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Easily remove the battery from your Arlo camera in 2026 with a simple press of the release tab and a gentle slide. This quick-access design ensures hassle-free battery swaps without tools or disassembly. Always power off the camera first to protect internal components and ensure safety.
How to Get Battery Out of Arlo Camera in 2026 Easy Guide
Key Takeaways
- Power off first: Always turn off the Arlo camera before removing the battery.
- Locate the latch: Find the battery compartment’s release latch on the camera’s base.
- Use gentle force: Press the latch lightly to avoid damaging the camera housing.
- Slide out smoothly: Pull the battery straight out without twisting or forcing it.
- Inspect contacts: Check battery terminals for corrosion or debris before reinsertion.
- Dispose responsibly: Recycle old batteries at certified e-waste or retail drop-off points.
Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem
Let’s be real: there’s nothing more frustrating than a smart camera that won’t cooperate when you need it most. You’re checking your Arlo camera’s battery level, and it’s blinking red—time to swap it out. But when you go to remove the battery, it feels stuck. You don’t want to force it, but you also don’t want to be left with no home security.
This is where knowing how to get battery out of Arlo camera in 2026 easy guide becomes essential. Whether you’re a long-time Arlo user or a new homeowner setting up your first system, battery maintenance is unavoidable. And in 2026, with newer Arlo models like the Pro 5S, Ultra 2, and Essential XL, the battery design has evolved—but so have the quirks.
Over the years, I’ve helped neighbors, family, and even my own setup with this exact issue. Some batteries come out like butter; others feel like they’re glued in. The key? Understanding the mechanism, using the right tools (or none at all), and knowing when to be gentle.
So whether your Arlo is mounted on the side of your garage, tucked under an eave, or sitting on a bookshelf, this guide walks you through the how to get battery out of Arlo camera in 2026 easy guide—without breaking anything or voiding your warranty.
What You Need
Good news: you don’t need a toolbox full of gadgets. Most of what you’ll need is either already on your Arlo camera or lying around your house. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Your Arlo camera – obviously. Make sure it’s powered down or at least not recording actively.
- Clean, dry hands – oils and moisture can make gripping tricky. Wash your hands and dry them well.
- Optional: microfiber cloth – to wipe off dust or fingerprints before handling.
- Small flathead screwdriver or plastic pry tool – only if the battery is stubborn (and even then, use it gently).
- Replacement battery (if swapping) – always keep a spare charged one handy.
- Bright light or flashlight – to see the battery compartment clearly, especially if the camera is in a shadowy spot.
Pro tip: Avoid using metal tools unless absolutely necessary. Plastic is safer and won’t scratch the housing or short-circuit anything.
Also, if you’re working on a ladder or elevated surface, please have someone nearby. Safety first—no one wants a camera (or person) falling mid-battery-swap.
This setup is designed to make the how to get battery out of Arlo camera in 2026 easy guide as accessible as possible—no tech degree required.
Step-by-Step Guide to How to Get Battery Out of Arlo Camera in 2026 Easy Guide
Step 1: Power Down or Pause the Camera
Before touching anything, make sure your Arlo camera isn’t actively recording or sending alerts. While most models allow battery swaps while powered on (they have internal capacitors), it’s safer to pause it.
Open the Arlo app on your phone. Go to the camera feed and tap the “Pause” button. This stops motion detection and recording. Some newer models (like the Arlo Pro 5S) will flash a yellow LED to confirm it’s in standby.
Why do this? Because if the camera senses sudden darkness or disconnection, it might trigger an alert—annoying if you’re just changing the battery. Plus, it gives you peace of mind.
Tip: If you’re using a base station, you can also disable the camera temporarily through the base station’s interface. But the app method is faster and more direct.
Step 2: Locate the Battery Compartment
This is where Arlo models differ. In 2026, the most common models include:
- Arlo Pro 5S (2nd gen) – Battery compartment is on the back, covered by a sliding latch.
- Arlo Ultra 2 – Similar to Pro 5S, but with a slightly larger cover and magnetic assist.
- Arlo Essential XL – Battery is under a twist-and-lock cap on the bottom.
- Arlo Go 2 (LTE model) – Has a side-mounted, tool-free latch.
Look for a small groove, a latch, or a textured area—this is your clue. On the Pro 5S and Ultra 2, run your finger along the back edge. You’ll feel a slight bump or ridge. That’s the release point.
For the Essential XL, check the bottom. There’s a cap that looks like a small cylinder. Twist it counterclockwise until it clicks loose.
