Checking Your Alro Camera's Battery Status: A Step-By-Step Guide

Knowing your Arlo camera's battery status is crucial to ensure it functions optimally. While there is no direct way to manually check the battery life percentage, you can receive email notifications when the battery is low, usually around 13%. Additionally, a solid blue light indicates that the battery is fully charged, but this light turns off after some time. If you have multiple cameras, checking the battery status can be cumbersome, as you must go to the settings for each camera individually.

Using the web client

To check the battery status of your Alro camera using the web client, follow these steps:

Firstly, log in to your Arlo account via the web client. You can do this by visiting my.arlo.com on a PC. Once you are logged in, you will be able to view the charge level of your camera's battery.

If you are having trouble logging in, ensure that you have activated two-step verification on your account. Arlo requires all users to activate this feature to continue accessing their recordings, devices, and accounts.

If you are setting up a new camera, it is recommended that you charge your battery for several hours before setting up the system/base unit. You can determine whether your battery is fully charged by observing the blue charging light. A solid blue light indicates that your battery is fully charged, but note that this light will turn off after some time.

If you are experiencing issues with your charger or cable, try using a different AC charger that provides the same output as the Arlo one. You can also try wiping both sides of the magnetic connection to ensure a proper electrical connection.

In some cases, you may need to manually check the battery life percentage. To do this, you will need to remove the batteries and use a voltmeter to test them.

Checking the charging light

To check the charging status of your Alro camera, look for a solid blue LED indication light. This light indicates that your battery is fully charged. However, it is important to note that this light turns off after some time, even if the battery remains fully charged. Therefore, if you charge the battery for several hours, the light may be off when you return.

If you are unable to see the charging light, ensure that you are using a functioning charger and cable. Additionally, wipe both sides of the magnetic connection to ensure a proper electrical connection.

It is worth mentioning that the initial blue blinking light when you connect the charger is an indication of the camera detecting the power connection. This same blue blinking light will appear when you first insert the battery.

In certain cases, you may need to rely on other methods to determine the battery life of your Alro camera. For instance, you can use a voltmeter to manually check the battery life percentage. Alternatively, you can observe the relative brightness of the blue LED light when the battery door is closed, as this can provide an indication of the battery level.

Using a voltmeter

To check the battery status of your Alro camera using a voltmeter, you will first need to remove the batteries from the camera. Once you have the batteries, you can then use the voltmeter to check their voltage.

To do this, simply connect the voltmeter to the battery terminals and read the voltage displayed on the meter. A reading of 2.8v or below indicates that the battery needs to be replaced, as this is the dropout point for the batteries. It is important to note that the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) cells start at about 3.24v, so a reading below this voltage means your battery is not operating at maximum capacity.

It is worth mentioning that the voltage reading can be affected by the current draw, so the voltage may sag more when the battery is under load. Therefore, it is recommended to test the batteries outside of the camera, as a static test, to get a more accurate reading.

Additionally, the battery life of your Alro camera can be impacted by several factors, including usage patterns, video settings, and the strength of the Wi-Fi signal. The battery life is also dependent on the type of battery you are using. For example, rechargeable batteries may have a different lifespan compared to non-rechargeable batteries.

By regularly monitoring the battery status of your Alro camera using a voltmeter, you can ensure that your camera system is always functioning optimally and replace batteries as necessary.

Using a battery tester

Choosing the Right Battery Tester

First, you need to choose the right battery tester for your needs. There are several types of battery testers available, including:

• Carbon Pile Battery Testers: These are simple, intuitive, and effective. They work by measuring the current the battery can discharge through a large resistor.
• Hand-Held Battery Load Testers: These are small, portable devices that measure the battery's response to a large current draw for a short time.
• Battery Hydrometry Testers: These testers measure the density of the electrolyte in the battery, which can be used to calculate the amount of energy stored.
• Battery Conductance Testers: These testers send a small current through the battery and measure its electrical resistance to assess the battery's performance.
• Multimeters: Multimeters can be used to check the battery's voltage, but they may not provide conclusive results as they only spot complete failures.

Preparing for the Test

Before testing, it's important to read the manufacturer's instructions and precautions for both the battery and the tester. Additionally, make sure you have the necessary safety equipment, such as gloves and eye protection.

Testing the Battery

The specific steps for testing the battery will depend on the type of tester you are using. Here are the general steps for using a battery tester:

• Connect the tester leads to the battery terminals, ensuring correct polarity. Most battery testers have two clips or test leads.
• Turn on the tester and input any required specifications, such as battery size or capacity.
• Press the test button or switch, and wait for the tester to display or print the results.
• Interpret the results: The tester will indicate the battery's condition, such as whether it is healthy, needs recharging, or needs replacement.

Maintaining Battery Health

To ensure your Alro camera's battery stays in good condition, it's important to perform regular maintenance. This includes keeping the battery clean and storing it properly when not in use. Additionally, avoid overcharging the battery, as it can lead to problems such as loss of capacity or even explosions.

By following these steps and guidelines, you can effectively use a battery tester to check the status of your Alro camera's battery and maintain its health.

Checking the battery icon

To check the battery status of your Alro camera, you can refer to the battery icon in the Devices card. Hover over the icon to see the remaining battery percentage. This is a quick and easy way to monitor your camera's battery life.

In addition to the battery icon, you may also receive email notifications when your camera's battery is running low. These emails will indicate the remaining battery percentage, allowing you to take appropriate action and replace the batteries as needed.

It is worth noting that some users have reported inconsistencies between the battery life indicated by the email notifications and the actual battery life. In such cases, removing the batteries and using a voltmeter to test them is recommended.

Furthermore, when charging your Alro camera batteries, you may encounter instances where the solid blue LED indication light does not turn on even after an extended charging period. In such situations, it is recommended to consult with Alro support or refer to their online resources for guidance.

Frequently asked questions