Arlo truly shines in the world of smart home security cameras, thanks to its team-up with Netgear. Among their cool inventions, the Netgear Arlo battery really grabs the spotlight, making a big leap that leaves other options in the dust.
They have both hard-wired and completely wireless models. If you have one of the wireless models, you need to replace the old batteries with new ones from time to time. Depending on the model you are using, the Arlo battery life can last from 2-6 months.
You should not face any trouble finding batteries for your Arlo as most retail, hardware, and even online stores have these in their inventory.
All Arlo wire-free cameras require 4 CR123 lithium 3-volt photo batteries.
By default, your Arlo wire-free camera comes with four non-rechargeable batteries. However, you can get rechargeable batteries from Tenergy, and they should work fine with your Arlo camera.
Look for Tenergy Li-Ion RCR123A 3.7V 650mAh batteries with a note that says “works with Arlo.” You can recharge these batteries up to 500 times before you need to change them.
Arlo Battery Life Indicator
In case you are not sure if you need to change the old batteries, you can always check your Arlo Camera battery life from your Arlo account. After you log into your Arlo account, tap the settings icon under the Arlo camera you want to check. You will now see the remaining battery level on your selected Arlo camera.
Once inside the app, you will see different signs that indicate different battery levels. There are five signs in total. If you see a grey battery icon with no blank areas inside it, it means the battery is 76%-100% full. On the other hand, if you see a battery icon in red with no filling, it means your battery has run out.
Battery Life – Model by Model Breakdown
Arlo has a wide range of smart home cameras. They have some had-wired models. Also, they have the Arlo Q, Q Plus, and the Baby models that do not require a battery.
However, their best-selling models are undoubtedly the wire-free ones. The Arlo battery life on these models can last 3-6 months depending on the intensity of usage. An average user might not need to change the batteries in six months.
On the other hand, if you are using an Arlo Go model, you can expect the batteries to last somewhere between 2-3 months. However, the battery largely relies on how heavily you are using the Arlo. External factors, such as room temperature also play a crucial role in determining how long your batteries will last.
Replacement Batteries for Arlo Security Cameras
Having to replace batteries every six-months is a handful for many. Moreover, just imagine for a second the number of batteries you need to buy and dispose of. If you have kids, you also need to ensure the batteries are out of their reach. That’s a lot to have on your plate.
To save you the trouble, Arlo has introduced the rechargeable batteries. Well, they have been out for a while. They were first offered to clients back in 2018. And within a few years, they have become essential accessories for all Arlo users.
Using the Arlo rechargeable batteries, you can swap out and recharge your camera batteries any time you need to. Whenever the power dies on your Arlo, bring out the rechargeable batteries, swap them in, and you are good to go. These rechargeable batteries are compatible with Arlo Ultra, and Arlo Pro 3 Cameras.
Ways to Extend Arlo Battery Life
- With the Arlo hard-wired models, you can plug it into a power socket 24/7, and reduce its dependency on battery.
- Use the optimal video resolution to cut down on unnecessary battery drainage.
- Cold temperature negatively affects your Arlo's battery life. To ensure longer battery health, place your Arlo in a room that has a temperature of no less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Keep your Arlo in a well-lit place. It can be near the window, or beside a lamp. Low-lit environments force Arlo to initiate infrared lights, which in turn draws more battery power.
- Place your Arlo close to the base station. As a rule of thumb, always try to ensure three bars; it is a good sign of strong connectivity.
Common Questions Relating to Arlo Battery Life
Does placing my Arlo outdoors affect its battery life?
Arlo can withstand adverse climates. However, you should know cold climates can affect the battery life of your Arlo. Colder temperatures slow down the chemical reactions inside Arlo’s batteries. As a result, you will have reduced battery life.
Does excessive usage of infrared affect Arlo’s battery?
Arlo cameras use infrared sensors during the night and in low-lit environments. In comparison to daylight, they require more battery power to operate at night.
How does setting Arlo's video resolution to high, affect its battery?
As a rule of thumb, the higher the video resolution, the more battery power your Arlo is going to need.
Does the position of my Arlo affect its battery?
You should place your Arlo in a place that has a good field of view. Having obstructions in Arlo’s path can compromise its view-range as well as make it use more battery power. In a congested Wi-Fi area, with a lot of obstructions, your Arlo needs more battery power to stay connected and communicate to the base network.
Environmental Factors affecting Arlo Battery Life
For an average user, the battery life will be in the ballpark as advertised on the packaging. However, it is important to define what we mean by average users. An average Arlo-user makes sure video settings are in compliance with the Best Battery Life practices, and their Arlo records 5-minutes of video daily.
Increasing both the video quality and quantity might make the battery drain out faster. You can always reduce the video resolution using the Arlo App.
Along with these, there are a few environmental factors that come into play. Users should not place their Arlo below 32-degrees temperatures. They should avoid placing their Arlo in a low-lit room, like the basement or the garage.
Having weak network connectivity means faster battery drainage. That's why users must ensure Arlo can easily connect to the base network by removing solid obstructions, unwanted Wi-Fi interferences, and most importantly reducing the distance between their Arlo and the base network.
The Verdict
Now that you know all about Arlo battery life, we hope you can get the best experience out of your Arlo cameras. Always remember, if your Arlo batteries are draining out more frequently, it might be because of one of the three external factors – cold temperature, higher video resolution, and weak Wi-fi network. If you have any further queries, please leave a comment below and we will get back to you.
1 Comment
Thor Krane
Hi. I just bought a 3 package Arlo Pro 4 with batteries. I learned that all three batteries after full charged was completely dead after just 8 to 10 hours without any use.
I did the same three times. After the fourth charge they seem to be using power as they are promised.
Do you have had the same experience? I have tried to read about this on Arlo support, but I have not seen anything explaining this.
I sure hope they will last normal after this fourth charge.
What do you think?
Regards
Thor Krane
Spain.