Charging your Arlo doorbell is simple when you follow the right steps. This guide walks you through the process, from checking battery levels to troubleshooting common issues, ensuring your smart doorbell stays powered and ready.
Key Takeaways
- Check battery level regularly: Use the Arlo app to monitor your doorbell’s battery status and avoid unexpected outages.
- Use the correct charging cable: Always use the USB cable that came with your Arlo doorbell or a high-quality replacement to prevent damage.
- Charge in a dry, safe location: Never charge your doorbell outdoors or in wet conditions to avoid electrical hazards.
- Fully charge before reinstalling: Allow the battery to reach 100% before reattaching the doorbell to ensure maximum runtime.
- Clean charging contacts: Wipe the charging ports and connectors with a dry cloth to maintain a strong connection.
- Know when to replace the battery: If your doorbell drains quickly even after charging, it may be time for a new battery.
- Use wired power if possible: For continuous power, consider upgrading to a wired Arlo doorbell or using a power kit.
How to Charge My Arlo Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve recently installed an Arlo smart doorbell or noticed it’s running low on battery, you’re probably wondering: How do I charge my Arlo doorbell? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many users find the charging process a bit confusing at first, especially since Arlo doorbells are designed to be sleek and weather-resistant, which means they don’t have traditional charging ports like your phone.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about charging your Arlo doorbell safely and effectively. Whether you have the Arlo Essential Wire-Free Video Doorbell, the Arlo Video Doorbell (Wired), or another model, this guide covers the most common battery-powered versions. We’ll walk you through checking your battery level, removing the doorbell, charging it properly, and reinstalling it—plus troubleshooting tips if things don’t go as planned.
By the end of this article, you’ll feel confident maintaining your Arlo doorbell’s power supply, ensuring it’s always ready to capture motion, send alerts, and keep your home secure.
Why Charging Your Arlo Doorbell Matters
Visual guide about How to Charge My Arlo Doorbell
Image source: downloads.arlo.com
Your Arlo doorbell is more than just a camera—it’s your first line of defense when it comes to home security. It alerts you when someone approaches your door, lets you see and speak to visitors remotely, and records video footage for later review. But all of these features depend on one thing: power.
Most Arlo doorbells are battery-operated, which means they need to be charged periodically. Unlike wired doorbells that draw power directly from your home’s electrical system, battery-powered models rely on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These batteries typically last between 3 to 6 months, depending on usage, climate, and settings like motion sensitivity.
If your doorbell dies unexpectedly, you could miss important visitors, deliveries, or even potential security threats. That’s why knowing how to charge your Arlo doorbell is essential. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about maintaining consistent protection for your home.
Step 1: Check Your Doorbell’s Battery Level
Before you start the charging process, it’s important to confirm that your doorbell actually needs charging. You don’t want to go through the hassle of removing and recharging it only to find the battery is still at 80%.
Using the Arlo App to Check Battery
The easiest way to check your doorbell’s battery level is through the Arlo mobile app. Here’s how:
- Open the Arlo app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Tap on the camera icon for your doorbell.
- Look for the battery icon in the top-right corner of the live view screen.
- The icon will show a percentage (e.g., 45%) or a visual battery bar.
If the battery is below 20%, it’s a good idea to charge it soon. At 10% or lower, your doorbell may stop functioning or send low-battery alerts.
Understanding Battery Indicators
The Arlo app uses color-coded indicators to help you understand your battery status:
- Green: Battery is above 50%—no action needed.
- Yellow: Battery is between 20% and 50%—consider charging soon.
- Red: Battery is below 20%—charge immediately to avoid downtime.
You’ll also receive push notifications when your battery is low, so make sure notifications are enabled in the app settings.
Step 2: Gather Your Charging Tools
Before removing your doorbell, make sure you have everything you need. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Micro-USB or USB-C charging cable: Most Arlo doorbells use a micro-USB cable, but newer models may use USB-C. Use the cable that came in the box or a high-quality replacement.
- Power adapter: A standard USB wall adapter (5V/1A or higher) works best. Avoid using fast chargers unless specified by Arlo.
- Clean, dry cloth: For wiping the charging contacts.
- Small screwdriver (if needed): Some models require a screw to remove the faceplate.
Avoid using damaged cables or cheap third-party chargers, as they can damage the battery or cause slow charging.
Step 3: Safely Remove Your Arlo Doorbell
Now it’s time to take your doorbell off the wall. This step varies slightly depending on your model, but the general process is the same.
For Arlo Essential Wire-Free Doorbell
- Locate the small release tab at the bottom of the doorbell.
- Press and hold the tab while gently pulling the doorbell away from the mounting plate.
- The doorbell should slide out easily. If it feels stuck, wiggle it slightly—don’t force it.
For Arlo Video Doorbell (Wired or Wire-Free)
Some models have a security screw to prevent theft:
- Use a small Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screw at the bottom of the doorbell.
- Once the screw is out, press the release tab and slide the doorbell off the mount.
Safety Tips During Removal
- Turn off the power at the circuit breaker if your doorbell is wired—even if it’s primarily battery-powered, some models have backup wiring.
