How Long Do Arlo Cameras Take to Charge A Complete Guide

Arlo cameras typically take 2 to 4 hours to fully charge, depending on the model and power source. Using a fast charger or direct USB connection can significantly reduce charging time, ensuring your security system stays powered with minimal downtime.

Key Takeaways

• Charging time varies: Most Arlo cameras take 2–4 hours for a full charge.
• Use the right charger: Always use Arlo’s official charger for optimal speed and safety.
• Check battery level: Monitor charging progress via the Arlo app in real time.
• Remove from mount: Detach cameras before charging to avoid connection issues.
• Keep ports clean: Dust-free charging ports ensure faster, more reliable charging.

How Long Do Arlo Cameras Take to Charge? A Complete Guide

Let’s face it—no one wants to come home after a long day only to find their Arlo camera has run out of juice. Whether you’re using it to keep an eye on your front porch, monitor your baby’s room, or check on your backyard at night, a dead battery can be more than just annoying. It can leave you feeling exposed, especially if you rely on your camera for peace of mind. I’ve been there: checking the app and seeing that dreaded red battery icon. It’s not a great feeling. So, if you’re wondering, how long do Arlo cameras take to charge, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions among Arlo users, and rightfully so. After all, charging time affects how often you need to take your camera down, how long it’s offline, and how much effort you need to put into maintenance.

The truth is, charging time varies depending on the model, battery type, and charging method you use. Some Arlo cameras charge in a few hours, while others might take a full day. And while Arlo has made great strides in battery efficiency over the years, understanding the ins and outs of charging can help you plan better, reduce downtime, and keep your home security running smoothly. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from average charging times for each model, to smart charging tips, and even how to extend your camera’s battery life. No fluff, no sales pitch—just real, practical advice based on real-world use. Whether you’re a new Arlo user or a longtime fan, this guide will help you stay powered up and in control.

Understanding Arlo Camera Models and Battery Types

Different Arlo Cameras, Different Batteries

Before we dive into charging times, it helps to understand that not all Arlo cameras use the same battery or charging setup. Arlo has several popular models, each with its own battery design and power requirements. The most common models include:

• Arlo Pro (1, 2, 3, and 4): These use a proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion battery (typically 2440mAh or 3600mAh, depending on the version).
• Arlo Ultra: Features a higher-capacity battery (3600mAh) and supports magnetic charging.
• Arlo Essential (Indoor and Outdoor): Uses a built-in non-removable battery, charged via USB-C.
• Arlo Video Doorbell: Some models have built-in batteries, others use a wired connection with a battery backup.
• Arlo Go: Designed for LTE use, with a larger battery (6500mAh) and solar charging compatibility.

Knowing which model you have is the first step in understanding your charging needs. For example, if you have an Arlo Pro 3, you’re working with a removable battery that can be charged separately. But if you own an Arlo Essential Outdoor, you’ll need to bring the entire camera indoors to charge it via USB-C. This difference alone can affect how long it takes to get back online—especially if you’re juggling multiple cameras or live in a busy household.

Removable vs. Built-in Batteries: What’s the Difference?

One of the biggest factors affecting charging convenience is whether your camera has a removable battery or a built-in one.

Cameras like the Arlo Pro and Ultra come with removable batteries. That means you can:

• Swap in a fully charged spare while the drained one charges.
• Charge the battery using the included magnetic charging cable or a third-party dock.
• Keep a rotation of batteries so your camera is never offline for long.

On the other hand, models like the Arlo Essential have built-in batteries. You can’t remove them, so you have to charge the entire camera. This means:

• Your camera is offline during charging.
• You need a power outlet nearby or a long extension cord.
• Charging takes longer if you’re using a low-power USB port.

For example, I once had an Arlo Essential mounted on my back fence. Charging it meant climbing up on a chair, unmounting it, bringing it inside, plugging it in, and waiting. Not exactly convenient. But with an Arlo Pro, I could just pop out the battery, plug it in, and pop in a spare in under a minute. That small difference in design can save you a lot of time and hassle over the months.

Average Charging Times for Each Arlo Model

Arlo Pro Series (1, 2, 3, 4)

The Arlo Pro line is one of the most popular, and for good reason. These cameras use a 3600mAh lithium-ion battery (in newer models) and charge via a magnetic cable. Here’s what you can expect:

• From 0% to 100%: Approximately 4 to 5 hours using the included 5V/2A wall adapter and magnetic charging cable.
• Partial charge (20% to 80%): Around 2 to 2.5 hours—great for quick top-ups.
• Using a lower-power source (like a USB port on a laptop): Can take up to 7–8 hours due to slower current.

