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

Charging your Arlo camera typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the model and battery capacity. Factors like battery level, charger output, and environmental temperature can influence charging time, so using the recommended power source ensures optimal performance. For uninterrupted security, consider keeping a spare battery charged and rotating as needed.

Key Takeaways

• Charge time varies: Most Arlo cameras take 2–4 hours for a full charge.
• Use the right charger: Always use Arlo-approved chargers for optimal speed and safety.
• Battery capacity matters: Larger batteries (e.g., Arlo Ultra) take longer to charge.
• Monitor charging status: Check the Arlo app for real-time battery updates.
• Charge before 20%: Prolong battery life by avoiding deep discharges.
• Remove obstructions: Keep charging ports clean to prevent connection issues.

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

You’ve just set up your shiny new Arlo camera, maybe on your porch, in the backyard, or even inside the nursery. You’re excited—finally, peace of mind with 24/7 surveillance. But then reality hits: How long does it take to charge my Arlo camera? You glance at the battery icon and wonder: Is it going to take an hour? A day? Will I need to charge it every weekend? These questions are more common than you think.

As someone who’s spent countless hours managing a network of Arlo cameras—from the tiny Arlo Essential to the rugged Arlo Pro 5—I’ve been through the charging grind more times than I can count. Whether you’re using a solar panel, a USB cable, or juggling multiple batteries, charging time isn’t just a number on a spec sheet. It’s about convenience, reliability, and how much downtime you’re willing to accept. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about charging your Arlo camera, from average times to pro tips that’ll save you time and hassle. No fluff, no sales pitch—just real talk from someone who’s been there.

Understanding Arlo Camera Battery Basics

Before we dive into charging times, it helps to understand what’s under the hood. Arlo cameras are designed for flexibility, but that means battery types, capacities, and charging methods vary. Not all Arlo cameras charge the same way, and knowing the differences is key to managing your expectations.

Types of Arlo Cameras and Their Batteries

• Arlo Essential (Indoor/Outdoor): Uses a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery (2,400 mAh). No swappable batteries—just plug and charge.
• Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, and Pro 5: Come with removable 3,600 mAh lithium-ion batteries. This is a game-changer—swap and go!
• Arlo Ultra and Ultra 2: Feature 3,600 mAh batteries, often bundled with a charging station for multi-battery management.
• Arlo Go 2: Uses a 4,800 mAh battery (larger due to LTE connectivity), but charging time is longer.

One of the biggest advantages of Arlo’s Pro and Ultra lines is the swappable battery design. I learned this the hard way when my Arlo Pro 3 died mid-storm. Instead of waiting 4 hours to charge, I just popped in a spare and kept monitoring. That’s peace of mind you can’t put a price on.

Battery Capacity and Real-World Usage

Battery life isn’t just about capacity (mAh). It’s affected by:

• Motion detection frequency: More activity = more video recording = faster drain.
• Temperature: Cold weather (below 32°F/0°C) can reduce battery efficiency by up to 30%.
• Video quality: 4K uses more power than 1080p. I run my Arlo Ultra in “Auto” mode to balance quality and battery.
• Wi-Fi signal strength: Weak signals force the camera to work harder, draining the battery faster.

For example, my Arlo Pro 4 in the backyard (with moderate motion and strong Wi-Fi) lasts about 3 months on a single charge. But the one in the front yard, with frequent delivery trucks and a weaker signal, lasts only 6 weeks. Charging time becomes a bigger deal when you’re doing it more often.

Average Charging Times by Arlo Model

Now let’s get to the heart of your question: How long does it take to charge my Arlo camera? The answer depends on the model, charging method, and battery condition. Here’s a breakdown based on real-world testing and manufacturer data.

Charging Times for Popular Arlo Models

Arlo Model	Battery Type	Charging Method	Time to 100% (from 0%)	Time to 80%
Arlo Essential	Built-in 2,400 mAh	USB-C (5V/2A)	3.5–4 hours	2.5–3 hours
Arlo Pro 3/4/5	Removable 3,600 mAh	USB-C (5V/2A)	4–4.5 hours	3–3.5 hours
Arlo Ultra/Ultra 2	Removable 3,600 mAh	USB-C or Charging Station	4–5 hours	3–4 hours
Arlo Go 2	Built-in 4,800 mAh	USB-C (5V/2A)	5.5–6.5 hours	4–5 hours

These times are based on using a 5V/2A USB charger (like a phone charger). Lower amperage (e.g., 5V/1A) can add 1–2 hours. Higher amperage (5V/3A) may not speed things up significantly due to Arlo’s internal charging limits.

