How Do You Know Your Arlo Camera Is Charging Find Out Now

Your Arlo camera is charging when the LED indicator glows solid amber or flashes slowly—this is the most reliable visual cue. Check the Arlo app for real-time charging status and battery percentage to confirm progress. Never assume it’s charging without verifying via LED or app—saving you from unexpected power failures.

Key Takeaways

• Check the LED light: Solid amber means charging; green means fully charged.
• Use the Arlo app: Monitor charging status in real-time via the app dashboard.
• Inspect the cable: Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both camera and power source.
• Verify power source: Use a wall outlet or powered USB port for reliable charging.
• Look for blinking lights: A blinking amber LED indicates a charging error or issue.

Why Charging Your Arlo Camera Matters

Imagine this: You’re away on a weekend trip, excited to check in on your home through your Arlo camera, only to find the battery completely drained. No alerts, no live feed—just silence. It’s a moment every smart home owner dreads. Your Arlo camera is your silent guardian, but it can’t do its job without power. That’s why knowing how do you know your Arlo camera is charging isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

Whether you’re using the Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Ultra, or the newer Arlo Essential, keeping your camera charged ensures continuous security, peace of mind, and uninterrupted video recording. But here’s the catch: Unlike phones that light up with a charging icon the second you plug them in, Arlo cameras aren’t always so obvious. Some models give subtle cues, others rely on apps, and a few leave you guessing until the last minute. That’s why understanding the signs—both visual and digital—is crucial.

Visual and Physical Signs Your Arlo Camera Is Charging

Check the LED Light on the Camera

One of the most straightforward ways to know your Arlo camera is charging is by looking at its LED indicator. Most Arlo models, including the Pro 3, Pro 4, and Ultra, have a small LED light near the base or front of the camera. Here’s what the colors mean:

• Solid red: The camera is charging. This is your green light (well, red light) that everything is working.
• Blinking red: The battery is critically low. Plug it in immediately.
• Solid green: Fully charged and ready to go.
• Blinking green: The camera is in pairing mode or updating firmware—not charging.
• No light: Either the battery is completely dead, the charger isn’t working, or the camera is off.

For example, I once thought my Arlo Pro 4 wasn’t charging because the light was off. After 10 minutes of panic, I realized the battery had dropped so low it couldn’t power the LED. Once I left it plugged in for 20 minutes, the red light finally appeared. Lesson learned: Don’t assume no light means no charge.

Inspect the Charging Port and Cable

Sometimes the issue isn’t the camera—it’s the connection. Make sure:

• The charging cable is securely plugged into the camera and the power source.
• You’re using the original Arlo charging cable or a certified third-party one. Some USB-C or micro-USB cables don’t deliver enough power, leading to slow or no charging.
• The port on the camera is clean. Dust, lint, or moisture can block the connection. Use a dry toothbrush or compressed air to gently clean it.
• The charging base or dock (if using a magnetic mount) is properly aligned. The Pro 4 and Ultra use magnetic charging docks, and if the camera isn’t seated correctly, it won’t charge.

Tip: I keep a spare charging cable in my tool drawer. When one fails (and they do, after months of use), I don’t have to scramble. Also, avoid wrapping the cable tightly—this can fray the wires over time.

Feel the Camera (Safely)

While not a reliable standalone method, a slight warmth near the base of the camera can indicate charging. Lithium-ion batteries generate a small amount of heat when charging. But be careful—don’t touch it for long, and never use this as your only indicator. If the camera feels hot (above 100°F), unplug it immediately. Overheating can damage the battery or even pose a fire risk.

How the Arlo App Shows Charging Status

Accessing Battery Levels in the App

The Arlo app is your best friend when it comes to monitoring battery life and charging status. Here’s how to check:

1. Open the Arlo app on your phone or tablet.
2. Tap the cameras tab at the bottom.
3. Look for your camera’s name. Next to it, you’ll see a battery icon with a percentage (e.g., “85%”).
4. If the camera is plugged in and charging, you’ll see a charging icon (usually a lightning bolt or plug symbol) next to the battery.

