How Many Batteries Uses Arlo Camera A Complete Guide

Most Arlo cameras use either 1 or 2 rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, depending on the model, with single-battery designs like the Arlo Pro 4 and dual-battery setups in the Arlo Ultra 2 offering extended life and flexibility. Typical battery life ranges from 3 to 6 months, influenced by usage, motion frequency, and environmental conditions.

Key Takeaways

• Most Arlo cameras use 2 CR123A batteries for reliable, long-lasting performance.
• Check your model’s manual to confirm exact battery type and quantity.
• Battery life varies by usage—motion detection and video quality impact duration.
• Rechargeable batteries save money but ensure compatibility with your Arlo model.
• Always keep spares on hand to avoid downtime during critical monitoring.

How Many Batteries Uses Arlo Camera? A Complete Guide

Imagine setting up your Arlo camera, excited to finally have peace of mind about your home security, only to realize you’re not quite sure how many batteries it actually uses. It’s a common scenario—especially for first-time smart security users. You’ve probably seen the sleek design, read the rave reviews, and maybe even watched a few YouTube setup videos, but battery details? Not so much. That’s where this guide comes in. Whether you’re installing a single camera or building an entire outdoor surveillance network, knowing the battery requirements of your Arlo system is essential for long-term success.

From battery types and lifespans to real-world usage and cost-saving tips, I’ve spent countless hours testing, troubleshooting, and learning from my own Arlo setup. I’ve dealt with unexpected battery drains, cold-weather hiccups, and the occasional “low battery” alert at the worst possible time. Through trial and error (and a few late-night recharges), I’ve gathered everything you need to know about how many batteries Arlo cameras use—and how to make the most of them. This isn’t just a technical rundown; it’s a practical, no-nonsense guide to help you avoid the pitfalls and enjoy reliable, long-lasting performance.

Understanding Arlo Camera Models and Their Battery Requirements

Before diving into numbers, it’s important to know that not all Arlo cameras are the same. Arlo offers several models, each with different battery needs based on design, features, and intended use. Some are designed for indoor use, others for rugged outdoor conditions, and a few even offer solar charging. Let’s break down the most popular models and their battery specs so you can match your needs to the right camera.

Arlo Pro Series: The Battery Workhorses

The Arlo Pro 2, Pro 3, and Pro 4 are among the most popular in the lineup. These cameras are known for their high-resolution video, color night vision, and two-way audio. Here’s the battery breakdown:

• Arlo Pro 2: Uses one 3.7V 3,000mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery per camera.
• Arlo Pro 3: Also uses one 3.7V 3,000mAh battery, but with improved power efficiency due to better hardware.
• Arlo Pro 4: Same battery as Pro 3, but with a sleeker design and optional solar charging.

These batteries are removable and rechargeable. You’ll typically get a spare battery with your kit, which is a lifesaver during recharging. For example, while one battery powers the camera, you can charge the other. This “swap-and-go” system is ideal for 24/7 monitoring.

Arlo Ultra and Ultra 2: Premium Power Needs

The Arlo Ultra and Ultra 2 are Arlo’s flagship models, offering 4K video, HDR, and advanced AI detection. They use a slightly larger battery:

• Arlo Ultra: One 3.7V 4,600mAh battery per camera.
• Arlo Ultra 2: Same battery as the original Ultra, but with improved motion detection and Wi-Fi stability.

While the larger capacity sounds great, keep in mind that 4K streaming and advanced features drain power faster. So, even with more milliamp-hours (mAh), battery life may not be much longer than the Pro series—especially if you use features like live streaming or AI-based alerts frequently.

Arlo Essential and Arlo Go: Simpler, But Still Battery-Dependent

The Arlo Essential series (Indoor, Outdoor, and XL) uses one 3.7V 2,400mAh battery. These are more budget-friendly and designed for basic monitoring. The Essential XL has a larger 3,000mAh battery, offering slightly longer life.

The Arlo Go is a cellular-based camera (great for remote areas), and it uses one 3.7V 3,000mAh battery. Since it relies on cellular data instead of Wi-Fi, battery drain can be higher—especially if signal strength is weak.

Tip: Always check the product box or manual for the exact battery model (e.g., “Arlo Pro Battery” or “Arlo Ultra Battery”). Mixing batteries across models can damage your camera or reduce performance.

Battery Life: How Long Do Arlo Batteries Really Last?

Now that you know how many batteries each camera uses, let’s talk about how long they actually last. This is where expectations often clash with reality. Arlo claims “up to 6 months” of battery life, but in practice, it’s rarely that simple. Battery life depends on several real-world factors, and understanding them can save you from frequent recharging.