Fast Charging: Is It Possible?

Arlo doesn’t officially support “fast charging,” but you can get practical speed boosts:

• Use a 5V/2.4A or 3A charger: My Arlo Pro 4 charges to 80% in about 3 hours with a 3A charger vs. 3.5 with a 2A.
• Charge to 80% and stop: Lithium-ion batteries charge faster in the 0–80% range. I often stop at 80% for quick turnarounds—it’s enough for weeks of use.
• Keep the camera off while charging: Some users report faster charging when the camera is powered down. I tested this: it shaved 15–20 minutes off the total time.

One caveat: Avoid using high-wattage USB-C PD (Power Delivery) chargers (e.g., 65W laptop chargers). While they’re safe, Arlo cameras only draw what they need (usually 10W max). You’re not gaining speed, just wasting energy.

Charging Methods: USB, Solar, and Charging Stations

How you charge your Arlo camera has a huge impact on convenience and total time. Let’s break down the pros, cons, and real-world experiences with each method.

USB Charging (Most Common)

This is the default method for most users. You use the included USB-C cable and a wall adapter.

• Pros: Simple, reliable, works with any standard charger.
• Cons: Requires physical access. Not ideal for cameras mounted high or in awkward spots.
• Tip: I keep a 6-foot USB-C cable near my front door. When I see a low battery alert, I plug it in for an hour while I’m home. It’s enough to buy me time.

For removable-battery models, I use a battery charging dock (sold separately). I charge one battery while using another. Total downtime? Zero.

Solar Panel Charging (Best for Off-Grid)

Arlo’s official solar panels (for Pro 3/4/5 and Ultra) are a lifesaver if your camera is in a sunny spot.

• Charging time: Varies by sunlight. On a clear summer day, my Arlo Pro 4 gets a full charge in 4–6 hours. In winter or cloudy weather? 8–12 hours.
• Pros: No manual charging. Great for remote areas.
• Cons: Requires direct sunlight. Angle matters—I had to adjust my panel twice to avoid shadows from trees.
• Tip: Use the Arlo app to monitor solar charging progress. It shows “Solar Charging” status and estimated time to full.

One thing I love: solar panels don’t just charge—they maintain the battery. My backyard camera has been running on solar for 8 months without a single manual charge.

Charging Stations (For Multi-Camera Setups)

The Arlo Charging Station (for Pro/Ultra batteries) lets you charge up to two batteries at once.

• Time: Same as USB—4–5 hours per battery.
• Pros: Organized, efficient. I charge both batteries overnight and swap them in the morning.
• Cons: Extra cost ($40–$50). Only works with removable-battery models.

For large setups (4+ cameras), I recommend a charging station + solar combo. Use solar for primary cameras and the station for spares.

Factors That Affect Charging Speed

Not all charging sessions are equal. Several hidden factors can slow things down or speed them up. Here’s what I’ve learned after years of troubleshooting.

Battery Age and Health

Like any lithium-ion battery, Arlo batteries degrade over time. After 1–2 years, you might notice:

• Longer charging times (e.g., 5 hours instead of 4).
• Reduced capacity (dies at 60% instead of 0%).

I had an Arlo Pro 3 battery that took 6 hours to charge after 18 months. Swapping it for a new one brought it back to 4 hours. If your battery is old, consider a replacement (Arlo sells them for $20–$30).

Temperature: The Silent Killer

Extreme temps are battery enemies:

• Cold: Below 32°F (0°C), charging slows or stops. My Arlo Go 2 in the garage wouldn’t charge below 20°F.
• Heat: Above 95°F (35°C), the battery may overheat and pause charging. I keep my charging station indoors.

Tip: If charging in cold weather, bring the battery indoors first. Let it warm up for 15 minutes before plugging in.

Charger and Cable Quality

Not all USB cables are created equal. I’ve had:

• Cheap cables: Charging stops at 50%. My $5 cable from Amazon failed after a month.
• Thin cables: Voltage drops over long distances. I use a 3-foot cable, not 10-foot.

