Arlo Essential VCM3050 is not charging

[PlantLady37]

I have an Arlo essential VCM 3050 outdoor camera that I purchased approximately three weeks ago. When I initially got my cameras, I charged them all and placed them outside on my home connected to the appropriate solar panel. The camera was working fine until about a week ago so I brought it inside connected it to the Arlo charger that came with the cameras and I cannot get it to charge. In addition it disconnected itself from my Arlo app. When I plugged the charger in it blinks a red light twice every few seconds. I have tried pushing the sink button on top of the camera and it will turn blue, but when I connect the charger to it. It goes right back to blinking red and will not charge.

[jguerdat]

A slow amber/red blink means a dead battery. Charging it proactively would be a Good Idea.

Now that you're having problems getting it to charge, try this FAQ. The key is to plug in and unplug many times until the battery gets enough charge in it to then allow it to charge normally.

https://kb.arlo.com/000052305/My-Arlo-Pro-or-Arlo-Pro-2-battery-is-dead-what-do-I-do

[PlantLady37]

I tried that and it still wouldn’t charge. I ended up returning the camera for a full exchange of new. It has never kept a good charge since I’ve had it. Thank you for the reply!

[wdelorme]

Hey Guys,

I figured a way around the “Battery Won’t Charge” issue with the two red flashing lights.  There is nothing you can do with out opening the back of the camera.  I have Ifixit tool kit and you need a #5 torx, a plastic pry bar with a flat plastic blade (mine came in my IFixit kit not sure the real name of it), a Phillips head screw driver. 
If you feel you do not have the skill to do this, do it anyway because if you can’t get it to work you have two options buy a new one, or talk Arlo into replacing it. Good luck with that.  I’ve never had luck with their customer support.  

 1. You have to remove the mounting device screwed into the back of the camera with a Phillips head screw driver. 

2. Under the mounting device just inside the screw receptical there is the #5 torx screw.  Remove it.  It’s tiny so do not loose it. 

3. On the very bottom of the camera where the charge plug is, pull the two half’s apart from the bottom and push your pry blade into the separation and work it around slightly twisting the bar until the half’s pop apart. 

4.  On the right side close to the top of the camera body just inside is a plug. Gently disconnect the plug being careful not to damage it.  Wait about 1 minute, then plug it back in.  It resets the camera and now it should charge.  

Note:

I have not tried, but if you can source a replacement battery, you can unscrew the (4) #5 Torx screws. Then remove the battery compartment and replace the battery.

5. Plug the charger in to the charge port to make sure it will charge.  If you get the flashing blue light and one red flashing light, it starts to charge. 
6.  Replace the back cover making sure it’s oriented correctly.  It should snap into place.

7. Then replace the #5 Torx screw, and everything should be right with your camera.