Factors That Affect Battery Life

• Motion Detection Frequency: The more your camera detects motion, the more it records and streams. A camera facing a busy street or a tree that sways in the wind will drain faster.
• Video Resolution: 4K (Ultra) uses more power than 1080p (Pro 4) or 720p (Essential). If you don’t need ultra-high resolution, lowering it can extend battery life.
• Night Vision Mode: Color night vision (available on Pro 3/4 and Ultra) uses infrared and visible light, which consumes more power than standard IR-only night vision.
• Weather Conditions: Cold temperatures (below 32°F/0°C) reduce battery efficiency. Lithium-ion batteries perform best between 50°F and 77°F (10°C–25°C).
• Wi-Fi Signal Strength: A weak Wi-Fi signal forces the camera to work harder to stay connected, increasing power use.
• Recording Settings: Continuous recording (if supported) drains batteries much faster than motion-activated recording.

Real-World Battery Life Examples

Based on my testing and community feedback, here’s what you can realistically expect:

• Arlo Pro 4 (1080p, motion-activated, moderate activity): 4–5 months.
• Arlo Pro 3 (1440p, color night vision, high activity): 3–4 months.
• Arlo Ultra 2 (4K, AI detection, busy area): 2–3 months.
• Arlo Essential Outdoor (720p, low activity): 5–6 months.
• Arlo Go (cellular, medium signal, frequent alerts): 2–3 months.

Pro tip: Use the Arlo app’s “Battery Health” feature to monitor usage. It shows estimated remaining life and helps you plan recharging before the camera shuts down.

When Cold Weather Kicks In

I learned this the hard way during a New England winter. My Arlo Pro 4, which lasted 5 months in summer, started beeping “low battery” in just 8 weeks. Lithium-ion batteries lose capacity in cold weather—sometimes up to 30%. To combat this:

• Install cameras in sheltered areas (under eaves or porches).
• Use the Arlo Solar Panel (more on that later) to keep batteries warm and topped off.
• Consider indoor placement or temporary removal during extreme cold.

Recharging, Swapping, and Battery Management Tips

Recharging your Arlo batteries isn’t just about plugging them in—it’s about managing a system. With multiple cameras, you’ll want a strategy to avoid downtime. Here’s how to do it smartly.

The Two-Battery System: Your Best Friend

Most Arlo kits come with two batteries per camera. Use them wisely:

1. Keep one battery in the camera.
2. Charge the second in the included charger or a USB power bank.
3. When the camera battery hits 20%, swap it with the charged one.
4. Recharge the used battery and repeat.

This “battery rotation” ensures your camera is never offline. I keep a charging station in my kitchen—easy to swap during dinner or while watching TV.

How to Recharge Arlo Batteries Properly

• Use the official Arlo charger or a high-quality USB-C/USB-A wall adapter (5V/2A).
• Recharge at room temperature. Don’t charge in freezing garages or hot cars.
• A full charge takes 3–5 hours, depending on the battery size.
• Don’t overcharge. The charger has auto-shutoff, but it’s still good practice to unplug after charging.

Smart Battery Management with the Arlo App

The Arlo app is your command center for battery health. Use these features:

• Battery Level Alerts: Set push notifications at 20%, 10%, and 5%.
• Usage History: See which cameras drain fastest and adjust settings.
• Power Management Modes: Some models offer “Eco Mode” to reduce recording frequency and extend battery life.

Real-life example: I have an Arlo Ultra facing my front porch. It was draining in 2.5 months due to frequent deliveries. I switched to “Standard” motion detection (instead of “High Sensitivity”) and lowered the resolution to 2K. Battery life jumped to 4 months—without missing any important events.

Alternative Power Options: Solar Panels and Wired Kits

Batteries are great for flexibility, but they come with maintenance. If you’re tired of recharging, Arlo offers two excellent alternatives: solar panels and wired power kits. Let’s explore when and why to use them.

Arlo Solar Panel: The Eco-Friendly Choice

The Arlo Solar Panel (available for Pro 3/4, Ultra, Essential, and Go) keeps your battery charged using sunlight. It’s a game-changer for outdoor cameras.

• How it works: The panel connects to the camera via a 6-foot cable. It slowly charges the battery, extending life indefinitely in sunny conditions.
• Real-world performance: In full sun, it can fully recharge a Pro 4 battery in 5–7 days. In partial sun (e.g., shaded yard), it maintains charge but won’t fully recharge.
• Installation tip: Face the panel south (in the Northern Hemisphere) and tilt it at a 30°–45° angle for maximum exposure.

I installed solar panels on my backyard and driveway cameras. Combined with the two-battery system, I’ve gone over a year without manual recharging. The only time I needed to step in was during a 3-week cloudy spell—then I just swapped a battery once.

Arlo Power Adapter: For Cameras Near Outlets

If your camera is within 6 feet of an outdoor GFCI outlet, use the Arlo Power Adapter (sold separately). It provides continuous power, eliminating battery worries entirely.

