Charge your Arlo Go camera quickly and reliably using the included USB-C cable and a 5V/2A power adapter to ensure uninterrupted 24/7 surveillance. For optimal performance in 2026, avoid third-party chargers and enable low-power mode to extend battery life between charges. This simple, foolproof method keeps your security system running smoothly all year.

How to Charge Arlo Go Camera in 2026: A Complete Guide

Key Takeaways

• Use the original charger for optimal charging speed and safety.
• Connect via USB-C for faster, more reliable power delivery.
• Charge fully before first use to maximize battery lifespan.
• Monitor LED indicators to confirm charging status and issues.
• Store at 50% charge if unused for long periods.
• Keep ports clean to prevent charging interruptions and damage.
• Avoid extreme temperatures while charging to protect battery health.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be real—your Arlo Go camera is a lifeline for peace of mind. Whether you’re monitoring your home, a rental property, or your kid’s backyard play area, a dead battery is a silent killer of that security.

You might’ve experienced it: the app pings you with a “low battery” alert, and suddenly, your camera’s offline. No live feed. No alerts. Just… silence. That’s why knowing how to charge Arlo Go camera in 2026 isn’t just a tech tip—it’s a necessity.

Unlike indoor cameras that plug into a wall, the Arlo Go is designed for outdoor and remote use. It runs on a built-in rechargeable battery, which means charging is a regular part of ownership. But here’s the catch: if you don’t do it right, you risk shorter battery life, connection issues, or even damage.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the how to charge Arlo Go camera in 2026 process step by step—based on my own trial, error, and a few “why did I do that?!” moments. I’ll cover everything from the right gear to pro tricks that extend battery life, so you never get caught off guard.

💡 Quick Insight: The Arlo Go’s battery lasts 3–6 months per charge under normal use. But if you’re in a high-traffic area or live in extreme temps, you might need to charge every 4–6 weeks. Planning matters!

What You Need

Before we dive into the steps, let’s make sure you’ve got the right tools. Nothing’s worse than starting a task only to realize you’re missing something.

• Arlo Go Camera (obviously)
• Arlo Go Magnetic Charging Cable (the one that came with your camera—don’t lose it!)
• USB power adapter (5V/2A recommended for faster, safer charging)
• Power outlet or portable power source (like a wall outlet, power bank, or solar charger)
• Smartphone or tablet with the Arlo Secure app (to monitor battery and status)
• Ladder or step stool (if your camera is mounted high)
• Microfiber cloth (optional, for cleaning the charging port)

Pro tip: The Arlo Go uses a magnetic USB-C charging cable. It’s not your standard USB-C. It’s proprietary, so don’t assume your phone charger will work. Using a generic cable? Risky. It might not connect properly or could damage the port.

Also, if you’re charging outdoors (say, on a pole or under an eave), consider a weatherproof extension cord or a weatherproof outlet cover. You don’t want rain getting into your setup.

⚠️ Warning: Never use a fast-charging adapter (like 9V/3A) unless Arlo officially supports it. The Go is designed for 5V/2A. Overpowering it can fry the battery or cause overheating.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Charge Arlo Go Camera in 2026 A Complete Guide

Step 1: Check the Battery Level via the Arlo App

Before you climb any ladders, open the Arlo Secure app on your phone or tablet. Tap on your Arlo Go camera to see its current battery percentage.

If it’s below 20%, it’s time to charge. But don’t wait until it hits 0%—deep discharges shorten battery lifespan.

The app also shows charging status, so you’ll know when it’s fully charged. This step is key for how to charge Arlo Go camera in 2026 without unnecessary trips outside.

💡 Pro Insight: I once waited until my camera died. Bad idea. It took 24 hours to fully charge and reconnect. Now I charge at 30%—keeps the battery healthier and avoids downtime.

Step 2: Power Off the Camera (Optional but Recommended)

You can charge the Arlo Go while it’s recording, but I recommend turning it off during charging for two reasons:

• It charges 20–30% faster when idle.
• It reduces wear on the battery and processor.

To power off: Go to the Arlo app → tap the camera → tap the power icon (looks like a circle with a line). It’ll shut down in a few seconds.

Don’t worry—your recordings are saved to the cloud or SD card. Just make sure you’ve enabled continuous recording or event-based recording before turning it off.

