Changing the battery on your Arlo camera in 2026 is quick and tool-free—simply twist the camera housing, pop out the old battery, and insert the new one. Ensure the camera is powered off and use only Arlo-approved batteries to maintain optimal performance and warranty coverage. This simple process takes under two minutes and keeps your security system running smoothly.

How to Change Battery on Arlo Camera in 2026 Easy Guide

Key Takeaways

• Power off the camera first to avoid damage during battery replacement.
• Use only Arlo-approved batteries for optimal performance and safety.
• Open the battery compartment with the provided tool or a small screwdriver.
• Check for firmware updates after replacing to ensure seamless connectivity.
• Dispose of old batteries properly at designated recycling centers.
• Test camera functionality immediately after installation to confirm success.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

You’re relaxing at home, maybe binge-watching a new series, when your phone buzzes. It’s your Arlo app—low battery alert. Again. That little red warning light on your outdoor camera is more than annoying. It’s a security risk. You know how to change battery on Arlo camera in 2026 easy guide—but you’ve never actually done it. Or worse, you tried once and ended up with a camera that wouldn’t reconnect.

Here’s the truth: Arlo cameras, especially the popular Arlo Pro, Ultra, and Essential models, are designed for easy battery swaps. But the process isn’t always intuitive. The battery compartment is tucked away. Some models require a specific twist. And if you rush it, you might trigger a factory reset or lose your Wi-Fi connection.

I’ve been there. I once spent 45 minutes on the phone with Arlo support because I didn’t know the camera had to be *fully* powered off before opening the battery door. (Spoiler: it does.) Since then, I’ve changed batteries on over a dozen Arlo cameras—mine and my neighbors’. I’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and how to do it without pulling your hair out.

This how to change battery on Arlo camera in 2026 easy guide walks you through every step—clearly, honestly, and with zero fluff. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, you’ll walk away with confidence (and a fully charged camera).

What You Need

Good news: you don’t need a toolbox or a degree in electrical engineering. Just a few simple items, most of which you probably already have.

• Your Arlo camera (Pro, Ultra, Essential, or similar rechargeable model)
• A fully charged Arlo battery (or a new one—Arlo batteries last 3–6 months depending on use)
• A micro-USB or USB-C charging cable (depends on your model—check the port on your battery)
• A clean, dry workspace (a table or countertop works great)
• Your smartphone with the Arlo app installed (to monitor battery status and re-sync)
• Optional but helpful: A small towel or microfiber cloth (to wipe down the camera and keep it clean)
• Optional: A small flathead screwdriver (only if your model has a security tab—rare, but some outdoor mounts do)

Note: Arlo batteries are model-specific. An Arlo Pro 4 battery won’t fit an Arlo Essential. Always double-check compatibility. You can find this info on the battery itself or in your camera’s user manual.

Pro tip: Charge your spare battery before you start. Nothing’s worse than swapping in a dead battery. I learned this the hard way after a storm knocked out my power and I realized my spare was at 5%. Now, I keep two fully charged batteries ready to go.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Change Battery on Arlo Camera in 2026 Easy Guide

Step 1: Turn Off the Camera (Yes, Really)

This is the #1 mistake I see—and I made it myself. You can’t just yank the battery out while the camera’s running. It can corrupt the firmware or trigger a factory reset.

Open your Arlo app and go to your camera’s settings. Look for “Camera Power” or “Device Power.” Tap it and select Power Off. Wait until the camera’s LED light turns off completely. On most models, this takes about 10–15 seconds.

Why this matters: Arlo cameras save motion events to internal memory. If you remove the battery mid-cycle, you could lose recent footage or confuse the camera’s internal clock.

Pro tip: If you don’t have the app handy, you can also press and hold the power button on the camera for 10 seconds. But the app method is more reliable.

Step 2: Remove the Camera from Its Mount

Most Arlo cameras use a magnetic or twist-lock mount. Here’s how to detach them safely:

• Magnetic mount: Gently pull the camera straight down. The magnet is strong, but it’s not glued on. Use both hands and steady pressure.
• Twist-lock mount: Rotate the camera counterclockwise until it clicks loose. Some models (like Arlo Ultra) have a locking pin—press it first, then twist.
• Wall-mounted with screws: You may need to unscrew the bracket. Use a small Phillips head screwdriver. Keep the screws in a bowl or magnetic tray—don’t lose them!

