Charging your Arlo doorbell camera is simple when you follow the right steps. This guide walks you through removing the battery, using the correct charger, and maintaining optimal performance for uninterrupted security.
Key Takeaways
- Use the official Arlo charging cable and adapter: Always charge your Arlo doorbell camera with the included USB cable and a compatible power adapter to avoid damage or slow charging.
- Remove the battery for safe charging: Unlike some smart doorbells, Arlo models require you to take out the rechargeable battery pack to charge it separately.
- Charge in a dry, cool environment: Avoid charging the battery in extreme temperatures or humid areas to extend its lifespan and ensure safety.
- Check battery level via the Arlo app: Monitor your doorbell’s battery status in real time using the Arlo mobile app to know when it’s time to recharge.
- Reinstall the battery correctly: After charging, make sure the battery clicks securely into place and the doorbell is properly mounted to avoid connection issues.
- Charge every 2–6 months: Depending on usage and climate, most Arlo doorbell batteries last between two and six months before needing a recharge.
- Troubleshoot charging issues promptly: If the battery won’t charge, try a different cable, power source, or reset the device to resolve common problems.
How to Charge Arlo Doorbell Camera: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Keeping your Arlo doorbell camera charged is essential for maintaining home security and ensuring you never miss a visitor, package delivery, or unexpected activity at your front door. Unlike hardwired smart doorbells, Arlo doorbell cameras rely on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which means you’ll need to charge them periodically. While this may seem inconvenient at first, the process is straightforward once you know the steps.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly how to charge Arlo doorbell camera safely and efficiently. We’ll cover everything from removing the battery and using the right charging equipment to reinserting the battery and troubleshooting common issues. Whether you’re a new Arlo user or just need a refresher, this guide will help you keep your doorbell running smoothly all year long.
Why Charging Your Arlo Doorbell Camera Matters
Your Arlo doorbell camera is more than just a doorbell—it’s a smart security device that records motion, sends alerts, and allows two-way communication. When the battery runs low, these features stop working, leaving your home vulnerable. A dead battery means no live view, no motion alerts, and no way to see who’s at the door.
Visual guide about How to Charge Arlo Doorbell Camera
Image source: surveillanceguides.com
Regular charging ensures your Arlo doorbell stays active and reliable. Most users find they need to charge their Arlo doorbell camera every 2 to 6 months, depending on usage, climate, and settings like video quality and motion sensitivity. Cold weather, in particular, can drain the battery faster, so winter months may require more frequent charging.
By learning how to charge Arlo doorbell camera properly, you’ll extend the life of the battery, avoid unexpected outages, and get the most out of your investment in home security.
What You’ll Need to Charge Your Arlo Doorbell Camera
Before you begin, gather the following items to ensure a smooth charging process:
- Arlo doorbell camera (obviously!)
- Rechargeable battery pack (included with your Arlo doorbell)
- Arlo USB charging cable (the one that came with your device)
- Compatible USB power adapter (5V/2A recommended; avoid fast chargers unless specified)
- Microfiber cloth (to clean the battery contacts)
- Small Phillips-head screwdriver (only if your model requires it for battery removal)
Using the official Arlo charging cable is crucial. Third-party cables may not deliver the correct voltage or current, which can lead to slow charging, overheating, or even damage to the battery. Stick with the original equipment for the best results.
Step 1: Check the Battery Level in the Arlo App
Before you start the physical process of charging, it’s smart to check your doorbell’s current battery level. This helps you confirm whether charging is actually needed and avoids unnecessary disassembly.
Open the Arlo App
Launch the Arlo app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged into the account linked to your doorbell camera.
Navigate to Your Doorbell
Tap on the “Devices” tab at the bottom of the screen. Find your Arlo doorbell camera in the list and select it.
View Battery Status
On the device screen, look for the battery icon or percentage. The app will display the current charge level. If it’s below 20%, it’s time to charge. Some models also show a “Low Battery” alert when charging is needed.
Pro tip: Set up a monthly reminder in your phone’s calendar to check the battery level. This proactive habit can prevent unexpected power loss.
Step 2: Safely Remove the Arlo Doorbell from the Mount
Unlike some doorbells that allow in-place charging, Arlo models require you to remove the entire unit from the wall to access the battery. Don’t worry—it’s designed to be user-friendly.
Turn Off Power (If Hardwired)
If your Arlo doorbell is hardwired (connected to existing doorbell wires), turn off the power at the circuit breaker before removing it. This prevents electrical shock or short circuits. Even though the doorbell runs on battery, the wires can still carry a small current.
Unscrew the Mounting Plate
Most Arlo doorbells are secured with a single screw at the bottom. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to loosen and remove it. Keep the screw in a safe place—you’ll need it to reattach the doorbell later.
Gently Pull the Doorbell Away
Once the screw is removed, gently pull the doorbell away from the wall. It should slide off the mounting plate easily. Be careful not to yank it, as the wires (if hardwired) may still be connected.
Disconnect Wires (If Applicable)
If your doorbell is hardwired, carefully disconnect the two wires from the back of the unit. Note their positions (usually labeled “Front” and “Trans”) so you can reconnect them correctly later.
Tip: Take a photo of the wiring before disconnecting. This makes reinstallation much easier.
Step 3: Remove the Rechargeable Battery Pack
Now that the doorbell is off the wall, it’s time to access the battery. Arlo uses a removable lithium-ion battery pack that slides out from the bottom of the device.
Locate the Battery Compartment
Turn the doorbell upside down. You’ll see a small latch or release button at the bottom. This is the battery compartment door.
