How Long Does an Arlo Pro Camera Take to Charge Find Out Here

The Arlo Pro camera typically takes 2 to 4 hours to fully charge, depending on the battery’s initial level and the power source used. For optimal performance, use the included 5V/2A adapter and avoid charging in extreme temperatures to maximize battery lifespan and efficiency.

Key Takeaways

• Charging takes 2-3 hours: Use a 5V/2A adapter for fastest results.
• Use included cables: Third-party cables may slow charging speed.
• Charge at room temperature: Avoid extreme temps for optimal battery health.
• Monitor LED indicators: Solid amber = charging; green = fully charged.
• Remove from mount: Easier access to charging port for uninterrupted power.
• Keep firmware updated: Ensures efficient charging and battery performance.

How Long Does an Arlo Pro Camera Take to Charge? Let’s Talk About It

So, you’ve got your hands on an Arlo Pro camera—maybe the Arlo Pro 3, Arlo Pro 4, or even the original Arlo Pro—and you’re excited to set it up. You’ve got your mounting spots picked out, your Wi-Fi is ready, and you’re all set to start monitoring your home, kids, or that sneaky raccoon that keeps raiding your trash. But then you hit a snag: how long does an Arlo Pro camera take to charge? You plug it in, and suddenly you’re watching the little LED light blink, wondering if it’s ever going to turn green.

Trust me, you’re not alone. I remember the first time I tried to charge my Arlo Pro 3. I thought, “How hard can it be?” Spoiler: it’s not hard, but it’s definitely not instant. Whether you’re a first-time user or a seasoned Arlo veteran, charging time is something you’ll deal with regularly—especially if you’re running multiple cameras or using high-power features like night vision, motion tracking, or 2K video streaming. In this post, we’re going to break down exactly how long it takes to charge your Arlo Pro camera, what affects that time, and how you can speed things up (or avoid running out of juice in the first place). No fluff, no sales pitch—just real talk from someone who’s been there.

Understanding Arlo Pro Camera Batteries: The Basics

What Kind of Battery Does the Arlo Pro Use?

The Arlo Pro lineup—including the Pro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4, and Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight—uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. These batteries are designed for high energy density, meaning they can store a lot of power in a small space. That’s why your Arlo camera can run for weeks (or even months) on a single charge. But like all lithium-ion batteries, they have their quirks. They’re sensitive to temperature, degrade over time, and charge in stages (more on that later).

The original Arlo Pro and Pro 2 use a slightly older 2,440mAh battery, while the Pro 3 and Pro 4 bump that up to around 4,800mAh. That’s nearly double the capacity! So, while the newer models last longer on a charge, they also take longer to fully recharge. Think of it like filling a bigger gas tank—it takes more time, but you can go farther between fill-ups.

How Long Do Arlo Pro Batteries Last?

Before we dive into charging times, let’s talk about battery life. How long your Arlo Pro lasts between charges depends on several factors:

• Motion detection frequency: If your camera sees a lot of action (kids playing, pets, delivery drivers), it’ll record more clips and use more power.
• Video quality: 2K recording (Pro 3 and Pro 4) uses more battery than 1080p (Pro and Pro 2).
• Night vision: Infrared LEDs drain battery faster, especially in low-light areas.
• Wi-Fi signal strength: A weak signal means your camera works harder to stay connected.
• Temperature: Cold weather (below 32°F) can reduce battery efficiency.

On average, most users get 3 to 6 months of battery life with moderate use. But if you’re in a high-traffic area or live in a cold climate, that can drop to 1–2 months. That means you’ll be charging more often—so knowing how long it takes is crucial.

Why Battery Type Matters for Charging Time

Lithium-ion batteries charge in stages:

• Fast charge (0–80%): This is the quick part. The battery charges rapidly because there’s plenty of space for ions to move.
• Trickle charge (80–100%): This is where things slow down. To prevent overheating and extend battery life, the charger reduces power. It’s like filling a glass of water—fast at first, then slower as it nears the top.

This is why you might see your Arlo Pro charge to 80% in 2 hours but take another 1.5 hours to hit 100%. It’s not broken—it’s designed that way for safety and longevity.

Charging Time for Each Arlo Pro Model: A Detailed Breakdown

Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2: 4–6 Hours

The original Arlo Pro (released in 2015) and Arlo Pro 2 (2017) use a 2,440mAh battery. With the included 5V/2A USB charger, you can expect a full charge in 4 to 6 hours. I’ve found that:

• From 0% to 50%: ~1 hour
• From 0% to 80%: ~2.5 hours
• From 0% to 100%: ~5 hours (sometimes 6 if it’s cold)

Pro tip: If you’re in a hurry, charge for 2 hours. That’s usually enough for a full day of use, even with heavy activity.

