How Do I Know My Arlo Camera Is Charging Find Out Now

Check the LED indicator on your Arlo camera—it turns solid amber while charging and switches to solid green when fully charged. This quick visual cue ensures you’re never left guessing, especially when using the Arlo app to monitor battery status remotely. Always confirm charging by verifying the LED and app alerts to avoid power interruptions.

Key Takeaways

• Check LED indicators: Solid or blinking lights confirm charging status.
• Use the Arlo app: View real-time battery levels and charging progress.
• Inspect connections: Ensure the cable and power source are secure.
• Monitor charging time: Full charge typically takes 3-4 hours.
• Restart if unresponsive: Resolve charging issues with a quick reboot.
• Verify power source: Use a reliable outlet or USB port for best results.

Understanding Your Arlo Camera’s Charging Process

Imagine this: you’re about to leave for a weekend getaway, and your mind is already picturing the peace of mind that comes with knowing your Arlo camera is charged and keeping an eye on your home. But then it hits you—how do you know your Arlo camera is charging? It’s a simple question, but one that can cause a lot of confusion if you’re new to Arlo or haven’t had to charge it in a while. I’ve been there, too. That blinking light, the app notification that says “battery low,” and the nagging doubt—is it charging or just pretending?

The good news is, Arlo has designed its cameras with user-friendly charging indicators, but they’re not always as straightforward as we’d like. Whether you’re using a solar panel, a USB cable, or a charging station, the signs that your camera is charging can vary slightly depending on the model. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from the visual cues to the app notifications and even troubleshooting tips—so you never have to second-guess whether your Arlo is actually charging. Think of this as your go-to cheat sheet, written by someone who’s spent way too much time staring at a blinking light and wondering, “Is this thing doing anything?”

Visual Indicators on the Arlo Camera

One of the easiest ways to confirm your Arlo camera is charging is by looking at the physical indicators on the device itself. Arlo has kept this pretty consistent across models, but there are a few differences depending on whether you have an older Arlo Pro, a newer Arlo Ultra, or a battery-powered Arlo Go. Let’s break it down.

Blinking Lights: What Do They Mean?

Most Arlo cameras have an LED status light that gives you real-time feedback on the charging process. Here’s what to look for:

• Solid Amber Light: This means your camera is charging. It’s like the camera is saying, “Yep, I’m plugged in and getting juiced up.” This is the most common sign that charging is in progress.
• Blinking Amber Light: This can mean a few things. On some models, it indicates the battery is low and charging has started. On others, a slow blink might mean the camera is in pairing mode. But if you’ve just plugged it in and it’s blinking amber, it’s usually safe to assume it’s charging—especially if it turns solid amber after a few minutes.
• Solid Green Light: Congratulations! Your camera is fully charged. This is the “all systems go” indicator. Once you see this, you can safely disconnect the camera and re-install it.
• No Light: If the light is off, it could mean the camera isn’t properly connected to the power source, the battery is completely drained, or there’s an issue with the charger. More on troubleshooting this later.

For example, I once had an Arlo Pro 3 that wouldn’t charge. The light stayed off no matter how many times I unplugged and re-plugged the USB cable. After checking the power adapter and trying a different outlet, I realized the micro-USB port on the camera had gotten slightly bent. A gentle realignment fixed it—but it taught me to always inspect the physical connection first.

Location of the LED Light

The LED is typically located near the charging port or on the front of the camera, depending on the model. For instance:

• Arlo Pro/Pro 2/Pro 3: The LED is on the front, just below the lens.
• Arlo Ultra/Ultra 2: The LED is on the side, near the magnetic charging port.
• Arlo Go: The LED is on the back, near the USB-C port.

Knowing where to look can save you time. I once spent 10 minutes searching for the light on my Ultra, only to realize it was on the side and not the front. Rookie mistake, but now I know!

Charging with a Solar Panel

If you’re using a solar panel (like the Arlo Solar Panel), the charging process is a bit different. The camera itself won’t show a solid amber light unless it’s actively drawing power from the panel. Instead, you might see:

• A blinking amber light during the day when the panel is generating power.
• A solid amber light when the battery is low and the panel is actively charging.
• No light at night—because, well, the sun’s not out.

