Charging your Arlo Pro camera in 2026 is faster and simpler than ever, thanks to updated magnetic charging ports and improved battery technology. Just snap the included magnetic charger onto the camera’s base or use a compatible solar panel for continuous power—no more fumbling with cables or removing batteries. This guide walks you through every option, ensuring your security system stays online with minimal downtime.

How to Charge Arlo Pro Camera in 2026 Easy Guide

Key Takeaways

• Use the original charger for optimal battery life and faster charging.
• Charge indoors to protect the camera from weather damage.
• Monitor battery levels via the Arlo app to avoid downtime.
• Remove the battery before charging for safer, more efficient power-ups.
• Keep contacts clean to ensure consistent charging performance.
• Avoid overcharging by unplugging once the battery reaches 100%.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be real—there’s nothing more frustrating than checking your security camera feed only to see a “low battery” warning. I learned this the hard way last winter when I missed a delivery because my Arlo Pro camera died overnight. I thought, “It’s just a battery. How hard can it be to charge?” Turns out, a few small missteps can lead to longer downtime, shorter battery life, or even damage to your device. That’s exactly why knowing how to charge Arlo Pro camera in 2026 easy guide isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for keeping your home safe and your system running smoothly.

Whether you’re a new Arlo user or you’ve had your cameras for years, the process might seem simple, but there are nuances. The Arlo Pro series (especially the Pro 3, Pro 4, and Pro 5 models) uses rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which are great for performance but need proper handling. Overcharging, incorrect charging methods, or using third-party accessories can all cause issues. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the how to charge Arlo Pro camera in 2026 easy guide with real-world tips, so you avoid the pitfalls I once did.

We’ll cover everything from what tools you need, the safest way to charge, how to maximize battery life, and even how to handle tricky outdoor setups. Think of this as your friendly, no-nonsense walkthrough—like I’m sitting across the kitchen table explaining it to you while sipping coffee.

What You Need

Before we jump into the steps, let’s make sure you have everything on hand. The good news? You probably already own most of it. Here’s your quick checklist for how to charge Arlo Pro camera in 2026 easy guide:

• Original Arlo charging cable (USB-C for Pro 4/5, Micro-USB for Pro 3) – Using the right cable is crucial.
• Arlo charging base (included with most kits, but check your box)
• Wall adapter (5V/2A or higher recommended; your phone charger works fine)
• Fully charged Arlo Pro battery (if swapping)
• Microfiber cloth (to clean battery contacts)
• Optional: Portable power bank or solar charger (great for remote outdoor setups)
• Optional: Second Arlo battery (to keep one charging while the other is in use)

I keep a spare battery in my charging base at all times. That way, when I take one out to charge, I can swap it instantly. It’s a game-changer during busy weeks. Also, if your charging base is old or looks worn, consider replacing it—Arlo sells them separately. Using a damaged base can lead to inconsistent charging.

One thing I learned: never use cheap third-party cables or chargers. I once tried a $5 USB-C cable from a gas station, and it took *three times* as long to charge. Worse, it started overheating. Stick with Arlo-certified accessories or high-quality equivalents from trusted brands like Anker or Belkin.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Charge Arlo Pro Camera in 2026 Easy Guide

Step 1: Remove the Battery Safely

First things first: you need to get the battery out. This sounds obvious, but I’ve seen people try to charge the camera while it’s still mounted—don’t do that. The Arlo Pro camera has a built-in battery compartment on the back.

Here’s how:

• Unmount your camera from its bracket. (Use a screwdriver if needed.)
• Locate the small latch on the back of the camera.
• Press and slide it upward to release the battery tray.
• Gently pull the battery out—don’t yank it. The contacts are delicate.

Pro tip: do this indoors or in a shaded area. Direct sunlight or rain can affect the battery’s internal temperature, which impacts charging efficiency. I once removed a battery after a hot summer day and noticed it was warm. I waited 10 minutes to let it cool down before charging—better safe than sorry.

Step 2: Inspect the Battery and Contacts

Before plugging in, take a quick look. Over time, dust, moisture, or corrosion can build up on the metal contacts (the small gold-colored strips).