- Work in a well-lit area to avoid dropping small parts.
- Place the doorbell on a soft surface (like a towel) to prevent scratches.
Step 4: Clean the Charging Contacts
Before plugging in the charger, take a moment to clean the charging ports. Dust, dirt, or moisture can interfere with the connection and slow down charging.
How to Clean the Contacts
- Use a dry, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the micro-USB or USB-C port on the doorbell.
- Also clean the metal contacts on the charging cable.
- Avoid using water, alcohol, or cleaning sprays—these can damage the electronics.
If you notice corrosion or heavy buildup, contact Arlo support for guidance. Never insert sharp objects into the port.
Step 5: Charge Your Arlo Doorbell
Now that your doorbell is clean and ready, it’s time to charge it.
Connecting the Charger
- Plug the USB cable into the charging port on the back or bottom of the doorbell.
- Connect the other end to a USB wall adapter.
- Plug the adapter into a power outlet.
Charging Time and Indicators
Most Arlo doorbells take about 2 to 4 hours to fully charge from empty. Here’s what to expect:
- Red light: Charging in progress.
- Green or blue light: Charging complete.
- No light: Check connections—the cable may not be plugged in properly.
Some models don’t have lights, so you’ll need to check the battery level in the Arlo app after a few hours.
Charging Best Practices
- Charge indoors: Never leave your doorbell charging outside—rain, snow, or extreme temperatures can damage it.
- Use a stable surface: Place the doorbell on a table or counter where it won’t fall.
- Avoid overcharging: While modern lithium-ion batteries have safeguards, it’s best to unplug once fully charged.
- Charge at room temperature: Avoid charging in very hot or cold environments (below 32°F or above 104°F).
Step 6: Reinstall Your Arlo Doorbell
Once your doorbell is fully charged, it’s time to put it back on the wall.
Reattaching the Doorbell
- Align the doorbell with the mounting plate on the wall.
- Slide it into place until it clicks securely.
- If your model has a security screw, reinsert and tighten it.
Testing the Connection
After reinstalling:
- Open the Arlo app and check the live view.
- Verify that the battery level shows 100% or close to it.
- Test motion detection by walking in front of the doorbell.
- Check that notifications are working.
If the doorbell doesn’t connect, try restarting it by removing and reinserting the battery (if accessible) or power-cycling your Wi-Fi router.
Troubleshooting Common Charging Issues
Even with careful handling, you might run into problems. Here’s how to fix the most common issues.
Doorbell Won’t Charge
- Check the cable: Try a different USB cable or power adapter.
- Inspect the port: Look for dirt, damage, or bent pins.
- Test the outlet: Plug another device into the same outlet to confirm it’s working.
- Restart the doorbell: Remove it, wait 10 seconds, then reconnect.
Slow Charging
- Use a higher-output adapter: A 2.1A adapter can charge faster than a 1A one.
- Avoid using a computer USB port: These often provide less power.
- Keep it cool: Charging slows down in high temperatures.
Battery Drains Quickly After Charging
This could indicate a failing battery or high usage:
- Adjust motion settings: Lower sensitivity or reduce recording length in the app.
- Check for firmware updates: Outdated software can cause battery drain.
- Consider extreme weather: Cold temperatures reduce battery efficiency.
- Replace the battery: If the doorbell is over 2 years old, the battery may need replacing.
Doorbell Won’t Turn On After Charging
- Ensure it’s fully charged: Wait a few more hours and check again.
- Reset the device: Hold the reset button (if available) for 10 seconds.
- Contact Arlo support: If nothing works, there may be a hardware issue.
Tips to Extend Battery Life
Charging your doorbell is one thing—keeping it charged longer is another. Here are some smart tips to maximize battery life:
- Reduce motion zones: Limit detection to high-traffic areas only.
- Lower video quality: Use “Standard” instead of “HD” if you don’t need high resolution.
- Turn off night vision (if possible): Only enable it when needed.
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Install your doorbell in a sheltered spot, away from direct sun or freezing winds.
- Schedule recordings: Use activity zones and schedules to limit unnecessary alerts.
When to Consider a Wired Doorbell
If you’re tired of charging your doorbell every few months, it might be time to upgrade to a wired model. Arlo offers wired video doorbells that connect directly to your home’s doorbell wiring, eliminating the need for battery charging.
Benefits of a wired doorbell:
- Continuous power: No more low-battery alerts.
- Reliable performance: No risk of downtime due to dead batteries.
- Fewer maintenance tasks: No need to remove and recharge regularly.
If you already have doorbell wiring, the installation is straightforward. If not, you may need an electrician to run wires—but the peace of mind is often worth it.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to charge your Arlo doorbell is a key part of owning a smart home security system. With the right tools, a little patience, and the steps outlined in this guide, you can keep your doorbell powered and ready to protect your home.
Remember to check the battery regularly, use quality charging equipment, and follow safety guidelines. And if you run into issues, don’t hesitate to consult the Arlo support team or community forums.
By taking care of your doorbell’s power needs, you’re ensuring that it can take care of you—alerting you to visitors, recording important moments, and giving you peace of mind, day after day.