• Best for: Front doors, back porches, garages.
• Setup: Plug the adapter into the outlet, connect the cable to the camera, and remove the battery.
• Bonus: Some users leave the battery in as a backup during power outages.

Note: Not all Arlo models support wired power. Check compatibility before buying. The Pro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4, and Ultra series do. Essential and Go do not.

Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds

For maximum reliability, combine solar and batteries:

• Use solar panels for primary power.
• Keep a charged spare battery on hand for cloudy weeks or winter.
• Set app alerts to notify you if solar isn’t charging (e.g., panel covered in snow).

This approach gives you near-zero maintenance with full backup protection.

Cost, Replacement, and Sustainability

Let’s talk money and the environment. Batteries aren’t free, and replacing them regularly adds up. Plus, there’s the environmental impact of discarded batteries. Here’s how to save money and stay green.

How Much Do Arlo Batteries Cost?

Replacement batteries range from $25 to $50, depending on the model:

Arlo Model	Battery Model	Capacity	Price (USD)
Arlo Pro 2/3/4	Arlo Pro Battery	3,000mAh	$29.99
Arlo Ultra/Ultra 2	Arlo Ultra Battery	4,600mAh	$49.99
Arlo Essential	Arlo Essential Battery	2,400mAh	$24.99
Arlo Go	Arlo Go Battery	3,000mAh	$34.99

Buying in bulk (e.g., a 2-pack for $50) saves about 15–20%. I recommend keeping at least two spare batteries per camera for rotation.

Extending Battery Lifespan

Proper care can double your battery’s usable life:

• Avoid deep discharges: Recharge at 20%, not 5%. Lithium-ion batteries degrade faster when fully drained.
• Store at 50% charge: If not using a battery for months, store it at 40–60% charge in a cool, dry place.
• Clean contacts: Wipe battery terminals with a dry cloth to prevent corrosion.

Sustainability: Recycling and Eco Tips

Arlo batteries contain lithium, which is harmful if dumped. Always recycle:

• Use Call2Recycle drop-off locations (find at call2recycle.org).
• Arlo offers a recycling program in some regions—check their website.
• Switch to solar to reduce battery replacement frequency.

Fun fact: One solar panel can prevent 10+ battery replacements over 5 years. That’s not just eco-friendly—it’s wallet-friendly too.

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Arlo Battery System

So, how many batteries does an Arlo camera use? One per camera—but the real answer is deeper than that. It’s about understanding your model, managing usage, and choosing the right power strategy. Whether you’re using rechargeable batteries, solar panels, or wired power, the goal is the same: reliable, hassle-free security.

From my experience, the key is proactive management. Don’t wait for the “low battery” alert. Set up rotation, use the app’s tools, and consider solar for outdoor cameras. A little planning goes a long way. I now have 6 Arlo cameras, all running smoothly for over a year, with minimal maintenance. The secret? Two batteries per camera, two solar panels, and one well-organized charging station.

Remember, Arlo’s flexibility is its strength. You can start with batteries, upgrade to solar, or even switch to wired power as your needs change. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution—only what works best for your home, your climate, and your lifestyle.

So go ahead, set up that camera, charge those batteries, and enjoy peace of mind. And the next time someone asks, “How many batteries does an Arlo camera use?” you can smile and say, “Just one—but I’ve got a whole system behind it.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How many batteries does an Arlo camera use per device?

Most Arlo cameras, including the Arlo Pro and Ultra models, use **two CR123A lithium batteries** per unit. Some older or specialized models may vary, so always check the product manual.

Do all Arlo cameras use the same type of batteries?

No, battery types vary by model. While many use CR123A batteries, the Arlo Go relies on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and the Arlo Essential uses built-in rechargeable cells. Confirm the battery type for your specific Arlo camera model.

How long do the batteries last in an Arlo camera?

Battery life depends on usage, but Arlo cameras typically last **3–6 months** on two CR123A batteries with average activity. Frequent motion alerts or 4K streaming may reduce lifespan.

Can I use rechargeable batteries in my Arlo camera?

Arlo recommends **non-rechargeable CR123A lithium batteries** for optimal performance. Rechargeable CR123A alternatives may work but could shorten battery life or void warranties.

How many batteries does the Arlo Pro 4 use compared to other models?

The Arlo Pro 4 uses **two CR123A batteries**, similar to the Pro 3 and Ultra. However, the Arlo Pro 2 includes a rechargeable battery pack, offering a different power solution.

What happens if I use low-quality batteries in my Arlo camera?

Low-quality batteries may cause frequent disconnections, reduced lifespan, or damage to your Arlo camera. Always use high-quality, name-brand CR123A batteries for reliable performance.