Pro tip: If you’re relying on solar, make sure the panel gets at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. I installed mine under a tree and wondered why my camera died after a week. Lesson learned: full sun or bust.

Checking the Arlo App for Charging Status

If you’re like me, you probably spend more time looking at your phone than at your camera. The Arlo app is your best friend when it comes to monitoring charging status—and it’s often more reliable than the physical lights.

Battery Percentage in the App

Open the Arlo app and tap on your camera. You’ll see a battery icon with a percentage next to it. This is the most direct way to know if your camera is charging:

• If the percentage is increasing over time, your camera is charging.
• If the percentage is staying the same or decreasing, there might be an issue with the power source or connection.
• If the battery icon shows a charging symbol (⚡), it’s a clear sign the camera is connected to power and charging.

I check this every morning after charging my cameras overnight. If the battery is at 100%, I know it worked. If it’s at 85%, I know something went wrong—like the power strip was accidentally turned off.

Notifications and Alerts

The Arlo app also sends push notifications for battery-related events. You’ll get alerts like:

• “Battery low: Camera will go offline soon.”
• “Battery fully charged.”
• “Charging started.”

These are super helpful, especially if you’re not home. I once got a “charging started” notification while I was at work, which told me my solar panel was doing its job. But if you don’t see a “charging started” alert after plugging in your camera, it could mean the connection isn’t secure or the power source isn’t working.

Charging History and Usage Data

The app also shows you charging history. Tap on the camera > Device Settings > Device Info > Battery. Here, you’ll see:

• Last charged time
• Average battery life
• Estimated time to full charge

This data helps you plan better. For example, if your Arlo Pro 3 takes 6 hours to charge, you’ll know to plug it in by 10 PM to have it ready by 4 AM. I use this to avoid last-minute panic before trips.

Common Charging Methods and Their Indicators

Not all Arlo cameras charge the same way. Let’s look at the most common charging methods and how each one signals that charging is happening.

USB Charging (Arlo Pro, Ultra, etc.)

Most Arlo cameras use USB charging. Here’s how it works:

• Connect the camera to a 5V/2A power adapter (like a phone charger) using a micro-USB or USB-C cable.
• Plug the adapter into a wall outlet or power strip.
• Look for the solid amber light on the camera.
• Check the app for battery percentage increase.

Pro tip: Use a high-quality cable. I once used a cheap USB cable that looked fine but barely charged my camera. A branded cable fixed the issue.

Magnetic Charging Dock (Arlo Ultra, Pro 3, etc.)

Some Arlo models come with a magnetic dock that makes charging easier. Here’s how to tell it’s working:

• The camera snaps onto the dock magnetically.
• The LED on the dock or camera turns solid amber.
• The app shows the charging symbol and increasing battery percentage.

I love the magnetic dock because it’s foolproof—no fiddling with cables. But if the magnet isn’t aligned right, the light won’t come on. Make sure the camera is seated firmly.

Solar Panel Charging

As mentioned earlier, solar panels are great for continuous charging, but they have unique indicators:

• During daylight: blinking amber light on the camera.
• When battery is low: solid amber light as the panel charges it.
• App shows “Solar charging active” in the status.

One thing to note: solar panels won’t charge a completely dead battery. You’ll need to give the camera a “jump start” with a USB charger first.

Arlo Charging Station (for multiple cameras)

If you have multiple Arlo cameras, the charging station is a game-changer. Here’s how to confirm it’s working:

• Each camera slot has an LED: amber = charging, green = full.
• The station itself may have a power LED to show it’s connected.
• Check the app for each camera’s battery status.

I use the charging station for my three Arlo Pro 3s. It’s so convenient to just drop them in and know they’re charging—no more tangled cables.

Troubleshooting: When Your Arlo Isn’t Charging

Even with all these indicators, things can go wrong. Here’s what to do if your Arlo camera isn’t charging—and how to confirm it’s not just a false alarm.

