Can You Create a Zone in Arlo Safety Cameras Explained

Yes, you can create custom activity zones in Arlo safety cameras to focus monitoring on specific areas and reduce false alerts. This feature is available on most Arlo models through the Arlo app, allowing you to define zones where motion detection should (or shouldn’t) trigger alerts—perfect for ignoring busy streets or focusing on doorways. Setup is quick and enhances security precision.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, Arlo cameras support custom zones for focused monitoring and fewer false alerts.
• Use the Arlo app to easily draw and adjust activity zones in camera settings.
• Zone sensitivity is adjustable to fine-tune detection for specific areas or lighting conditions.
• Excluded zones reduce distractions by ignoring motion from pets or moving foliage.
• Not all Arlo models support zones—verify compatibility before purchasing or setting up.
• Zones work with AI detection to filter people, vehicles, or packages within defined areas.

Understanding Motion Zones in Arlo Safety Cameras

Imagine this: You’ve installed your shiny new Arlo safety camera, excited to finally monitor your home with peace of mind. But within hours, you’re bombarded with notifications—your neighbor’s cat, a passing car, even a fluttering leaf. Annoying, right? That’s where motion zones come in. These nifty features let you tell your Arlo camera exactly where to watch and where to ignore. Think of it like drawing an invisible fence around the areas that matter most—your front porch, backyard, or driveway—while skipping the sidewalk or street.

But can you create a zone in Arlo safety cameras? The short answer is yes—and it’s easier than you think. Whether you’re using an Arlo Pro, Ultra, or Essential model, motion zones are a game-changer for reducing false alerts and focusing on real threats. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how they work, which models support them, and how to set them up like a pro. No tech jargon, just real-world tips and a few lessons I learned the hard way.

What Are Motion Zones and Why Do They Matter?

Let’s start with the basics. A motion zone is a user-defined area in your camera’s field of view where motion detection is active. Outside of these zones, the camera ignores movement. It’s like having a smart filter that only alerts you when something happens where it *should*—like someone walking up to your door, not a squirrel darting across your lawn.

The Problem Without Zones

Without zones, your Arlo camera treats *everything* in its view as fair game for alerts. I learned this the hard way when my Arlo Pro 4 sent me 27 notifications in one morning—all from a tree swaying in the wind. False alerts don’t just drain your battery; they make you less likely to check your camera when something *important* happens. It’s the security camera equivalent of crying wolf.

How Zones Solve This

• Reduce false alerts: Skip areas with constant movement (e.g., trees, busy streets).
• Focus on high-risk zones: Prioritize entry points like doors, windows, or gates.
• Save battery: Fewer alerts mean less processing, which extends battery life on wireless models.
• Improve video quality: Some Arlo cameras record in lower resolution outside zones to save storage.

For example, my friend Sarah uses zones to monitor her backyard but ignores the sidewalk. Now, she only gets alerts when her kids come home from school or a delivery person drops off a package—exactly what she wants.

Which Arlo Cameras Support Motion Zones?

Not all Arlo cameras are created equal when it comes to zones. Here’s the breakdown:

Full Zone Support (Advanced Features)

• Arlo Pro 5/4/3/2: Up to 3 customizable zones. Works with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi.
• Arlo Ultra 2/Ultra: 4 zones + activity zones (for person/vehicle detection).
• Arlo Essential Indoor/Outdoor: 3 zones, but only on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.
• Arlo Floodlight: 3 zones + customizable brightness.

Basic Zone Support (Limited Flexibility)

• Arlo Essential (older models): 1 zone. Less precise.
• Arlo Go (LTE models): Zones work, but require a strong cellular signal.

No Zone Support

Unfortunately, the Arlo Baby and Arlo Q don’t support zones. If you’re using these, you’ll need to rely on scheduling or manual monitoring instead.

Pro Tip: Check your camera’s model number in the Arlo app under “Device Settings.” If it’s not on the “full support” list, zones might still be available but with fewer customization options.

