate to your camera’s dashboard. Look for the battery icon—it’s usually in the top-left or top-right corner of the camera tile. Here’s what to look for:

• Battery Icon with a Plug Symbol: This means the camera is currently charging. The percentage will increase gradually as it charges.
• Battery Icon with “100%” or “Full”: Charging complete. You can unplug it now.
• Red or Low Battery Icon: Below 10–15%. Time to plug in soon, even if it’s not actively charging yet.

Example: Let’s say your Arlo Pro 4 shows 25% in the app. You plug it in, and the battery icon changes to include a plug. Within 30 minutes, it jumps to 40%. That’s a clear sign it’s charging.

Charging Speed and Estimated Time

The app doesn’t always show an exact “time to full charge,” but you can estimate it. Most Arlo cameras charge at about 1–2% per minute with a standard 5V/2A adapter. So, if your battery is at 30%, it should take roughly 35–70 minutes to reach 100%. Faster charging (like with a 9V/2A adapter) can cut that time in half—but only if your camera supports it.

Tip: Use the app to set a charging reminder. If your camera hits 20%, enable “Low Battery Alerts” in the app settings. That way, you’ll get a notification before it dies.

Troubleshooting App Glitches

Sometimes, the app might not update the charging status in real time. Here’s what to do:

• Force close the app and reopen it.
• Check if your phone has the latest Arlo app update.
• Ensure your camera is connected to Wi-Fi (for wired models) or has cellular signal (for Arlo Go).
• If the battery percentage seems stuck, try unplugging and plugging back in—then refresh the app.

Real-World Fix: I had an Arlo Essential that showed “100%” in the app, but the LED was still amber. I unplugged it, waited 10 seconds, then plugged it back in. The app updated to show “charging,” and the percentage started rising again. Sometimes, a simple reset does the trick.

Charging with Solar Panels: What to Look For

If you’re using an Arlo Solar Panel, the process is a bit different. Solar charging is slower and depends on sunlight, so the indicators might not be as immediate or consistent.

LED Behavior with Solar Charging

When connected to a solar panel, the LED behavior is similar to USB charging, but with a few nuances:

• Amber Light During Sunlight Hours: As long as the sun is shining, the camera should show a solid amber light. This means the solar panel is actively charging the battery.
• No Light at Night: The solar panel stops charging in darkness. The LED will turn off, but the camera will keep running on battery power.
• Flashing Amber in Low Light: On cloudy days or in shaded areas, the solar panel may not deliver enough power. The LED might flicker, indicating slow or inconsistent charging.

Pro Tip: Place your solar panel where it gets at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily. South-facing (in the Northern Hemisphere) is ideal. Even a small shadow can reduce charging efficiency by 30–50%.

Checking Solar Charging in the App

The Arlo app doesn’t have a specific “solar charging” status, but you can infer it from the battery percentage:

• If the battery increases during daylight and decreases at night, your solar panel is working.
• If the battery drops consistently, even during the day, the panel might be underperforming.

Example: My Arlo Pro 4 with a solar panel gains about 15% per sunny day. On cloudy days, it might only gain 2–5%. That’s normal. But if it loses charge during daylight, the panel might be dirty, damaged, or poorly positioned.

Common Solar Charging Issues

• Dusty or Dirty Panel: Wipe it with a damp cloth every few weeks.
• Wrong Angle: Adjust the panel to face the sun directly.
• Faulty Connection: Check the USB cable between the panel and camera. A loose connection can interrupt charging.

Personal Story: I once had a solar panel that stopped charging. The LED was off during the day. After checking, I found the USB cable had frayed near the connector. A $10 replacement cable fixed it—and the amber light came back.

Common Charging Problems (And How to Fix Them)

Even with clear indicators, charging issues happen. Let’s tackle the most common problems and their solutions.

“No LED Light After Plugging In”

This is frustrating, but usually fixable:

• Check the Power Source: Plug your adapter into a different outlet. Use a phone charger to test the outlet first.
• Inspect the Cable: Look for frayed wires, bent connectors, or corrosion. Try a different USB cable.
• Clean the Charging Port: Use a dry toothbrush or compressed air to remove dust or debris from the camera’s port.
• Reset the Camera: Power cycle it by holding the sync button for 10 seconds. Then plug it back in.

