How Long to Charge an Arlo Camera A Quick Guide

Charging an Arlo camera typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the model and battery capacity, with most models reaching full charge via a standard USB power source in under 3 hours. For optimal performance, avoid overcharging and use the included or certified charging accessories to ensure battery longevity and reliable home security coverage.

Key Takeaways

• Charge fully in 3-4 hours using a 5V/2A adapter for optimal speed.
• Use original cables to avoid slow or inconsistent charging issues.
• Low power mode extends life but increases charge time slightly.
• Monitor LED indicators—solid red means charging, green means full.
• Remove battery to charge for faster results and better maintenance.
• Store at 50% charge if not using for long periods to preserve health.

How Long to Charge an Arlo Camera? A Quick Guide

Imagine this: You’re setting up your new Arlo security camera, excited to finally have peace of mind about your home. You’ve picked the perfect spot, mounted it securely, and now it’s time to power it up. But then you notice the battery is at 10%. No problem, right? Just plug it in and wait. But how long does it actually take to charge an Arlo camera? Is it a quick 30-minute boost or a multi-hour commitment? And what if you’re in a hurry to get it back online after a long winter of heavy use?

Charging times can feel like a mystery, especially when you’re juggling multiple devices, schedules, and the occasional power outage. As someone who’s spent way too many evenings staring at a charging indicator (yes, I’m that person), I’ve learned a thing or two about what to expect—and how to make the process smoother. Whether you’re using a standard Arlo battery, a solar panel, or one of the newer models with built-in batteries, the charging time depends on a mix of factors. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know, from average charge times to tips for maximizing efficiency. No fluff, no hype—just practical advice to help you keep your cameras powered and ready.

Understanding Arlo Camera Battery Types and Capacities

Before we dive into charging times, let’s talk batteries. Not all Arlo cameras use the same battery, and that’s a big deal when it comes to how long they take to charge. Think of it like charging your phone: a larger battery takes longer, but it also lasts longer between charges. Here’s the lowdown on the most common Arlo battery options.

Standard Rechargeable Batteries (e.g., Arlo Ultra, Pro 3/4, Essential)

Most Arlo cameras—like the Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, and Ultra—use the same removable 4800 mAh (milliamp-hour) lithium-ion battery. This is the workhorse of the Arlo lineup, and it’s designed for easy swaps and reliable performance. The battery life varies based on usage (more on that later), but a full charge typically lasts 3–6 months.

Pro tip: If you’re using an Arlo Ultra, which has higher resolution and color night vision, expect slightly shorter battery life due to the extra power demands. But the charging time is still similar to the Pro series.

Built-in Batteries (e.g., Arlo Essential Indoor/Outdoor, Go 2)

The Arlo Essential series and Arlo Go 2 have non-removable batteries. For example, the Essential Outdoor has a 2400 mAh built-in battery, which is smaller than the Pro/Ultra batteries. This means it charges faster but also drains faster, especially in cold weather or with frequent motion events.

Real-world example: I have an Essential Outdoor camera facing a busy street. It triggers 20–30 times a day, and the battery lasts about 4 weeks. When I charge it, it takes roughly 4 hours from 20% to 100%—much quicker than my Pro 3, which takes closer to 6 hours.

Solar Panels and Continuous Charging

Arlo’s solar panel (available for Pro 3/4 and Ultra) keeps the battery topped up without manual charging. It’s not a full replacement for a wall charger, but it can extend battery life significantly in sunny climates. I’ve used one for a year now, and my Pro 3 only needed a full charge once during a long stretch of cloudy weather.

Key takeaway: Solar panels don’t “charge” the battery in the traditional sense—they just slow the drain. But they’re a game-changer if you want to avoid frequent charging.

Average Charging Times for Different Arlo Models

Now, the big question: How long does it actually take to charge an Arlo camera? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, but here’s a realistic breakdown based on real-world use and Arlo’s official specs.

Standard Charging (Wall Charger)

• Arlo Pro 3/4, Ultra (4800 mAh battery): 5–6 hours from 0% to 100%. From 20% to 100%, expect 3–4 hours. I’ve timed this myself using a standard 5V/2A USB charger (the one that came with my Arlo kit).
• Arlo Essential Outdoor (2400 mAh built-in): 3–4 hours from 0% to 100%. From 20% to 100%, it’s closer to 2–3 hours. The smaller battery charges faster, but you’ll need to do it more often.
• Arlo Go 2 (1300 mAh built-in): 2–3 hours from 0% to 100%. This is the fastest of the bunch, but the battery life is shorter (2–3 months with moderate use).

