How Do You Charge the Arlo Cameras A Complete Guide

Charging your Arlo cameras is simple and flexible, thanks to their rechargeable batteries and weather-resistant magnetic charging cables. Most models, like the Arlo Pro and Ultra, use a USB-powered magnetic charger that snaps on easily—just plug it into a power source, wall outlet, or portable battery for continuous use. For wire-free setups, remove the battery and charge it separately, or opt for the Arlo Solar Panel for eco-friendly, uninterrupted power.

Key Takeaways

• Use the included charger: Always charge with Arlo’s official power adapter for optimal performance.
• Check battery level: Monitor via the Arlo app to avoid unexpected downtime.
• Remove battery to charge: Some models require detaching the battery before charging.
• Charge fully before use: Ensure 100% charge for maximum battery lifespan.
• Use solar panels: Opt for Arlo Solar Panel for continuous, eco-friendly charging.
• Store properly when not in use: Keep batteries at 50% charge to preserve health.

How Do You Charge the Arlo Cameras? A Complete Guide

Let’s face it—smart home security cameras like Arlo are a game-changer. They give us peace of mind, whether we’re watching over our homes while on vacation or just keeping an eye on the kids playing in the backyard. But here’s the catch: none of that matters if your camera runs out of juice. I remember the first time my Arlo camera blinked red at me, signaling low battery—my heart sank. I was away from home, and the last thing I wanted was a blind spot in my security system.

Charging Arlo cameras isn’t rocket science, but it *can* feel a bit overwhelming if you’re new to the ecosystem. With different models, battery types, and charging options, it’s easy to get confused. Some cameras are wired, others are battery-powered, and a few even come with solar panels. So, how do you charge the Arlo cameras? The answer depends on the model, your setup, and your lifestyle. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from plugging in your camera to maximizing battery life—so you never get caught off guard again.

Understanding Arlo Camera Models and Their Power Needs

Before diving into charging methods, it’s essential to understand the different Arlo camera models and how they handle power. Not all Arlo cameras are created equal, and their charging needs vary significantly. Knowing your camera type will help you choose the right charging strategy.

Wired vs. Battery-Powered Arlo Cameras

Arlo offers two main types of cameras: wired and battery-powered.

• Wired cameras (like the Arlo Pro 5S, Arlo Ultra, and Arlo Essential Wired) plug directly into a power outlet using a USB cable and adapter. These are ideal for permanent installations where you don’t want to worry about battery swaps.
• Battery-powered cameras (such as the Arlo Pro 3, Arlo Go, and Arlo Essential Wire-Free) run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These offer flexibility for outdoor or hard-to-reach spots where running a wire isn’t practical.

For example, I installed a wired Arlo Ultra near my front door—it’s always powered, and I never have to think about it. But for my backyard, where outlets are scarce, I use a battery-powered Arlo Pro 3. It’s perfect for areas without easy access to power, but I do have to plan for recharging.

Hybrid Models: Best of Both Worlds

Some Arlo cameras, like the Arlo Pro 4, are hybrid—they can run on battery *or* be connected to continuous power via a USB cable. This is great if you want the flexibility of wireless installation but the reliability of a constant power source. I use a Pro 4 on my garage, connected to a weatherproof outlet with a long USB extension. It gives me the best of both worlds: no battery swaps, and no need to drill holes for a permanent wired setup.

Solar-Powered Options

If you’re looking to go green (and reduce charging hassle), Arlo’s solar panels are a fantastic option. The Arlo Solar Panel is compatible with most battery-powered models (Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, and Essential Wire-Free). I installed one for my backyard camera, and it’s been a game-changer—my battery stays charged for months, even in winter.

Pro tip: Make sure your solar panel gets at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If it’s shaded or facing the wrong direction, it won’t charge efficiently.

How to Charge Battery-Powered Arlo Cameras

Battery-powered Arlo cameras are popular for their ease of installation and flexibility. But how do you charge the Arlo cameras when the battery runs low? Let’s break it down step by step.

Step 1: Remove the Battery

Most Arlo battery-powered cameras (like the Pro 3 and Pro 4) have removable batteries. Here’s how to remove it:

1. Turn the camera upside down and locate the battery compartment.
2. Slide the latch to unlock the compartment.
3. Gently pull out the battery—it’s usually held in with a small clip or magnet.

I once tried to force the battery out and ended up scratching the camera. Lesson learned: be gentle! The battery slides out smoothly when you release the latch properly.