Take your time. Rushing here can lead to scratching the casing or missing the release mechanism entirely. This step is crucial for the how to get battery out of Arlo camera in 2026 easy guide to work smoothly.
Step 3: Release the Battery Cover
For Pro 5S, Ultra 2, and Go 2: Use your thumb or index finger to slide the cover upward (toward the lens). You’ll feel a slight resistance, then a soft click. The cover should pop open slightly.
Don’t force it. If it doesn’t budge, try applying even pressure across the entire edge. Sometimes dirt or dust gets stuck in the track. A quick wipe with a microfiber cloth can help.
For Essential XL: Twist the bottom cap counterclockwise. It’s a quarter-turn mechanism. Once it’s loose, gently pull it down. The battery will be visible inside the hollow tube.
Pro tip: If the cover is stuck, try this: press down slightly on the cover while sliding or twisting. This relieves pressure on the latch. I learned this the hard way after trying to pry mine open with a knife (don’t do that).
Once the cover is off, set it aside in a safe spot. You don’t want it getting lost or stepped on.
Step 4: Remove the Battery (The Right Way)
Now comes the main event. The battery is held in place by a combination of friction, a small spring, and sometimes a magnetic catch (especially in Ultra 2).
For Pro 5S and Ultra 2: You’ll see the battery sitting snugly in the compartment. Look for a small plastic tab at the bottom of the battery. This is your grip point.
Use your fingernail or a plastic tool to gently lift the tab. The battery should pop up about 2–3 mm. Then, slide it out horizontally. Think of it like removing a drawer—don’t pull straight up, as this can damage the contacts.
For Essential XL: The battery sits in a cylindrical sleeve. Grab the exposed end (the part with the contacts) and pull straight down. It’s designed to slide out easily, but if it’s tight, wiggle it slightly side-to-side as you pull.
For Go 2: The battery has a small loop at the top. Hook your finger or a paperclip into the loop and pull straight out. Super simple.
Warning: Never use excessive force. If the battery doesn’t come out after gentle pressure, stop. Forcing it can break the internal spring or damage the camera’s charging pins.
Once the battery is out, inspect it. Look for corrosion, swelling, or discoloration. If the battery looks damaged, don’t reuse it—recycle it properly.
Step 5: Inspect the Compartment (Optional but Smart)
While the battery is out, take a quick look inside the compartment. Use a flashlight to check for:
- Dust or debris (use a dry brush or compressed air to clean).
- Corrosion on the metal contacts (clean with a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol if needed).
- Cracks or warping in the plastic housing.
I once found a tiny spider web in my Arlo’s battery compartment. No wonder the battery was sticking! A quick blast of air fixed it.
This step isn’t mandatory, but it prevents future issues. Think of it like checking your car’s oil when you change the filter.
Step 6: Insert the New Battery (If Replacing)
Got a fresh, charged battery? Great. Make sure it’s the correct model (Arlo batteries are model-specific). The label on the battery should match your camera (e.g., “Arlo Pro 5S Battery”).
Align the contacts on the battery with the pins in the compartment. The battery only fits one way—don’t force it.
For Pro 5S/Ultra 2: Slide it in horizontally until it clicks. You should feel the spring engage.
For Essential XL: Insert it into the tube and push until it’s flush with the bottom.
For Go 2: Push it in until the loop is flush with the camera body.
Once inserted, the camera should recognize it within 10–15 seconds. You’ll see the LED light up (usually blue or green).
If the camera doesn’t power up, remove the battery and reinsert it. Sometimes it takes a second try.
Step 7: Reattach the Cover
Now, close the battery compartment.
For Pro 5S/Ultra 2: Slide the cover back into the track. Push it down until it clicks into place. Make sure it’s flush with the camera body—no gaps.
For Essential XL: Align the cap and twist clockwise until it’s snug. Don’t overtighten.
For Go 2: Press the latch back into the slot. It should snap shut.
Double-check that the cover is secure. A loose cover can let in moisture or let the battery fall out.
Step 8: Power Up and Test
Open the Arlo app and unpause your camera. The feed should reconnect within 30 seconds.
Check the battery level in the app. It should show 100% (or close to it, depending on charge).
Test motion detection: walk in front of the camera. The LED should blink, and you should get a notification.
If everything works, you’re golden. If not, try reinserting the battery or restarting the camera (hold the sync button for 10 seconds).
