Arlo Camera Not Charging (6 Reasons & Do This FIRST!)

Arlo Camera Not Charging

A security camera can provide relief as you can easily view activity in or out of your home. You must keep it charged to serve its purpose. But, what if you encounter issues?

Is your Arlo Camera not charging? There are several reasons why this scenario happens.

Let’s walk you through our comprehensive list. This is the result of our thorough research on this topic. This will help you troubleshoot when your Arlo Camera isn’t charging.

Arlo Camera Charging Options

There are several ways you can charge your Arlo Camera. The most common is the use of magnetic cables for charging indoors. This comes boxed with your device upon purchase.

You can also charge outdoors with a weather-resistant magnetic cable. Solar panels are also available to keep your camera up and running.

These options may fail at some point. Thus, you need to look into these accessories if you experience charging issues. Learn how they work and how they’re set up.

Arlo Camera Not Charging? Do This First!

Check for loose connections. Most probably, you’d be using your magnetic cable for charging. So, this is the first on your troubleshooting to-do list.

Make sure that the cable is snapped in place and aligned correctly with the metals on the camera’s port. Plus, verify that the other end of the cable is perfectly fitted to the wall adapter.

It helps as well to check the battery’s orientation inside the camera. Ensure metal-to-metal contact to facilitate charging.

6 Reasons Why Your Arlo Camera Isn’t Charging

If your initial attempt to fix the issue doesn’t work, then there may be other reasons why your Arlo Camera isn’t charging.

Here are six reasons to dwell on:

1 – Defective and Incorrect Power Adapter

Every Arlo Camera comes with a power adapter. It’s designed to have a specific voltage output with an equivalent current value.

A power adapter with lower output values can’t provide enough power to charge your camera’s battery.  Using such an accessory will cause longer charging times. Worse, your device may not charge at all.

It’s important to use the recommended adapter for your camera. This will avoid any potential damage.

Even then, you may encounter a defective adapter. To rule out this possibility, try plugging it into a different electrical socket. You can also use a different adapter if available but first consult the user manual for the specifications.

2 – Incompatible Charging Cable

A regular USB cable may not give you the same capability as what comes with your camera to charge it properly. This results in the same insufficiency as using the wrong adapter.

It’s also important to note that this cable is meant to be used indoors. However, invest in a magnetic outdoor cable if you intend to charge outdoors. These cables are weather-resistant. You won’t even need to dismount if conditions permit.

Make sure that you get the compatible cable for your Arlo model.

3 – Defective Battery

The battery on your Arlo Camera is rechargeable. Still, they do have cycle limits. This life span is dictated by the type of battery used.

Arlo cameras utilize lithium-ion (Li-on) and lithium-polymer (Li-Po) batteries. On average, they have 300–500 charging cycles. This number can go up or down depending on use and other factors.

How long have you been using your camera? If you’ve had it for several years, the battery may have reached the end of its life cycle.

To confirm this, try using other batteries on your device. Make sure to use the same charging accessories. If it charges, then the previous battery may be defective.

4 – Too Cold Temperatures

Arlo cameras are designed with minimum operating temperatures. These are dictated by the type of battery they use.

As mentioned above, Arlo devices are created with Lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries. These types are affected by changes in temperature.

For example, Li-on batteries have optimal efficiency at -20°C to 60°C. On the other hand, some Li-Po batteries can work even at higher temperatures up to 85°C.

Outside of these working temperatures, performance degradation can be observed. Lower temperatures, in particular, slow down the battery’s internal reactions.

So, it mustn’t surprise you if your device won’t charge at very cold temperatures. You’ll need to move to a warmer location.

5 – Dirt and Debris on Magnetic Cables

Dirt and debris can accumulate on surfaces and your magnetic charging cables are no exception. These unwanted materials can hinder a safe and secure charging connection. To prevent this occurrence, routinely check and clean your device from build-up.

One way to tell if your camera is charging is to observe its indicator light. It should flash blue for approximately three seconds once connected.

You can also notice the battery icon on your Arlo app.

6 – Solar Panel Issues

Another way you can charge your Arlo camera is through a solar panel. This is extremely beneficial if it’s installed in a hard-to-reach area.

A compatible panel eliminates the need for removal and reinstallation of the camera.

However, some instances give the impression that it’s not charging. This issue stems from obstructions and weather conditions.

The solar panel needs to be positioned to receive as much sunlight to save energy. Otherwise, expect that your camera will charge slower.

Moreover, in gloomy weather, your camera’s battery can drain faster than it recharges. This problem can be aggravated by the heavy usage of your device.

Furthermore, ensure that panels are kept clean. Wipe off dirt and dust regularly for more exposure.

Related Article: Arlo Solar Panel Not Charging (5 Reasons & Do This First!)

Key Takeaway

Is your Arlo camera not charging? Here’s what you need to do. First, ensure that the batteries and charging connections are properly and securely installed.

If it doesn’t solve the issue, then there could be several reasons. This includes using an incompatible adapter and USB cable. There’s also the possibility of a defective adapter or the battery has reached its charging cycle limit.

Plus, check for dirt and debris accumulation. This build-up can prevent your cables and ports from properly connecting, hence charging issues. This is true as well when you’re using a solar panel.

Lastly, environmental conditions also affect charging. Too cold conditions slow down or disable charging of your battery.