Step 2: Use the Arlo Charging Cradle

Arlo includes a charging cradle with most battery-powered models. This is the easiest and safest way to charge the battery. Just place the battery in the cradle, plug the cradle into a wall outlet using the provided USB cable and adapter, and wait.

• Charging time: Typically 3–5 hours for a full charge, depending on the battery level.
• LED indicator: The cradle has a light that turns solid red when charging and green when fully charged.

I keep my charging cradle on a shelf near my router. That way, I can charge the battery while still monitoring the camera via the Arlo app. It’s a small detail, but it makes the process so much more convenient.

Alternative: Charge via USB Cable (Without Cradle)

No cradle? No problem. You can charge the battery directly using a USB cable and any power source (like a wall adapter, power bank, or even your laptop).

• Connect the battery to the USB cable (the same one used for the cradle).
• Plug the other end into a power source.
• Monitor the battery’s LED light—it will blink red when charging and turn solid green when done.

This method is handy when you’re traveling or don’t have the cradle handy. But I’ve found it’s less stable than using the cradle—the battery can slip out if the cable is tugged.

Charging Tips for Maximum Efficiency

• Charge before it hits 0%: Letting the battery drain completely can shorten its lifespan. I try to swap in a fresh battery when the app shows 15–20% remaining.

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• Use the right charger: Stick to the Arlo-branded USB adapter (5V/2A) for optimal charging speed and safety.
• Keep batteries cool: Don’t charge in direct sunlight or near heat sources. Heat degrades lithium-ion batteries over time.

Charging Wired Arlo Cameras: The Plug-and-Play Method

If you’re using a wired Arlo camera, charging isn’t a concern—it’s powered continuously. But there are still a few things you need to know to ensure reliable operation.

What You Need for Wired Charging

All wired Arlo cameras come with:

• A USB power cable (typically 10–25 feet long).
• A wall adapter (5V/2A).

The camera itself connects to the USB cable, which plugs into the adapter. Simple, right? But here’s where it gets tricky: outdoor installations.

Outdoor Wiring: Weatherproofing and Safety

If you’re mounting a wired camera outside, you need to protect the connection from rain, snow, and temperature swings. Here’s how I do it:

1. Use an outdoor-rated USB extension cable (Arlo sells one, or you can buy a weatherproof third-party option).
2. Connect the camera to the cable, then use a weatherproof junction box to house the USB adapter and connection point.
3. Seal all gaps with waterproof tape or silicone.

I once skipped the junction box and ended up with a fried adapter after a heavy rainstorm. Not fun. Now, I always use a box—it’s cheap insurance against water damage.

Long Cable Runs: When You Need an Extension

Arlo’s standard USB cables are 10–25 feet long. If your outlet is farther away, you’ll need an extension. But be careful: not all USB extensions work well with Arlo cameras.

• Use an active USB 2.0 extension cable (with built-in signal boosting) for runs over 30 feet.
• Avoid daisy-chaining multiple passive extensions—this can cause power loss and connection issues.

I ran a 40-foot extension from my basement to my backyard camera. The active cable worked perfectly—no signal drop or flickering.

Power Over Ethernet (PoE) with Arlo PoE Adapter

For advanced users, Arlo offers a PoE (Power over Ethernet) adapter for select models (like the Arlo Pro 4 and Ultra). This lets you power the camera *and* transmit data over a single Ethernet cable.

• Connect the camera to the PoE adapter.
• Run an Ethernet cable from the adapter to your router or PoE switch.
• No separate power cable needed!

This is ideal for permanent, high-reliability installations—especially if you’re running cables through walls or underground.

Maximizing Battery Life: Tips and Tricks

Even with regular charging, battery life can vary. Here’s how to get the most out of your Arlo camera’s battery—whether you’re using a battery-powered model or a hybrid setup.

Adjust Motion Sensitivity and Recording Settings

The more your camera records, the faster it drains the battery. I learned this the hard way when my backyard camera died in two weeks because it was recording every squirrel that ran by.

• Lower motion sensitivity: In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Device Settings > Motion Detection and reduce the sensitivity. I set mine to “Medium” and cut battery drain by 30%.
• Use activity zones: Draw zones where you want the camera to detect motion (like your driveway). Ignore zones (like trees or busy streets) reduce false alerts.
• Shorten recording length: Set recordings to 15–30 seconds instead of the default 60–90 seconds.

