Changing the battery on your Arlo Pro camera in 2026 is quick and tool-free—just twist the camera off its mount, pop out the old battery, and insert the new one. Ensure the replacement is an Arlo-approved rechargeable pack for optimal performance and weather resistance. Reattach the camera, and you’re back to 24/7 surveillance in under two minutes.

How to Change Battery on Arlo Pro Camera in 2026 Easy Guide

Key Takeaways

• Power off the camera first to avoid damage or interruptions during battery replacement.
• Use only Arlo-approved batteries for optimal performance and safety in your Arlo Pro camera.
• Open the battery compartment carefully with the tool provided to prevent casing damage.
• Check battery orientation before inserting to ensure correct polarity and connection.
• Fully charge the new battery before reinserting to maximize camera uptime.
• Test camera functionality immediately after replacement to confirm proper installation.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be real — nothing’s more frustrating than checking your Arlo Pro camera only to see that dreaded “low battery” alert. You’re relying on it for home security, maybe to keep an eye on your front porch, backyard, or even your pet while you’re at work. When the battery dies, so does your peace of mind.

I’ve been there. Last winter, I got a notification at 2 a.m. that my Arlo Pro 3 had shut down due to a dead battery. I woke up to a snow-covered driveway and no footage of who plowed it. That was my wake-up call: I needed a reliable, easy way to change the battery — fast.

The good news? Changing the battery on your Arlo Pro camera is simpler than you think. With the right tools and a few minutes, you can get back to 24/7 monitoring. This How to Change Battery on Arlo Pro Camera in 2026 Easy Guide walks you through every step, so you never get caught off guard again.

Whether you’re a tech newbie or a seasoned DIYer, this guide is built for real people with real schedules. We’ll cover everything from tools to troubleshooting, with tips I’ve learned after replacing batteries on six Arlo Pro units over the past three years.

Pro Insight: Battery life varies — typically 3–6 months — depending on usage, temperature, and how often motion triggers recordings. Don’t wait for a shutdown. Plan ahead.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s gather your supplies. You don’t need a toolbox full of gear — just a few essentials. Here’s what I keep in my Arlo maintenance kit:

• Arlo Pro Rechargeable Battery – Make sure it’s the correct model (Arlo Pro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4, or Ultra). They’re not interchangeable.
• Micro-USB or USB-C charging cable – Use the one that came with your camera or a high-quality replacement.
• Arlo charging station (optional but recommended) – This lets you charge one battery while using another. Game-changer for multi-cam setups.
• Small flathead screwdriver or plastic pry tool – For gently opening the battery compartment (especially on older models).
• Clean microfiber cloth – Wipe down the camera and battery contacts to prevent dust buildup.
• Fully charged spare battery – So you can swap and go without waiting.

Bonus tip: Keep your spare battery in a cool, dry place. Heat kills battery life. I store mine in a kitchen drawer, away from sunlight and appliances.

Now, if you’re wondering, “Do I really need a spare battery?” — yes. Trust me. Charging takes 2–4 hours. With a spare, you’re back online in under five minutes. That’s the real power of this How to Change Battery on Arlo Pro Camera in 2026 Easy Guide.

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

Step 1: Power Down and Disconnect the Camera (If Needed)

If your Arlo Pro is mounted outdoors, you’ll likely need to remove it first. I learned this the hard way when I tried to change the battery on a rainy day — with the camera still on the wall. Not fun.

Start by opening the Arlo app. Tap on your camera and select “Camera Off” to disable it. This isn’t always required, but it prevents false motion alerts during the swap.

Next, gently twist the camera counterclockwise to release it from the magnetic mount. The mount stays on the wall — you’re just taking the camera body down.

Watch Out: Don’t yank the camera. The magnetic connection is strong, but sudden force can damage the housing or lens.

Once it’s in your hands, wipe the lens and body with a microfiber cloth. A clean camera works better — dust and grime can trigger false motion alerts.

Step 2: Open the Battery Compartment

Now, flip the camera over. Look for the small, recessed battery door on the bottom or side, depending on your model.

For Arlo Pro 2 and Pro 3, you’ll see a tiny groove. Use your flathead screwdriver or plastic pry tool to gently lift the door. I prefer a plastic tool — metal can scratch the plastic housing.

