How To Extend Battery Life for Security Cameras
Here’s how to squeeze extra power from your Arlo security cameras.
Here’s how to squeeze extra power from your Arlo security cameras.
Wireless security camera systems offer flexible, comprehensive protection for any household. With high-quality batteries, options like Arlo wire-free cameras can deliver months of power from a single charge. But are there ways to extend their battery life? As a matter of fact, there are. Here are 10 tips to improve your wire-free security cameras’ battery life.
Yes, most wireless security cameras are battery-powered. While some wired security cameras have a battery backup, wire-free models rely entirely on a high-capacity battery. To save power, battery-powered security cameras do not record continuously, but start recording only when motion is detected.
While wireless security cameras need batteries to operate, they can also be plugged into regular outlets or Solar Panel Chargers. This makes wireless cameras more flexible than wired cameras.
To extend the battery life of wireless security cameras, choose models that rely on PIR motion sensors rather than pixel-based detection, adjust the camera’s detection settings, keep the firmware up to date, and place the camera in a low-traffic area. You can also set automatic schedules, configure activity zones, or use solar panel chargers. Here’s a breakdown of each tip.
1. Choose security cameras with PIR motion sensors.
Wireless cameras that rely on PIR motion sensors tend to be more precise, reducing false alarms. This, in the long term, also extends battery life. Make sure to choose security cameras that include a PIR motion sensor.
Some options, like the Arlo 2nd Gen Essential Security Camera, combine the best of PIR motion sensors and pixel-based detection for extra-accurate results. With an Arlo Secure subscription, you also get AI-powered Smart Object Detection for people, animals, vehicles, and even fire recognition. Plus, you get 60-day Cloud Storage for your video events.
2. Adjust detection settings for your home security cameras.
Excessive motion detection can drain your battery more quickly. You can easily adjust your camera’s sensitivity through its mobile app, making them less prone to false alarms. Some models also offer power management settings to optimize battery life. For example, the Arlo app provides three setting modes that balance video quality and power consumption. You can also configure your camera to record shorter videos.
3. Keep your cameras’ firmware up to date.
For smart home security cameras, having the most current firmware installed ensures optimal performance. Firmware updates are typically automatic and often include optimizations to help extend battery life. If your camera’s firmware is outdated, you can easily complete the update manually through the app.
4. Place your battery-powered camera in a low-traffic area.
Be sure to place your security cameras correctly, ideally in areas with low traffic and pointing only at zones of interest. Setting a camera in a high-traffic area will drain the battery more quickly. For instance, pointing a camera directly at a busy street will cause it to be activated every few minutes, triggering the recording process and consuming more power.
5. Set up Smart Activity Zones.
If you need to install your security camera in a high-traffic area, consider using features like Smart Activity Zones. For example, with an Arlo Secure subscription, you can highlight specific areas of your property where you want to receive notifications. By excluding unwanted zones, you reduce false alarms and extend battery life.
6. Set an automatic schedule for your security cameras.
With options like Arlo, you can set a schedule to activate and deactivate your cameras automatically. Automation schedules help manage battery life by keeping your cameras active only when needed. For instance, you can turn on your cameras only during weekends while you’re away, or set them to work only at night while you’re sleeping.
7. If possible, keep the camera in temperatures above 32°F (0°C).
Outdoor security systems like Arlo’s are weatherproof, designed to withstand heat, cold, rain, or sun. For example, the Arlo Ultra 2 4K Camera can operate within temperatures ranging from -4°F to 113°F (-20°C to 45°C).
However, while they can resist freezing temperatures, they perform best in temperatures above 32°F (0°C). This isn’t a limitation of your Arlo camera, but rather a characteristic of all lithium batteries, which don’t perform well in the cold. By keeping your cameras within the recommended temperature range, you can help extend their battery life.
8. Use Solar Panel Chargers for continuous power.
Some wireless security cameras can be plugged into solar panels, harnessing solar energy and potentially extending their battery life indefinitely. Options like Arlo offer Solar Panel Chargers for every camera in their lineup. Solar panels not only enhance your camera’s capabilities but also provide a great way to save energy at home.
9. Adjust the light intensity for spotlight cameras and floodlights.
Wireless security cameras with integrated spotlights allow you to adjust the light’s intensity and duration. Since higher brightness and longer activation times can drain the battery faster, it’s best to reduce both. The same applies to floodlights, such as the Arlo Pro 3 Wireless Floodlight Camera, which features a built-in 2,000-lumen LED floodlight to illuminate large areas.
10. Consider a security camera with a higher battery capacity.
If you need the longest battery life possible, consider choosing a camera with a higher battery capacity. You can explore options like the Arlo 2nd Gen Essential XL Wireless Camera, with four times the battery life of the regular Arlo Essential Camera.
Arlo floodlights, video doorbells, and security cameras offer everything you need to secure your home. With incredible battery life and advanced features like Color Night Vision, your loved ones stay protected 24/7. Plus, with the option to connect your system to Solar Panel Chargers, you can rest assured that no moment will go unnoticed.