Enable Power-Saving Features

Arlo’s app has built-in power-saving modes. For example:

• Sleep mode: Schedule the camera to turn off during times when you don’t need it (like late at night).
• Low-power mode: Reduces video quality slightly to save battery (only available on some models).

I use sleep mode for my backyard camera from 2 AM to 5 AM. It’s quiet then, and I save battery for when it matters.

Keep the Camera Clean and Cool

Dirt, dust, and heat can affect battery performance.

• Wipe the camera lens and housing monthly with a dry cloth.
• Avoid mounting in direct sunlight—heat speeds up battery degradation. I installed my camera under an eave, and it stays much cooler.

Use a Second Battery (Or Two)

If you’re serious about battery life, buy an extra battery (or two). I keep one charging while the other is in use. It’s a simple system, but it’s saved me countless times.

Solar Charging: The Ultimate Battery Saver

If you’re tired of swapping batteries or running cables, solar charging might be your best bet. The Arlo Solar Panel keeps your camera charged with free, renewable energy—no outlets, no extension cords, just sunlight.

How the Arlo Solar Panel Works

The solar panel connects directly to your Arlo camera via a 6-foot USB cable. It trickle-charges the battery whenever the sun is out.

• Compatibility: Works with Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, and Essential Wire-Free.
• Output: 5V/1A (enough to maintain battery charge, not necessarily fully charge a dead battery).

I installed mine facing south at a 30-degree angle. It gets full sun from 10 AM to 4 PM and keeps my camera at 80–100% year-round.

Installation Tips for Optimal Performance

• Sunlight exposure: Aim for 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid shaded areas or north-facing walls.
• Mounting height: Install the panel at least 8 feet high to avoid tampering and debris.
• Angle adjustment: In winter, tilt the panel to match your latitude for better sun exposure.

One winter, I didn’t adjust the angle, and the battery dropped to 50%. Once I tilted it, it stayed above 80%.

Solar vs. Traditional Charging: A Comparison

Factor	Solar Charging	Traditional Charging
Initial Cost	Higher (panel + installation)	Lower (just buy extra batteries)
Ongoing Effort	Minimal (set and forget)	Frequent (battery swaps)
Weather Dependence	Yes (clouds reduce output)	No (always works)
Best For	Remote, hard-to-reach cameras	Cameras near outlets

For me, solar charging was worth the upfront cost. I no longer worry about dead batteries, and it feels good to use clean energy.

Conclusion: Choose the Right Charging Method for Your Needs

So, how do you charge the Arlo cameras? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your camera model, installation location, and lifestyle. Wired cameras offer reliability but require outlets. Battery-powered models give you flexibility but need regular charging. And solar panels? They’re the ultimate low-maintenance solution for outdoor cameras.

Here’s my take: if you’re installing a camera near a power outlet, go wired. It’s the easiest, most reliable option. For remote spots, battery-powered with solar is a dream combo. And if you’re tech-savvy, PoE gives you enterprise-level performance.

No matter which method you choose, remember the golden rules: monitor your battery, adjust your settings, and plan ahead. A dead camera is a useless camera, and with a little planning, you can keep your Arlo system running smoothly for years.

Now, go charge that camera—and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a fully powered security system.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you charge the Arlo cameras?

Arlo cameras are charged using the included USB cable and a power adapter. Simply connect the cable to the camera and plug the adapter into a wall outlet or a powered USB port for charging.

Can I charge my Arlo cameras using a solar panel?

Yes, Arlo offers optional solar panels designed specifically for select models. These panels provide continuous charging, making them ideal for outdoor cameras in sunny locations.

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

Charging time varies by model but typically takes 3 to 5 hours for a full charge. Using a higher-output adapter can reduce charging time slightly, depending on the Arlo camera model.

Is it safe to leave Arlo cameras charging overnight?

Yes, Arlo cameras have built-in overcharge protection, making it safe to leave them plugged in overnight. The system automatically stops charging once the battery reaches 100%.

Do all Arlo cameras use the same charging method?

Most Arlo cameras use a magnetic USB charging cable, but the exact connector type may vary by model (e.g., micro-USB or USB-C). Always check your camera’s manual for specific charging instructions.

How can I tell when my Arlo camera is fully charged?

The LED indicator on the camera will turn solid green when fully charged. You can also monitor the battery level in the Arlo app under the device settings.