Charging your Arlo Pro 2 camera is quick and simple using the included magnetic charging cable—just snap it onto the camera’s base for a secure, weather-resistant connection. For best results, use a 5V/2A power adapter and avoid third-party cables to ensure fast, safe charging. With a full charge taking around 3–4 hours, your camera will be ready to deliver reliable 24/7 surveillance in no time.

How to Charge an Arlo Pro 2 Camera in 2026 Simple Guide

Key Takeaways

• Use the original charger: Ensures optimal charging speed and battery health.
• Remove the battery first: Always detach the battery before charging for safety.
• Check LED indicators: Solid amber means charging; green means fully charged.
• Charge indoors: Avoid extreme temperatures to prolong battery lifespan.
• Use solar panels: Compatible solar chargers offer continuous, eco-friendly power.
• Monitor charging time: Typically 3–4 hours; avoid overcharging to prevent damage.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

You’ve got an Arlo Pro 2 camera set up to watch over your home. Maybe it’s guarding the front porch, monitoring the backyard, or keeping an eye on your garage. It’s been working great—until one day, you get a low-battery alert on your phone.

You panic. How do I even charge this thing? You’ve got wires, solar options, and a battery that seems to live inside the camera. It’s confusing, and you don’t want to risk damaging your $150+ security device.

That’s exactly why this How to Charge an Arlo Pro 2 Camera in 2026 Simple Guide exists. Whether you’re new to Arlo, upgrading from an older model, or just need a refresher, I’ll walk you through the entire process—like we’re sitting in your living room, sipping coffee, and troubleshooting together.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to keep your camera powered, avoid common mistakes, and even extend battery life. No jargon, no fluff—just real, practical advice.

What You Need

Before we dive into the steps, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need. Don’t worry—most of this is already in your Arlo box. But if you’re like me and misplaced a cable or two, here’s a quick checklist.

• Arlo Pro 2 Camera – obviously.
• Rechargeable Battery (Arlo Pro 2 Battery, 3.7V 2440mAh) – comes with the camera. Make sure it’s the correct model (check the label).
• Arlo Pro 2 Magnetic Charging Cable – this is the proprietary USB cable with a magnetic tip. Don’t use a regular USB cable—it won’t work.
• USB Power Source – this can be:
  • A wall adapter (5V/2A recommended)
  • Your computer’s USB port
  • A power bank (for portable charging)
• Optional: Arlo Solar Panel (for continuous charging) – great if you want to avoid frequent manual charging.
• Optional: Arlo Outdoor Charging Cable (for weatherproof charging) – lets you charge the camera while it’s mounted outside.

Pro tip: Keep your charging cable and battery together in a small pouch. I lost mine for three weeks and had to order a replacement. Not fun.

This How to Charge an Arlo Pro 2 Camera in 2026 Simple Guide works whether you’re charging indoors, outdoors, or using solar. Let’s get into the steps.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Charge an Arlo Pro 2 Camera in 2026 Simple Guide

Step 1: Remove the Battery from the Camera

First, you need to take out the battery. This is the only way to charge it properly—unless you’re using the outdoor charging cable (more on that later).

• Locate the battery compartment on the back of the camera. It’s a small, rectangular slot with a sliding cover.
• Use your thumb to slide the cover downward (toward the lens). It should pop open.
• Gently pull the battery out. It’s held in place with a small plastic tab, so don’t force it. Just wiggle it slightly and slide it out.

Tip: I keep a microfiber cloth nearby. The battery and compartment get dusty, especially if mounted outside. A quick wipe keeps connections clean.

Step 2: Connect the Magnetic Charging Cable

Now, plug in the magnetic charging cable. This is the key part—and where most people go wrong.