This small step makes a big difference in how efficiently you charge your Arlo Go camera.

Step 3: Safely Access the Camera

If your Arlo Go is mounted high (like on a wall or pole), use a sturdy ladder. Always have someone spot you—safety first.

Once you’re at the camera, gently remove it from its mount. The Arlo Go has a quick-release mechanism, so just press the button on the mount and pull the camera free.

Inspect the charging port (on the back, near the bottom). If it’s dirty or has debris (dust, spider webs, etc.), wipe it with a dry microfiber cloth. A clean port ensures a solid magnetic connection.

⚠️ Common Mistake: Forcing the camera off the mount. The quick-release button is small—use your thumb, not brute strength. I broke a mount once by yanking too hard. $25 lesson learned.

Step 4: Connect the Magnetic Charging Cable

Grab the Arlo Go’s magnetic charging cable. The end that connects to the camera has a magnetic USB-C head with a small LED.

Hold the camera in one hand and the cable in the other. Bring the magnetic end close to the charging port. It’ll snap into place automatically—no pushing or plugging.

You’ll hear a faint “click” and see the LED light up (usually red or amber). That means it’s charging.

Make sure the cable is fully seated. If it’s loose, it might disconnect mid-charge—especially if the cable hangs down.

💡 Pro Tip: I loop the cable around the mount arm to prevent sagging. It keeps the connection stable and avoids strain on the port.

Step 5: Plug the Cable into a Power Source

Now, connect the USB end of the cable to your power source:

• Wall outlet: Use a 5V/2A USB adapter (the one from your old tablet works great).
• Power bank: Great for temporary use, but check its output (needs at least 2A).
• Solar charger: Ideal for off-grid setups. Just ensure it has a stable 5V/2A output.

Once plugged in, the LED on the magnetic head should stay lit (red = charging, green = full).

Wait a few minutes, then check the Arlo app. The battery level should start rising. If it doesn’t, double-check the connections.

⚠️ Warning: Avoid using cheap USB hubs or extension cords with voltage drops. I once used a $5 USB hub and the camera charged at half speed. Stick to quality gear.

Step 6: Monitor Charging Progress

Leave the camera charging for at least 8–12 hours for a full charge. But don’t leave it plugged in forever.

The Arlo Go has a battery management system (BMS) that stops charging at 100%, but it’s still best to unplug it once full to avoid long-term stress on the battery.

Use the Arlo app to monitor progress. It’ll show “Charging” and the current percentage. When it hits 100%, you’re good to go.

If the app says “Charging” but the percentage isn’t rising, unplug and reconnect. Sometimes the magnetic connection isn’t perfect.

💡 Pro Insight: I set a phone reminder to unplug after 10 hours. Overcharging isn’t dangerous, but it’s a waste of energy and can slightly degrade the battery over years.

Step 7: Reattach the Camera and Power It On

Once fully charged, unplug the cable. The magnetic head will pop off easily—just pull it away.

Reinsert the camera into its mount. Line up the pins and press until it clicks.

Then, power it back on via the Arlo app. Tap the power icon again. The camera will boot up, reconnect to Wi-Fi, and resume recording.

Wait a minute or two for it to fully sync. You’ll see “Online” in the app and the status light on the camera will turn solid blue.

Now you’re back in business—fully charged and ready to protect your space.

Step 8: Optimize for Long-Term Battery Health (Bonus Step)

Charging is just one part of the story. To keep your Arlo Go running strong in 2026 and beyond, follow these battery-care habits:

• Charge at 30–40%, not 0%. This reduces battery stress.
• Avoid extreme temps. Don’t charge in direct sunlight (over 95°F) or freezing conditions (below 32°F).
• Update firmware regularly. Arlo releases updates that improve battery efficiency.
• Adjust motion sensitivity to reduce false alerts and save power.
• Use a solar panel (Arlo Solar Panel or third-party) for continuous charging—perfect for remote locations.

This step is a game-changer for anyone serious about how to charge Arlo Go camera in 2026 sustainably.

💡 Real-Life Example: I live in Arizona. My camera was in full sun, and the battery drained in 2 months. After adding a shade cover and a solar panel, it now lasts 6 months. Sun matters!

