How Long to Get Charged Arlo Pro 2 Camera A Complete Guide

The Arlo Pro 2 camera typically takes 2 to 4 hours to fully charge using the included 5V/2A power adapter and USB cable. Charging time may vary slightly based on power source and battery level, but using a higher-wattage charger or solar panel (sold separately) can speed up the process. For best results, always use Arlo-certified accessories to ensure safe, efficient charging and prolonged battery life.

Key Takeaways

• Charge fully in 3-4 hours: Use a 5V/2A adapter for fastest results.
• Low battery? Recharge promptly: Prevents downtime and ensures continuous monitoring.
• Use original cables: Ensures optimal charging speed and battery health.
• Monitor via Arlo app: Check real-time battery status remotely.
• Partial charges work: Top up when convenient, no need to wait for 0%.
• Avoid extreme temps: Charge between 0°C–40°C (32°F–104°F) for safety.

Understanding the Arlo Pro 2 Camera and Its Charging Needs

When I first unboxed my Arlo Pro 2 camera, I was excited to set it up and finally get that extra layer of security for my home. But like many, my first question was, “How long to get charged Arlo Pro 2 camera?” It’s a common concern—after all, you don’t want to install a camera only to find it’s out of juice in a few days. The Arlo Pro 2, part of Netgear’s popular line of smart home security cameras, is designed for both indoor and outdoor use, and its rechargeable batteries promise convenience. But how long does it actually take to charge? And more importantly, how long does that charge last?

Over the past few months of using my Arlo Pro 2 system—four cameras, motion detection zones, and all—I’ve learned a lot about charging times, battery life, and what factors can make a big difference. Whether you’re a new owner or just considering the upgrade from older models, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover charging duration, battery lifespan, charging methods, and even tips to extend your camera’s uptime. Think of this as a real-world companion to the manual—no fluff, just honest, practical advice.

How Long Does It Take to Fully Charge an Arlo Pro 2 Battery?

Standard Charging Time with the Arlo Charging Station

The Arlo Pro 2 comes with a proprietary charging station, and this is your go-to tool for recharging. From a completely dead battery (0%), the average charging time is about 4 to 6 hours to reach 100%. I’ve tested this several times, and it’s pretty consistent. For example, after a particularly busy week with lots of motion alerts, my camera drained to 5%. I placed the battery in the charging station at 8 PM, and by 1:30 AM, it was fully charged. That’s 5.5 hours—right in the sweet spot.

One thing to note: the charging station doesn’t have a display, but the LED indicator turns solid green when the battery is fully charged. A blinking orange light means it’s still charging. I’ve found this helpful because I don’t need to guess or use a timer. Just pop the battery in and check the light later.

Charging with a USB Cable (No Charging Station?)

Don’t have the charging station? No problem. You can charge the Arlo Pro 2 battery directly using the included USB cable and a standard USB wall adapter (like the one you use for your phone). This method works, but it’s a bit slower. I tried this once when I misplaced the charging station during a move. Using a 1A wall adapter, it took around 6 to 7 hours to go from 10% to full. That’s about 30% slower than the charging station.

If you use a higher-output adapter (2.1A or 3A), you can cut that time down. I used my iPad charger (2.4A), and the charge time dropped to about 5.5 hours. So, while USB charging is flexible, it’s not the fastest option. Also, make sure the cable is high quality—I once used a cheap third-party cable and noticed inconsistent charging. Stick with Arlo’s original cable or a reputable brand like Anker.

Factors That Affect Charging Speed

Not all charging sessions are equal. Several factors can influence how long it takes to get your Arlo Pro 2 battery charged:

• Temperature: Charging in extreme heat or cold slows things down. I once charged a battery on a 95°F day, and it took an extra hour. Arlo recommends charging at temperatures between 32°F and 104°F (0°C to 40°C).
• Battery age: Older batteries may take longer to charge and hold less capacity. After 18 months, my first battery started taking 7+ hours to charge, even with the station.
• Power source: A weak wall adapter or USB port on a laptop can reduce charging speed. I tried charging via my laptop once—took over 8 hours.
• Battery level: Charging from 0% to 50% is faster than from 50% to 100%. This is normal for lithium-ion batteries.

Pro tip: If you’re in a hurry, charge from 20% to 80% instead of 0% to 100%. This “partial charge” takes about 3 hours and gives you plenty of runtime for a few days.

How Long Does a Fully Charged Arlo Pro 2 Battery Last?

