How Long Does It Take for Arlo Camera to Charge A Complete Guide

Arlo cameras typically take 2 to 4 hours to fully charge, depending on the model and power source used. Using a USB wall adapter or Arlo Solar Panel can significantly reduce charging time and keep your security system running with minimal downtime.

Key Takeaways

• Charging time varies by model—most Arlo cameras take 2–4 hours for a full charge.
• Use original chargers to ensure optimal speed and avoid battery damage.
• Low battery alerts appear at 20%; charge promptly to avoid shutdowns.
• Solar panels offer continuous charging, ideal for outdoor setups.
• Charge in cool areas to prevent overheating and extend battery lifespan.

How Long Does It Take for Arlo Camera to Charge? A Complete Guide

You’ve just installed your Arlo camera, eager to keep an eye on your home or business, only to realize the battery is running low. You plug it in, but how long until it’s ready to go again? If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a charging cable, wondering, “How long does it take for Arlo camera to charge?”, you’re not alone. Whether you’re using an Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, or one of the newer models, charging time can make a big difference in your security setup—especially if you rely on these cameras 24/7.

As someone who’s gone through the trial-and-error phase of managing multiple Arlo cameras, I can tell you that charging time isn’t always straightforward. It depends on your model, battery condition, charger type, and even environmental factors. Some charge in under two hours; others take nearly a full day. The good news? With a little planning and the right gear, you can minimize downtime and keep your home protected. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from average charging times to pro tips that’ll help you get the most out of your Arlo battery. No fluff, no sales pitch—just real, practical advice to help you stay in control.

Understanding Arlo Camera Battery Basics

Before we dive into charging times, it helps to understand how Arlo batteries work. Unlike plug-in cameras, most Arlo models are wire-free and run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. This design gives you flexibility in placement, but it also means you’ll need to manage battery life and recharging. Knowing the basics will help you make smarter decisions about charging habits and equipment.

Types of Arlo Batteries

Arlo uses different battery types depending on the model. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Packs: Used in Arlo Pro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4, and Ultra models. These are removable and can be swapped out.
• Integrated Batteries: Found in Arlo Go and some older models. These aren’t removable, so you must charge the entire camera.
• AA Battery Options: Some entry-level models (like Arlo Essential Spotlight) use standard or rechargeable AA batteries, offering a different charging dynamic.

The removable battery models are a game-changer. I keep a spare battery on hand so I can swap one out while the other charges. This way, my camera never goes offline. If you’re using an integrated battery model, you’ll need to plan charging windows more carefully—like charging during low-activity hours or when you’re home.

Battery Capacity and Lifespan

Battery capacity is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). Higher mAh means longer runtime and, usually, longer charging time. For example:

• Arlo Pro 4: 6,500 mAh
• Arlo Ultra: 6,500 mAh
• Arlo Go: 4,400 mAh (integrated)

On average, a fully charged Arlo Pro or Ultra battery lasts 3–6 months, depending on usage, motion detection settings, and temperature. Cold weather can reduce battery life, so if you live in a chilly climate, you might need to charge more often.

Pro tip: I noticed my cameras drained faster when I had motion detection set to “high sensitivity.” Lowering it to “medium” and reducing recording time per trigger helped extend battery life by nearly 20%. It’s a small tweak, but it adds up.

Charging Indicators and Battery Health

Arlo cameras have LED indicators that show charging status:

• Solid Red: Charging in progress
• Solid Green: Fully charged
• Flashing Red: Error (e.g., poor connection, incompatible charger)

Over time, lithium-ion batteries degrade. After 2–3 years, you might notice shorter runtimes even when fully charged. This is normal. If your battery won’t hold a charge or charges extremely slowly, it might be time to replace it. Arlo sells replacement batteries, and third-party options exist—just make sure they’re certified to avoid safety issues.

Average Charging Times for Popular Arlo Models

Now, let’s get to the heart of the question: How long does it take for Arlo camera to charge? The answer varies by model, charger, and battery condition. Below are realistic charging times based on my experience and Arlo’s official specs.

Arlo Pro 2, Pro 3, and Pro 4

These models use the same 6,500 mAh removable battery. With the included 5V/2A charger, expect:

• 0% to 50%: ~1.5 hours
• 0% to 100%: ~3 to 4 hours

I’ve tested this with multiple batteries, and it’s consistent. The first half charges quickly, but the final 20% takes longer due to trickle charging (a safety feature to prevent overcharging). If your battery is at 20% and you need a quick top-up, 30–45 minutes should get you to 50%, which is enough for several weeks of moderate use.

Note: Arlo Pro 4 supports faster charging with a USB-C PD (Power Delivery) charger, but the standard kit doesn’t include one. More on that in the next section.