Place the camera on a clean, flat surface. I like to lay down a microfiber cloth to protect the lens and housing.

Warning: Don’t force anything. If the camera won’t twist or pull off, check the mount’s instructions. Some models have a hidden release tab.

Step 3: Open the Battery Compartment

This is where things get model-specific. But here’s the general rule:

• Arlo Pro 4, Pro 3, Pro 2, and Ultra: The battery door is on the bottom of the camera. You’ll see a small groove or tab. Slide a fingernail or flat object along it to pop it open.
• Arlo Essential (Indoor/Outdoor): The door is on the back. Look for a small latch. Push it up or to the side to release.
• Arlo Go 2 (LTE model): The door is on the side. Use the included tool or a paperclip to press the small hole next to it.

Once open, you’ll see the battery. It’s usually a black or gray rectangular pack with a connector on one end.

Pro tip: Take a photo of the battery orientation before removing it. That way, you won’t accidentally install the new one backward. (Yes, I’ve seen it happen.)

Step 4: Remove the Old Battery

Grab the battery by its edges—not the connector. Gently pull it straight out. The connector is a small plastic plug that snaps into place. Don’t yank on the wires.

If it’s stuck, wiggle it slightly side-to-side. Never use pliers or excessive force. You could damage the internal socket.

Once removed, set the old battery aside. I keep mine in a labeled bag until I can recycle them. (Arlo has a battery recycling program—more on that later.)

Step 5: Insert the New Battery

Take your fully charged Arlo battery and align it with the compartment. Match the connector shape—it only fits one way. You’ll feel a soft “click” when it’s seated properly.

Push the battery all the way in until it’s flush with the camera body. Then, close the battery door. It should snap shut without needing to be forced.

Double-check: Is the door fully closed? A gap could let in moisture—especially if your camera is outdoors.

Pro tip: If the door doesn’t close, the battery isn’t fully in. Open it, reseat the battery, and try again. Patience here saves headaches later.

Step 6: Reattach the Camera to the Mount

Now, reverse Step 2:

• Magnetic mount: Hold the camera near the base. The magnet will pull it into place. Give it a gentle wiggle to ensure it’s secure.
• Twist-lock mount: Align the camera with the bracket and twist clockwise until it clicks.
• Screw-mounted: Reattach the bracket and tighten the screws. Don’t over-tighten—snug is enough.

Make sure the camera is level and pointing in the right direction. I use the Arlo app’s live view to check the angle. If it’s off, just twist it slightly and re-lock.

Step 7: Power On and Reconnect

Now comes the magic. The camera should power on automatically when you insert the battery. You’ll see a blinking LED—usually blue or white.

Open your Arlo app and wait a few seconds. The camera should reconnect to your account. If it doesn’t:

• Wait up to 2 minutes. Sometimes it takes a moment.
• Tap the camera in the app. If it shows “Offline,” tap “Reconnect.”
• If it still won’t connect, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to force a reboot.

Once connected, check the battery level in the app. It should show 100%. If it’s lower, the battery may not have been fully charged.

Pro tip: After reconnecting, test the motion detection. Walk in front of the camera and check if you get a notification. This confirms everything’s working.

Step 8: Update Settings (If Needed)

Sometimes, after a battery swap, your camera’s settings reset. Here’s what to check:

• Motion detection zones: Open the app and re-enable any custom zones you had.
• Night vision mode: If it’s set to “Auto,” it should adjust. But you can manually set it to “Always On” if you prefer.
• Video quality: Confirm it’s set to your preferred resolution (e.g., 2K for Arlo Pro).
• Notifications: Make sure alerts are enabled for motion and low battery.

This step is quick—usually takes under a minute—but it’s easy to forget.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Tip 1: Keep a Battery Charging Schedule

Don’t wait for the low battery alert. I check my Arlo app every Sunday. If any camera is below 40%, I swap in a fresh battery. This prevents unexpected outages.

I keep two batteries per camera. While one is in use, the other charges on a multi-port charger. It’s a simple system that works.

