Netgear Camera Not Detecting Packages? Here's a Fix
The package detection feature on Netgear security cameras is an incredibly useful tool for knowing exactly when your deliveries arrive and for keeping an eye on them. When this feature fails to work, it can be frustrating and can leave you feeling uncertain about the security of your parcels. If you're not receiving package alerts, it's often due to a simple settings, placement, or subscription issue.
This guide will provide a professional and empathetic walkthrough to help you troubleshoot why your Netgear camera's package detection is missing and restore this valuable feature.
## Understanding How Package Detection Works
It's important to know that package detection is not simple motion detection. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to analyse the video feed and specifically identify the shape and appearance of a box or parcel. The AI has been trained to distinguish a package from other objects, people, or animals. For this to work correctly, several conditions need to be met.
## Step 1: Verify Your Subscription Plan
For most advanced AI features like package detection, a Netgear Smart subscription is required. The free, basic service typically only includes standard motion alerts. This is the most common reason for the feature being "missing."
- Open your Netgear app (formerly the Arlo app).
- Navigate to Settings > Subscription.
- Check the status of your plan. If you are on a Basic plan, you will likely need to upgrade to a Netgear Smart plan to enable package detection and other smart alerts.
- Ensure your subscription has not expired.
If your subscription is active, then the issue lies elsewhere.
## Step 2: Optimise Camera Placement and Angle
The AI can only identify what the camera can clearly see. Poor camera positioning is a leading cause of failed detections.
- Clear Line of Sight: The camera must have an unobstructed view of the area where packages are left. Bushes, pillars, or decorations can block the view.
- Angle is Key: The ideal angle is from above, looking down at the porch or doorstep at roughly a 45-degree angle. A camera positioned too low or too far away may not be able to get a clear enough view of the object to identify it as a package.
- Proximity Matters: The camera should be close enough to the delivery zone so that a package takes up a reasonable portion of the frame. If the package appears as just a tiny speck, the AI will likely ignore it.
- Good Lighting: Ensure the delivery area is well-lit, both day and night. While night vision helps, strong shadows or glare can make it difficult for the AI to work effectively.
Actionable Step: Review your camera's live feed. If you were a person watching, could you instantly and easily identify a box in the designated zone? If not, you need to adjust the camera's position.
## Step 3: Check Your App Settings and Modes
You might have the feature enabled on your account, but the notifications could be turned off within the app's settings.
### Enable Smart Notifications
- In the Netgear app, go to the Mode tab.
- Select the mode you are using (e.g., "Armed") and tap the edit icon.
- Select the rule for your camera.
- Under the "Alerts" section, ensure that Smart Notifications are enabled.
- Within the smart notifications menu, make sure the checkbox or toggle for Packages is turned on. You can often have separate alerts for People, Vehicles, Animals, and Packages. It's possible that only the package alert is disabled.
### Create Activity Zones
If your camera is aimed at a busy area, consider setting up a specific Activity Zone that covers only your doorstep. This tells the camera to ignore motion everywhere else and only apply its AI analysis to the specific zone where a package is likely to be dropped off. This can significantly improve accuracy and reduce false alerts.
## Step 4: Power Cycle and Update
If all your settings appear correct, a simple reboot can sometimes resolve temporary software glitches.
- Reboot the Camera: If your camera is battery-powered, remove and re-insert the battery. If it's wired, unplug it from the power source for 60 seconds.
- Check for Updates: Ensure your camera's firmware and your Netgear app are both fully up to date. Updates often include improvements to the AI detection algorithms.
By systematically verifying your subscription, optimising camera placement, and confirming your notification settings, you can solve the vast majority of issues with missing package detection and get back to enjoying the peace of mind this feature provides.