Check the LED indicator on your Arlo camera—solid amber means it’s charging, while green signals a full charge. For 2026 models, use the Arlo app to monitor real-time battery status and charging progress remotely. Ensure proper cable and power source connections to avoid false “not charging” alerts.

“`html

How to Know If My Arlo Camera Is Charging in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Check the LED light: Solid amber means charging; green means fully charged.
• Use the Arlo app: View real-time battery status and charging progress instantly.
• Inspect connections: Ensure cables and power sources are securely plugged in.
• Monitor charging time: Most Arlo cameras fully charge in 2–4 hours.
• Enable notifications: Get alerts when charging starts or completes via the app.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be real—there’s nothing more frustrating than checking your Arlo camera and realizing it’s dead, especially if you thought it was charging. I’ve been there: a suspicious noise outside, you go to check the feed, and… nothing. The battery is flat. That’s when you start wondering, Was it even charging?

With more people relying on wireless security cameras like Arlo for home safety, knowing how to know if my Arlo camera is charging in 2026 isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Whether you’re using a wired setup, a solar panel, or a portable battery pack, the charging status can be confusing. Lights, app notifications, firmware quirks—it’s easy to get mixed up.

The good news? By 2026, Arlo has refined its indicators, but the basics still rely on a mix of hardware cues and app intelligence. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to tell if your Arlo camera is charging—no guesswork, no panic. Just clear, practical steps that work whether you’ve got an Arlo Pro 5, Ultra 2, or even the newer Arlo Go 2 LTE models.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you have everything on hand. You don’t need fancy tools, but having the right gear makes this process way smoother.

• Your Arlo camera (obviously)
• The original charging cable or power adapter (or a certified third-party one)
• A power source (wall outlet, USB port, solar panel, or battery pack)
• The Arlo app (download it from your phone’s app store if you haven’t already)
• A fully charged phone (so you can check the app without interruptions)
• Optional: A second person (to watch the camera while you check the app—super helpful for outdoor models)

Pro tip: If you’re using a solar panel, make sure it’s clean and positioned in direct sunlight. A dusty or shaded panel can give a false “charging” reading. Also, if you’re using a USB hub or power strip, avoid overloaded circuits—they can cause inconsistent power delivery.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Know If My Arlo Camera Is Charging in 2026

Now let’s get into the real meat: how to actually tell if your Arlo camera is charging. I’ll break it down into simple, foolproof steps. These work across most Arlo models released before and during 2026, including wired, battery-powered, and solar-assisted setups.

Step 1: Check the Physical LED Indicator

The first and most obvious sign is the LED light on your camera. But here’s the catch: not all Arlo models have the same light behavior. Let’s clarify.

• Arlo Pro 4/5, Ultra 2, and Essential models: When charging, the LED blinks amber. When fully charged, it turns solid green.
• Arlo Go 2 (LTE): Uses a dual-color LED. Blinking orange means charging. Solid green means fully charged.
• Arlo Floodlight Camera: Has a small status LED on the side. Amber = charging. Green = done.

Wait at least 30 seconds after plugging in. Sometimes the light takes a moment to register.

Watch out: A blinking red light usually means a low battery or charging error. If you see red, unplug and reseat the cable. If it persists, check for firmware updates.

Step 2: Open the Arlo App and Check the Battery Status

The app is your best friend here. Open it and go to your camera’s live view or device settings. You’ll see a battery icon in the top corner.

• A charging icon (⚡) next to the battery means it’s actively charging.
• The battery percentage will show “Charging” or “Plugged In” instead of just a number.
• If it says “Fully Charged”, you’re golden.

For 2026 models, the app also shows estimated time to full charge (if available), which is super helpful for planning.

Personal insight: I once had a camera that looked like it was charging on the app, but the LED wasn’t blinking. Turned out the USB cable was frayed at the base. The app thought it was connected, but the power wasn’t flowing. Always double-check both sources!

Step 3: Look for the “Charging” Notification in the App

Arlo sends real-time alerts when charging starts and stops. If you’ve enabled notifications, you’ll get a push alert when:

• The camera begins charging (“Arlo Pro 5 is now charging”)
• It reaches 100% (“Arlo Pro 5 is fully charged”)
• Charging is interrupted (“Charging paused – power loss detected”)

To enable these: Go to Settings > Notifications > Device Events and make sure “Charging Status” is turned on.

Note: These notifications rely on a stable Wi-Fi or LTE connection. If your camera is in a weak signal zone, you might miss them.

Step 4: Verify Power Source and Cable Integrity

This is where most people skip and regret it. A “charging” LED or app icon doesn’t always mean the battery is gaining power. The cable or outlet might be the problem.

• Test your power outlet with another device (like a phone charger).
• Inspect the cable for frays, bent pins, or loose connectors.
• If using a USB port (like on a power bank), make sure it outputs at least 5V/2A. Weak ports can trick the camera into thinking it’s charging.
• For solar panels: check the panel’s output with a multimeter (if you have one), or simply observe if the LED blinks amber during daylight.

Pro tip: I keep a spare Arlo cable in my toolbox. One time, my camera wasn’t charging, and I spent 20 minutes troubleshooting—only to realize the cable had a tiny crack near the connector. Swapped it, and boom: charging resumed.