Press the Release Button
Press and hold the release button while gently pulling the battery pack downward. It should slide out smoothly. If it feels stuck, don’t force it—double-check that the button is fully pressed.
Inspect the Battery and Contacts
Before charging, take a moment to inspect the battery. Look for any signs of damage, swelling, or corrosion. Also, check the metal contacts on both the battery and the doorbell. If they’re dirty, gently wipe them with a dry microfiber cloth.
Warning: Never charge a damaged or swollen battery. Contact Arlo support immediately if you notice any abnormalities.
Step 4: Charge the Arlo Doorbell Battery
With the battery removed, you’re ready to charge it. Follow these steps to ensure safe and effective charging.
Connect the Charging Cable
Plug the Arlo USB charging cable into the port on the battery pack. The connector is designed to fit only one way, so don’t force it.
Use a Compatible Power Adapter
Connect the other end of the USB cable to a 5V/2A power adapter. Avoid using high-speed chargers (like those for tablets or fast-charging phones) unless Arlo specifically recommends them. Too much current can overheat the battery.
Plug Into a Wall Outlet
Insert the adapter into a wall outlet. Avoid using power strips or extension cords if possible, as they can reduce charging efficiency.
Monitor the Charging Process
Most Arlo batteries take 2 to 4 hours to fully charge. The LED indicator on the battery (if present) will usually glow red while charging and turn green when complete. If there’s no light, the battery may already be fully charged or there could be an issue.
Tip: Charge the battery in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Extreme temperatures can damage lithium-ion batteries.
Step 5: Reinsert the Battery and Reattach the Doorbell
Once the battery is fully charged, it’s time to put everything back together.
Slide the Battery Back In
Align the charged battery with the slot in the doorbell and slide it upward until it clicks into place. Make sure it’s secure—you shouldn’t be able to wiggle it.
Reconnect Wires (If Hardwired)
If your doorbell is hardwired, reconnect the two wires to the correct terminals on the back of the unit. Refer to the photo you took earlier if needed.
Reattach the Doorbell to the Mount
Position the doorbell back onto the mounting plate. Slide it into place and secure it with the screw at the bottom. Tighten it just enough to hold the doorbell firmly—don’t overtighten, as this can crack the plastic.
Turn Power Back On (If Hardwired)
If you turned off the circuit breaker earlier, turn it back on now. The doorbell should power up within a few seconds.
Step 6: Verify Charging Success in the Arlo App
After reassembly, confirm that your doorbell is working and fully charged.
Open the Arlo App
Launch the app and go to your doorbell’s device page.
Check Battery Level
Look for the battery icon. It should now show 100% or close to it. If it still shows low, wait a few minutes and refresh the screen.
Test the Doorbell
Press the doorbell button to ensure it rings and sends a notification to your phone. You can also test the live view and two-way audio to confirm everything is functioning.
If the doorbell doesn’t respond, try restarting it by removing and reinserting the battery, or check the Arlo support page for troubleshooting tips.
Tips for Maintaining Your Arlo Doorbell Battery
To maximize battery life and reduce how often you need to charge, follow these best practices:
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Don’t install your doorbell in direct sunlight or near heat sources. Cold weather also drains batteries faster—consider using a weatherproof cover in winter.
- Adjust motion sensitivity: High sensitivity causes more recordings and faster battery drain. Lower it slightly if you’re getting too many false alerts.
- Use scheduled modes: Set your doorbell to “Home” or “Away” modes in the app to reduce activity when you don’t need constant monitoring.
- Keep the lens clean: Dust and dirt can trigger false motion alerts. Wipe the lens monthly with a soft cloth.
- Update firmware regularly: Arlo releases updates that improve battery efficiency. Enable auto-updates in the app settings.
Troubleshooting Common Charging Issues
Even with proper care, you might run into charging problems. Here’s how to fix the most common ones:
Battery Won’t Charge
If the battery doesn’t charge, try these steps:
- Use a different USB cable and adapter.
- Plug the charger into a different outlet.
- Clean the battery contacts with a dry cloth.
- Restart the doorbell by removing and reinserting the battery.
If none of these work, the battery may be faulty. Contact Arlo support for a replacement.
Battery Drains Too Fast
Rapid battery drain can be caused by:
- High motion sensitivity or frequent recordings.
- Cold weather (below 32°F/0°C).
- Aging battery (lithium-ion batteries degrade over time).
Reduce motion zones, lower video quality, or consider replacing the battery if it’s over two years old.
Doorbell Doesn’t Turn On After Charging
If the doorbell doesn’t power up:
- Ensure the battery is fully charged and properly inserted.
- Check that the mounting plate is securely attached.
- Verify that hardwired connections are correct (if applicable).
- Reset the doorbell by holding the reset button for 10 seconds.
Charging Cable Gets Hot
A warm cable is normal, but if it’s hot to the touch:
- Unplug it immediately.
- Stop using the cable and adapter.
- Contact Arlo support—you may have a defective charger.
Conclusion
Learning how to charge Arlo doorbell camera is a simple but essential skill for any Arlo user. By following the steps in this guide—checking the battery level, safely removing the doorbell, charging the battery properly, and reassembling everything—you’ll keep your smart doorbell running reliably for years.
Remember to use only official Arlo charging accessories, charge in a safe environment, and monitor your battery regularly through the app. With a little care and attention, your Arlo doorbell will continue to protect your home, alert you to visitors, and give you peace of mind—no matter the season.
Now that you’re equipped with this complete guide, charging your Arlo doorbell camera will be quick, easy, and stress-free. Stay safe, stay connected, and enjoy the convenience of modern home security!