For example, when I plug in my Arlo Ultra, the app updates within 30 seconds. The battery percentage starts climbing, and the charging icon appears. This is the most accurate way to confirm charging, especially if the LED isn’t visible (like when the camera is mounted high on a wall).

Enable Low Battery Notifications

Don’t wait until your camera dies. Set up alerts so you know when to charge:

• Go to Settings > My Devices > Select your camera.
• Tap Battery.
• Turn on Low Battery Notification. You can set the threshold (e.g., 20% or 30%).

Once enabled, the app will send a push notification when the battery hits your chosen level. I set mine to 25%, which gives me a full day to recharge before it’s critical. This small step has saved me from blind spots in my home security more than once.

Check Charging History and Trends

The Arlo app also shows battery trends over time. Tap your camera > Battery > History. You’ll see a graph of battery levels over the past 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days. This helps you:

• Spot patterns (e.g., battery drains faster in cold weather).
• Verify if charging is effective (e.g., does it reach 100% in the expected time?).
• Identify failing batteries (e.g., rapid drop from 100% to 60% in a few hours).

My Arlo Pro 3, for instance, takes about 4 hours to charge from 20% to 100%. If it starts taking 6+ hours, I know the battery is aging and might need replacement.

Charging Methods and Their Indicators

Standard USB Charging (Wall Adapter)

This is the most common method. You plug the Arlo camera into a USB wall adapter using the provided cable. Here’s what to watch for:

• LED behavior: As mentioned, solid red = charging, green = full.
• App confirmation: The charging icon appears within 1–2 minutes of plugging in.
• Time to full charge: Varies by model and battery size:
  • Arlo Essential: ~3 hours
  • Arlo Pro 4: ~4 hours
  • Arlo Ultra: ~5–6 hours

Pro tip: Use a 5V/2A wall adapter for faster charging. My old phone charger (5V/1A) took twice as long. Now I use a multi-port USB hub with 2.4A ports—efficient and tidy.

Solar Panel Charging

Arlo’s Solar Panel (sold separately) is a game-changer for outdoor cameras. It continuously tops up the battery using sunlight. How do you know it’s working?

• App status: The camera shows “Charging via Solar” in the battery section.
• Battery stability: The percentage doesn’t drop below a certain level (e.g., stays at 70–90% even after dark).
• Solar panel LED: Some models have a small LED on the panel that glows green when generating power.

I installed a solar panel on my backyard Arlo Pro 4. During summer, the battery rarely drops below 80%. In winter, it hovers around 60%—still enough for daily use. Just make sure the panel gets 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Wireless Charging Docks (Arlo Pro 4/Ultra)

The Arlo Pro 4 and Ultra use a magnetic charging dock. To confirm charging:

• Magnetic snap: The camera should “click” into place. If it wobbles, it’s not aligned.
• LED light: Solid red on the camera or dock.
• App notification: “Charging via Dock” appears in the battery details.

I once left my Pro 4 on the dock, but the LED stayed off. Turns out, the dock wasn’t plugged in. The app showed “Not Charging,” which saved me from a dead camera the next morning. Moral: Always double-check the dock’s power source.

Troubleshooting: When Your Arlo Camera Isn’t Charging

Common Issues and Quick Fixes

Even with the right tools, things go wrong. Here are the most frequent problems and how to solve them:

• No LED light, app shows “Not Charging”:
  • Check the power outlet with another device (e.g., phone).
  • Try a different cable or adapter.
  • Restart the camera (unplug, wait 10 seconds, plug back in).
• LED is on, but battery percentage isn’t increasing:
  • The battery might be damaged. Test with a new battery.
  • Update the camera’s firmware via the app.
• Charging stops at 80%:
  • Li-ion batteries often stop at 80–90% to prolong lifespan. This is normal.
  • Leave it plugged in for another hour to reach 100%.
• Overheating during charging:
  • Unplug immediately.
  • Let the camera cool down in a well-ventilated area.
  • Contact Arlo support if it happens repeatedly.

