ADT's outdoor camera article says the camera has a built-in, non-removable rechargeable battery that comes partially charged, and recommends fully charging it indoors before setup using the included USB-C indoor-only charging cable: open the cover on the USB-C port, connect the cable and a USB source such as a port or AC adapter, and the battery charges automatically with the front LED turning solid blue when full.
The checks in more detail
The doorbell camera in battery form also turns solid blue when fully charged and must be charged before setup; it can be installed as battery powered or wired with the wire extension kit. The indoor camera plugs into an outlet with its power adapter and needs an outlet within reach of where you install it. If a battery camera goes offline or stops recording, charge it and check the LED. Heavy motion and weak wifi drain the battery faster, so improve the signal and reduce needless triggers.
Do not use the indoor cable outdoors. If a battery will not charge, contact ADT chat. Keep the charging port cover closed after charging. Note the charge date and how long the battery lasts so you can spot a fading cell. Cold weather slows charging and cuts battery life, so charge indoors. Keep the charging cable where you can find it. ADT recommends charging the outdoor camera indoors before setup, so a camera that drains in weeks after outdoor mounting may just be working harder because of a weak signal at its spot.
A doorbell that is wired does not need charging, but a battery doorbell that is also on a poor wifi link will drain quickly, so improve the link before you blame the battery. The front LED is the quickest battery check ADT gives you, so glance at it when you pass and a camera that has lost its blue glow is one to recharge before it goes offline.
Differential
Likely causes of “ADT cameras and doorbell camera has power or battery problems”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A drained battery
What separates it The camera shows offline because its built-in battery has run completely flat
How to confirm Charge the camera with the USB-C cable indoors until its LED turns solid blue
- 2
Heavy use
What separates it The battery runs down much faster than expected because the camera records many events
How to confirm Reduce the triggers, for example by blocking busy areas, and improve the wifi signal
- 3
A weak charger
What separates it The camera charges very slowly because it is connected to a weak charger or a poor USB port
How to confirm Use a proper USB power source that can supply enough current for the camera
- 4
An unplugged indoor camera
What separates it The indoor camera is offline because it has been unplugged from its outlet or adapter
How to confirm Check the outlet and the plug, and make sure the adapter is pushed in firmly
- 5
A failing battery
What separates it The battery will not hold a charge for long even after a full charge overnight
How to confirm Contact ADT to have the battery looked at, since the battery cannot be replaced at home
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The color of the LED while the camera charges
- The charger and cable you used to charge it
- How often the camera is triggered each day
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedOpen the USB-C cover
ReversibleOpen the USB-C cover on the outdoor camera, which protects the charging port from the weather and must be opened before you plug in.
Connect the cable
ReversibleConnect the cable to a USB power source, choosing a proper charger or port that gives the camera enough current to charge.
Wait for solid blue
ReversibleWait for a solid blue LED, which shows the battery is fully charged, before you unplug the camera and take it outside.
Close the cover
ReversibleClose the cover firmly after charging, so that rain and dust cannot reach the port when the camera is back in place.
Improve wifi
ReversibleImprove the wifi signal at the camera, because a camera that struggles to stay connected uses more battery each day.
Check the outlet
ReversibleCheck the outlet for the indoor camera by trying another device in it, and check that the adapter is properly plugged in.
Contact ADT
ReversibleContact ADT if the camera will not charge or the battery drains very fast, and tell them the model and what the LED shows.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Outdoor
- Built-in rechargeable battery.
- Doorbell
- Battery or wired.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the battery will not charge, contact ADT through chat
- !If the indoor camera has no power, test the outlet
- !If the battery swells or the case bulges, stop using it and contact ADT straight away
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Outdoor camera setup and charging.
Doorbell setup.
Indoor camera setup and placement.
Battery types and lives.
The company and its products.
Exact questions
Common questions
What shows a full charge?+
A solid blue LED shows a full charge, so you can stop charging when you see it and put the camera back.
What cable charges it?+
The camera is charged with a USB-C cable, and ADT says to charge it indoors, out of the weather, not outside.
Can the doorbell be wired?+
Yes, the doorbell can be wired to the existing doorbell wiring, which means it does not depend only on its battery.
Does the indoor camera use a battery?+
The indoor camera does not use a battery, because it plugs into an outlet and draws its power from the mains.
Does wifi affect battery?+
Yes, wifi affects battery, because a weak signal makes the camera work harder and use more power to stay connected.
Should I charge before setup?+
Yes, charge the battery fully before setup, since the camera comes only partially charged and needs a full charge first.
What event types can I get alerts for?+
You can get alerts for event types such as Animal, Motion and Package, and each type can be turned on or off.
Are alerts sent for blocked areas?+
No, motion in an area you have blocked out will not trigger an alert, which helps to avoid false alarms.
Can I download clips?+
Yes, you can download clips from the app, so you can keep or share a recording of an event.