Arlo Ultra and Ultra 2

Arlo Ultra uses the same 6,500 mAh battery but includes a 10W (5V/2A) USB-C charger. Charging times are similar:

• 0% to 100%: ~3.5 to 4.5 hours

The Ultra 2, released in 2023, has slightly improved charging efficiency. With a compatible 15W PD charger, it can reach 80% in about 2 hours. But again, the included charger is 10W, so don’t expect lightning speed out of the box.

Arlo Go (LTE Model)

Arlo Go has an integrated 4,400 mAh battery and relies on a 5V/1A wall adapter (included). This is the slowest in the lineup:

• 0% to 100%: ~6 to 8 hours

Since you can’t remove the battery, you’ll need to plan charging around usage. I once forgot to charge my Arlo Go before a weekend trip—lesson learned! Now I set a monthly reminder to top it up, even if it’s not fully drained.

Arlo Essential Series (Spotlight, Wire-Free)

These budget-friendly models use AA batteries (either standard or rechargeable). If you use rechargeable NiMH AA batteries (2,500 mAh each), charging time depends on your AA charger:

• Standard charger: ~4–6 hours
• Fast charger: ~1.5–2 hours

One advantage? You can buy a four-pack of batteries and rotate them. I keep two in the camera and two charging—zero downtime.

Charging Time Comparison Table

Arlo Model	Battery Type	Capacity	Included Charger	0% to 100% Time
Arlo Pro 4	Removable Li-ion	6,500 mAh	5V/2A USB-A	3–4 hours
Arlo Ultra	Removable Li-ion	6,500 mAh	5V/2A USB-C	3.5–4.5 hours
Arlo Ultra 2	Removable Li-ion	6,500 mAh	5V/2A USB-C	3–4 hours (faster with PD)
Arlo Go	Integrated Li-ion	4,400 mAh	5V/1A	6–8 hours
Arlo Essential	AA (rechargeable)	2,500 mAh x 2	None (uses AA charger)	1.5–6 hours (depends on charger)

As you can see, removable batteries are much more convenient. You can charge one while using the other, and faster chargers can cut down on wait time. But even with the included gear, most Arlo cameras charge in a single evening—perfect for overnight charging.

Factors That Affect Charging Speed

Charging time isn’t set in stone. Several factors can speed it up or slow it down. Understanding these will help you avoid frustration and optimize your setup.

Charger Type and Output

The biggest variable is your charger. Arlo’s included chargers are safe but not the fastest. Here’s how different chargers compare:

• Standard 5V/1A: Slow (e.g., old phone chargers)
• 5V/2A (included): Moderate—good for overnight charging
• USB-C PD (15W or 20W): Fast—cuts charging time by 30–50%

I upgraded to a 20W USB-C PD charger (like the ones used for iPads) and saw a noticeable difference. My Arlo Pro 4 went from 4 hours to just over 2.5 hours. Just make sure your cable supports USB-C Power Delivery—not all do.

Warning: Avoid cheap, uncertified chargers. I once used a $5 “fast charger” from a gas station. It overheated and damaged my battery. Stick with reputable brands like Anker, Belkin, or Apple.

USB Cable Quality

The cable matters as much as the charger. Thin, low-quality cables can’t deliver full power. Look for:

• USB-C to USB-C (for Ultra/Pro 4)
• USB-A to USB-C (for older models)
• Cables rated for 3A or higher

I use a braided Anker cable. It’s durable and maintains consistent power delivery. A frayed or cheap cable might charge at half speed—or not at all.

Battery Age and Health

Older batteries charge slower and hold less capacity. If your battery is over 2 years old, you might notice:

• Longer charge times
• Shorter runtime
• Heat during charging

This is normal degradation. If performance drops significantly, consider replacing the battery. Arlo’s official replacements cost $30–$40, but they’re reliable and safe.

Temperature and Environment

Charging in extreme temperatures can slow things down—or damage the battery. Lithium-ion batteries perform best between 32°F and 104°F (0°C to 40°C).

• Below 32°F: Charging slows or stops (to prevent damage)
• Above 104°F: Battery may overheat, triggering safety cutoffs

I learned this the hard way when I left a battery in my car on a hot summer day. It wouldn’t charge until it cooled down. Now I keep spares indoors and charge them in a cool, dry place.

Tips to Speed Up Charging and Reduce Downtime

Want faster charging and fewer interruptions? These practical tips have saved me time and stress—and they’ll work for you too.

Use a Fast Charger (USB-C PD)

Upgrade to a 15W or 20W USB-C PD charger. It’s the single best investment you can make. I use the Anker Nano II 20W—it’s compact, reliable, and charges my Arlo Pro 4 in under 3 hours.