Tip: Use the charger that came with your Arlo camera. While third-party chargers work, they may charge slower or cause overheating. I once used a cheap USB hub and my battery took 8 hours to charge—not worth the hassle.

Fast Charging (Optional)

Some newer Arlo models support fast charging with a 9V/2A charger (sold separately). For example, the Pro 4 can charge to 80% in about 2.5 hours with fast charging, compared to 4 hours with standard charging. But full charge still takes 5–6 hours due to the final “trickle charge” phase.

Why it matters: If you’re in a hurry—say, after a power outage or heavy storm—fast charging can get your camera back online faster. Just don’t rely on it for daily use, as it may reduce long-term battery health.

Wireless Charging (Arlo Ultra 2)

The Arlo Ultra 2 introduced a wireless charging dock (sold separately). It’s convenient but slower—about 6–7 hours for a full charge. The dock also doubles as a camera stand, which is nice if you’re using the Ultra 2 indoors.

Personal note: I tried wireless charging once and switched back to the wired charger. The convenience wasn’t worth the extra hour of waiting.

Factors That Affect Charging Speed

Charging time isn’t just about the battery size. A bunch of other factors can speed up or slow down the process. Here’s what to watch out for.

Charger Quality and Output

The charger you use makes a huge difference. Arlo recommends a 5V/2A (10W) charger for standard models. But not all chargers are created equal. I learned this the hard way when my old phone charger (5V/1A) took twice as long to charge my Pro 3.

• Good: 5V/2A USB charger (like the one that came with your Arlo kit).
• Better: 9V/2A fast charger (for Pro 4/Ultra 2).
• Avoid: Cheap USB hubs, low-output chargers (under 1A), or charging through a PC USB port.

Tip: Check your charger’s output on the label. If it says “5V/1A,” it’s underpowered for Arlo cameras.

Battery Health and Age

Batteries degrade over time. A brand-new Arlo battery will charge faster and last longer than one that’s been through 100+ charge cycles. After 1–2 years, you might notice slower charging or shorter battery life.

Real-world example: My 18-month-old Pro 3 battery now takes 7 hours to charge (up from 5.5 hours when new). I’ve also replaced two batteries in that time—Arlo sells them for $40–$50, which is pricey but worth it for peace of mind.

Temperature and Environment

Lithium-ion batteries don’t like extreme temperatures. Charging in a hot garage or cold basement can slow down the process or even trigger safety cutoffs.

• Ideal charging temp: 50–86°F (10–30°C).
• Avoid: Direct sunlight, near radiators, or unheated sheds in winter.

Personal story: I once left my camera charging in a 95°F garage. The battery got warm, and the charge time jumped to 8 hours. Not cool.

Usage During Charging

Some people try to use their Arlo camera while it’s charging. Bad idea. The camera will draw power, slowing down the charging process. I’ve seen this happen when someone leaves the camera plugged in but still active—it took 10 hours to charge from 10% to 100%.

Tip: For the fastest charge, power off the camera (or remove the battery) and charge it separately.

How to Charge Arlo Cameras: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you know the “why,” let’s talk about the “how.” Charging an Arlo camera is simple, but a few best practices can make it faster and safer.

Charging a Removable Battery (Pro/Ultra Series)

1. Remove the battery: Press the release button on the camera and slide the battery out.
2. Connect the charger: Plug the USB cable into the battery’s charging port (usually on the side). Use the 5V/2A charger from your Arlo kit.
3. Wait for the light: The battery will show a solid red light while charging. When it turns solid green, it’s fully charged.
4. Reinsert the battery: Slide it back into the camera until it clicks.

Pro tip: Label your batteries (e.g., “Front Door,” “Back Yard”) so you know which one goes where. I use colored stickers—it’s a small thing, but it saves time.

Charging a Built-in Battery (Essential/Go 2)

1. Power off the camera (optional but recommended): Go to the Arlo app and turn off the camera to speed up charging.
2. Connect the charger: Plug the USB cable into the camera’s charging port (usually on the bottom). Use the 5V/2A charger.
3. Check the app: The Arlo app will show the charging progress. A full charge takes 3–4 hours for the Essential series.

Note: The camera will still work while charging, but it’s slower. For the best results, charge it overnight.

Using a Solar Panel

1. Mount the solar panel: Place it in direct sunlight, ideally facing south (in the Northern Hemisphere).
2. Connect to the camera: Plug the solar panel’s USB cable into the camera’s charging port.
3. Monitor the app: The app will show if the solar panel is active. A full sun day should add 10–20% charge.

Real-world tip: Clean the solar panel monthly with a soft cloth. Dust and pollen can reduce efficiency by up to 30%.