• Take the magnetic end of the Arlo Pro 2 charging cable (it’s the one with the silver ring).
• Align it with the charging port on the battery. The port is on the side of the battery, not the top or bottom.
• The magnet will snap into place. You’ll feel a satisfying “click.” Don’t force it—if it’s not sticking, rotate it 180°.
• Connect the USB end to your power source (wall adapter, PC, power bank).

Warning: Using a non-Arlo cable? It might fit, but it won’t charge. I tried with a generic magnetic USB-C cable—nothing. Stick with the official one.

The battery has a small LED indicator:

• Red: Charging
• Green: Fully charged
• No light: Not connected properly or faulty cable

Charging time? Usually 4–6 hours from 0% to 100%. I usually do it overnight.

Step 3: Reinsert the Battery into the Camera

Once the battery is fully charged (green light), disconnect the cable and put it back in the camera.

• Slide the battery into the compartment with the label facing out.
• Push it in gently until it clicks.
• Slide the cover back up to seal it.

Now, power on the camera by pressing the side button for 2–3 seconds. The LED should flash blue, then turn solid when connected to your base station.

Pro insight: If the camera doesn’t turn on, the battery might not be seated correctly. Open the cover, remove it, and reinsert it. I’ve done this more times than I’d like to admit.

Step 4: Re-Mount the Camera (If Removed)

If you took the camera down to charge, now’s the time to put it back.

• Use the magnetic mount (included) or the swivel mount for a more secure fit.
• Make sure it’s angled correctly—pointing where you want to monitor.
• Tighten the screw if using the swivel mount.

I prefer the magnetic mount for quick swaps. But if it’s in a high-wind area, the swivel mount is safer.

Step 5: Optional – Use the Arlo Outdoor Charging Cable

Want to charge without removing the battery? Use the Arlo Outdoor Charging Cable.

• This cable has a weatherproof rubber boot that seals around the camera’s charging port.
• Plug the magnetic end into the camera’s port (same as the battery).
• Connect the USB end to a power source outside (like a GFCI outlet or outdoor-rated extension cord).

This is perfect for hard-to-reach cameras. I use it for my backyard camera—no ladder, no battery swap, just plug and go.

Warning: Only use this cable with the rubber boot fully sealed. Water damage voids the warranty. I learned this the hard way during a rainstorm—luckily, mine survived.

Step 6: Optional – Set Up the Arlo Solar Panel (For Continuous Charging)

Tired of manual charging? The Arlo Solar Panel is a game-changer.

• Mount the solar panel near your camera (within 10 feet, using the included cable).
• Connect the magnetic end to the camera’s charging port.
• Angle the panel toward the sun (south-facing in the Northern Hemisphere).

With 4+ hours of direct sunlight per day, the solar panel keeps the battery at 80–100%. I’ve had mine running for 18 months with zero manual charges.

Note: Solar charging is slower than wall charging—about 8–10 hours for a full charge. But it’s continuous, so your camera never dies.

Step 7: Monitor Battery Life via the Arlo App

Don’t wait for a low-battery alert. Use the Arlo app to stay ahead.

• Open the Arlo app on your phone or tablet.
• Tap the camera you want to check.
• Look for the battery icon in the top-right corner.

The app shows:

• Current battery percentage
• Estimated time until low battery (based on usage)
• Charging status (if connected to solar or outdoor cable)

I check mine every Sunday during my home security routine. It takes two seconds and saves me from surprise outages.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over the years, I’ve made (and learned from) a few mistakes. Here’s what you need to know.

Tip 1: Charge Before It Dies

Don’t wait until the battery hits 0%. Lithium-ion batteries (like the one in your Arlo) last longer if you keep them between 20% and 80%. I charge mine at 30%—never let it drop below that.

Tip 2: Store Batteries Properly

If you have a spare battery (great idea!), store it at 40–50% charge in a cool, dry place. I keep mine in a drawer with a silica gel pack. Avoid extreme heat or cold.

Tip 3: Clean the Charging Contacts

Over time, dust and grime build up on the battery and camera contacts. Use a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol to clean them every 3–6 months. Dirty contacts = poor charging.

