How Do You Know When Your Arlo Camera Is Charged and Ready

The easiest way to know when your Arlo camera is fully charged is by checking the LED indicator light—solid green means it’s ready to go. You can also monitor the battery level in the Arlo app, which provides real-time updates and charging status. For wire-free models, a full charge typically takes 2–4 hours, depending on the battery and charger used.

Key Takeaways

• Check LED indicators: Solid green means fully charged; blinking shows charging.
• Use the Arlo app: Monitor battery status and charging progress in real-time.
• Charging time: Most Arlo cameras take 2-4 hours to fully charge.
• Low battery alerts: Enable notifications to know when charging is needed.
• Power-saving mode: Extend battery life to reduce frequent charging.
• Proper charging: Use only Arlo-approved chargers and cables for safety.

How to Tell If Your Arlo Camera Is Fully Charged and Ready to Use

Let’s be honest—there’s nothing more frustrating than thinking your Arlo camera is fully charged, only to find it dead the next day when you need it most. Whether you’re using an Arlo Pro 5, Arlo Ultra, or the Arlo Essential Spotlight, knowing when your camera is truly charged and ready can save you from unexpected blind spots in your home security setup.

When I first started using Arlo cameras, I’d plug them in, see the light turn on, and assume they were good to go. But after a few false alarms (and a few missed ones), I realized there’s more to charging than just a blinking LED. The good news? Arlo has built-in indicators, app notifications, and charging best practices that make it easier than ever to know when your camera is truly ready. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most reliable ways to confirm your Arlo camera is fully charged, so you never get caught off guard again.

Understanding Arlo Camera Charging Basics

How Arlo Cameras Are Powered

Most Arlo cameras—especially the wireless, battery-powered models—use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are designed to last for months on a single charge under normal conditions, but their lifespan and charging behavior depend on several factors, including usage, temperature, and battery age.

Unlike plug-in cameras, Arlo’s battery-powered models (like the Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Go, and Arlo Essential) are meant to be removed and charged separately. This means you’re not just monitoring a charging light—you’re managing a portable power source. That’s why understanding the charging process is crucial.

Here’s the key: Arlo batteries don’t charge instantly. A full charge typically takes 4 to 6 hours, depending on the model and whether you’re using the included charger or a third-party option. The Arlo Pro 5S, for example, supports fast charging with the right power adapter, cutting that time down significantly.

Why Charging Status Matters

Knowing when your camera is charged isn’t just about convenience—it’s about reliability. A fully charged camera ensures:

• Continuous motion detection
• Reliable night vision and spotlight activation
• Stable video quality and cloud uploads
• No missed alerts during critical moments

For example, if your camera is at 30% battery and you don’t realize it, it might shut down during a power outage or when recording a long event. That’s why checking the charge status isn’t optional—it’s essential for peace of mind.

Pro tip: Always charge your Arlo camera in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or near heating vents, as high temperatures can degrade battery life over time.

LED Indicators: The First Clue Your Arlo Is Charging

What the Lights Mean on Different Arlo Models

Arlo uses LED lights on the camera and charging base to signal charging status. But here’s the catch: the colors and blinking patterns vary by model. Let’s break it down:

• Solid amber light: Camera is charging (most models)
• Blinking amber: Charging, but battery is low or there’s a connection issue
• Solid green light: Fully charged (common on Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, and Pro 5)
• Blinking green: Charging complete and camera is ready to sync
• Red light: Low battery or charging error (check connections)
• Blue light: Camera is in pairing mode (not charging-related)

For instance, the Arlo Pro 4 shows a solid amber light when charging and switches to solid green when fully charged. The Arlo Essential Spotlight, however, uses a single LED that blinks amber while charging and turns solid green when done.

Real-World Example: Charging an Arlo Pro 5

Let’s say you’ve just removed your Arlo Pro 5 from the mount and placed it on the charging base. Here’s what you’ll see:

1. Within seconds, the LED turns solid amber—this means charging has started.
2. After about 3 hours, the light changes to blinking green—this is Arlo’s way of saying, “Hey, I’m almost full!”
3. After 4.5 to 5 hours, the light becomes solid green—fully charged and ready to re-mount.

