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

The Arlo Pro camera shows a solid red LED light when charging and switches to a blinking blue light once fully charged, making it easy to monitor charging status at a glance. For quick confirmation, check the Arlo app—it displays real-time battery levels and charging progress. Always ensure the charging cable is securely connected to avoid interruptions.

Key Takeaways

• Check the LED: A solid amber light confirms your Arlo Pro is charging.
• Monitor battery icon: The app shows real-time charging status and battery level.
• Use the Arlo app: Open it to verify charging progress and receive notifications.
• Inspect connections: Ensure the USB cable and power source are securely plugged in.
• Watch for green light: A steady green LED indicates a full charge is complete.
• Avoid interruptions: Keep the camera powered during firmware updates to prevent issues.

How to Tell If Your Arlo Pro Camera Is Charging: A Quick Guide

Let’s be honest: there’s nothing more frustrating than thinking your security camera is charging, only to find out later that it’s been running on fumes. I remember the first time I installed my Arlo Pro camera. I plugged it in, walked away, and assumed everything was working. A week later, I got a low battery alert—right in the middle of a storm. Not ideal. That’s when I realized: knowing how do I know my Arlo Pro camera is charging isn’t just a convenience, it’s essential for peace of mind.

Whether you’re a new Arlo owner or just troubleshooting a finicky battery, this guide will walk you through every way to confirm your camera is charging properly. From the blinking lights to app notifications and even the sneaky signs your battery might be struggling, we’ll cover it all. No fluff, no jargon—just real talk from someone who’s been there. So if you’ve ever stared at that little LED and wondered, “Is it working?” you’re in the right place.

Understanding the Arlo Pro Charging System

Before we dive into the signs your Arlo Pro is charging, it helps to know how the system works. The Arlo Pro line—especially the Pro 2, Pro 3, and Pro 4—uses a combination of hardware and software to keep you informed about charging status. It’s not just about plugging in a cable and hoping for the best. There’s a whole ecosystem behind the scenes.

How Arlo Pro Cameras Charge: Wired vs. Solar

There are two main ways to charge your Arlo Pro:

• Wired charging: Using the included USB cable and a power adapter (like a phone charger). This is the most reliable method, especially indoors or in a garage.
• Solar charging: With the official Arlo Solar Panel, which continuously tops up the battery when exposed to sunlight. Great for outdoor setups, but less effective on cloudy days or in shaded areas.

Here’s a quick tip: If you’re using a wall adapter, make sure it’s at least 5V/2A (10W). I once used a weak tablet charger and the camera charged so slowly it barely kept up with daily usage. Not cool. A good rule of thumb: if your phone charges fast with it, your Arlo will too.

The Role of the Rechargeable Battery

All Arlo Pro models use a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. These are designed for long life, but they still need proper care. Over time, batteries degrade—especially if you frequently drain them to 0% or leave them plugged in 24/7. The Arlo system tries to help by using a “smart charging” algorithm that prevents overcharging and optimizes battery health.

But here’s the catch: the camera won’t show “charging” on the app unless the battery is below 100%. So if your battery is already at 95%, you might plug it in and see no change in the app. That doesn’t mean it’s not charging—it just means the system is in “maintenance mode,” trickle-charging to preserve battery life. Smart, right?

Visual Indicators: LED Lights and What They Mean

One of the first things you’ll notice when you plug in your Arlo Pro is the LED light. It’s your camera’s way of communicating—like a little mood ring for your security system. But not all lights are created equal. Let’s break down what each color and pattern means.

Solid Green Light

A solid green LED means your camera is fully charged and powered on. This is the “all good” signal. If you see this, your battery is at 100% and no longer actively charging. It’s a great sight, but don’t assume it means the camera is still plugged in—sometimes the light stays green even after the cable is unplugged. Sneaky, I know.

Blinking Amber (Yellow) Light

A blinking amber light is your best friend when asking, “How do I know my Arlo Pro camera is charging?” This is the active charging signal. When you plug in the camera, the light should turn amber and blink slowly (about once per second). This means the battery is taking in power and charging is in progress.

Pro tip: The blink rate can vary slightly depending on the model. Arlo Pro 2 and 3 blink more consistently than older models. If the light is blinking erratically or not at all, that’s a red flag.