Tip 4: Avoid Cheap USB Adapters

I once used a $2 USB adapter from a gas station. It charged the battery, but it took 12 hours and got hot. Use a reputable brand (Anker, Belkin, Apple) with 5V/2A output. Safety first.

Common Mistake: Using the Wrong Cable

The Arlo Pro 2 uses a magnetic charging cable—not USB-C or micro-USB. I’ve seen people try to force a regular cable in. Don’t. It won’t work and might damage the port.

Common Mistake: Forgetting the Rubber Boot (Outdoor Charging)

If you’re using the outdoor charging cable, make sure the rubber boot is fully snapped in. I skipped this once, and a rainstorm caused a temporary glitch. The camera survived, but it was a close call.

Common Mistake: Mounting the Solar Panel in the Shade

The solar panel needs direct sunlight. I mounted mine under a tree at first—bad idea. It only charged 20% in a week. Now it’s in full sun, and it works perfectly.

Personal story: I once left my camera charging on a power bank for three days. The battery swelled slightly (a lithium-ion safety feature), but it was fine. Still, I recommend unplugging once it’s full. Better safe than sorry.

FAQs About How to Charge an Arlo Pro 2 Camera in 2026 Simple Guide

Q: Can I charge the Arlo Pro 2 while it’s mounted?

Yes! Use the Arlo Outdoor Charging Cable. It lets you charge the camera without removing the battery. Just plug it in and let it charge. The rubber boot keeps it weatherproof.

Q: How long does the battery last on a full charge?

It depends on usage. In my experience:

• Low activity (1–5 motion events/day): 3–4 months
• Medium activity (5–10 events/day): 2–3 months
• High activity (10+ events/day): 1–2 months

If you have a solar panel, it can last indefinitely with enough sun.

Q: Can I use a regular USB cable to charge the battery?

No. The Arlo Pro 2 battery requires the magnetic charging cable. Regular USB cables don’t have the right connector. I’ve tried—it doesn’t work.

Q: Is it safe to leave the camera charging overnight?

Yes. The battery has built-in protection to prevent overcharging. I’ve left mine charging for 10+ hours with no issues. Just use a quality USB adapter.

Q: My battery won’t charge. What should I do?

Try these steps:

1. Check if the magnetic cable is properly connected (listen for the click).
2. Clean the charging contacts on the battery and cable.
3. Try a different USB power source.
4. Reset the battery by leaving it unplugged for 10 minutes, then reinsert it.

If it still doesn’t work, the battery might be dead. Arlo batteries last 2–3 years with normal use. Replacement batteries are available on Amazon or directly from Arlo.

Q: Can I charge the battery with a solar panel while it’s in the camera?

Yes! The solar panel connects directly to the camera’s charging port (same as the outdoor cable). No need to remove the battery. Just plug it in and let the sun do the work.

Q: Does charging in cold weather affect battery life?

Yes. Lithium-ion batteries charge slower in cold temperatures (below 32°F/0°C). I’ve had charging take 2x longer in winter. If possible, charge indoors or use a solar panel with a heated mount (Arlo offers one).

Final Thoughts

Charging your Arlo Pro 2 doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right tools and a little know-how, you can keep your camera powered and ready to protect your home—year after year.

Remember: Use the magnetic charging cable, monitor battery life in the app, and consider the solar panel if you hate manual charging. And please—don’t use random USB cables. I’ve seen too many people waste time on that.

This How to Charge an Arlo Pro 2 Camera in 2026 Simple Guide is built on real-world experience. I’ve tested every method, made the mistakes, and found what works.

So next time you get that low-battery alert, don’t panic. You’ve got this. Charge the battery, pop it back in, and get back to peace of mind.

And if you’re feeling fancy? Add a solar panel. Your future self will thank you.

Stay safe, stay powered, and keep watching.