Pro tip: I’ve found that using a high-quality 5V/2A wall adapter (not the one from your old phone) makes a noticeable difference. I once used a cheap adapter and the battery took nearly 7 hours to charge—almost double the time. Stick with the original or a reputable third-party charger for best results.

Arlo Ultra and Ultra 2

The Arlo Ultra has a 3600mAh battery and supports faster charging thanks to its magnetic dock. It also has a higher power draw due to 4K video and spotlight features.

• Full charge (0% to 100%): About 5 to 6 hours with the official magnetic dock and 5V/2.1A adapter.
• Quick charge (20% to 80%): Around 3 hours.
• Using a standard USB port: Up to 8–9 hours—not ideal if you’re in a hurry.

The Ultra’s magnetic charging is a game-changer. You just snap the battery into the dock—no fiddling with cables. I love this feature, especially when I’m in a rush. But keep in mind, the Ultra uses more power, so you’ll be charging more often, which makes charging speed even more important.

Arlo Essential (Indoor and Outdoor)

The Arlo Essential uses a built-in battery charged via USB-C. It’s compact and affordable, but charging is less flexible.

• Full charge (0% to 100%): 6 to 7 hours using a 5V/2A adapter and USB-C cable.
• Using a 5V/1A adapter: Can take 8 to 10 hours.
• Using a laptop USB port: Up to 12 hours—best to avoid unless you’re charging overnight.

Because the battery is built-in, you can’t swap it out. I recommend charging the Essential overnight or during the day when you’re home. If you’re using it outdoors, consider investing in a weatherproof USB-C extension cord so you don’t have to bring it inside every time.

Arlo Go and Solar Charging

The Arlo Go is designed for areas without Wi-Fi or power, so it uses a large 6500mAh battery. It can also be charged via solar panel.

• Full charge via wall adapter: 8 to 10 hours with a 5V/2A charger.
• With solar panel (Arlo Solar Panel): Can maintain battery or add 10–20% per day, depending on sunlight.

Solar charging isn’t meant to fully charge the battery in one day, but it’s excellent for maintaining charge in sunny areas. I have an Arlo Go in my backyard shed, and the solar panel keeps it at 60–80% most of the time. Only during winter or heavy cloud cover do I need to bring it in for a top-up.

Factors That Affect Charging Time

Charging Method and Power Source

Not all chargers are created equal. The speed at which your Arlo camera charges depends heavily on the voltage, amperage, and cable quality.

• Wall adapter: Use a 5V/2A (10W) adapter for fastest charging. Lower amperage (like 5V/1A) slows things down.
• USB ports: Laptop and desktop USB ports often provide only 500mA (0.5A), which can double or triple charging time.
• Cable quality: Cheap or damaged cables can reduce power delivery. Always use the original cable or a certified replacement.

I once used a frayed USB-C cable to charge my Arlo Essential. It took over 12 hours to reach 100%. When I switched to the original cable, it took just 6.5 hours. That’s a 50% improvement—proof that cable matters.

Temperature and Environment

Batteries don’t like extreme heat or cold. Charging in very hot (above 95°F/35°C) or very cold (below 32°F/0°C) conditions can slow charging or even damage the battery.

• Ideal charging temperature: 50°F to 86°F (10°C to 30°C).
• High heat: Can trigger battery protection modes, slowing charging.
• Low temperatures: Lithium-ion batteries charge more slowly when cold.

I learned this the hard way. I left my Arlo Pro battery charging on the porch during a summer heatwave. The app showed the charge stuck at 80% for hours. When I moved it indoors, it finished in 30 minutes. Always charge in a cool, dry place.

Battery Age and Usage

Over time, all rechargeable batteries lose capacity. After 1–2 years of regular use, your Arlo battery may take longer to charge and won’t last as long per charge.

• New battery: Holds full charge, charges quickly.
• Older battery (12+ months): May take longer to charge and drain faster.

My first Arlo Pro battery lasted about 3–4 months per charge. After 18 months, it only held 2 months. Charging time also increased by about 1–2 hours. If your battery is old, consider replacing it. Arlo sells replacements for most models.

Smart Charging Tips to Save Time and Extend Battery Life

Use a Battery Rotation System

If you have a removable battery model (Pro, Ultra, Go), invest in extra batteries and create a charging rotation.