For Arlo Pro 4 and Ultra, the door is spring-loaded and slides open with a small push. Just press the tab and slide it toward the back. Super smooth.

Inside, you’ll see the battery — a flat, rectangular pack with metal contacts. It’s held in place by a small tab. Don’t force it out. We’ll get to that next.

Pro Tip: Take a quick photo of the battery orientation before removing it. This helps when reinserting the new one — especially in low light.

Step 3: Remove the Old Battery

Here’s where people often get stuck. The battery is snug — and that’s by design. But with the right technique, it slides out easily.

Locate the small plastic tab at one end of the battery. Gently lift it with your fingernail or a plastic tool. As you do, the battery will start to pop up slightly.

Now, use your fingers to grip the battery’s edge and pull it straight out. No twisting, no prying. Just a smooth, steady motion.

Once it’s out, inspect the contacts (the metal strips). If they’re dirty or corroded, wipe them with a dry cloth. A clean connection means faster charging and better performance.

Warning: Never use water or cleaning sprays inside the battery compartment. Moisture can damage internal circuits.

Set the old battery aside. Don’t toss it yet — we’ll talk about proper disposal in the FAQs.

Step 4: Insert the New Battery

This is the easiest part — if you remember the photo you took earlier.

Take your fully charged replacement battery. Make sure the metal contacts are facing the same direction as the old one. The battery has a slight curve — align it with the slot’s shape.

Slide it in slowly until it’s flush with the camera. You should hear a soft “click” as the tab locks it in place. Don’t force it. If it doesn’t go in smoothly, double-check the orientation.

Once it’s seated, gently press down on the battery to ensure it’s secure. A loose battery can cause connection issues or unexpected shutdowns.

I always give it a light tug to test. If it doesn’t move, you’re good to go.

Step 5: Close the Battery Compartment

Now, close the battery door. For Pro 2 and Pro 3, press it down until it’s flat with the housing. For Pro 4 and Ultra, slide it back until it clicks.

Double-check that it’s fully closed. An open door can let in moisture, dust, or even insects — especially if your camera is outdoors.

Wipe the area around the door to remove fingerprints or debris. A clean seal helps maintain the camera’s weather resistance.

Step 6: Reattach the Camera to the Mount

Now, it’s time to put it back on the wall. Hold the camera near the magnetic mount. The magnets will pull it into place — just line it up and let go.

Give it a gentle twist to lock it in. You should feel it click into position. This prevents it from rotating or falling due to wind or vibrations.

Step back and check the angle. Make sure it’s pointing where you want it. I once reattached my camera only to realize it was facing the neighbor’s tree instead of my front door. Oops.

Step 7: Reactivate and Test in the Arlo App

Open the Arlo app. Your camera should appear as “online” or “battery charging” — even if the battery is full. If it’s not showing up, try these quick fixes:

• Toggle your Wi-Fi router off and on.
• Wait 1–2 minutes — sometimes it takes time to reconnect.
• Press the sync button on the base station (if you have one).

Once it’s online, go to the camera’s settings and check the battery level. It should show 100% (or close to it). If it’s not fully charged, plug the camera into a USB power source for 10 minutes to top it off.

Then, do a test recording. Wave your hand in front of the camera. Check the app to confirm it detected motion and saved the clip.

Finally, verify the live stream. Make sure the video is clear, the night vision works, and the audio is crisp.

Pro Tip: After a battery swap, I always run a “test alert” by triggering motion. It confirms everything’s working before I rely on it for real.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over the years, I’ve made — and learned from — every mistake in the book. Here’s what I wish I knew when I started:

• Always keep a spare battery charged. I keep two: one in the camera, one in the charging dock. That way, I can swap and go — no waiting.
• Don’t charge the battery inside the camera for long periods. Once it hits 100%, unplug it. Overcharging can reduce battery lifespan.
• Use the Arlo charging station, not a random USB hub. Cheap hubs can underpower the battery, leading to slow charging or incomplete cycles.
• Label your batteries. I write “Pro 3 – Spare 1” on mine with a Sharpie. Prevents mix-ups, especially if you have multiple models.
• Check for firmware updates after a swap. Sometimes, the camera needs a quick update to recognize the new battery. Go to Settings > Device Info > Update Firmware.