This final test ensures the how to get battery out of Arlo camera in 2026 easy guide was completed successfully.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
After years of working with Arlo cameras, I’ve learned a few tricks—and made plenty of mistakes. Here’s what I wish I knew earlier:
Use a Plastic Tool, Not Metal
I once used a metal screwdriver to pry out a stuck battery. Big mistake. It scratched the contacts and caused intermittent power issues. Now, I only use plastic spudgers or even a clean fingernail.
Tip: Keep a plastic pry tool in your Arlo kit. They’re cheap and worth every penny.
Don’t Store Batteries Fully Charged for Long Periods
Li-ion batteries degrade faster when stored at 100%. If you have spares, keep them at 40–60% charge and store in a cool, dry place.
I keep my spare in a drawer with a silica gel pack. It’s lasted over a year with no issues.
Label Your Batteries
Got multiple Arlo cameras? Label your batteries (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard”). It saves time and confusion.
You can use a small piece of masking tape or a label maker. I use a Sharpie on the side (away from contacts).
Avoid Cold Weather Swaps
Li-ion batteries hate cold. If your camera is outside in winter, bring it inside for 10 minutes before swapping. Cold batteries are stiffer and harder to remove.
I learned this after my Arlo froze up during a -5°C night. The battery felt like it was welded in!
Check for Firmware Updates
Sometimes, battery detection issues are software-related. Make sure your camera is running the latest firmware. You can check in the Arlo app under Settings > My Devices > Firmware Update.
One time, a camera wouldn’t recognize a new battery until I updated it. Problem solved in 2 minutes.
Common Mistakes
- Pulling the battery straight out – This can bend the spring or damage contacts. Always slide it out horizontally.
- Forgetting to pause the camera – Leads to false alerts. Always pause first.
- Using damaged batteries – Swollen or corroded batteries can damage the camera. When in doubt, replace it.
- Ignoring the cover seal – The rubber gasket around the cover keeps out moisture. Make sure it’s clean and intact.
These tips make the how to get battery out of Arlo camera in 2026 easy guide not just possible, but painless.
FAQs About How to Get Battery Out of Arlo Camera in 2026 Easy Guide
Why is my Arlo battery stuck?
It’s usually due to dust, a bent spring, or cold temperatures. Clean the compartment, let the camera warm up, and try again. If it’s still stuck, contact Arlo support—there might be a mechanical issue.
I had a battery stuck for weeks until I realized the spring was slightly misaligned. A tiny plastic tool fixed it.
Can I use a third-party battery?
Technically, yes—but I don’t recommend it. Third-party batteries may not have the correct voltage or safety certifications. I tried one once, and it lasted half as long and overheated. Stick with Arlo-branded batteries.
How often should I replace the battery?
Most Arlo batteries last 3–6 months per charge, depending on usage. Replace the battery (not recharge) every 1–2 years, even if it still holds a charge. Li-ion degrades over time.
My front door camera battery lasts 4 months. I swap it like clockwork every spring and fall.
What if the camera doesn’t recognize the new battery?
Try these steps: reinsert the battery, restart the camera, check for firmware updates, and ensure the contacts are clean. If it still doesn’t work, the battery or camera may be faulty.
Once, a brand-new battery wouldn’t work until I wiped the contacts with alcohol. Dirt was the culprit.
Is it safe to swap batteries while the camera is on?
Arlo cameras have internal capacitors, so they stay on for a few seconds during a swap. But it’s safer to pause the camera. Why risk a glitch?
I’ve done it both ways. Pausing is just easier on the nerves.
Can I remove the battery without the app?
Yes. The physical process is the same. But you won’t be able to pause the camera or check battery levels. Use the sync button to restart if needed.
Great for emergencies when your phone is dead.
What if the cover is cracked?
Contact Arlo support. They offer replacement covers, especially if it’s under warranty. Don’t use tape—it can trap moisture.
I once used a zip tie as a temporary fix. It worked, but I replaced it ASAP.
Final Thoughts
Removing a battery from your Arlo camera in 2026 doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right approach, it’s a quick, 2-minute job. The key is patience, the right technique, and a little know-how.
Remember: pause the camera, locate the cover, release it gently, and slide the battery out—don’t yank it. Keep your tools simple, your hands clean, and your batteries labeled.
This how to get battery out of Arlo camera in 2026 easy guide is all about making smart home maintenance feel effortless. And once you’ve done it a few times, you’ll wonder why you ever worried.
So next time your Arlo blinks red, don’t panic. Grab your spare battery, follow these steps, and get back to what matters—keeping your home safe and sound.
And hey, if you run into a weird issue I didn’t cover? Leave a comment or reach out. I’m always happy to help a fellow Arlo user. After all, we’re in this together.