Troubleshooting Netgear Arlo Motion Detection Issues
For many years, Netgear powered the popular Arlo security camera system. If you have a Netgear Arlo camera and it has suddenly stopped detecting motion or is failing to send you alerts, it can compromise your sense of security. Usually, the problem is not with the hardware itself but with a setting or rule that has been inadvertently changed.
This guide will take you through the most common reasons why your Netgear Arlo motion detection might not be working and provide clear, step-by-step instructions to get it running again. We'll cover everything from arming your system to optimising camera placement.
Key Reasons for Motion Detection Failure
Before we start troubleshooting, let's understand the likely causes. Your camera might not be recording or alerting you for one of these reasons:
- The System is Disarmed: The camera's motion detection is turned off completely in the current mode.
- Incorrect Rules: The active mode doesn't have a rule set up to record video or send notifications when motion is detected.
- Low Sensitivity: The motion sensitivity level is set too low to pick up the activity you want to capture.
- Poor Camera Positioning: The camera is aimed in a way that makes it difficult for the motion sensor to detect movement effectively.
- Notification Settings: The camera is recording motion, but your phone or email notifications are turned off.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Motion Detection
Work through these steps methodically to diagnose and solve the problem.
1. Check the System's Mode
The 'Mode' in the Arlo app determines what your cameras do. The two most common modes are 'Armed' (motion detection on) and 'Disarmed' (motion detection off).
- Open the Arlo App: Log in and look at the main 'Devices' screen.
- Verify the Mode: Check which mode is currently active. If it says Disarmed, your cameras will not react to motion.
- Arm the System: Tap on the Mode tab at the bottom. Select Armed or a custom schedule that arms the cameras. Once armed, the motion detection feature will be active.
2. Review Your Rules for the 'Armed' Mode
Simply being 'Armed' isn't enough. The mode needs a rule that tells the camera what to do when it senses motion.
- Navigate to Mode Settings: In the Mode tab, tap the pencil icon next to your 'Armed' mode to edit it.
- Check the Rules: You should see your camera listed. Under 'Rules', it should say something like, "If motion is detected, then Record video".
- Add or Edit a Rule: If there is no rule, or the rule is incorrect (e.g., 'Do nothing'), tap 'Edit' or 'Add Rule'. Ensure the trigger is set to 'Motion is detected' and the action is set to 'Record video'. You can also add an action to 'Send notification' to ensure you get an alert.
- Save Your Changes: Make sure to save the updated rule.
3. Test and Adjust Motion Sensitivity
If the system is armed and the rules are correct, the issue might be that the sensitivity is too low.
- Go to Device Settings: From the main screen, tap the settings icon for the camera in question.
- Find Motion Detection Test: Go to Video Settings or a similar menu to find the motion sensitivity test.
- Adjust the Slider: Increase the sensitivity level. A good starting point is around 80%.
- Test in Real Time: Walk in front of the camera. The camera's LED light should blink amber when it detects your movement. Adjust the slider until it reliably detects you at the desired distance.
4. Optimise Camera Placement
Arlo cameras use a passive infrared (PIR) sensor. These sensors are much better at detecting movement that crosses their field of view horizontally than movement coming directly towards them.
- Angle for Crossing Traffic: Position the camera so that an intruder would walk across the detection area, not straight at the camera.
- Aim Downwards: Point the camera slightly downwards. Avoid pointing it at the sky, which can cause issues, or at things that move constantly, like a busy street or rustling trees.
- Check the Range: Ensure the area you want to monitor is within the camera's detection range (typically 5 to 20 feet).
Still Not Working?
If you've confirmed the mode, rules, sensitivity, and placement are all correct, try these final steps:
- Restart the Camera: Remove the battery for 30 seconds and then reinsert it.
- Check Battery Level: A very low battery can sometimes cause performance issues.
- Check App Notifications: Make sure you haven't disabled notifications for the Arlo app in your phone's main settings.
By systematically checking these settings, you can resolve most motion detection problems with your Netgear Arlo system and restore your peace of mind.