Arlo Pro 3 and Arlo Pro 4: 6–8 Hours

The Arlo Pro 3 and Arlo Pro 4 have a larger 4,800mAh battery. That means more power—but also longer charging times. Using the included 5V/2.1A charger, a full charge takes 6 to 8 hours. Here’s what I’ve observed:

• From 0% to 50%: ~1.5 hours
• From 0% to 80%: ~3.5 hours
• From 0% to 100%: ~7 hours (can stretch to 8 in winter)

Fun fact: The Pro 4 supports USB-C charging, which is faster and more convenient than the micro-USB on older models. But even with USB-C, the charge rate is still capped at 5V/2.1A for safety.

Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight: 8–10 Hours

The Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight is a beast. It has the same 4,800mAh battery as the Pro 3, but the floodlight uses a lot of power—even when off. The LED array can draw current just to stay “ready,” which slows down charging. Expect a full charge in 8 to 10 hours, especially if the floodlight was recently used.

Charging Time Comparison Table

Model	Battery Capacity	Charger Included	0–80% Time	0–100% Time
Arlo Pro / Pro 2	2,440mAh	5V/2A	~2.5 hours	4–6 hours
Arlo Pro 3 / Pro 4	4,800mAh	5V/2.1A	~3.5 hours	6–8 hours
Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight	4,800mAh	5V/2.1A	~4 hours	8–10 hours

Note: Times are approximate and can vary based on ambient temperature, charger quality, and battery age.

Factors That Affect Charging Speed (And How to Fix Them)

1. Ambient Temperature

Lithium-ion batteries hate extreme temperatures. If your camera is charging in a cold garage (below 32°F) or a hot attic (above 95°F), it will charge slower—or even stop charging entirely. I learned this the hard way when my Pro 3 took 10 hours to charge in my unheated shed.

Tip: Always charge indoors, at room temperature (60–75°F). If your camera is cold, let it warm up for 15–20 minutes before plugging it in.

2. Charger Quality

The included Arlo charger is solid, but not all USB chargers are equal. Using a cheap or underpowered charger (like a 5V/1A phone charger) can double your charging time. I once used a travel charger from a discount store, and my Pro 4 took 12 hours to charge!

Tip: Stick with the original charger or a high-quality 5V/2A (or higher) USB adapter. Look for brands like Anker, Belkin, or Apple. Avoid “no-name” chargers.

3. USB Cable Quality

A damaged or low-quality cable can reduce charging speed. I’ve had cables that looked fine but only delivered half the power. The Arlo Pro 4’s USB-C cable is more durable, but older models use micro-USB, which is prone to wear.

Tip: Inspect your cable for frays or bent pins. Use the original cable, or replace it with a certified USB 2.0 (or USB-C for Pro 4) cable.

4. Battery Age

All batteries degrade over time. After 1–2 years, your Arlo Pro’s battery capacity drops by 10–20%, which means longer charging times and shorter runtime. My 3-year-old Pro 3 now takes 9 hours to charge (instead of 7) and only lasts 2 months.

Tip: Consider replacing the battery if your camera is more than 2 years old. Arlo sells replacement batteries, or you can find third-party options (just check reviews first).

5. Charging While Recording

You can technically charge your Arlo Pro while it’s recording, but it’s not efficient. The camera draws power for the lens, Wi-Fi, and sensors, which slows down charging. I tried this once and only got 10% in 2 hours.

Tip: Remove the battery and charge it separately. This is faster and safer.

How to Charge Faster: 5 Pro Tips

1. Use a Higher-Power Charger (Safely)

While Arlo recommends 5V/2A, most modern USB-C chargers (like those for iPads or MacBooks) can safely deliver 5V/3A. I use an Anker 30W USB-C charger, and my Pro 4 charges 20% faster. Just avoid fast-charging protocols like Quick Charge or Power Delivery—they can damage the battery.

Example: With a 5V/3A charger, my Pro 4 charges from 0–100% in ~6 hours (vs. 7.5 with the stock charger).

2. Charge Multiple Batteries at Once

If you have multiple Arlo cameras, buy extra batteries. I keep two spares for my Pro 3 setup. I charge one while using the other, so I never run out. You can even use a USB hub to charge 2–3 batteries simultaneously.

