Reolink’s battery camera lineup has evolved significantly over the years, and the battery situation varies considerably depending on which model is in use. Some older Reolink cameras use removable CR123A batteries that need to be physically swapped out. Others use a removable rechargeable battery pack. Most current models — including the popular Argus 4 Pro — have a built-in non-removable battery that charges in place via USB-C or solar panel. This guide covers all three scenarios so there’s no confusion about what a specific camera actually needs.
Which Type of Battery Does Your Reolink Camera Use?
Before doing anything, it’s worth confirming which battery system the camera uses. Reolink has used three different approaches across its lineup:
| Camera Model | Battery Type | Replaceable? |
|---|---|---|
| Original Argus (2017) | 4x CR123A non-rechargeable lithium | Yes — swap batteries |
| Argus 2, Argus Pro | Removable rechargeable lithium pack | Yes — swap or charge separately |
| Argus 3, Argus 3 Pro | Built-in non-removable rechargeable | No — charge in place |
| Argus PT, Argus Eco, Argus 2E | Built-in non-removable rechargeable | No — charge in place |
| Argus 4, Argus 4 Pro | Built-in 5,000mAh non-removable rechargeable | No — USB-C or solar |
Quick check: If the camera has a USB-C or micro-USB port on the bottom or back, the battery is built-in and charges in place. If the camera can be physically split open or has a battery that slides or pops out, it uses a removable battery.
How to Charge a Reolink Camera with a Built-In Battery (Argus 4 Pro, Argus 3, Argus PT and similar)
Most current Reolink cameras have a built-in non-removable rechargeable battery. Charging involves either bringing the camera to a power source or keeping it topped up with a solar panel.
USB-C charging (Argus 4, Argus 4 Pro): Remove the camera from its mount — the magnetic base makes this straightforward — and connect a USB-C cable to the port on the bottom of the camera under the rubber weatherproof cover. Plug into any USB-C power adapter. A full charge takes approximately 4–5 hours.
Micro-USB charging (Argus 3 Pro, Argus PT, older models): Same process as above but using a micro-USB cable (DC 5V/2A). The cable and USB adapter are not included with all models so a standard phone charger cable may be needed.
Solar panel: The Argus 4 Pro ships with the 6W Reolink Solar Panel 2 included. For other models the solar panel is sold separately. Connect the solar panel cable to the camera’s charging port and position the panel in a south-facing location with direct sun exposure. Under normal conditions, 10 minutes of direct sunlight per day is sufficient to keep the Argus 4 Pro operational indefinitely. Other models require more sun time — check the Reolink app for battery status.
How to Replace the Battery in an Argus 2 or Argus Pro
The Argus 2 and Argus Pro use a removable rechargeable battery pack that slides or pops out of the camera body. To remove it, press the button on the camera as indicated in the Reolink documentation, slide the battery upward, and pull it free. A replacement battery pack can be purchased directly from Reolink or their Amazon store. Additionally, the removed battery can be charged independently via its own micro-USB port, which means a spare battery can be kept fully charged and ready to swap — a convenient option for cameras in high-traffic locations.
How to Replace the Batteries in an Original Reolink Argus (2017 Model)
The original Reolink Argus from 2017 is the only model that uses standard CR123A lithium batteries — four of them. To access the battery compartment, the camera must be split in half. Press the small button on the bottom of the camera using a small flat tool — avoid anything magnetic as the bottom of the camera uses a magnetic mount. While holding the button in, separate the two halves of the camera at the seam around the middle. This exposes the battery compartment.
Remove the old batteries and insert four new ones, taking care to observe the correct polarity. Reassemble the camera and ensure the seam button clicks firmly back into place — a tight seal is important since the camera is exposed to outdoor conditions.
For battery selection, Reolink recommends non-rechargeable CR123A lithium 3V batteries. Energizer CR123 Lithium batteries are a reliable mainstream option. Rechargeable CR123A batteries rated at 3.6V–4.2V are also compatible. Avoid alkaline CR123 batteries — they will drain significantly faster than lithium and are not worth the cost savings given the effort involved in opening and closing the camera.
How to Extend Battery Life on Any Reolink Camera
Regardless of which model is in use, several settings in the Reolink app can meaningfully extend time between charges:
Reduce motion sensitivity: High sensitivity causes the camera to trigger and record more frequently, which drains the battery faster. Lowering sensitivity to a moderate level reduces unnecessary activations without sacrificing detection of actual events.
Use activity zones: Limiting detection to a specific area of the frame means the camera ignores background motion — traffic, blowing leaves, neighboring activity — that would otherwise trigger recordings.
Set a recording schedule: For cameras monitoring areas that don’t need 24-hour coverage, scheduling active hours reduces the total number of daily trigger events.
Minimize live view usage: Live streaming is the single highest battery drain activity on any camera. Checking in occasionally is fine, but continuous or frequent live viewing shortens charge cycles significantly.
Bottom Line
Most current Reolink battery cameras don’t have replaceable batteries — they charge in place via USB-C or solar. For the Argus 4 Pro and most recent models, the solar panel is the practical long-term power solution. For older models with removable batteries, keeping a spare charged and ready makes battery management much easier. In all cases, adjusting motion sensitivity and activity zones is the most effective way to stretch time between charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the battery in the Reolink Argus 4 Pro be replaced?
No. The Argus 4 Pro has a built-in 5,000mAh non-removable battery. It charges via USB-C or the included 6W solar panel. The battery cannot be removed or replaced at home — if the battery fails after the warranty period, contact Reolink support.
How long does it take to fully charge a Reolink Argus 4 Pro?
A full charge via USB-C takes approximately 4–5 hours. Via the included solar panel, 10 minutes of direct sunlight per day is sufficient to maintain a full charge under normal usage conditions. A fully charged battery provides up to 70 days of operation without solar input.
What batteries does the original Reolink Argus use?
The original 2017 Reolink Argus requires four CR123A lithium 3V batteries. Non-rechargeable lithium batteries are recommended. Rechargeable CR123A batteries rated at 3.6V–4.2V are also compatible. Alkaline batteries are not recommended as they drain significantly faster.
How do I know when my Reolink camera battery needs charging?
The Reolink app displays a battery indicator for each camera. A low battery notification is sent as a push alert when the charge drops to a critical level. It’s worth checking the battery status in the app periodically rather than waiting for the low battery alert — on cameras without solar panels, the gap between a low battery warning and the camera going offline can be short.
