Arlo Geofencing Not Working? Here’s How to Fix It
Arlo's geofencing feature is a powerful tool for automating your home security. It uses your smartphone's location to automatically switch your system's mode, for example, arming the cameras when you leave home and disarming them when you return. When it works, it's seamless. When it doesn't, you're left manually changing modes or, worse, with a system that's disarmed when it should be active.
If you're struggling with unreliable geofencing, this guide will walk you through the most common causes and their solutions for both iPhone and Android users.
Understanding Why Geofencing Fails
Geofencing relies on a constant, accurate connection between the Arlo app and your phone's location services. The feature can fail if this connection is broken or inaccurate. The most common reasons include:
- Incorrect App Permissions: The Arlo app doesn't have the necessary permission to access your location in the background.
- Phone Settings: GPS, Wi-Fi, or mobile data are turned off, or a battery-saving mode is interfering with the app.
- Zone Size: The defined geofence radius is too small, causing location "drift."
- Multiple Users: Not all user devices are configured correctly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Troubleshooting Arlo Geofencing
Let's get your location-based automation working reliably.
1. Grant Correct Location Permissions to the Arlo App
This is the most critical step. The app needs to know your location even when it isn't open.
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For iOS (iPhone):
- Go to 'Settings' > 'Privacy & Security' > 'Location Services'.
- Make sure Location Services are on.
- Scroll down and tap on the 'Arlo' app.
- Under 'Allow Location Access', you must select 'Always'. This is essential for geofencing to work.
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For Android:
- Go to 'Settings' > 'Location'. Make sure 'Use location' is on.
- Go to 'Settings' > 'Apps' > 'Arlo' > 'Permissions'.
- Tap on 'Location'.
- Select 'Allow all the time'. If this isn't an option, choose the most permissive setting available.
2. Optimise Your Phone's Location Settings
For the best accuracy, your phone uses a combination of GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile data.
- Enable Wi-Fi: Keep your phone's Wi-Fi on, even when you're not connected to a network. Your phone uses nearby Wi-Fi networks to help determine its location more accurately than with GPS alone.
- Disable Battery Saver Modes: Aggressive battery optimization or low power modes can prevent apps like Arlo from running in the background to check your location. Temporarily disable these modes to see if geofencing performance improves.
3. Adjust Your Geofence Zone Size
A radius that is too small can lead to false triggers.
- Open the Arlo app.
- Go to the 'Mode' tab.
- Select your Arlo system and tap 'Geofencing'.
- Tap the 'Location' (or 'Home') setting.
- You should see a map with a circle representing your zone. Try increasing the radius from 'Small' to 'Medium' or 'Large'. This provides a larger buffer and makes the system less sensitive to minor GPS inaccuracies.
4. Check Enabled Devices
If you have multiple people in your home, ensure all their devices are set up correctly.
- In the Arlo app's geofencing settings, there is a list of 'Enabled Devices'.
- Make sure every phone that should participate in geofencing is on this list and showing as 'In Zone' or 'Out of Zone' correctly.
- Each user must have the Arlo app installed on their phone and have granted the correct location permissions as described in step 1.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is my Arlo geofencing not working?
Arlo geofencing relies on your phone's location services (GPS) to determine when you leave or enter a defined zone. It often fails if the Arlo app doesn't have proper location permissions, if your phone's Wi-Fi or GPS is turned off, or if low power mode is restricting background app activity. The size of your geofence zone can also be a factor.
How can I fix Arlo geofencing?
First, ensure the Arlo app has 'Always' or 'Allow All the Time' access to your location in your phone's settings. Second, make sure your phone's Wi-Fi and GPS are enabled, as this improves location accuracy. Third, disable any battery saver or low power modes that might prevent the Arlo app from running in the background. Finally, try increasing the size of your geofence zone in the Arlo app.
Why does the Arlo app need my location 'Always'?
For geofencing to work, the Arlo app needs to be able to check your location even when it's not open on the screen. Granting it 'Always' access is necessary for it to know when you have crossed the geofence boundary. If you set it to 'Only While Using the App', geofencing will not function correctly.
Can the size of the geofence zone cause problems?
Yes. If your geofence radius is too small, your phone's GPS might 'drift' in and out of the zone even when you are at home, causing the mode to change unexpectedly. Try editing your geofence location in the Arlo app and increasing the radius to 'Medium' or 'Large' to create a more stable buffer zone.
Does geofencing work with multiple phones?
Yes, every phone that you want to participate in geofencing must be added to the 'Enabled Devices' list within the Arlo app's geofencing settings. If a family member's phone is not on this list, their location will be ignored, and the system will only react to the location of the primary or other enabled devices.