Solid Amber Light

A solid amber LED is less common but still important. It usually appears when the camera is in a “low charge” state and just started charging. Think of it as the “waking up” phase. After a minute or two, it should switch to blinking amber. If it stays solid for more than 10 minutes, there might be a connection issue—like a loose cable or a faulty power source.

No Light or Flashing Red

Uh-oh. If there’s no light at all, or if you see a flashing red LED, something’s wrong. No light could mean:

• The battery is completely dead and needs time to wake up (try charging for 30 minutes first).
• The power adapter or cable isn’t working.
• The camera has a hardware issue (rare, but possible).

A flashing red light often indicates a critical error—like a battery failure or overheating. Unplug the camera immediately, let it cool down, and try again. If the red light persists, contact Arlo support.

Checking Charging Status via the Arlo App

Let’s face it: staring at a blinking light isn’t always convenient. That’s where the Arlo app comes in. It’s your digital dashboard for all things Arlo—including real-time charging updates.

Step-by-Step: Viewing Battery Level and Charging Status

1. Open the Arlo app on your phone or tablet.
2. Tap on the camera you want to check.
3. Look at the top of the screen. You’ll see a battery icon with a percentage (e.g., “87%”).
4. If the camera is charging, you’ll see a small lightning bolt or “Charging” label next to the battery.

For example, if your battery is at 65% and you see a lightning bolt, you know it’s actively charging. If it’s at 100% and no bolt, it’s fully charged and no longer drawing power.

Real-Time Charging Notifications

The app also sends push notifications when:

• Charging starts (if battery was below 100%).
• Charging completes (battery reaches 100%).
• Battery drops below 20% (a warning to recharge).

I love this feature because it means I don’t have to babysit the camera. Last month, I got a “Charging Complete” alert while I was at the grocery store. I knew my camera was ready for another week of monitoring—no guesswork.

Troubleshooting App Glitches

Sometimes the app doesn’t update in real time. I’ve had moments where the app showed “Not Charging” even though the LED was blinking amber. Here’s what I do to fix it:

• Force close the Arlo app and reopen it.
• Check your internet connection (the camera needs Wi-Fi to sync with the app).
• Reboot the camera by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in.
• Update the app and camera firmware (outdated software can cause sync issues).

One time, I had to update the firmware to fix a charging display bug. Took 5 minutes, and boom—back to normal.

Solar Charging: What to Expect and How to Monitor

If you’re using the Arlo Solar Panel, the game changes a bit. Solar charging is slower and less predictable than wired charging, but it’s perfect for keeping your camera running 24/7 without constant battery swaps.

How Solar Charging Works

The Arlo Solar Panel generates electricity when exposed to sunlight. It’s connected to your camera via a weatherproof cable, and the camera uses that power to:

• Charge the battery when it’s low.
• Power the camera directly (if the sun is strong enough).

But here’s the catch: solar panels only work when the sun is out. On cloudy days, charging slows down or stops. In winter, with shorter daylight hours, you might only get a 10–20% charge per day. That’s why many users combine solar with occasional wired charging.

Monitoring Solar Charging in the App

The Arlo app shows solar charging just like wired charging. When the solar panel is active, you’ll see the lightning bolt next to the battery icon. But there’s a twist: the app also shows a “Solar” label if the panel is connected and generating power.

For example, I have a camera on my backyard fence with a solar panel. On a sunny day, the app shows “Charging (Solar)” and the battery slowly climbs. On a rainy day, it might show “Not Charging” even though the panel is connected—because there’s no sunlight.

Tips for Maximizing Solar Efficiency

• Angle the panel toward the sun: In the Northern Hemisphere, aim it south. Tilt it at 30–45 degrees for best results.
• Keep it clean: Dust, leaves, or snow can block sunlight. Wipe it down monthly.
• Use a long cable: The Arlo Solar Panel comes with a 6.5-foot cable, but you can buy an extension (up to 33 feet) to reach sunnier spots.
• Check weather patterns: If you live in a cloudy area, consider supplementing with wired charging every few weeks.

One winter, my solar panel was covered in snow for three days. The battery dropped to 15%. I used a soft brush to clear the snow, and within a few hours of sunlight, it was back to 60%. Crisis averted.

Common Charging Issues and How to Fix Them

Even the best tech has hiccups. Here are the most common charging problems I’ve encountered—and how to solve them.