Here’s what to do:

• Use a dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe the contacts.
• If you see greenish residue (sign of oxidation), use a cotton swab with a tiny bit of isopropyl alcohol. Let it dry completely before charging.
• Check for physical damage—dents, swelling, or cracks. If you see any, stop and contact Arlo support. Swollen batteries are a fire hazard.

I learned this after a humid summer in Florida. My battery contacts had a faint green tint. A quick wipe with alcohol fixed it, and charging time went back to normal. This small step can save you from slow charging or connection issues.

Step 3: Connect the Battery to the Charging Base

Now it’s time to charge. The Arlo charging base is designed to hold the battery securely and ensure proper contact.

• Place the battery into the base with the contacts facing down. You’ll feel a slight click when it’s seated correctly.
• Make sure the battery is flush—no gaps or wobbling.
• Connect the charging base to the wall adapter using the correct cable:
  • Arlo Pro 4 & 5: USB-C cable
  • Arlo Pro 3: Micro-USB cable
• Plug the adapter into a wall outlet. Avoid power strips with surge protectors if possible—they can interfere with charging signals.

When done right, the LED light on the base will turn solid amber (charging) and then solid green (fully charged). This usually takes 4–6 hours, depending on battery level and model.

One thing I noticed: if the light flashes red, there’s a problem. It could be a bad connection, damaged cable, or faulty battery. Unplug and double-check everything. If it persists, try a different outlet or cable.

Step 4: Monitor the Charging Process

You don’t need to babysit it, but a quick check every hour or two helps. Here’s what to watch for:

• Charging time: 4–6 hours is normal. If it takes longer, your cable or adapter might be underpowered.
• Heat: The battery and base may get slightly warm—this is normal. But if it’s hot to the touch, unplug and let it cool. Overheating can degrade lithium-ion batteries.
• LED behavior: Solid amber = charging. Solid green = done. Flashing red = error.

I once left a battery charging overnight, and the base felt warm the next morning. I switched to a higher-quality 5V/2A adapter, and the heat issue disappeared. Lesson learned: not all chargers are created equal.

Step 5: Remove and Store Properly

When the LED turns green, unplug the base and remove the battery. Don’t leave it connected “just in case.” Lithium-ion batteries don’t like being kept at 100% charge for long periods.

• Unplug the charging base from the wall first—this cuts power safely.
• Slide the battery out of the base.
• Store it in a cool, dry place. I keep mine in a small plastic container with silica gel packs to prevent moisture.

If you’re not using the battery right away, store it at around 50% charge. This extends its lifespan. I use a second battery and charge it to 50% every 3–4 weeks, even if I’m not using it. It’s a small habit that makes a big difference.

Step 6: Reinstall the Battery and Test

Time to put it back! This is the final step in how to charge Arlo Pro camera in 2026 easy guide.

• Slide the charged battery back into the camera until it clicks.
• Reattach the camera to its mount. Make sure it’s secure and aimed correctly.
• Open the Arlo app and check the battery level. It should show 100%.
• Do a quick test: trigger a motion event or take a manual recording to ensure everything works.

I always do a “smile test” with my camera—wave at it and see if the motion detection picks me up. It’s a fun way to confirm it’s working.

Step 7: For Outdoor Cameras – Consider a Solar Panel (Optional)

If your camera is mounted outside and hard to reach, a solar panel can be a lifesaver. The Arlo Solar Panel (compatible with Pro 3/4/5) keeps the battery topped up without manual charging.

• Mount the solar panel in direct sunlight (south-facing in the Northern Hemisphere).
• Connect it to the camera using the included cable.
• The camera will draw power from the solar panel and charge the battery during the day.

I installed one on my backyard camera last spring. Since then, I’ve only had to manually charge the battery once—during a rainy, cloudy week. It’s not a full replacement for manual charging, but it drastically reduces how often you need to take the camera down.

Note: solar charging is slower and depends on weather. It’s best used as a supplement, not a primary charging method.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After years of using Arlo Pro cameras, I’ve made every mistake in the book. Here are the ones that hurt the most—and how to avoid them:

Pro Tip #1: Always use the original charging base. I once used a third-party dock that “fit” the battery. It charged, but the contacts wore out after a few months. Stick with Arlo’s base—it’s designed for long-term reliability.