Step 5: Monitor Battery Percentage Over Time

The ultimate test: is the battery actually going up? Check the battery percentage in the app every 15–30 minutes for the first hour.

• If it increases (even slowly), you’re good.
• If it stays the same or drops, something’s wrong.

For example, if you start at 40% and after 30 minutes it’s still 40%, the camera might be in “maintenance mode” (trickle charging) or not receiving enough power.

Note: Some Arlo models have a “battery saver” mode that limits charging speed to preserve lifespan. This is normal and doesn’t mean it’s not charging.

Step 6: Use the Arlo SmartHub or Base Station (If Applicable)

If you’re using an Arlo SmartHub or base station (like with the Arlo Pro 3 or Ultra), check its status too.

• The hub has a status light. A solid white light means it’s online and communicating with your camera.
• If the camera is charging via the hub, the app will show it under “Charging via Hub.”
• Some hubs can charge multiple cameras simultaneously—check each one individually.

This is especially useful for multi-camera setups. I have three Arlo Pros on my hub, and I can see all their charging statuses at a glance.

Step 7: Check for Firmware Updates

Outdated firmware can cause false charging indicators or app glitches. In 2026, Arlo has improved its firmware update system, but it’s still manual in some cases.

• Go to Settings > My Devices > [Your Camera] > Device Info
• Tap “Check for Updates”
• If an update is available, install it with the camera plugged in.

After updating, restart the camera and check the charging status again. I’ve fixed more than one “phantom charging” issue this way.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let me share a few things I’ve learned the hard way—so you don’t have to.

Tip 1: Don’t rely on just one indicator. Use both the LED and the app. If they disagree, investigate further.

Tip 2: If you’re using a solar panel, clean it monthly. Dust, bird droppings, and pollen can reduce efficiency by 30% or more. I use a soft microfiber cloth and water—no harsh chemicals.

Tip 3: Avoid using ultra-cheap USB cables. I once bought a “3-pack for $5” cable set. One worked, two didn’t. Stick to Arlo-certified or well-reviewed third-party brands (like Anker or Belkin).

Common mistake: Assuming the camera is charging because it’s plugged in. I’ve seen people leave cameras plugged into dead outlets for days. Always verify with the app.

Common mistake: Ignoring temperature warnings. Arlo cameras stop charging if they get too hot (above 104°F/40°C) or too cold (below 32°F/0°C). If it’s in direct sunlight all day, consider a shade cover.

Personal story: Last winter, my Arlo stopped charging. The LED was on, the app said “charging,” but the battery didn’t move. I finally realized it was -10°F outside, and the camera was in a cold garage. I moved it to an insulated spot, and it started charging again.

Also, avoid charging during extreme weather unless the camera is rated for it. Most Arlo models are weather-resistant, not weatherproof. A heavy rainstorm or snowdrift can damage the port.

FAQs About How to Know If My Arlo Camera Is Charging in 2026

Q: Why does my Arlo camera show “Charging” in the app but the LED isn’t blinking?

It could be a firmware glitch or a weak connection. Try unplugging and reseating the cable. If the LED still doesn’t blink, check for firmware updates. In rare cases, the LED itself may be damaged—contact Arlo support.

Q: Can I overcharge my Arlo camera?

No. Arlo cameras use lithium-ion batteries with built-in charge controllers. Once full, they switch to trickle mode or stop charging entirely. Leaving it plugged in overnight is safe.

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

Depends on the model and battery level. A typical Arlo Pro 5 takes 4–6 hours from 0% to 100%. Solar panels can take longer, especially on cloudy days. The app usually shows an estimated time.

Q: What if my Arlo camera won’t charge at all?

Start with the basics: check the cable, outlet, and app status. If nothing works, try a factory reset (via the app). If it still won’t charge, the battery may be degraded. Contact Arlo for a replacement—many models have a 1-year battery warranty.

Q: Does the Arlo app work if the camera isn’t charging?

Yes, as long as the battery has some charge. But if the battery is completely dead, the camera won’t connect to Wi-Fi or LTE, so you won’t get any updates until it’s charged enough to boot up.

Q: Can I use a power bank to charge my Arlo camera?

Yes, but make sure it outputs at least 5V/2A. I use a 10,000mAh Anker power bank for emergency charging. Just plug the Arlo cable into the power bank and watch the LED and app.

Q: Why does my Arlo camera charge slowly?

Possible causes: weak power source (like a low-output USB port), damaged cable, cold temperatures, or battery age. Older batteries (2+ years) may charge slower due to wear. Consider replacing the battery if it’s under warranty.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to know if my Arlo camera is charging in 2026 comes down to a simple routine: check the LED, open the app, verify the power source, and monitor progress. It only takes a few minutes, but it can save you from blind spots when you need security the most.

Don’t rely on just one sign. The LED can lie. The app can glitch. The outlet might be dead. But when you combine all three—plus a little common sense—you’ll always know the truth.

My advice? Set a monthly reminder to check all your Arlo cameras’ charging status. I do it on the first Sunday of every month. It’s quick, and it gives me peace of mind.

And if you’re ever unsure, don’t panic. Unplug, reseat, restart, and check again. Most charging issues are fixable with a little patience.

Stay safe, stay charged, and keep an eye on what matters.

“`