Is Your Arlo Camera Not Detecting Motion? Here's the Fix
An Arlo security camera that doesn't detect motion is failing at its most important job. Whether you're getting no alerts at all, or it's missing obvious events, the issue can usually be resolved by checking and adjusting your settings within the Arlo app. This guide will walk you through the most common solutions to get your motion detection working reliably.
Arlo's system is powerful but has several layers of settings (Modes, Rules, and individual device settings) that all need to be correct for motion detection to function as expected. A misconfiguration in any one of these areas can disable it.
Step 1: Check the System's Mode
This is the most common reason for motion detection failure. Arlo uses 'Modes' to control the behaviour of all your cameras at once. The default modes are 'Armed' and 'Disarmed'.
- 'Armed': Motion and audio detection are active. The cameras will record and send you notifications as per your rules.
- 'Disarmed': All detection is turned off. Cameras will not record or send alerts.
How to Fix: Open the Arlo app and go to the Mode tab. Ensure that your system is set to 'Armed' or a custom mode where motion detection is enabled. If it says 'Disarmed', simply tap 'Armed' to activate your cameras. You can also set up a schedule to automatically arm and disarm the system at specific times.
Step 2: Check the Camera's Individual Settings
Even if the system is armed, motion detection can be turned off for an individual camera.
- Go to the Devices tab in the Arlo app.
- Tap the settings icon (a small cog) for the camera that is not working.
- Ensure that the 'Motion Detection' toggle is switched on.
Step 3: Adjust Motion Sensitivity
If your camera is armed but still missing events, the sensitivity might be too low.
- Run the Motion Detection Test: In the camera's settings, you'll find a 'Motion Detection Test'. This is the best way to configure sensitivity.
- How it Works: While in test mode, walk in front of your camera. The camera's LED light will blink amber whenever it detects your movement. In the app, you can adjust the sensitivity slider up or down until the light blinks reliably for the areas you want to monitor.
- Increase Sensitivity: If the light isn't blinking when you move, increase the sensitivity.
- Decrease Sensitivity: If you're getting false alerts from things like trees or shadows, decrease the sensitivity.
Step 4: Review Rules and Smart Notifications
Within your 'Mode' settings, you have 'Rules' that tell the camera what to do when motion is detected.
- Check the Rule: Go to Mode > Select your Base Station or Camera > Edit the 'Armed' mode. Ensure the rule for motion detection is set up correctly. It should say, "If motion is detected, then Record video" and "Send push notification". If these actions are missing, add them.
- Arlo Smart Notifications: If you have an Arlo Smart subscription, you can choose to be alerted only for specific things like people, vehicles, or animals. Check these settings. If you have it set to only notify you about 'People', it will not send an alert for a vehicle, even though it may still record the event.
Step 5: Physical and Environmental Checks
- Camera Placement: Arlo cameras detect motion best when subjects move side-to-side across their field of view, not directly towards or away from the camera. Position your cameras accordingly.
- Don't Point Through Glass: Arlo's motion sensors rely on passive infrared (PIR) technology, which detects heat. Glass blocks these heat signatures, so the camera will not detect motion through a window.
- Check Battery Level: On battery-powered cameras, a critically low battery can impair the performance of the motion sensor. Ensure your cameras are adequately charged.
By systematically checking your modes, rules, and sensitivity settings, you can solve the vast majority of Arlo motion detection problems.