• Keep 2–3 batteries on hand.
• When one is low, swap it out and charge it indoors.
• Your camera stays online, and you avoid downtime.

I use a simple system: one battery in the camera, one charging, and one fully charged and ready. It’s saved me countless times when I needed to monitor the house during a storm or a delivery.

Charge Overnight or During Downtime

For built-in battery models, plan your charging around your schedule.

• Charge during the day when you’re home and can keep an eye on it.
• Or charge overnight—just make sure it’s in a safe, ventilated area.

I charge my Arlo Essential every Sunday night. By Monday morning, it’s ready for another week. Consistency helps you avoid surprises.

Enable Power-Saving Features

Arlo offers several settings to reduce battery drain, which means you charge less often.

• Adjust motion sensitivity: Lower it to reduce false alerts and video recordings.
• Use activity zones: Only record when motion happens in important areas.
• Turn off night vision or spotlight when not needed: These features use extra power.
• Schedule recording times: Only record during high-risk hours (e.g., 6 PM to 6 AM).

After I adjusted my settings, my Arlo Pro 3 went from charging every 2 months to every 3.5 months. That’s a 75% reduction in charging frequency—huge time savings over a year.

Charging Time Comparison Table

Here’s a quick reference table to compare charging times across popular Arlo models. All times are based on using a 5V/2A wall adapter and original charging cable.

Arlo Model	Battery Type	Capacity	Charging Method	0% to 100%	20% to 80%
Arlo Pro 3/4	Removable Li-ion	3600mAh	Magnetic cable	4–5 hours	2–2.5 hours
Arlo Ultra/Ultra 2	Removable Li-ion	3600mAh	Magnetic dock	5–6 hours	3 hours
Arlo Essential	Built-in Li-ion	2440mAh	USB-C cable	6–7 hours	3–3.5 hours
Arlo Go	Removable Li-ion	6500mAh	USB-C or solar	8–10 hours	4–5 hours
Arlo Video Doorbell (battery model)	Built-in Li-ion	2250mAh	USB-C cable	5–6 hours	2.5–3 hours

Note: Times may vary based on charger quality, temperature, and battery age.

Conclusion: Stay Charged, Stay in Control

So, how long do Arlo cameras take to charge? The answer depends on your model, charger, and habits—but now you know exactly what to expect. Whether you’re using an Arlo Pro that charges in 4 hours or an Arlo Go that takes all night, understanding your camera’s charging needs helps you avoid surprises and keep your home secure.

The key takeaways? Use the right charger, keep your batteries in good condition, and take advantage of power-saving settings. If you have removable batteries, a rotation system is a game-changer. For built-in models, plan your charging around your schedule. And if you’re in a sunny spot, don’t overlook solar charging for maintenance.

At the end of the day, Arlo cameras are designed to give you peace of mind. But that peace of mind only works if your camera is powered. By knowing how long your Arlo takes to charge—and how to make it faster and more efficient—you’re not just maintaining a device. You’re taking control of your home’s safety, one charge at a time. So plug in, power up, and rest easy knowing your eyes are always watching.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Arlo cameras take to charge fully?

Most Arlo cameras (like the Arlo Pro and Ultra) take 2–3 hours to charge fully using a 5V/2A USB adapter. Charging time may vary slightly depending on battery capacity and power source.

Can I use a fast charger to speed up charging for my Arlo camera?

Arlo cameras are designed to work optimally with a standard 5V/2A USB charger. While fast chargers may work, they aren’t recommended as they can reduce battery lifespan or trigger overheating safeguards.

How long does it take to charge Arlo cameras with a solar panel?

Using an Arlo Solar Panel, cameras charge continuously but may take 4–6 hours to reach 100% in direct sunlight. Cloudy weather or partial shading can extend charging time significantly.

Why does my Arlo camera take longer to charge than expected?

Charging delays can occur due to low-power USB ports, damaged cables, or extreme temperatures. Always use the original Arlo cable and a wall adapter for the fastest charging results.

Do all Arlo camera models have the same charging time?

No—charging times vary by model. For example, the Arlo Pro 4 takes ~2.5 hours, while the larger Arlo Ultra 2 takes ~3 hours due to its bigger battery capacity.

How can I check the charging progress on my Arlo camera?

The LED light on Arlo cameras turns solid blue when fully charged. You can also monitor charging status in the Arlo app under “Device Settings” > “Battery Status.”