How Long to Charge Arlo Pro Camera A Complete Guide

The Arlo Pro camera typically takes 2 to 4 hours to fully charge using the included power adapter and cable. Charging time may vary slightly based on battery level, power source, and environmental conditions, but using a high-quality 5V/2A adapter ensures optimal performance. Always use Arlo-certified accessories to avoid damage and maximize battery lifespan.

Key Takeaways

• Charge fully in 2-4 hours: Use a 5V/2A adapter for fastest results.
• Avoid overcharging: Unplug once the LED indicator turns solid green.
• Monitor battery level: Check the Arlo app to prevent unexpected shutdowns.
• Use compatible chargers: Third-party options may slow charging or damage batteries.
• Optimize for cold weather: Charge indoors to maintain battery efficiency.
• Extend battery life: Recharge at 20-30% to avoid deep discharges.

Why Charging Time Matters for Your Arlo Pro Camera

Imagine this: you’re about to leave for a weekend getaway, and you double-check your home security system. Your Arlo Pro camera shows a red battery icon—it’s nearly drained. You plug it in, but now you’re wondering, how long to charge Arlo Pro camera before it’s ready? Will it last the weekend? Or will your home be unmonitored while you’re away?

This is a common concern for Arlo Pro users. Whether you’re a new owner or a seasoned pro, understanding charging times, battery life, and best practices can save you from blind spots in your home security. The Arlo Pro series—including the Arlo Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3, and Pro 4—are popular for their wireless design, HD video, and smart features. But their performance hinges on one critical factor: a properly charged battery.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about charging your Arlo Pro camera. From average charging times to tips for extending battery life, we’ll cover it all. Think of this as a chat with a friend who’s been there—someone who’s accidentally left their camera uncharged, dealt with slow charging, and learned the hard way how to keep their system running smoothly.

How Long Does It Take to Charge an Arlo Pro Camera?

Let’s cut to the chase: how long to charge Arlo Pro camera depends on the model, battery condition, and charging method. Here’s a breakdown based on real-world use and official specs.

Standard Charging Times by Model

• Arlo Pro (1st Gen): 2–3 hours for a full charge (from 0% to 100%). Uses a 2,440 mAh battery.
• Arlo Pro 2: 2.5–3.5 hours. Same battery capacity but slightly higher power draw due to enhanced features.
• Arlo Pro 3: 3–4 hours. Features a larger 4,800 mAh battery and supports 2K HDR video, which increases power usage.
• Arlo Pro 4: 3.5–4.5 hours. Similar battery size to Pro 3 but with improved sensors and night vision.

These times assume you’re using the official Arlo magnetic charging cable (5V/2A). Using a lower-output charger or a USB port on a laptop can extend charging time by 1–2 hours.

Real-World Charging Scenarios

Let’s say your Arlo Pro 3 is at 20% after a week of use. You plug it in at 6 PM. With the official charger, it’ll likely reach 80% by 8:30 PM and 100% by 9:30 PM. But if you’re using a slow USB port (like on an old laptop), it might not hit 80% until 10 PM.

Here’s a tip: charge overnight. Most users find it convenient to remove the battery and charge it while the camera runs on a spare battery or solar panel. This way, you avoid downtime.

Fast Charging? Not Really

Unlike smartphones, Arlo Pro cameras don’t support fast charging. The charging circuit is designed for safety and battery longevity. Pushing higher voltage (e.g., using a 9V/2A phone charger) can overheat the battery or damage the camera. Stick to the 5V/2A standard.

One user shared: “I tried charging my Pro 3 with my phone’s 18W charger. It charged faster—but the battery swelled after a few months. Learned my lesson!”

Factors That Affect Charging Time

Charging time isn’t just about the clock. Several factors can speed up or slow down the process. Let’s explore what you can control—and what you can’t.