Camera Not Charging (No LED or App Update)

If your camera shows no signs of charging, start with these steps:

1. Check the power source: Plug the adapter into a different outlet. Try a different USB cable (preferably the one that came with the camera).
2. Inspect the battery contacts: Remove the battery and look for corrosion or debris. Gently clean with a dry cloth.
3. Let it charge for 30 minutes: Sometimes a deeply drained battery needs time to “wake up.”
4. Test with another battery: If you have a spare, swap it in. If the new battery charges, the old one might be dead.

I once had a camera that wouldn’t charge. Turned out the USB port on the wall adapter was loose. Swapped it for my phone charger—problem solved.

Slow Charging or Not Reaching 100%

Slow charging can be caused by:

• A weak power adapter (less than 5V/2A).
• Using a long or low-quality USB cable.
• Extreme temperatures (batteries charge slower in cold weather).
• Aging battery (after 1–2 years of daily use).

My Arlo Pro 2 took forever to charge in winter. I brought it inside to charge, and it filled up twice as fast. Lesson learned: temperature matters.

Intermittent Charging (On and Off)

If your camera charges for a few minutes, then stops, then starts again, it might be due to:

• A loose cable connection.
• Power fluctuations in your home (try a different outlet).
• Overheating (unplug and let it cool down).

One time, my garage outlet had a loose wire. The camera would charge, then lose connection, then reconnect. I fixed the outlet—and the problem disappeared.

Data Table: Arlo Pro Charging Status Quick Reference

LED Light	App Status	Meaning	Action
Solid Green	100% (No lightning bolt)	Fully charged, not charging	Unplug or leave as-is
Blinking Amber	Charging (with lightning bolt)	Actively charging	Wait for completion
Solid Amber	Charging (initial phase)	Starting to charge	Wait 5–10 minutes
No Light	No status update	No power or dead battery	Check cable, adapter, or battery
Flashing Red	Error or warning	Critical issue (overheat, failure)	Unplug, cool, restart, contact support
—	Charging (Solar)	Solar panel active	Ensure sunlight exposure

Final Thoughts: Stay Charged, Stay Secure

Knowing how do I know my Arlo Pro camera is charging isn’t just about avoiding a dead battery. It’s about trust. Trust that your home is being watched. Trust that the system is working. And trust that you’ve got the tools to fix it when it’s not.

From the blinking amber light to the app’s lightning bolt, every signal is a piece of the puzzle. Combine visual cues with app updates, and you’ll never be left guessing. Whether you’re using a wall charger or soaking up the sun with a solar panel, the key is consistency—check your cameras weekly, keep your cables in good shape, and don’t ignore those low-battery alerts.

I’ve learned the hard way that a little attention goes a long way. My Arlo cameras have saved me from package thieves, curious raccoons, and even a surprise visit from my in-laws. All because I took the time to make sure they were always charged and ready.

So the next time you plug in your Arlo Pro, take a moment. Look at the light. Open the app. Smile when you see that lightning bolt. Because now you know—your camera isn’t just charging. It’s watching over what matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know my Arlo Pro camera is charging?

When your Arlo Pro camera is charging, the LED indicator on the front will glow solid amber. Once fully charged, the light will turn solid green, confirming a complete charge.

What do the LED colors mean when my Arlo Pro camera is charging?

A solid amber LED means the camera is actively charging, while a solid green LED indicates a full charge. If the light is off, the camera isn’t receiving power or is fully charged and disconnected.

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

The Arlo Pro camera typically shows the amber charging LED within a few seconds of being connected to a power source. If it doesn’t light up, check the cable and adapter for issues.

Can I check the charging status of my Arlo Pro camera in the app?

Yes, the Arlo app displays battery levels under the device settings. While it won’t show “charging” status directly, a rising percentage indicates the camera is charging properly.

Why isn’t the LED on my Arlo Pro camera lighting up during charging?

If the LED doesn’t light up, ensure the USB cable and power adapter are securely connected and functioning. Try a different outlet or cable to rule out power supply issues.

Does the Arlo Pro camera make a sound when it starts charging?

No, the Arlo Pro camera doesn’t emit any sounds during charging. You’ll need to rely on the LED indicators or the app to monitor the charging progress.