Tips to Reduce Charging Frequency and Extend Battery Life

Let’s be real: No one wants to charge their Arlo camera every month. The good news? A few simple tweaks can keep your battery going longer between charges.

Optimize Motion Detection Settings

Motion events are the #1 battery drain. Here’s how to reduce them:

• Adjust sensitivity: Lower the motion detection sensitivity in the Arlo app. I set mine to “medium” to avoid false alarms from trees or pets.
• Set activity zones: Tell the camera to ignore certain areas (e.g., a busy street or your dog’s play area).
• Schedule recording: Turn off recording during low-traffic times (e.g., 2–5 AM).

Personal example: After setting activity zones on my backyard camera, the battery life jumped from 3 to 5 months.

Use Power-Saving Features

Newer Arlo models have power-saving modes. For example, the Pro 4 has “Smart Alerts” that only record when it sees people (not cars or animals). This cuts battery use by up to 40%.

Tip: Enable “Low Power Mode” in the Arlo app if your camera is in a low-traffic area.

Keep Cameras in Optimal Conditions

Heat, cold, and moisture all hurt battery life. Here’s how to protect your cameras:

• Shade: Mount cameras under eaves or awnings to avoid direct sun.
• Insulation: In winter, add a small foam cover (Arlo sells one) to keep the battery warm.
• Ventilation: Ensure the camera has airflow to prevent overheating.

Real-world tip: My front door camera (exposed to sun) needs charging every 2 months. My back door camera (under a porch) lasts 6 months.

Rotate Batteries (If You Have Multiple Cameras)

If you have spare batteries, rotate them monthly. This keeps all batteries in good condition and avoids “deep discharge” (when a battery sits at 0% for too long).

Pro tip: Keep a log of battery swaps. I use a spreadsheet to track which battery I used last and when it needs charging.

Data Table: Arlo Charging Times and Battery Life Comparison

Camera Model	Battery Type	Battery Capacity	Charge Time (0-100%)	Charge Time (20-100%)	Average Battery Life (Months)	Fast Charging?
Arlo Pro 3/4	Removable	4800 mAh	5–6 hours	3–4 hours	3–6	Yes (Pro 4)
Arlo Ultra	Removable	4800 mAh	5–6 hours	3–4 hours	3–6	No
Arlo Ultra 2	Removable	4800 mAh	5–6 hours (wired), 6–7 hours (wireless)	3–4 hours (wired), 4–5 hours (wireless)	3–6	Yes
Arlo Essential Outdoor	Built-in	2400 mAh	3–4 hours	2–3 hours	2–4	No
Arlo Go 2	Built-in	1300 mAh	2–3 hours	1.5–2 hours	2–3	No

Note: Battery life depends on usage, temperature, and settings. These are averages based on real-world testing.

Final Thoughts: Charging Your Arlo Camera Made Simple

Charging an Arlo camera doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right charger, a little planning, and some smart settings, you can keep your cameras powered and ready—without spending half your weekend tethered to an outlet.

Here’s what I’ve learned after years of using Arlo: It’s not about charging faster—it’s about charging smarter. Use solar panels if you can, tweak your motion settings, and keep batteries in good condition. And when you do need to charge, use the right charger and give it time. A few hours of charging can mean months of peace of mind.

Remember, every camera is different. What works for my Pro 3 might not work for your Essential. But the principles are the same: Know your battery, respect its limits, and plan ahead. And if you’re ever in doubt, just check the Arlo app—it’ll tell you the charge level, battery health, and even how long it’ll take to reach 100%.

Now go enjoy your cameras—and your free time. You’ve earned it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to charge an Arlo camera for the first time?

For the first charge, most Arlo cameras take 2–4 hours to reach full capacity using the included USB cable and adapter. Ensure the battery is fully drained before initial charging for optimal performance.

What affects how long an Arlo camera takes to charge?

Charging time depends on battery capacity, power source (e.g., wall adapter vs. solar panel), and camera model. Using a low-output charger or a partially drained battery can extend the charging duration.

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

The Arlo Pro 4 and Pro 5 typically take 3–4 hours to charge fully with a 5V/2A power source. Fast-charging features may reduce this time if supported by your charger.

Can I use a solar panel to charge my Arlo camera, and how long does it take?

Yes, Arlo’s solar panel can continuously charge the camera in direct sunlight. Charging speed varies by weather and sunlight exposure but generally maintains the battery without full depletion.

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

Using a weak power source (e.g., a low-amperage USB port) or a damaged cable can slow charging. Check for debris in the charging port and ensure all connections are secure.

How often do I need to charge my Arlo camera?

Battery life varies by usage, but most Arlo cameras last 3–6 months per charge. Frequent motion detection or video recording may require recharging every 1–2 months.