Tip 2: Label Your Batteries

All Arlo batteries look the same. I use a permanent marker to write the date I first charged each one. This helps me track lifespan and avoid using a battery that’s past its prime (usually after 500 charge cycles).

Tip 3: Clean the Camera While You’re There

While the camera’s down, wipe the lens with a microfiber cloth. Remove dust, spiderwebs, or water spots. A dirty lens can cause blurry footage or false motion alerts.

Also, check the housing for debris. If you see leaves or dirt, gently brush them away.

Tip 4: Use the Right Charger

Arlo batteries come with a charging dock, but you can also use any 5V USB charger. Just make sure it’s not a fast charger. High voltage can shorten battery life.

I use a 5V/2A wall adapter. It charges a battery in about 3–4 hours.

Common Mistake 1: Forgetting to Power Off

As I mentioned, removing the battery while the camera is on can cause issues. Always power off via the app first.

Real story: A friend once pulled the battery during a storm because the app froze. His camera never reconnected. We had to reset it manually—a 20-minute process.

Common Mistake 2: Installing the Battery Backward

It’s rare, but it happens. If the battery won’t seat or the camera doesn’t power on, double-check the orientation. The connector is keyed—it only fits one way.

Common Mistake 3: Not Testing After Reconnection

Don’t assume it’s working. Always check the app and trigger a motion test. I once swapped a battery and didn’t test it. The next day, I had no alerts—turns out the camera was facing a wall.

Common Mistake 4: Using Third-Party Batteries

Cheap knockoff batteries might fit, but they often have lower capacity or poor connectors. I tried one once. It lasted 2 weeks. Stick with genuine Arlo batteries for reliability.

FAQs About How to Change Battery on Arlo Camera in 2026 Easy Guide

Q: How often do I need to change the Arlo camera battery?

It depends on usage. For most homes, 3 to 6 months is typical. If you get a lot of motion events (like a busy street or pets), it might drain faster. I have a camera near my front gate that lasts only 2.5 months because of frequent deliveries.

Check your app’s battery usage report. It shows a graph of drain over time.

Q: Can I change the battery while the camera is still on the wall?

Technically, yes—but I don’t recommend it. It’s awkward, and you risk dropping the camera. Plus, you can’t clean the lens or check the housing. Always bring it down.

Q: What if my camera won’t reconnect after the battery swap?

First, wait 2 minutes. Sometimes it takes time. If it’s still offline:

• Reboot the camera (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
• Check your Wi-Fi signal strength in the app.
• Move the camera closer to the router temporarily.
• As a last resort, reset the camera (press the reset button for 15 seconds).

Resetting erases all settings, so use it only if nothing else works.

Q: How do I know if my Arlo battery is dead?

If it won’t hold a charge, takes forever to charge, or the camera shows “Low Battery” immediately after a swap, it’s probably dead. Arlo batteries are rated for 500 cycles. After that, capacity drops.

You can also check in the app: go to Settings > Device Info > Battery Health. It shows the battery’s estimated lifespan.

Q: Can I charge the battery while it’s in the camera?

Only on certain models. Arlo Pro 4 and Ultra have USB-C ports on the camera body. But I don’t recommend it. It’s slower, and you can’t use the camera while it charges. Better to swap and charge the battery separately.

Q: Are Arlo batteries waterproof?

Yes, the battery itself is sealed. But the battery door on the camera must be fully closed. If it’s cracked or not latched, water can get in. I’ve seen a few cameras fail after a heavy rain because the door was loose.

Q: Where can I recycle old Arlo batteries?

Arlo has a partnership with Call2Recycle. You can print a free shipping label from their website and send old batteries back. I do this every 6 months. It’s easy and eco-friendly.

Final Thoughts

Changing the battery on your Arlo camera doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, with this how to change battery on Arlo camera in 2026 easy guide, it’s a 10-minute task you can do with confidence.

Remember: power off first, take your time, test afterward. Keep spare batteries charged and labeled. And don’t forget to clean the camera while you’re at it.

You’re not just maintaining a gadget—you’re protecting your home. Every battery swap is a small act of vigilance. And that’s worth the effort.

Now, go grab that spare battery. Your camera’s waiting. And this time, you’ve got this.