How to Troubleshoot and Improve Arlo's Pet Detection
Arlo's Smart Notification feature, which includes the ability to specifically detect pets, is a fantastic tool for animal lovers. It allows you to get alerts when your dog is in the garden or your cat is on the sofa, while ignoring other motion. However, when it doesn't work as expected—either missing your pets entirely or misidentifying other objects—it can be frustrating. This guide will help you fix common Arlo pet detection issues.
The key to remember is that this feature is powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and relies on a combination of a valid subscription, correct settings, and optimal camera placement.
## Prerequisite: An Active Arlo Secure Subscription
Before you begin troubleshooting, you must confirm you have an active Arlo Secure subscription.
- AI features are premium: Person, Package, Vehicle, and Animal detection are not free features. They are only available with a paid Arlo Secure plan.
- How to check: Log in to your Arlo account on the web portal. Go to Settings > Subscription. Ensure your plan is active and has not expired. If you do not have a subscription, the pet detection feature will not be available.
## Step 1: Configure Your Smart Notification Settings
You need to explicitly tell Arlo to notify you about animals.
- Open the Arlo Secure App and go to the Devices tab.
- Select the specific camera you want to adjust.
- Tap the Settings icon (gear).
- Tap on "Smart Notifications."
- Under the "AI Detection Types" section, make sure that "Animals" is toggled on. If it's off, you will only receive generic motion alerts.
- You can configure notifications for People, Vehicles, and All Other Motion on this same screen. Customise it to your preference.
## Step 2: Optimise Camera Placement and Angle
The AI needs a clear view of the subject to identify it correctly. Poor camera placement is a leading cause of missed or incorrect detections.
- Height: Mount your Arlo camera between 7 and 10 feet (2 to 3 metres) off the ground.
- Angle: Angle the camera slightly downwards. Do not point it straight out at the horizon. This angle gives the AI a much clearer view of the entire shape of a person or animal.
- Avoid Obstructions: Make sure the camera's view is not blocked by tree branches, bushes, or outdoor furniture. The AI needs to see the entire animal to make a positive identification.
- Lighting: Ensure the area is well-lit, especially at night. While Arlo's night vision is excellent, clear lighting always improves detection accuracy.
## Step 3: Adjust Motion Sensitivity
If the camera isn't triggering a recording at all, its motion sensitivity might be set too low to even notice your pet.
- In the Arlo app, go to your camera's Settings.
- Select "Motion Detection." (This may be under "Default Mode Settings" or similar).
- You will see a slider to adjust the sensitivity. If you are missing detections, try increasing the sensitivity level.
- Be aware that increasing sensitivity may also lead to more false alerts from things like moving shadows or leaves, so you may need to experiment to find the right balance.
## Step 4: Rule Out Glitches
- Reboot the Camera: Sometimes a simple reboot can fix temporary software glitches. You can do this by removing and re-inserting the battery, or by using the restart option in the camera's settings menu in the app if your model supports it.
- Update the App: Ensure your Arlo Secure app is fully updated to the latest version from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
By ensuring you have an active subscription, configuring your settings correctly, and optimising your camera's position, you can dramatically improve the accuracy of Arlo's pet detection and get the specific, valuable alerts you want.