One thing to watch for: if the amber light blinks rapidly or doesn’t come on at all, it could mean a poor connection, a faulty charger, or a dead battery. Try reseating the camera on the base or using a different USB cable.

Quick fix: If the LED doesn’t light up, check the charging contacts on both the camera and base. Clean them gently with a dry cloth—dust or debris can interfere with charging.

Using the Arlo App to Monitor Charging Progress

Accessing Battery Status in the App

While LED lights are helpful, the Arlo app is the most accurate way to know if your camera is charged. It gives you real-time battery percentage, charging history, and even estimated time until full charge.

Here’s how to check:

1. Open the Arlo app on your phone 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. Tap the icon to see the exact percentage (e.g., “Battery: 98%”).

The app also shows a charging indicator—a small lightning bolt next to the battery icon when the camera is actively charging. When the camera reaches 100%, the bolt disappears, and the battery shows full.

Notifications and Alerts for Charging Status

The Arlo app can send you push notifications when your camera starts charging, reaches 100%, or drops below a certain battery level (e.g., 20%). To set this up:

• Go to Settings > Notifications > Camera Notifications
• Enable “Low Battery Alert” and “Charging Complete”
• Customize the threshold (I recommend 20% for low battery)

I can’t tell you how many times this saved me. One night, I got a notification: “Arlo Pro 4 at front door: 18% battery.” I charged it the next morning before it died—no missed deliveries, no false alarms.

Another cool feature: the app shows battery health over time. If you notice your camera isn’t holding a charge as long as it used to, the app might flag it as “Battery needs attention.” This is especially useful for older cameras (2+ years).

Tip: Use the Arlo app’s “Activity Zones” to reduce unnecessary recordings. Fewer events = less battery drain = longer time between charges.

Charging Time and What to Expect

Average Charging Duration by Model

Not all Arlo cameras charge at the same speed. Here’s a breakdown of typical charging times for popular models:

Arlo Model	Charging Time (0-100%)	Battery Capacity (mAh)	Fast Charging Support
Arlo Pro 5	4–5 hours	4,800 mAh	Yes (with 5V/2A adapter)
Arlo Pro 4	5–6 hours	4,600 mAh	Yes (with 5V/2A adapter)
Arlo Pro 3	5–6 hours	4,600 mAh	No
Arlo Essential Spotlight	4–5 hours	3,200 mAh	Yes (with 5V/2A adapter)
Arlo Go	6–7 hours	6,000 mAh	No
Arlo Ultra	5–6 hours	4,600 mAh	Yes (with 5V/2A adapter)

As you can see, the Arlo Go takes the longest due to its larger battery, while the Arlo Essential charges faster but has a smaller capacity. Fast charging (available on newer models) can reduce charging time by up to 30%—but only if you use the right power adapter.

How to Speed Up Charging (Without Damaging the Battery)

Want to charge faster? Here are safe ways to do it:

• Use the original Arlo charger or a 5V/2A USB adapter—higher amps (like 3A) won’t help and could overheat the battery.
• Charge in a cool environment—heat slows down charging. Room temperature (68–77°F / 20–25°C) is ideal.
• Turn off the camera while charging—if you’re charging the battery separately, power down the camera to reduce power draw.
• Use a high-quality USB cable—cheap cables can cause voltage drops and slow charging.

One thing to avoid: overnight charging. While Arlo batteries have built-in overcharge protection, leaving them plugged in for days can stress the battery over time. Once it hits 100%, unplug it.

Common Charging Issues and How to Fix Them

When the Camera Won’t Charge

Even the best Arlo cameras can run into charging problems. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them:

Issue 1: No LED light when charging

• Check the USB cable and power adapter—try a different one.
• Inspect the charging contacts on the camera and base for dirt or damage.
• Make sure the camera is properly seated on the base (listen for a click).

Issue 2: LED blinks red or amber rapidly

• This usually means a connection problem or low battery.
• Remove the camera, clean the contacts, and reseat it.
• If it persists, try charging the battery separately using a USB cable (some models support this).