I once had an Arlo Ultra that wouldn’t charge past 75%. After a firmware update, it started reaching 100% again. Sometimes, it’s not the hardware—it’s the software.

When to Contact Arlo Support

If you’ve tried all the fixes and your camera still won’t charge, it’s time to reach out. Contact Arlo support if:

• The battery won’t hold a charge after 6+ months of use (normal wear).
• The camera shows error codes (e.g., “Charging Error” in the app).
• The LED stays off even with a known-good cable and outlet.

Arlo’s warranty covers manufacturing defects for 1 year. I once got a replacement battery for free because mine degraded too fast. Don’t hesitate to ask!

Maximizing Battery Life and Charging Efficiency

Best Practices for Charging

To keep your Arlo camera running smoothly, follow these tips:

• Charge before it hits 20%: Deep discharges shorten battery life.
• Avoid extreme temperatures: Don’t charge in freezing weather or direct sunlight. Ideal range: 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C).
• Use original or certified accessories: Cheap cables can damage the battery.
• Clean the charging port monthly: Prevent dust buildup.
• Update firmware regularly: New updates often improve battery management.

I charge my cameras every 3–4 weeks, even if they’re at 40%. This “top-up” method helps maintain battery health.

Data Table: Arlo Camera Charging Times and Battery Life

Arlo Model	Battery Capacity (mAh)	Charge Time (20% to 100%)	Typical Battery Life (Full Charge)	Charging Indicator
Arlo Essential	2,600	3 hours	2–3 months	Solid red (charging), solid green (full)
Arlo Pro 4	4,820	4 hours	3–4 months	Solid red (charging), solid green (full)
Arlo Ultra	4,820	5–6 hours	3–4 months	Solid red (charging), solid green (full)
Arlo Go (LTE)	5,000	6–8 hours	1–2 months (with LTE use)	Blinking red (low), solid red (charging)

Note: Battery life varies based on usage (e.g., motion detection, video quality, temperature). My Arlo Pro 4 lasts 3.5 months in mild weather but drops to 2.5 months in winter.

Upgrade Options for Frequent Users

If you’re tired of charging, consider:

• Solar panels: Ideal for outdoor cameras with sun exposure.
• Arlo SmartHub: Some models can use a wired power adapter via the hub.
• Extra batteries: Swap them out instead of waiting to charge.

I keep two batteries for my Pro 4. When one dies, I pop in the spare and charge the other. No downtime!

Final Thoughts: Stay One Step Ahead

Knowing how do you know your Arlo camera is charging is more than a technical detail—it’s about trust. Trust that your home is being watched, your family is safe, and your investment is working. Whether you rely on the LED light, the app, or a solar panel, the key is consistency. Check your cameras regularly, set up alerts, and don’t ignore the signs.

Remember, a charged camera is a working camera. And in a world where security matters more than ever, that’s worth every minute you spend plugging it in. So next time you see that solid red light or the charging icon in the app, smile. Your Arlo is doing its job—and so are you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know your Arlo camera is charging?

When your Arlo camera is charging, the LED light on the device will turn solid amber. Once fully charged, the LED will switch to a steady green light, indicating it’s ready to use.

What does the LED light on my Arlo camera indicate during charging?

The LED light provides clear status updates: a flashing amber means charging is in progress, while a solid green means fully charged. If the light remains off, ensure the power source is properly connected.

Can you check if your Arlo camera is charging through the app?

Yes, the Arlo app displays the battery level and charging status under the device settings. Look for the battery icon with a lightning bolt to confirm active charging.

How long does it take to know your Arlo camera is fully charged?

Most Arlo cameras take 3–5 hours to charge fully, depending on the model. The LED will turn solid green, and the app will show 100% battery when complete.

Why isn’t my Arlo camera showing a charging indicator?

If no LED appears, verify the power source, cable, and adapter are functioning. A faulty connection or depleted battery may require troubleshooting or replacement.

Does the Arlo solar panel confirm charging like a wall charger?

Yes, a connected solar panel will trigger the same amber LED during charging. The Arlo app also reflects this status, ensuring you know your Arlo camera is charging even with solar power.