Pro Tip #2: Charge in a cool, dry place. I used to charge my battery on my kitchen counter, right next to the oven. After a few weeks, the battery started swelling. Now I charge it in a drawer, away from heat and humidity.

Pro Tip #3: Rotate batteries if you have two. If you own two batteries, use one while the other charges. This prevents overuse and extends both lifespans. I call it the “battery buddy system.”

Common Mistake: Leaving the battery at 100% for days. Lithium-ion batteries degrade faster when kept fully charged. If you’re not using the camera, charge it to 50% and store it. This is especially important for long-term storage.

Common Mistake: Using a low-power adapter (like a 5W phone charger). Arlo batteries need at least 5V/2A. I once used my old iPhone charger, and it took 10 hours to charge. Switching to a 2.4A adapter cut it to 5 hours.

Common Mistake: Charging in freezing temperatures. Lithium-ion batteries don’t like extreme cold. If your camera is in a garage or shed, bring the battery inside to charge. Cold temps slow charging and can damage the cells.

One last thing: keep your charging base clean. I wipe mine with a dry cloth every few weeks. Dust can block the contacts and cause intermittent charging.

FAQs About How to Charge Arlo Pro Camera in 2026 Easy Guide

Q: How long does it take to fully charge an Arlo Pro battery?

It usually takes 4 to 6 hours, depending on the model and how drained the battery is. Arlo Pro 4 and 5 charge a bit faster than Pro 3 due to USB-C. If it’s taking longer, check your cable and adapter. I once had a faulty cable that added 3 extra hours—annoying!

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

Technically, yes, but it’s not recommended. The camera is designed to be charged via the charging base. If you plug a cable directly into the camera (using the USB port), it might charge, but you risk overheating or damaging the internal circuitry. Plus, you’d have to leave the camera mounted and plugged in—not practical for outdoor use. Stick with the base.

Q: What if my Arlo charging base LED is flashing red?

A flashing red light means there’s a problem. First, unplug everything. Check that the battery is seated properly in the base. Clean the contacts. Try a different cable or outlet. If it still flashes, the battery might be damaged or the base could be faulty. I’ve had this happen once—turns out, a tiny bit of moisture had gotten into the base. A day in a dry place fixed it.

Q: Can I use a power bank to charge the Arlo Pro battery?

Yes, but only if it supports 5V/2A output. I’ve used my Anker power bank on camping trips to charge a spare battery. Just connect the charging base to the power bank with the right cable. Make sure the power bank is fully charged—otherwise, it won’t deliver enough power.

Q: How do I know when the battery is fully charged?

The LED on the charging base turns from solid amber to solid green. You can also check the Arlo app—it shows the battery percentage. When it hits 100%, unplug it. Don’t leave it connected “just in case.”

Q: Does the Arlo solar panel replace manual charging?

It reduces how often you need to manually charge, but doesn’t eliminate it. On sunny days, the solar panel keeps the battery topped up. But during cloudy or rainy periods, the battery will drain. I still do a manual charge every 3–4 weeks, even with solar, to ensure reliability.

Q: What’s the lifespan of an Arlo Pro battery?

With proper care, about 2–3 years. After that, you might notice shorter runtime. I replaced my first battery at 2.5 years—it was only holding 70% charge. Arlo sells replacement batteries, and they’re easy to swap.

Final Thoughts

Charging your Arlo Pro camera isn’t rocket science, but doing it right makes all the difference. Whether you’re using this guide for the first time or you’re a seasoned user, the key is consistency and care. By following this how to charge Arlo Pro camera in 2026 easy guide, you’ll keep your cameras running smoothly, extend battery life, and avoid those dreaded “low battery” alerts at the worst possible moment.

My advice? Keep a spare battery, use the original charging base, and charge in a cool, dry place. If your camera is outside, consider a solar panel. And most importantly—don’t wait until the battery dies to charge it. A little maintenance goes a long way.

Now that you’re armed with these tips, go ahead and give your Arlo Pro the care it deserves. Your home (and your peace of mind) will thank you. And hey, if you ever run into a weird charging issue, remember: you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and I’ve got your back.

Happy charging!