Pair it with a high-quality USB-C to USB-C cable. No more waiting all night for a full charge.

Keep Spare Batteries on Hand

This is a must if you have multiple cameras. I keep two batteries per camera:

• One in the camera
• One charging or in reserve

When one battery drops below 20%, I swap it out. The camera never goes offline. Arlo sells spare batteries, or you can buy third-party ones—just check reviews and safety certifications.

Charge During Low-Usage Hours

Plan your charging around your camera’s activity. For example:

• Charge front door cameras overnight (low motion at night)
• Charge backyard cameras during the day (if it’s quiet then)

I set a recurring calendar alert: “Charge Arlo batteries every 2 months.” It keeps me on track without micromanaging.

Optimize Camera Settings to Extend Battery Life

Longer battery life = less frequent charging. Try these tweaks:

• Reduce motion sensitivity: High sensitivity drains more power.
• Shorten recording length: 10 seconds instead of 30 saves energy.
• Use activity zones: Ignore motion in non-important areas.
• Turn off night vision if not needed (but I don’t recommend this for security).

After adjusting these, my cameras lasted nearly 2 months longer per charge. That’s fewer charging sessions and less hassle.

Use a Charging Station or Dock

For multiple cameras, a charging dock is a lifesaver. Arlo sells a dual-battery charging station, or you can use a multi-port USB hub with individual chargers.

I have a small charging station on my desk. I drop batteries in when they’re low, and they’re ready by morning. No more tangled cables or lost chargers.

Common Charging Problems and How to Fix Them

Even the best setups run into issues. Here are the most common charging problems—and how to solve them.

Camera Won’t Charge (No LED Light)

Possible causes:

• Loose cable connection
• Faulty charger or cable
• Dirty charging contacts
• Battery failure

How to fix:

1. Unplug and reseat the cable.
2. Try a different charger and cable.
3. Clean the battery and camera contacts with a dry cloth.
4. Test the battery in another camera (if removable).

I once had a battery that wouldn’t charge. Turns out, dust had built up on the contacts. A quick wipe fixed it.

Charging Takes Much Longer Than Expected

Possible causes:

• Old or degraded battery
• Low-power charger (e.g., 5V/1A)
• Faulty cable
• Extreme temperature

How to fix:

• Upgrade to a 2A or PD charger.
• Replace old batteries.
• Charge in a temperature-controlled environment.

LED Light Flashes Red

This means an error. Common causes:

• Incompatible charger
• Loose connection
• Damaged battery

Try a different charger first. If the problem persists, contact Arlo support or replace the battery.

Final Thoughts: Making Charging Work for You

So, how long does it take for Arlo camera to charge? The answer is: it depends—but with the right setup, you can keep charging times short and downtime minimal. Most models charge fully in 3–4 hours with the included gear, and faster chargers can cut that time by a third.

The key is to plan ahead. Keep spare batteries, use fast chargers, and optimize your camera settings. I used to stress about battery life, but now it’s just part of my routine—like charging my phone. A few small habits make a big difference.

Remember: Arlo cameras are designed for convenience, but they still need maintenance. Don’t wait until the battery dies to charge. Stay proactive, and your cameras will stay online when you need them most.

Whether you’re protecting your home, checking on pets, or monitoring a rental property, reliable charging means reliable security. With this guide, you’re equipped to get the most out of your Arlo system—no guesswork, no frustration. Just peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most Arlo cameras take **3 to 6 hours** to charge fully using the included USB cable and adapter. Charging time varies depending on battery size (e.g., Arlo Pro 4 vs. Essential models) and power source (wall outlet vs. power bank).

Does the Arlo solar panel speed up charging time?

The Arlo solar panel provides continuous trickle charging, eliminating the need for manual recharging. While it doesn’t charge the battery faster, it maintains a full charge with 3+ hours of daily sunlight, reducing downtime.

Why is my Arlo camera taking longer to charge than usual?

Extended charging times may result from using low-power sources (like laptops) or degraded battery health. For optimal Arlo camera charging time, use the official 5V/2A adapter and avoid extreme temperatures during charging.

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

Arlo cameras are designed to work with standard 5V/2A chargers. Using a higher-wattage fast charger won’t speed up the process and could damage the battery—stick to the recommended power supply.

How long does a fully charged Arlo camera battery last?

Depending on usage, a full charge lasts **3 to 6 months** for most Arlo models. High-activity areas (frequent recordings/motion alerts) will drain the battery faster, requiring more frequent recharging.

Is it safe to leave my Arlo camera charging overnight?

Yes, Arlo cameras have built-in overcharge protection. Once fully charged, the system automatically stops charging, making overnight charging safe and convenient without risking battery damage.