1. Battery Health and Age

Like all lithium-ion batteries, Arlo Pro batteries degrade over time. A brand-new battery might charge in 3 hours. After 12–18 months of daily use, it could take 4+ hours. Signs of battery wear include:

• Faster discharge (e.g., 3 days instead of 6)
• Longer charging times
• Swelling or physical damage

If your battery is over 2 years old and takes 5+ hours to charge, it’s likely time to replace it. Arlo sells replacement batteries for all Pro models.

2. Ambient Temperature

Batteries charge best at room temperature (68°F–77°F / 20°C–25°C). Charging in extreme heat (above 95°F / 35°C) or cold (below 32°F / 0°C) can:

• Slow charging speed
• Reduce battery capacity
• Trigger safety cutoffs (the camera won’t charge if it’s too hot or cold)

For example, a user in Arizona left their Pro 4 charging in a garage during summer. The battery reached 40°C, and charging stopped. They moved it to an air-conditioned room, and charging resumed—but took an extra hour.

3. Charging Method and Cable Quality

Not all chargers are created equal. Here’s what works best:

• Official Arlo Charger: 5V/2A wall adapter + magnetic cable (fastest and safest)
• Third-Party 5V/2A Charger: Acceptable if certified (e.g., UL, CE)
• Laptop/Computer USB Port: Often 5V/0.5A–1A (very slow)
• Power Banks: Only use if 5V/2A output. Avoid cheap power banks with unstable voltage.

Pro tip: Always use the magnetic charging cable that came with your camera. Third-party magnetic cables may not fit securely, leading to intermittent charging.

4. Camera Usage During Charging

If you leave your Arlo Pro mounted while charging, it continues recording, motion detection, and live streaming. This draws power while charging, slowing the process. For faster charging:

• Remove the battery and charge it separately
• Turn off the camera during charging (if using a spare battery)

Maximizing Battery Life: Tips to Reduce Charging Frequency

Charging your Arlo Pro camera every 2–3 days? That’s a lot of work. Here’s how to extend battery life so you charge less often—and spend more time relaxing.

1. Adjust Motion Detection Sensitivity

The biggest battery drain is constant video recording. Arlo cameras record when motion is detected. If your camera faces a busy street or swaying trees, it’ll trigger nonstop, killing the battery.

Solution:

• Open the Arlo app → Settings → Motion Detection
• Lower the sensitivity slider (e.g., from 7 to 4)
• Set activity zones to ignore irrelevant areas (e.g., trees, cars)

One user reduced false alerts by 70% after adjusting sensitivity and zones. Their Pro 2 now lasts 5 days instead of 3.

2. Use Smart Scheduling

Do you need 24/7 monitoring? Probably not. Use Arlo’s Smart Scheduling to disable cameras during low-risk times.

• Example: Turn off backyard cameras during the day (when you’re home)
• Enable front-door cameras only at night

This can extend battery life by 20–40%. In the Arlo app: Schedule → Create a new schedule → Set on/off times.

3. Optimize Video Quality

Higher video resolution (e.g., 2K vs. 1080p) uses more power. If you don’t need ultra-HD for every clip:

• Go to Settings → Video Quality
• Choose “Balanced” or “Low” for non-critical cameras

Note: Arlo Pro 3/4 can switch to 1080p automatically when battery is low (a handy feature).

4. Enable Power-Saving Modes

Arlo Pro 3 and Pro 4 offer Power Saving Mode, which:

• Reduces video resolution
• Shortens clip length (e.g., 15 seconds instead of 30)
• Lowers motion detection frequency

Enable it in Settings → Power Management. This can double battery life—but with a trade-off in coverage.

5. Use a Solar Panel (Best Long-Term Solution)

Arlo’s official solar panels (sold separately) keep your camera charged indefinitely—no more manual charging!

• Arlo Solar Panel: $50–$60
• Works with Pro 2, Pro 3, and Pro 4
• Requires 3+ hours of direct sunlight daily

Users in sunny climates report 90%+ uptime with solar panels. One reviewer said: “I haven’t touched a charger in 8 months!”