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pro Tip 1: Use a Solar Panel for “Set and Forget” Charging

If you’re tired of climbing ladders every few weeks, get an Arlo Solar Panel. It connects to the same magnetic port and keeps your camera charged 24/7.

It’s not 100% efficient in cloudy weather, but it cuts charging frequency by 70–80%. I’ve had mine for 2 years—no more low-battery alerts.

Pro Tip 2: Label Your Charging Cable

The magnetic cable looks like a regular USB-C cable, but it’s not. I once grabbed my phone’s cable and tried to charge the Arlo Go—nope. The magnet didn’t align.

Now I’ve labeled mine with a blue tag. Saves me from confusion (and frustration) every time.

Pro Tip 3: Charge Indoors When Possible

Outdoor charging is fine, but if you have a window or garage nearby, bring the camera inside. It’s safer, cleaner, and you avoid weather risks.

Plus, indoor charging is faster because the battery isn’t fighting cold or heat.

Common Mistake 1: Using a Non-Arlo Charging Cable

Don’t use a regular USB-C cable. The Arlo Go’s magnetic port has a unique pin layout. A standard cable won’t charge it—or worse, it could damage the port.

Always use the original cable or an Arlo-approved third-party one.

Common Mistake 2: Charging in Direct Sunlight

Heat kills batteries. If your camera is in the sun, the internal temp can hit 120°F+ while charging. That degrades the battery fast.

Move it to shade or bring it inside. Your battery will last years longer.

Common Mistake 3: Ignoring Firmware Updates

Arlo releases updates that improve battery life, Wi-Fi stability, and charging efficiency. Check for updates monthly in the app.

I skipped an update once—my camera started draining 2x faster. After the update, it was back to normal.

Common Mistake 4: Over-Reliance on Power Banks

Power banks are great in a pinch, but most only output 1A, which charges the Arlo Go very slowly. Use a 2A+ power bank or wall adapter for best results.

And don’t charge from a laptop’s USB port—it’s usually only 0.5A. Not enough.

FAQs About How to Charge Arlo Go Camera in 2026 A Complete Guide

Q: Can I charge my Arlo Go while it’s recording?

Yes, you can. But it charges slower and generates more heat. For best results, turn it off during charging. It’s safer and faster.

Q: How long does it take to fully charge the Arlo Go?

About 8–12 hours with a 5V/2A adapter. If you use a 1A adapter, it can take 18–24 hours. The app shows real-time progress.

Q: What if my camera won’t charge?

First, check the connections. Clean the port, reseat the cable, and try a different power source. If it still doesn’t work, the battery or cable may be faulty. Contact Arlo support—they offer replacements.

Q: Can I use a solar panel with the Arlo Go?

Absolutely. The Arlo Solar Panel or any 5V/2A+ solar charger with a USB output works. It’s perfect for off-grid or remote cameras.

Q: Is it bad to leave the Arlo Go plugged in all the time?

The BMS prevents overcharging, but it’s still best to unplug once full. Long-term, constant charging can slightly degrade the battery. I unplug mine after 10 hours.

Q: Why does my battery drain faster in winter?

Cold temps slow chemical reactions in lithium-ion batteries. Below 32°F, capacity drops by 20–40%. Keep your camera in a sheltered area or use a solar panel to maintain charge.

Q: Can I replace the Arlo Go’s battery?

No. The battery is built-in and not user-replaceable. But with proper care, it should last 3–5 years. If it dies early, contact Arlo—warranty may cover it.

Final Thoughts

Charging your Arlo Go camera isn’t rocket science—but doing it right makes a huge difference. Whether you’re a first-time user or a seasoned pro, this how to charge Arlo Go camera in 2026 guide gives you the tools, tips, and know-how to keep your camera online and your home safe.

Remember: charge at 30%, use the right gear, avoid extreme temps, and consider a solar panel for long-term ease.

And most importantly—don’t wait until it’s dead. Plan your charges like you plan your groceries. A little prep goes a long way.

Now go grab that cable, charge up, and enjoy peace of mind. Your Arlo Go’s got your back—and now, you’ve got its.

💡 Action Step: Open your Arlo app today and check your battery level. If it’s under 40%, schedule a charge. Future you will thank present you.