Issue 3: Charging takes longer than expected

• Check the power source—avoid charging from a laptop USB port, as it may not provide enough power.
• Use a wall adapter with at least 2A output.
• Update the camera’s firmware via the Arlo app—older firmware can cause charging bugs.

When to Replace the Battery

All lithium-ion batteries degrade over time. If you notice any of these signs, it might be time for a new battery:

• Battery drains from 100% to 20% in less than 2 weeks (with normal use)
• Camera shuts down at 30% or higher
• Charging takes 8+ hours
• Physical swelling or damage to the battery

Arlo sells replacement batteries for most models. The Arlo Pro 4 battery, for example, costs around $30 and takes 10 minutes to install. It’s a small investment for continued reliability.

Personal experience: My first Arlo Pro 3 battery lasted about 2.5 years. When it started dying at 40%, I replaced it—and suddenly, I was back to 6-week battery life. Worth every penny.

Best Practices for Long-Term Battery Health

How to Maximize Your Arlo Camera’s Battery Life

Want your Arlo camera to last longer between charges? Follow these proven tips:

• Charge to 80–90%, not 100%—lithium-ion batteries last longer when not fully charged. Use the app to stop charging at 90%.
• Avoid extreme temperatures—don’t install cameras in direct sun or near heaters.
• Reduce motion detection zones—fewer alerts = less battery use.
• Use “Sleep Mode” when away—this disables motion detection temporarily.
• Update firmware regularly—Arlo often releases battery optimization updates.

One trick I use: I have two sets of batteries for my front and back cameras. I charge one set while the other is in use. This way, I always have a fully charged backup ready.

Charging Schedule for Multiple Cameras

If you have a multi-camera setup, create a charging rotation:

1. Check battery levels weekly in the Arlo app.
2. Charge cameras below 40% first.
3. Use a labeled charging station to avoid mix-ups.
4. Set calendar reminders to rotate batteries monthly.

This system keeps all your cameras ready without overcharging any single one.

Knowing when your Arlo camera is charged and ready isn’t just about checking a light—it’s about understanding the full picture: LED signals, app notifications, charging times, and battery health. With the right habits, you can ensure your cameras are always powered when you need them most.

From the blinking amber light that says “I’m charging” to the solid green that means “I’m ready,” every signal has meaning. And with the Arlo app, you’re never in the dark about your camera’s status. Whether you’re protecting your home, monitoring pets, or keeping an eye on deliveries, a fully charged Arlo camera gives you peace of mind—no surprises, no blind spots.

So the next time you plug in your camera, take a moment to check the LED, open the app, and confirm it’s truly ready. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in your security setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know when your Arlo camera is fully charged?

When your Arlo camera is fully charged, the LED indicator on the device will turn solid green (for most models) or display a full battery icon on the Arlo app. This typically takes 2–4 hours, depending on the battery level and charger used.

Does the Arlo app show when the camera is charged?

Yes, the Arlo app displays real-time battery status in the device settings. You’ll see a “100% charged” notification or a full battery icon when charging is complete, helping you confirm your Arlo camera is charged and ready.

What do the LED lights on my Arlo camera mean during charging?

A blinking amber LED usually indicates active charging, while a solid green LED means your Arlo camera is charged. Refer to your model’s manual, as light patterns can vary slightly between Arlo Pro, Ultra, and other models.

Can I check the charging status remotely?

Absolutely. Open the Arlo app and navigate to the camera’s settings to view the battery percentage. This lets you monitor how do you know when your Arlo camera is charged without being physically near the device.

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

Most Arlo cameras take 2–4 hours to charge fully using the included USB cable and adapter. The Arlo app will notify you when your camera is charged, so you’ll know exactly when it’s ready for use.

Is there a sound or alert when the Arlo camera finishes charging?

Arlo cameras don’t emit sounds during charging, but the app will send a push notification when the battery reaches 100%. Always check the LED color or app status to confirm your Arlo camera is charged.