Stick to certified USB-C cables (look for “USB-IF” certification) and a reputable charger (Anker, Belkin, or Arlo’s official one).

Background Activity

While charging, the camera may still:

• Record motion events (if powered on).
• Sync with the app.
• Stream live video (if you check it).

All of this uses power. To speed up charging, power off the camera (if removable battery) or avoid using it while charging.

Pro Tips to Save Time and Extend Battery Life

Let’s be real: no one wants to spend hours charging cameras. Here are my top tips to cut charging time and make batteries last longer.

1. Use a Battery Rotation System

For swappable models, keep 2–3 extra batteries. When one dies:

• Swap in a fresh battery.
• Charge the dead one.
• Repeat.

I have 3 batteries for my 2 Arlo Pro 4s. One is always charging, one is in use, and one is a spare. Total downtime? Never.

2. Optimize Camera Settings

Reduce battery drain with smart settings:

• Lower video quality: 1080p uses less power than 4K. I use 1080p for low-traffic areas.
• Adjust motion sensitivity: Set to “Low” or “Medium” to reduce false alarms.
• Use activity zones: Only record where motion matters (e.g., driveway, not trees).
• Schedule recording: Turn off at night if you don’t need 24/7 coverage.

These tweaks can double your battery life. My front yard camera went from 6 weeks to 4 months after I adjusted the settings.

3. Monitor Charging Remotely

The Arlo app shows:

• Current battery level.
• Charging status (“Charging,” “Solar Charging,” “Full”).
• Estimated time to full (for solar).

I check the app every morning. If a camera is below 20%, I plug it in. No more surprises.

4. Invest in Solar (If Possible)

For outdoor cameras, solar is the ultimate time-saver. No more climbing ladders to charge. Just set it and forget it.

My only regret? Not buying solar panels sooner. I used to charge 4 cameras every 2 months. Now, I charge none—solar handles it all.

5. Store Batteries Properly

If you have spare batteries:

• Store at 50% charge.
• Keep in a cool, dry place (not a garage or attic).
• Recharge every 6 months to maintain health.

I keep my spare batteries in a drawer with a note: “Last charged: 03/2024.”

Conclusion: Charging Your Arlo Camera Made Simple

So, how long does it take to charge my Arlo camera? The short answer: 3.5 to 6.5 hours, depending on the model and method. But the real answer is about strategy. Charging isn’t just a chore—it’s a chance to optimize your setup.

Here’s what I’ve learned: Plan ahead. Use swappable batteries. Leverage solar when possible. Tweak settings to extend life. And always keep a spare battery or two. With these habits, charging becomes a minor task, not a major headache.

I remember the first time my Arlo camera died. I was out of town, and I couldn’t check on my home. It was a wake-up call. Now, I treat charging like brushing my teeth—routine, simple, and essential. Whether you’re a new user or a long-time Arlo fan, I hope this guide helps you spend less time charging and more time enjoying the security your cameras provide. After all, peace of mind shouldn’t come with a charging cord attached.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most Arlo cameras take 2 to 4 hours to charge fully using the included USB cable and a standard power adapter. Charging time may vary slightly depending on the model and battery capacity.

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

Yes, you can use a fast charger (e.g., Quick Charge 2.0 or higher) to speed up the charging process, but ensure it’s compatible with your Arlo model. Avoid using chargers with excessively high output to prevent battery damage.

How long does it take to charge an Arlo Pro 5 or Pro 4 camera?

The Arlo Pro 5 and Pro 4 typically take 3 to 4 hours to reach a full charge. These models support faster charging with compatible adapters, but always follow Arlo’s official charging guidelines.

Does the Arlo charging time depend on the battery level?

Yes, charging time is shorter if the battery isn’t completely drained. For example, a 50% charged Arlo camera may take only 1–2 hours to reach 100%, depending on the model.

How long does it take to charge an Arlo Go camera?

The Arlo Go, which uses a solar panel or USB charging, takes about 4 to 6 hours to charge fully via USB. Solar charging time depends on sunlight exposure and panel efficiency.

Is it normal for my Arlo camera to heat up while charging?

Minor warmth during charging is normal, but excessive heat may indicate an issue. Disconnect the charger and let the camera cool before resuming. Always use Arlo-certified charging accessories for safety.