Battery Life Under Normal Use

This is the million-dollar question: how long does a charged Arlo Pro 2 battery last? The official answer from Arlo is “up to 6 months,” but that’s under ideal conditions—minimal motion, no night vision, and mild weather. In reality, most users get 1 to 3 months per charge, depending on usage.

My experience? I live in a suburban neighborhood with moderate foot traffic. I have motion detection set to “medium” sensitivity, and I get about 15–20 motion alerts per day. With this usage, my batteries last about 6–7 weeks. That’s roughly 1.5 months. Not 6 months, but still impressive compared to older models.

Factors That Drain Battery Faster

Several things can shorten your battery life significantly:

• High motion activity: If your camera faces a busy street, a dog park, or even a tree that moves in the wind, it’ll record more often. I once had a camera facing a willow tree—its leaves triggered alerts all day. Battery life dropped to just 3 weeks.
• Night vision: The infrared LEDs use a lot of power. Cameras recording in darkness (especially all night) drain faster. My backyard camera, which records from dusk to dawn, lasts about 4 weeks.
• Extreme temperatures: Cold weather is the biggest battery killer. In winter, my outdoor cameras lose 20–30% more power. One battery died in just 2 weeks during a cold snap.
• Wi-Fi signal strength: A weak signal forces the camera to work harder to send data. If your base station is far from the camera, battery life suffers.
• Video quality: Higher resolution (1080p vs. 720p) uses more power. I switched one camera to 720p, and its battery life improved by about 15%.

Tip: Use the Arlo app to check your camera’s battery level regularly. It shows a percentage and even estimates how many days are left.

Real-World Battery Life Examples

Let’s look at a few real scenarios to put this in perspective:

• Low activity (garage, side yard): 1–2 motion alerts/day, no night vision → 3–4 months per charge
• Medium activity (front door, driveway): 10–20 alerts/day, night vision on → 6–8 weeks per charge
• High activity (backyard, garden): 30+ alerts/day, night vision on, tree movement → 3–4 weeks per charge
• Winter conditions: Same as above, but in sub-40°F weather → 2–3 weeks per charge

These numbers aren’t perfect, but they give you a realistic idea. The key is to adjust your camera settings based on your needs.

Best Charging Practices to Maximize Battery Life and Speed

Use the Right Equipment

Always use the Arlo charging station when possible. It’s designed to optimize charging speed and battery health. I keep mine on a shelf in my home office—easy to reach and away from heat sources. If you’re using a USB cable, make sure it’s the original one. Third-party cables might work, but they can damage the battery over time.

Also, use a high-quality wall adapter. I use a 2.4A adapter (like the one for iPads or Samsung phones). Avoid using USB ports on computers or TVs—they often don’t deliver enough power.

Charge Before It’s Dead

Don’t wait until your battery hits 0%. Lithium-ion batteries last longer when you keep them between 20% and 80%. I charge my batteries at 30%—this gives me a 3-hour buffer and helps extend their lifespan. Think of it like your phone: you don’t let it die every time, right?

Bonus tip: Label your batteries. I have four cameras, so I keep two batteries charging and two in use. I use a simple label maker to mark them as “In Use” or “Charging.” This way, I never run out unexpectedly.

Optimize Camera Settings for Longer Battery Life

You can stretch your battery life without sacrificing security. Here’s what I do:

• Adjust motion sensitivity: Lower it in areas with lots of false triggers (like trees or busy streets).
• Set activity zones: Tell the camera to ignore certain areas (e.g., a neighbor’s driveway).
• Use schedules: Turn off motion detection at night if you don’t need it. I disable my front camera from 1 AM to 6 AM.
• Lower video quality: Switch to 720p if you don’t need 1080p. It uses less power and storage.
• Reduce recording length: The default is 10 seconds, but you can set it to 5 seconds. Saves power and storage.

These small changes can add up. After optimizing my settings, my battery life improved by about 25%.

Keep Batteries Cool and Dry

Heat is the enemy of battery life. Don’t charge your batteries in direct sunlight or near radiators. I keep my charging station in a cool, dry place—my home office, which stays around 70°F. Also, don’t charge a hot battery. If your camera was in the sun all day, let it cool for 15–20 minutes before charging.

Alternative Charging Methods and Accessories

Arlo Solar Panel (For Continuous Charging)

If you hate charging batteries, the Arlo Solar Panel is a game-changer. It connects directly to your camera and keeps the battery topped off using sunlight. I installed one on my backyard camera, and now I haven’t charged it manually in over 6 months.

