Can Arlo Cameras Send Text Messages Find Out Now

Yes, Arlo cameras can send text messages through push notifications and SMS alerts when motion or sound is detected, keeping you instantly informed. Customize alerts in the Arlo app to receive real-time updates via text, ensuring you never miss critical activity at home or work.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras can send text alerts for motion, sound, or person detection.
• Enable notifications in the Arlo app to customize alert types and timing.
• Text messages require Arlo Smart subscription for advanced detection features.
• Real-time alerts boost security by keeping you informed instantly.
• Adjust sensitivity settings to reduce false alarms and unwanted texts.
• Integrate with smart devices for enhanced automation and alert options.

Can Arlo Cameras Send Text Messages? Let’s Break It Down

Imagine this: you’re at work, sipping your third cup of coffee, when suddenly your phone buzzes. A text message pops up: “Motion detected at the front door.” You open your phone, and there it is—your Arlo camera caught your neighbor’s dog sniffing your flower bed. No more guessing who’s been leaving muddy paw prints on your welcome mat. But wait—can Arlo cameras send text messages directly to your phone? The short answer? Not exactly. But the long answer? It’s way more interesting than you think.

Arlo cameras are smart. They’re designed to keep you in the loop, whether you’re home or halfway across the world. But instead of sending traditional SMS texts (you know, those old-school messages you send your mom), they use a smarter system: push notifications through the Arlo app. Think of it as a high-tech version of texting, tailored for home security. In this post, we’ll dive into how Arlo keeps you connected, why it doesn’t use SMS, and how you can customize alerts to feel like your camera is texting you—just without the carrier fees.

How Arlo Cameras Keep You in the Loop (Without SMS)

Push Notifications: Arlo’s “Text Messages”

Let’s get one thing straight: Arlo cameras can’t send SMS texts. They rely on your home Wi-Fi and the Arlo app (iOS and Android) to send alerts. But don’t worry—these push notifications feel just like texts. When motion or sound is detected, your phone buzzes with a message like:

• “Motion detected in the backyard.”
• “Person detected at the front door.”
• “Sound alert: glass break detected.”

These alerts are instant, customizable, and even include a snapshot from your camera. It’s like getting a text from your house itself.

Why Arlo Skips SMS (And Why It’s a Good Thing)

You might wonder: “Why doesn’t Arlo use SMS?” Here’s the deal:

• Cost: SMS messages cost money (for carriers and users). Push notifications are free once you’ve bought the camera.
• Reliability: SMS can get delayed or lost in crowded networks. Push notifications use your home Wi-Fi or cellular data, which is faster and more stable.
• Rich Content: SMS is text-only. Push notifications can include images, videos, and even direct links to your camera feed.

For example, if a package is delivered, you’ll get a snapshot of the courier and a “Tap to view live feed” option—something SMS can’t do.

How to Enable Push Notifications

Getting started is easy:

1. Download the Arlo app and log in.
2. Go to Settings > Notifications.
3. Toggle on “Push Notifications” for your camera(s).
4. Customize alerts (e.g., only for people, not pets).

Pro tip: If you’re using an iPhone, make sure Arlo has “Critical Alerts” permission. This ensures alerts bypass Do Not Disturb mode—perfect for emergencies.

Customizing Alerts: Make Arlo “Text” You Exactly What You Need

Smart Alerts: Filter Out the Noise

Not all motion is important. You don’t need to know every time a squirrel runs through your yard. Arlo’s Smart Alerts (available with a subscription) use AI to detect:

• People (e.g., visitors, intruders)
• Animals (e.g., dogs, raccoons)
• Vehicles (e.g., cars, bikes)
• Package deliveries (if you have a Doorbell)

For instance, if your kids come home from school, you’ll get a “Person detected” alert. If a raccoon raids your trash, you can ignore it—or scare it off with two-way audio.

Scheduling Alerts: Only When You Want Them

Got a noisy street? A dog that barks at everything? Use Scheduling to silence alerts during certain times:

• Set “Quiet Hours” (e.g., 10 PM–6 AM) to avoid nighttime false alarms.
• Turn off alerts for specific cameras when you’re home (no need to know you’re walking through the kitchen).

Example: If your front door camera is near a busy sidewalk, schedule alerts only for “Person” and “Package” between 8 AM–8 PM.

Custom Zones: Focus on What Matters

Most Arlo cameras let you create Activity Zones—virtual boundaries where alerts are triggered. For example:

• Draw a zone around your front porch to get alerts only for deliveries.
• Ignore the sidewalk or street to reduce false alarms.

Bonus: You can name zones (e.g., “Driveway,” “Backyard”) to make alerts more specific. “Motion detected in Driveway” is way more useful than “Motion detected.”

Arlo’s Subscription Plans: Unlocking Advanced Features

Free vs. Paid: What You Get

Arlo offers a free tier and paid plans. Here’s how they affect your “text” alerts:

Feature	Free Plan	Arlo Secure (Paid)
Push Notifications	✔️ Basic (motion/sound)	✔️ Advanced (AI detection)
Smart Alerts	❌	✔️ (People, vehicles, animals)
Video History	❌	✔️ (30-day cloud storage)
Activity Zones	✔️ (Limited)	✔️ (Unlimited + custom names)
Emergency Response	❌	✔️ (911 dispatch via app)

The free plan is great for basic alerts. But if you want AI-powered “texts” (e.g., “Person detected” vs. “Motion detected”), a subscription is worth it.

