A Guide to Fixing Arlo's Facial Recognition (Person Detection)
One of the most valuable features of an Arlo security camera system is its ability to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to intelligently filter motion alerts. Instead of being notified every time a car drives by or a pet runs past, Person Detection tells you what really matters. When this feature isn't working correctly, you lose a key part of the Arlo experience. This guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve common issues.
## Person Detection vs. Facial Recognition
It is important to understand that Arlo's feature is Person Detection, not true facial recognition. The system is designed to recognise the shape and motion of a human being, distinguishing it from other objects like animals, vehicles, or swaying branches. It is not designed to identify specific individuals (e.g., telling you that "Sarah" is at the door).
This powerful filtering capability is a feature of the Arlo Secure subscription plan.
### 1. Verify Your Arlo Secure Subscription
The very first step in troubleshooting is to confirm you have an active subscription.
- Open the Arlo app.
- Tap on Settings, then Subscription.
- You will see the status of your plan. If your free trial has expired or your subscription has lapsed, the AI detection features will be disabled, and your cameras will revert to basic motion detection only. You must have an active Arlo Secure plan for Person Detection to work.
### 2. Configure Your Armed Modes and Rules
You need to specifically tell Arlo to notify you about people. Simply having a subscription isn't enough; the rules for your armed modes must be set correctly.
- In the Arlo app, tap the Mode tab at the bottom.
- Select the camera or base station you want to configure.
- Tap the pencil icon next to the 'Armed' mode (or any other mode you use).
- You will see the rules for this mode. Tap the pencil icon next to the rule that is triggered by motion.
- Under the 'Smart Notifications' section, you will see toggles for People, Vehicles, Animals, and All Other Motion.
- Ensure that 'People' is selected (toggled on). If this is not checked, the system will not send you a specific notification when it sees a person.
- Save your changes.
### 3. Optimise Camera Placement for Better AI Performance
The AI needs clear video footage to work effectively. Poor placement can lead to missed detections.
- Optimal Range: Position your camera so that people will typically be between 5 and 20 feet (1.5 to 6 metres) from the lens. If they are too far away, the AI may not have enough detail to identify them as a person.
- Good Lighting: Ensure the area is well-lit. While Arlo's night vision is excellent, Person Detection works best with good ambient light or with the camera's spotlight activated. Avoid pointing the camera directly at a bright light source (strong backlighting), as this can create silhouettes.
- Clear Line of Sight: The camera's view should be unobstructed. Bushes, decorations, or other objects can partially block a person, making it harder for the AI to recognise them.
- Update Firmware: Arlo frequently releases firmware updates for its cameras that include performance enhancements and improvements to the detection algorithms. Check for updates in Settings > My Devices > [Your Camera] > Device Info > Firmware.
By ensuring your subscription is active, your notification rules are correctly configured, and your cameras are well-positioned, you can solve the vast majority of issues with Arlo's Person Detection and start receiving the smart, relevant alerts you expect.