Setup is easy—just mount the panel near the camera and connect it with the included cable. The panel works best in full sun, but it still generates power on cloudy days. My only complaint? It’s a bit pricey (around $80), and the cable is only 6 feet long, so placement matters.

Tip: Angle the panel toward the sun. I mounted mine on a south-facing wall at a 30-degree tilt. It gets 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily.

Spare Batteries and Charging Hubs

For multi-camera setups, extra batteries are a must. I have four spare batteries and two charging stations. This way, I can swap them in and out without downtime. When one camera’s battery hits 30%, I replace it with a fully charged one and start charging the drained battery.

You can also use a multi-bay charging hub (like the Anker PowerPort). It lets you charge multiple batteries at once, but it’s slower than the Arlo station. I use it as a backup when I’m charging more than two batteries.

Portable Power Banks (Emergency Charging)

Need to charge on the go? A high-capacity power bank (like the Anker PowerCore 26800) can charge your Arlo battery. I used this once during a camping trip to keep my camera running. It took about 7 hours, but it worked. Just make sure the power bank has a 2.1A or higher output.

Data Table: Charging Times and Battery Life Summary

Charging Method	Time to Full Charge (0% to 100%)	Notes
Arlo Charging Station	4–6 hours	Fastest and most reliable method. LED indicator shows charging status.
USB Wall Adapter (2.1A+)	5–6 hours	Use original Arlo cable for best results. Avoid low-output adapters.
USB Wall Adapter (1A)	6–7 hours	Slower. Not recommended for regular use.
Laptop USB Port	7–8+ hours	Unreliable. Only use in emergencies.
Arlo Solar Panel	Continuous charging	No manual charging needed. Works best in sunny locations.

Usage Scenario	Battery Life (Fully Charged)	Tips to Extend Life
Low activity, no night vision	3–6 months	Ideal for indoor cameras or low-traffic areas.
Medium activity, night vision on	6–8 weeks	Adjust sensitivity, use activity zones.
High activity, night vision on	3–4 weeks	Reduce recording length, lower video quality.
Winter conditions	2–3 weeks	Use solar panel, keep camera sheltered.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Convenience and Performance

So, how long to get charged Arlo Pro 2 camera? The answer depends on your method and conditions, but you can expect 4–6 hours with the charging station and 1–3 months of use per charge. It’s not instant, but it’s manageable—especially with a few extra batteries or a solar panel.

The Arlo Pro 2 isn’t perfect. Battery life can vary wildly based on your environment, and charging takes time. But with smart habits—like partial charging, optimized settings, and solar power—you can minimize the hassle. I’ve gone from dreading battery swaps to barely noticing them. That’s the power of planning.

At the end of the day, the Arlo Pro 2 delivers peace of mind. Whether you’re watching your front door, keeping an eye on the kids, or deterring intruders, it’s a reliable tool. Just remember: the key to long-term satisfaction is understanding your camera’s limits and working with them. Charge smart, set wisely, and enjoy the security it brings—without the constant battery anxiety.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to fully charge an Arlo Pro 2 camera?

The Arlo Pro 2 camera typically takes **4 to 6 hours** to charge fully using the included 5V/2A charger and USB cable. Charging time may vary slightly based on battery level and power source.

Can I use a fast charger to speed up Arlo Pro 2 charging time?

No, using a fast charger is not recommended, as the Arlo Pro 2 is designed to work optimally with its 5V/2A charger. Higher voltage may damage the battery or void the warranty.

How long does the Arlo Pro 2 battery last on a single charge?

The Arlo Pro 2 battery lasts **4 to 6 months** per charge under normal usage (e.g., 10-20 motion events daily). Battery life depends on activity, temperature, and recording settings.

Why is my Arlo Pro 2 camera charging slowly?

Slow charging may result from using a low-power adapter, a damaged USB cable, or extreme temperatures. Ensure you’re using the original charger and a direct power source for optimal speed.

Does the Arlo Pro 2 support continuous charging while in use?

Yes, the Arlo Pro 2 can be used while charging via a weather-resistant outdoor power adapter. This ensures uninterrupted surveillance during extended events or low-battery scenarios.

How can I check the charging status of my Arlo Pro 2 camera?

The LED light on the camera blinks amber while charging and turns solid green when fully charged. You can also monitor battery levels remotely via the Arlo app.