Arlo|Smart Home Security|Wireless HD Security Cameras

Battery Life

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Bvngrad04
Aspirant
Aspirant

I am struggling with battery life. My first set of batteries lasted about 2 weeks, approximately 50 videos. This set lasted less than 10 days. It recorded a total of 17 videos, 10 seconds long, standard video quality. Only 80% sensitive. I never viewed a stream of video from the app either. Can anyone provide insight? Also, I have it set for low battery notification but I don't get notified until there is 0% battery and the camera won't function and when I look at the battery meter in the app, it shows full until it no longer has enough power to run.

12 REPLIES 12
jguerdat
Guru Guru
Guru

Is the camera firmware up-to-date? That IS extreme short life. Do you use thew app/browser often to check on things?  I've wondered if the "getting status" message is communicating with the cameras, using battery. Maybe not but it's been in the back of my mind...

Bvngrad04
Aspirant
Aspirant
My firmware is 1.2.2688. I open the app less than once a week. And never use it to check on the feed at that time. If I view a video it has recorded, I do it from the email notification.
jguerdat
Guru Guru
Guru

Bad batch of batteries?  Try some of the recommended rechargeables to save $$$ - EagleTac 750mAH or TangsFire 1000mAH.

TomMac
Guru Guru
Guru

Do you have more than one camera?  If so, swap the one using batteries to see if location or camera.

 

Honestly, if my cam was burning thru a set of batteries "It recorded a total of 17 videos, 10 seconds long" as quick as yours, I'd bee looking for another camera such as defective.

 

(just to give an idea I have 2 low usage cameras with OEM cells install since 2/24 still showing full, maybe a couple mins a week view, but turned on as motion detect at least 5x per week )

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Bvngrad04
Aspirant
Aspirant

Update: I changed the batteries on the camera Sunday, 9/27/15.  It has recorded 7 videos, 10 seconds each.  We'll see if it is the batteries (Energizer).  I have another camera, but still in the box.  Since this one has worked so poorly, I am waiting to open it because I may return it.   I will update this post on battery life once this set gives out.  It'll be my third try.

JamesC
Community Manager
Community Manager

Bvngrad04,

 

As TomMac suggests, If possible I would recommend you consider changing the location of the camera if you don't want to open the second one yet to test. Interference or poor WiFi signal could be causing the camera to struggle to maintain a connection to the base station which would cause battery drain. You could also try relocating the base station itself for the same reasons. Definitely let us know!

 

JamesC

Bvngrad04
Aspirant
Aspirant
Batteries are dead. 12 videos. Low resolution. Installed on the 27th and dead today.

Base station is about 25 feet from the camera
JamesC
Community Manager
Community Manager

Bvngrad04,

 

I would like to further investigate what may be causing the issue you are describing. If you could, please private message me the e-mail address associated with your account so we can check the health of your system.

 

Thank you!

JamesC

Virginialsu916
Aspirant
Aspirant
I am also having the SAME issue!! First set of batteries lasted 3 Weekes second set 5 days!! These batteries are way too expensive to replace once a week! I may return the camera and install something else.
jguerdat
Guru Guru
Guru

Without knowing the total length of recordings and live views, all we can do is guess.  Be sure to check the Buying Options and Tips forum for lots of good info on rechargeables.

Bvngrad04
Aspirant
Aspirant

I included this information in my post, 17 videos, 10 seconds each.  that is a total of 170 seconds of actual recording time.  I live viewed the system twice, after install.  Each less than 10 seconds.  I do not keep the app open or running the background on my phone.

jguerdat
Guru Guru
Guru

I was replying to Virginialsu916.  In any event, rechargeable batteries help a lot with overall cost. Other issues include defective hardware and signal issues, like strength and interference.