If your Arlo Pro 5S battery not charging is preventing you from keeping your security camera powered and protecting your property, this guide will walk you through proven troubleshooting steps. A non-charging battery can stem from power source problems, faulty cables, software glitches, or hardware defects. Follow these instructions systematically to identify and resolve the issue.
Check Your Charging Equipment and Power Source
Before assuming your camera or battery is defective, verify that your charging setup is functioning properly. Many Arlo Pro 5S battery not charging cases are resolved by addressing simple power delivery issues.
1
Inspect the Charging Cable: Examine the magnetic charging cable for fraying, kinks, or damage. Try a different Arlo-certified charging cable if available. Ensure the magnetic connector aligns properly with the charging port on your Pro 5S camera.
2
Test the Power Adapter: Verify that the USB power adapter is working by testing it with another device. Use the original Arlo adapter or a 5V/2A minimum USB adapter. Avoid computer USB ports or low-power sources that cannot deliver adequate charging current.
3
Try a Different Outlet: Plug your charging setup into a known working wall outlet. Power strips and surge protectors can fail silently—bypass them temporarily to rule out outlet-related problems.
Examine the Camera, Battery, and Charging Environment
Environmental factors and hardware conditions can significantly impact charging performance for your Arlo Pro 5S.
4
Clean the Charging Contacts: Power off the camera and gently clean the magnetic charging contacts on both the cable and camera using a dry, lint-free cloth. Remove any dirt, corrosion, or debris that may prevent proper electrical connection.
5
Check Battery Temperature: The Arlo Pro 5S will not charge if the battery is too hot (above 113°F/45°C) or too cold (below 32°F/0°C). Bring the camera indoors and let it acclimate to room temperature for 30-60 minutes before attempting to charge again.
6
Remove and Reinstall the Battery: Open the battery compartment, remove the battery completely, inspect it for swelling or damage, then reinstall it firmly until it clicks into place. A loose battery connection can interrupt charging.
Warning: Do not attempt to charge a swollen, punctured, or physically damaged battery. Lithium-ion batteries with visible damage pose fire and explosion risks. Discontinue use immediately and contact Arlo support for a replacement battery.
Reset and Update Your Arlo Pro 5S
Software issues can sometimes cause charging indicators to malfunction or prevent proper power management.
7
Restart the Camera: Press and hold the sync button on the camera for about 15 seconds until the LED flashes amber, then release. Allow the camera to reboot fully before reconnecting the charger.
8
Check for Firmware Updates: Open the Arlo app, navigate to Settings > My Devices, select your Pro 5S, and tap Device Info > Firmware. Install any available updates, as outdated firmware can cause charging bugs.
9
Factory Reset as Last Resort: If charging issues persist, press and hold the sync button for 15 seconds until the camera resets. You'll need to re-add the camera to your Arlo account afterward. Only perform this step after exhausting other options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should an Arlo Pro 5S battery take to fully charge?
A completely depleted Arlo Pro 5S battery typically takes 3-4 hours to charge fully using the original adapter and cable. Charging via solar panel or lower-power sources will take significantly longer and may not reach 100%.
Why does my Arlo Pro 5S battery not charging indicator show amber constantly?
A solid amber LED during charging usually indicates the battery is actively charging but hasn't reached sufficient charge yet. If amber persists beyond 5-6 hours, the battery may be failing to hold charge, or the power source may be insufficient. Try a different cable and adapter combination.
Can I use third-party batteries with my Arlo Pro 5S?
Arlo strongly recommends using only genuine Arlo batteries. Third-party batteries may trigger compatibility errors, charge improperly, void your warranty, or pose safety risks. If you're experiencing Arlo Pro 5S battery not charging problems with a third-party battery, switch to an official Arlo battery to determine if the issue resolves.
Still Need Help With Your Arlo Device?
If these steps didn't resolve the battery not charging issue, our certified technicians can help.