Is Your Netgear Arlo Motion Detection Not Working? Let's Fix It
When your Netgear Arlo camera fails to detect motion, it can leave a significant gap in your home security. Whether you're missing recordings of important events or not receiving the alerts you depend on, it's a problem that needs to be solved quickly.
This troubleshooting guide will help you diagnose and fix the most common issues that cause Arlo motion detection to stop working, so you can get your system back to protecting your property effectively.
## Step 1: Check the System's Mode
The most frequent reason for motion detection not working is also the simplest: the system is not armed. The Arlo system uses Modes to manage how your cameras behave.
- Armed Mode: Motion detection is active, and cameras will record and send notifications as per your rules.
- Disarmed Mode: Motion detection is completely turned off for all cameras.
- Schedule Mode: Cameras are armed or disarmed based on a schedule you create.
- Geofencing Mode: Cameras are armed or disarmed automatically based on your phone's location.
How to Fix:
- Open your Arlo app.
- Go to the "Mode" tab.
- Ensure that the selected mode is "Armed". If it's on "Disarmed", tap "Armed" to activate your cameras.
- If you are using a Schedule or Geofencing, double-check that the rules are configured correctly and are not unintentionally disarming your system.
## Step 2: Adjust Motion Sensitivity and Positioning
If the system is armed but still not detecting motion, the issue may lie with the camera's settings or its physical placement.
### Camera Positioning
Arlo cameras use Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors to detect the heat signature of moving objects. For best results:
- Position the camera so that a person would be moving across the camera's field of view, not directly towards it. PIR sensors are much more sensitive to side-to-side motion.
- Ensure the camera is placed within the recommended range for motion detection (typically 5 to 20 feet).
- Crucially, do not place the camera behind a glass window. The glass will block the PIR sensor from detecting heat, and motion detection will not work.
### Motion Sensitivity Settings
- Run the Motion Detection Test: In the Arlo app, go to your camera's Device Settings > Motion Detection Test. This will allow you to walk in front of the camera and see when the LED light blinks, indicating it has detected you.
- Adjust the Sensitivity: If the test fails, increase the Motion Sensitivity level in the settings. A higher value makes the camera more sensitive to smaller movements. Adjust this level and re-run the test until it reliably detects your movement.
## Step 3: Check Connectivity and Power
A camera that is offline or has a low battery cannot detect motion.
- Battery Level: Check the battery status for your camera in the app. If the battery is critically low, the camera may disable features like motion detection to conserve the last of its power. Charge the battery fully.
- Signal Strength: A weak connection between the camera and the Arlo SmartHub or Base Station can prevent motion events from being processed and sent. In the camera's settings, check the Wi-Fi signal strength. If it's low (one or two bars), try moving the camera closer to the hub.
## Step 4: Rule Out Advanced Issues
If you've tried all the above, consider these final checks.
- Re-sync the Camera: Try removing the camera from your Arlo account and then re-syncing it to the Base Station. This can often resolve strange configuration glitches.
- Firmware Updates: Ensure both your cameras and your SmartHub/Base Station have the latest firmware installed. Updates are usually pushed automatically but you can check for them in the settings.
By systematically going through these checks, from the simple mode setting to the more detailed sensitivity adjustments, you can resolve most Netgear Arlo motion detection issues.