Common Mistake: Forgetting to close the battery door all the way. A friend once left his slightly open. A rainstorm later, the camera stopped working. The door must be flush.

Another Trap: Using a non-Arlo battery. I tried a third-party one once. It worked… for three weeks. Then it swelled and damaged the compartment. Stick with Arlo-branded batteries — they’re worth the extra cost.

And here’s a bonus: Clean the charging contacts every few swaps. I use a cotton swab with a tiny bit of isopropyl alcohol (70%). It keeps the connection strong and prevents charging issues.

Finally, don’t ignore battery health in the app. Arlo shows battery health over time. If it drops below 80%, consider replacing it — even if it still holds a charge.

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

Q: How often should I change the battery on my Arlo Pro?

Great question. Most Arlo Pro batteries last 3–6 months. But it depends. If your camera is in a high-traffic area (like a front door), it records more often and drains faster. In cold climates, batteries lose capacity — I get about 2.5 months in winter.

Check the app every week. It shows battery percentage and estimated time left. I set a reminder on my phone to check every Sunday. That way, I never get surprised.

Q: Can I use a non-rechargeable battery in my Arlo Pro?

No. Arlo Pro cameras are designed for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Regular AA or AAA batteries won’t fit, won’t power the camera, and could damage it.

Even if you find a third-party rechargeable, stick with Arlo’s official batteries. They’re tested for safety, performance, and longevity. I learned that the hard way with a cheap knockoff — it overheated and melted the plastic around the contacts.

Q: What do I do with the old battery?

Don’t throw it in the trash. Lithium-ion batteries are hazardous waste. They can leak or catch fire in landfills.

Instead, take it to a recycling center. Many electronics stores (like Best Buy or Staples) have battery drop-off bins. Or check Call2Recycle for a location near you.

I keep a small box for old batteries until I have 2–3, then recycle them all at once. Easy and responsible.

Q: Why won’t my camera turn on after the battery swap?

First, check the battery. Is it fully charged? Is it inserted correctly? Try removing and reinserting it.

If it still won’t power on, the battery contacts might be dirty. Clean them with a dry cloth or cotton swab.

Still no luck? Try a different battery. If that works, the original battery is dead — recycle it.

As a last resort, reset the camera. Press and hold the sync button for 10 seconds. This forces it to reconnect to the base station and can fix power issues.

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

Yes — but not for long. You can plug in the camera with the battery inside to top it off. But don’t leave it charging for days.

For full, safe charging, use the Arlo charging station. It monitors the battery and stops charging at 100%. Much better for battery health.

I charge mine overnight once a week — even if it’s not empty. Keeps it at peak performance.

Q: Does extreme weather affect battery life?

Absolutely. Cold weather slows down chemical reactions in lithium batteries. Below freezing, capacity can drop by 30–50%. I’ve seen my camera go from 100% to 20% in one night during a snowstorm.

Hot weather isn’t great either. Above 95°F (35°C), batteries degrade faster. If possible, mount the camera in a shaded area.

For extreme climates, consider the Arlo Solar Panel. It keeps the battery topped up year-round — no swaps needed. I installed one last summer, and my backyard cam hasn’t needed a battery change since.

Q: How do I know if my battery is dying?

Beyond low percentage, watch for these signs:

• Camera shuts down randomly, even with “20%” showing.
• Battery drains faster than usual — like 1% per hour.
• Camera overheats during charging.
• App shows “battery health: poor” or “replace soon.”

If you see any of these, order a new battery. Don’t wait for a full failure.

Final Thoughts

Changing the battery on your Arlo Pro camera doesn’t have to be a chore. With this How to Change Battery on Arlo Pro Camera in 2026 Easy Guide, you can do it in under 10 minutes — even if you’re not tech-savvy.

The key is preparation: keep a spare battery charged, clean your contacts, and check the app regularly. A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your home safe and secure.

Remember, it’s not just about replacing the battery — it’s about reliability. When your camera works, you sleep better. When it doesn’t, you worry. Don’t let a dead battery be the reason you miss something important.

So go ahead: charge that spare battery, clean your toolkit, and schedule your next swap. Your future self will thank you.

And if you ever get stuck? Open the Arlo app, check the battery level, and follow these steps. You’ve got this.

Stay safe, stay charged, and keep watching.