Charging Best Practices: Do’s and Don’ts

Want to keep your Arlo Pro camera running smoothly for years? Follow these simple rules.

Do: Use the Right Charger

Always use a 5V/2A charger and the original magnetic cable. If you lose it, buy an official Arlo replacement ($15–$20). Avoid cheap knockoffs—they can damage your battery.

Do: Charge at Room Temperature

Never charge a hot or cold battery. Let it cool/warm to room temperature first. If your camera was in direct sun, wait 30 minutes before charging.

Do: Store Batteries Properly

If you have spare batteries, store them at 40–60% charge in a cool, dry place. Fully charged batteries degrade faster when unused.

Don’t: Overcharge

Leaving a battery plugged in for days won’t damage it (Arlo’s charger stops at 100%), but it’s unnecessary. Unplug once charged to preserve battery health.

Don’t: Use Damaged Batteries

If a battery is swollen, cracked, or leaks, stop using it immediately. Dispose of it properly (e.g., at a battery recycling center).

Don’t: Charge While Recording (If Possible)

As mentioned earlier, charging while recording slows the process. Remove the battery for faster charging.

Data Table: Arlo Pro Charging & Battery Specs

Model	Battery Capacity	Full Charge Time (Official Charger)	Avg. Battery Life (Daily Use)	Charging Voltage/Current	Solar Panel Compatible?
Arlo Pro (1st Gen)	2,440 mAh	2–3 hours	4–6 weeks	5V/2A	No
Arlo Pro 2	2,440 mAh	2.5–3.5 hours	4–6 weeks	5V/2A	Yes
Arlo Pro 3	4,800 mAh	3–4 hours	2–4 weeks	5V/2A	Yes
Arlo Pro 4	4,800 mAh	3.5–4.5 hours	2–4 weeks	5V/2A	Yes

Note: Battery life varies based on usage, temperature, and settings. Solar panel users can achieve near-infinite battery life with adequate sunlight.

Final Thoughts: Charging Smarter, Not Harder

So, how long to charge Arlo Pro camera? Now you know: 2–4.5 hours, depending on your model and charging setup. But the real answer isn’t just about time—it’s about strategy.

By adjusting settings, using solar power, and following charging best practices, you can reduce charging frequency, avoid downtime, and keep your home secure without constant hassle. Think of it like maintaining a car: a little preventive care goes a long way.

Here’s my final tip: set a charging routine. For example, “Every Sunday night, I charge my front-door camera.” Or, “I check battery levels during monthly home maintenance.” Small habits make a big difference.

Your Arlo Pro camera is a powerful tool—but only if it’s ready when you need it. With the right charging approach, you’ll never have to wonder if your home is protected. Now go enjoy that weekend getaway—your camera’s got you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Charging an Arlo Pro camera typically takes 2–4 hours using the included 5V/2A charger and micro-USB cable. Charging time may vary slightly depending on battery level and power source.

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

While you can use a higher-output charger (e.g., 5V/3A), the Arlo Pro camera limits input to 5V/2A for safety. Using a faster charger won’t significantly reduce charging time but won’t damage the device.

How long does the Arlo Pro battery last on a full charge?

The Arlo Pro camera’s rechargeable battery lasts 3–6 months per charge under normal usage. Battery life depends on motion detection frequency, video quality, and environmental factors.

Is it safe to leave my Arlo Pro camera charging overnight?

Yes, the Arlo Pro has built-in overcharge protection, making it safe to charge overnight. Once fully charged, the camera automatically stops drawing power to preserve battery health.

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

Slow charging could result from a faulty cable, low-power USB port, or extreme temperatures. Ensure you’re using the original accessories and charge the camera in a 0°C–40°C (32°F–104°F) environment.

How do I check the charging status of my Arlo Pro camera?

The Arlo app displays real-time battery levels and charging progress. A solid green LED on the camera also indicates a full charge, while blinking means it’s actively charging.