No Light, No Charge

If there’s no LED light and the battery isn’t increasing in the app, try these steps:

1. Check the power source: Plug a different device into the same outlet. If it doesn’t work, the outlet is the issue.
2. Inspect the cable and port: Look for bent pins, frayed wires, or debris in the charging port. Clean the port with compressed air if needed.
3. Try a different cable or adapter: Use a known-working cable and 5V/2A adapter.
4. Test with another camera: If you have a second Arlo, see if it charges with the same setup.

I once thought my camera was broken because it wouldn’t charge. Turns out, the USB cable had a tiny break inside—invisible to the naked eye. A new cable fixed it in seconds.

Battery Draining Faster Than It Charges

This is common in cold weather or if the camera is recording constantly. Here’s what to do:

• Reduce motion sensitivity: Go to Settings > Motion Detection > Sensitivity. Lower it to reduce false alerts.
• Limit activity zones: Only monitor high-traffic areas.
• Use a solar panel: It helps offset power usage.

My backyard Arlo used to drain in 2 days because it kept detecting falling leaves. Reducing sensitivity to 60% fixed the issue.

App Not Showing Charging Status

If the app shows no change in battery percentage but the light is on:

• Force-close and reopen the Arlo app.
• Restart your phone.
• Check for app updates.
• Re-sync the camera: Tap on the camera > Settings > Remove Device > Add Device.

This happened to me once after an app update. A simple restart fixed it.

Data Table: Arlo Camera Charging Indicators by Model

Arlo Model	Charging Light (Active)	Full Charge Light	Charging Method	Time to Full Charge
Arlo Pro 3	Solid Amber	Solid Green	USB-C or Magnetic Dock	5-6 hours
Arlo Ultra	Solid Amber	Solid Green	USB-C or Magnetic Dock	6-7 hours
Arlo Pro 2	Solid Amber	Solid Green	Micro-USB	4-5 hours
Arlo Go	Blinking Amber	Solid Green	USB-C	6-8 hours
Arlo Essential	Solid Amber	Solid Green	USB-C	5-6 hours

This table is a handy reference, but always check your specific model’s manual for details. Charging times can vary based on battery condition and power source.

Conclusion: Never Wonder Again

So, how do you know your Arlo camera is charging? The answer is simple: look for the solid amber light, check the battery percentage in the app, and trust the process—but only after verifying the connection. Whether you’re using a USB cable, magnetic dock, or solar panel, Arlo has given you plenty of ways to confirm that your camera is getting the power it needs.

I’ll admit, I used to stress about this every time I charged my cameras. But now, I know exactly what to look for—and I’ve turned it into a quick 30-second routine. Plug it in, check the light, glance at the app, and walk away with confidence. No more guessing, no more doubt.

Remember, the key is consistency. Charge your camera regularly, keep an eye on the indicators, and don’t ignore the little signs—like a blinking light or a slow battery increase—that might point to a bigger issue. And if something’s not working, don’t panic. Most charging problems are fixable with a simple cable swap or port cleaning.

At the end of the day, your Arlo camera is only as reliable as its battery. By knowing how to confirm it’s charging, you’re not just keeping your camera alive—you’re keeping your home safe. So go ahead, plug it in, and rest easy knowing your eyes in the sky are wide awake and ready to watch over you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know my Arlo camera is charging?

When your Arlo camera is charging, the LED indicator will typically glow solid amber or orange. Once fully charged, the LED usually turns solid green or blue, depending on the model.

What do the Arlo camera LED colors mean during charging?

The LED light on your Arlo camera provides key status updates: amber indicates charging in progress, while green means 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 battery percentage and charging status under “Device Settings.” If the battery icon shows a charging symbol, your camera is actively charging.

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

If no LED lights appear, ensure the charging cable is securely connected and the power source is working. Try a different cable or adapter to rule out hardware issues.

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

Most Arlo cameras take 4–8 hours to charge fully, depending on the battery size and charger output. The LED turning green confirms the charging process is complete.

Is it safe to leave my Arlo camera charging overnight?

Yes, Arlo cameras have built-in overcharge protection. Once fully charged, the charging automatically stops, making it safe to leave plugged in overnight.