Is a Subscription Worth It?

Let’s be real: Subscriptions can feel like a cash grab. But for Arlo, they’re the key to smarter alerts. For example:

• Without Smart Alerts, you might get 50 “Motion” notifications a day (most from leaves or shadows).
• With Smart Alerts, you’ll only get 5 “Person” notifications—and actually care about them.

Pro tip: Start with a free trial. If you find yourself ignoring alerts, upgrade. If not, stick with free.

Workarounds: How to Get “Text Messages” From Arlo

Email Alerts: The Old-School Alternative

If you prefer email over push notifications (or want a backup), Arlo can send alerts to your inbox. Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings > Notifications > Email Alerts.
2. Add your email address.
3. Choose alert types (e.g., only “Person” or “Vehicle”).

Example: You’re on a business trip and want daily updates. Set email alerts for “Person” and “Package” to get a summary.

IFTTT & Smart Home Integrations: DIY “Texts”

Want real SMS texts? Use IFTTT (If This Then That) to connect Arlo to your phone. Here’s a simple setup:

1. Create an IFTTT applet: “If Arlo detects motion, then send SMS.”
2. Connect your Arlo account to IFTTT.
3. Test it (e.g., wave at your camera to trigger a “Motion detected” text).

Warning: IFTTT SMS has limits (e.g., 100 messages/month). For heavy use, consider a smart home hub like Google Home or Apple HomeKit.

Third-Party Apps: Expand Your Alerts

Apps like Home Assistant or Stringify let you create custom alerts. For example:

• “If Arlo detects a person, text me AND turn on smart lights.”
• “If motion is detected after 10 PM, send an SMS to my neighbor.”

These require tech know-how, but they’re perfect for power users who want total control.

Real-World Tips: Getting the Most Out of Arlo Alerts

Optimize Camera Placement

Where you put your camera affects how useful alerts are. For example:

• Front door: Mount at chest height to capture faces (not just shadows).
• Backyard: Point toward the fence to catch intruders (not just birds).
• Garage: Angle down to see license plates (if needed).

Bad example: A camera pointed at a tree will send endless alerts for leaves. Good example: A camera focused on your porch will only alert you to deliveries.

Reduce False Alarms

Nothing’s worse than getting alerts for nothing. Try these fixes:

• Adjust sensitivity: Lower motion detection in windy areas.
• Use Smart Alerts: Filter out pets and vehicles.
• Add a light: Nighttime shadows trigger false alarms. A porch light helps.

Real story: A friend kept getting “Motion” alerts at 3 AM. Turns out, it was her cat chasing moths. After switching to “Person” alerts, she slept better.

Test Your Alerts Regularly

Alerts can fail (e.g., app updates, Wi-Fi issues). Every few months, do a test:

1. Wave at your camera.
2. Check if you get a notification within 10 seconds.
3. If not, troubleshoot (e.g., restart the camera, check Wi-Fi).

Pro tip: Set a calendar reminder to test alerts quarterly. It only takes 2 minutes.

Conclusion: Arlo’s “Text Messages” Are Smarter Than SMS

So, can Arlo cameras send text messages? Not in the traditional sense. But their push notifications, Smart Alerts, and integrations make them feel like they’re texting you—just way smarter. Instead of vague “Motion detected” SMS, you get rich alerts with images, AI detection, and custom filters. It’s like having a security guard who only calls when it’s important.

The best part? You don’t need to pay for SMS. With a few tweaks (Smart Alerts, Activity Zones, IFTTT), you can customize alerts to match your life. Whether you want to know about deliveries, intruders, or just curious raccoons, Arlo has you covered.

Final thought: If you’re still relying on old-school SMS for security, it’s time to upgrade. Arlo’s alerts aren’t just “text messages”—they’re peace of mind, delivered instantly. And that’s worth way more than a carrier fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Arlo cameras send text messages for motion alerts?

Yes, Arlo cameras can send text messages (SMS) for motion or sound detection alerts, but this feature requires an active Arlo Smart subscription. You’ll need to enable SMS notifications in the Arlo app under your device settings.

How do I set up text message alerts on my Arlo camera?

To set up text message alerts, open the Arlo app, go to your camera’s settings, select “Notifications,” and enable SMS under “Alert Types.” Ensure your mobile number is verified in your Arlo account to receive texts.

Do all Arlo models support text message notifications?

Most Arlo cameras, including Pro, Ultra, and Essential series, support SMS alerts. However, text messaging functionality depends on having an Arlo Smart plan, which may vary by region and subscription tier.

Can Arlo cameras send text messages without Wi-Fi?

No, Arlo cameras require a Wi-Fi or cellular connection (for select models) to trigger alerts, including text messages. Offline cameras cannot send notifications until connectivity is restored.

Why aren’t my Arlo text message alerts working?

If text alerts aren’t arriving, check your subscription status, ensure SMS is enabled in settings, and verify your phone number. Also, confirm your camera has a strong signal and isn’t in “Do Not Disturb” mode.

Are there extra costs for Arlo text message alerts?

Standard SMS fees from your carrier may apply, but Arlo doesn’t charge extra for sending text messages. However, the Arlo Smart subscription (required for SMS) has a monthly or annual fee.