How to Fix an Arlo Camera That Is Not Charging
An Arlo camera with a dead battery is a security risk. If you've plugged in your camera or battery and found that it's not charging, don't panic. This issue is usually caused by a simple problem with the power source, cable, or environment. This professional guide will help you troubleshoot the issue in clear, British English and get your camera powered up again.
The First and Most Important Rule: Use Official Equipment
Before trying anything else, it's crucial to check your charging equipment.
- Use the Arlo Power Adapter and Cable: Arlo cameras and batteries are designed to be charged with the specific power adapter and cable that came in the box. Using a third-party phone charger or a generic USB cable is the most common cause of charging failure. They may not provide the stable voltage and amperage required, and the camera's safety circuits will prevent charging from starting.
- Check for Damage: Inspect your Arlo charging cable and adapter for any signs of physical damage, such as frayed wires or bent connectors.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Work through these steps in order to identify the source of the problem.
Step 1: Verify the Power Source
First, ensure the issue isn't with the wall socket itself.
- Test the Outlet: Unplug the Arlo charger and plug in a different device that you know works, like a lamp or a phone charger. If that device doesn't power on, the problem is with the outlet, not the camera.
- Try a Different Outlet: If the first outlet is the issue, try plugging the Arlo charger into a different wall socket that you have confirmed is working.
Step 2: Check the Physical Connections
A secure physical connection is essential for charging to occur.
- Reseat the Cable: Unplug the charging cable from both the power adapter and the camera (or charging station). Then, plug them back in, ensuring they are inserted firmly and securely. A loose connection is a frequent culprit.
- Clean the Contacts: The small metal charging contacts on the camera/battery and the charging cable can sometimes get dirty, preventing a good connection. Gently wipe them with a clean, dry microfibre cloth. Do not use water or cleaning solutions.
Step 3: Check the Camera's LED Indicator
The camera's LED light provides important clues.
- No Light at All: If the LED does not light up when you plug in the power cable, it almost always indicates a problem with the power source (outlet, adapter, or cable). Re-check all the steps above.
- Blinking Orange Light: A blinking orange or amber light can sometimes indicate a fault with the battery itself. Try removing the battery from the camera (if possible), waiting 30 seconds, and then re-inserting it before trying to charge again.
Step 4: Consider the Temperature
Arlo batteries, like all lithium-ion batteries, have temperature restrictions for charging.
- Too Cold to Charge: For safety reasons, Arlo batteries will not charge if their temperature is at or below 0° Celsius (32° Fahrenheit). If your camera has been outside in the cold, you must bring it indoors and allow it to warm up to room temperature for at least an hour before attempting to charge it.
Step 5: Isolate the Problem
If you have more than one Arlo camera or battery, you can use them to figure out what's wrong.
- Try a Different Cable/Adapter: If you have another Arlo camera, try using its power cable and adapter to charge the problematic camera. If it starts charging, you know your original cable or adapter is faulty.
- Try a Different Battery: If your camera has a removable battery, try charging a different battery in the same camera or charging station. If the other battery charges, it suggests your original battery may have reached the end of its life.
By following these steps systematically, you can quickly diagnose why your Arlo camera isn't charging and take the right action to resolve it.