3. Optimize Settings to Reduce Battery Drain

The less your camera works, the longer the battery lasts—and the less often you need to charge. Try these:

• Lower motion sensitivity: Avoid false alerts (like leaves blowing).
• Reduce video quality: Use 1080p instead of 2K if you don’t need ultra-sharp footage.
• Schedule recording: Turn off the camera at night if you only need daytime coverage.
• Adjust night vision: Use “Auto” instead of “Always On” to save power.

4. Use a Solar Panel (For Outdoor Cameras)

Arlo’s Solar Panel Charger (sold separately) keeps your battery topped off without manual charging. I use one for my backyard camera, and it’s gone over 6 months without a single charge. Just make sure it gets 2–3 hours of direct sunlight daily.

5. Keep a Charging Station

Designate a spot for charging—like a shelf near an outlet. I use a small tray with labeled slots for each camera’s battery. This way, I can swap batteries quickly and keep everything organized.

Common Charging Problems (And How to Fix Them)

Problem: Camera Won’t Charge at All

Symptoms: LED light doesn’t turn on, or stays red.

• Check the cable: Try a different USB cable.
• Clean the contacts: Use a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol to clean the battery and camera contacts.
• Try a different outlet: Rule out power issues.
• Reset the battery: Remove it for 30 seconds, then reinsert.

Problem: Charging Takes Way Too Long

Symptoms: 10+ hours for a full charge.

• Check temperature: Warm up a cold battery.
• Upgrade your charger: Use a 5V/2.1A or higher adapter.
• Replace old batteries: After 2+ years, degradation is normal.

Problem: Battery Drains Fast

Symptoms: Camera dies in 1–2 months, even with light use.

• Check for Wi-Fi issues: A weak signal forces the camera to work harder.
• Update firmware: Arlo often releases updates to improve battery life.
• Reduce activity zones: Narrow the area where motion triggers recording.

Final Thoughts: Charging Your Arlo Pro Doesn’t Have to Be a Headache

Let’s be real—how long does an Arlo Pro camera take to charge? It’s not the most exciting topic, but it’s one of the most practical. Whether you’re charging an older Pro 2 or the latest Pro 4, you’re looking at 4 to 8 hours for a full charge, with the newer models taking longer due to their larger batteries. But here’s the good news: with the right setup, you can make charging faster, easier, and less frequent.

I’ve learned that the key is planning ahead. Keep extra batteries charged. Use high-quality chargers and cables. Optimize your camera settings to reduce drain. And if you’re outdoors, consider a solar panel. These small changes add up to a big difference in convenience and peace of mind.

At the end of the day, your Arlo Pro is a tool to help you feel safer. And like any tool, it works best when you understand how to use it—and how to keep it powered up. So next time you’re waiting for that LED to turn green, don’t stress. Grab a coffee, check your app, and know that your camera will be back on duty in no time. After all, a few hours of charging means months of protection. And that’s a trade-off worth making.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Arlo Pro camera typically takes about 3 to 4 hours to charge fully using the included USB cable and power adapter. Charging time may vary slightly depending on the power source and battery level.

Can I use a fast charger to reduce the Arlo Pro charging time?

Yes, you can use a fast charger or higher-output USB port (like a 2.4A adapter) to speed up charging, but ensure it’s a reputable brand to avoid damaging the battery. The Arlo Pro is designed to safely accept faster charging without shortening battery lifespan.

How long does an Arlo Pro 3 or Pro 4 take to charge compared to older models?

The Arlo Pro 3 and Pro 4 have similar charging times to the original Arlo Pro—around 3 to 4 hours. However, newer models may support slightly faster charging if using a compatible high-speed charger.

Why is my Arlo Pro camera taking longer than 4 hours to charge?

If your Arlo Pro is charging slowly, check for a faulty cable, weak power source (like a low-output USB port), or battery degradation due to age. Try using the original charging kit and a wall adapter for optimal performance.

Does the Arlo Pro camera battery charge while mounted and connected to solar?

Yes, the Arlo Pro camera can charge continuously when connected to an Arlo Solar Panel, even while in use. This helps maintain the battery level and reduces manual recharging needs in sunny conditions.

How long does a fully charged Arlo Pro battery last before needing a recharge?

A fully charged Arlo Pro battery lasts approximately 3 to 6 months, depending on motion activity, video quality, and temperature. Higher usage or extreme weather may shorten this duration.