Tip: If you’re using a third-party cable, make sure it’s rated for at least 5V/2A. Cheap cables often can’t handle the power needs.

“Charging Is Too Slow”

A slow charge might not be a problem—but it could be a sign of:

• Low-Power Adapter: Use the original Arlo adapter or a high-quality 5V/2A (or higher) charger.
• Long or Thin Cable: Shorter, thicker cables (like USB-C) charge faster.
• Extreme Temperatures: Charging slows down in very hot or cold environments. Ideal range: 32°F–104°F (0°C–40°C).

Example: My Arlo Pro 3 charged in 2 hours with a 5V/2A adapter. With a 5V/1A phone charger, it took 4 hours. Always use the right adapter!

“Battery Drains Quickly After Charging”

If your camera loses charge fast, even after a full charge:

• Check for Firmware Updates: Outdated firmware can cause battery drain. Update via the Arlo app.
• Reduce Motion Sensitivity: Lower the motion detection sensitivity in settings. High sensitivity uses more power.
• Disable Unnecessary Features: Turn off night vision, audio recording, or continuous video if not needed.
• Test the Battery: If the battery drains in under 24 hours, it might be old or defective. Contact Arlo support for a replacement.

Note: Batteries degrade over time. Most Arlo batteries last 2–3 years with regular use. If yours is older, consider replacing it.

Data Table: Arlo Camera Charging Indicators by Model

Arlo Model	Charging LED Color	Fully Charged LED	App Charging Symbol	Typical Charge Time (0–100%)
Arlo Pro 2	Amber	White	Plug icon + rising %	2.5–3 hours
Arlo Pro 3/4	Amber	Off or white	Plug icon + rising %	2–2.5 hours
Arlo Ultra	Amber	Blue	Plug icon + rising %	2–2.5 hours
Arlo Essential	Amber	Off	Plug icon + rising %	2–3 hours
Arlo Go	Flashing amber	Solid amber	Plug icon + rising %	3–4 hours

Note: Charge times vary based on adapter power, cable quality, and environmental conditions. Solar charging is not included in this table—it depends entirely on sunlight exposure.

Final Thoughts: Staying Confident About Your Arlo’s Charge

Knowing if your Arlo camera is charging doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Between the LED lights, the Arlo app, and a few troubleshooting tricks, you’ve got everything you need to stay confident. The key is to observe consistently. Check the LED when you plug in. Glance at the app every few hours. And if something seems off, don’t panic—try the simple fixes first.

Remember, every Arlo user hits a snag now and then. Maybe the LED won’t turn on. Maybe the app shows “100%” but the battery dies in an hour. These moments aren’t failures—they’re learning opportunities. Over time, you’ll develop a sixth sense for your camera’s habits. You’ll know when it’s charging, when it’s struggling, and when it just needs a little TLC.

So, the next time you plug in your Arlo, take a moment to watch the LED. Open the app. See the percentage rise. There’s something satisfying about watching that battery climb—knowing your home is protected, one charged percent at a time. And now, with this guide in your back pocket, you’ll never have to wonder, “Is my Arlo camera charging?” again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my Arlo camera is charging?

Check the LED indicator on your Arlo camera—it typically glows solid amber while charging and turns solid 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 light means your Arlo camera is actively charging, while a solid green light indicates a full charge. If the LED blinks red, there may be a charging error or connection issue.

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

Yes, the Arlo app displays real-time battery status under the “Device Settings” for your camera. Look for the charging icon or percentage to confirm it’s receiving power.

Why isn’t my Arlo camera showing it’s charging even when plugged in?

This could be due to a faulty cable, loose connection, or power source issue. Try reseating the charging cable or testing with a different outlet to troubleshoot the problem.

How long does it take for an Arlo camera to fully charge?

Most Arlo cameras take 4–6 hours to fully charge, depending on the model and battery level. The app or LED indicator will confirm when charging is complete.

Is there a way to tell if my Arlo camera is charging slowly?

If the battery percentage in the Arlo app increases by less than 10–20% per hour, it may be charging slowly. This often results from using a low-power adapter or a damaged charging cable.