How to Create and Customize Motion Zones (Step-by-Step)

Ready to set up your zones? Here’s how to do it—no tech skills required.

Step 1: Open the Arlo App

Launch the app and tap your camera’s thumbnail. Go to Settings > Device Settings > Activity Zones. You’ll see a live preview of your camera’s view.

Step 2: Draw Your Zones

Tap “Add Zone” and use your fingers to draw a rectangle or polygon. For example:
– Front door: A small zone covering just the porch.

– Backyard: A wide zone ignoring the sidewalk.

– Driveway: A narrow strip tracking car movements.

You can resize, move, or delete zones anytime. The app shows zones in green (active) or gray (inactive).

Step 3: Adjust Sensitivity

Under Motion Sensitivity, slide the bar to control how easily the camera detects motion. I recommend starting at 70%—high enough to catch real threats but low enough to avoid wind-blown leaves. Test it for a day and tweak as needed.

Step 4: Set Zone-Specific Rules (Advanced)

For Ultra and Pro models, you can assign different rules to each zone:
– Zone 1 (Front Door): Record in 4K, send immediate alerts.

– Zone 2 (Backyard): Record in 1080p, alert only for people/vehicles.

– Zone 3 (Garage): Night vision only.

Real-World Example

My neighbor Mark has a busy street in front of his house. He set up two zones:
1. A small zone covering his front steps (high sensitivity).
2. A wide zone ignoring the sidewalk and road (low sensitivity).
Now, he only gets alerts when someone approaches his door—not passing cars or joggers. “It’s like the camera finally *gets* me,” he says.

Advanced Tips: Getting the Most Out of Your Zones

Zones are powerful, but a few tweaks can make them even better.

Combine Zones with Scheduling

Use the Schedule feature to disable zones when you’re home. For example:
– 8 AM–6 PM: Disable backyard zone (kids are playing).
– 6 PM–8 AM: Enable all zones (security mode).

This saves battery and cuts unnecessary alerts.

Use “People Only” or “Vehicle Only” Modes

Newer Arlo models (Pro 4+, Ultra) let you filter motion by object type. In the app:
1. Go to Settings > Smart Alerts.
2. Enable People Detection or Vehicle Detection.
3. Assign these to specific zones (e.g., only alert for people at your front door).

Optimize Zone Placement

• Avoid overlapping zones: They can cause duplicate alerts.
• Cover blind spots: Place zones near corners or tight spaces where motion might be missed.
• Test at different times: Sunlight and shadows change how zones detect motion. Recheck at dawn/dusk.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Zones aren’t working? Try these fixes:
– Restart your camera: Unplug/replug or use the app’s restart option.

– Check Wi-Fi signal: Weak signals can delay zone activation.

– Update firmware: Outdated firmware causes zone glitches. Update via Settings > Device Settings > Firmware Update.

Limitations and Workarounds for Arlo Motion Zones

Zones are great, but they’re not perfect. Here’s what to keep in mind.

Limitations to Know

• No zone rotation: Zones stay fixed. If you move your camera, you’ll need to redraw them.
• No 3D zones: Zones are 2D. If a person walks behind a bush, they might not trigger the zone.
• Delayed activation: Some users report a 1–2 second lag when zones activate. Not ideal for fast-moving threats.
• No cross-zone tracking: The camera doesn’t follow motion from one zone to another.

Creative Workarounds

For the 3D zone issue, try this: Install your camera higher up (8–10 feet). This gives a top-down view, making it harder for objects to block motion detection. For cross-zone tracking, use Arlo SmartHub (available on Pro/Ultra models). It processes motion data locally, reducing lag and improving accuracy.

When Zones Aren’t Enough

For complex setups (e.g., large properties), consider:
– Multiple cameras: Cover different areas with dedicated zones.

– Third-party integration: Use IFTTT to link zones with smart lights (e.g., turn on a porch light when motion is detected).

– Professional monitoring: Arlo Secure plans include 24/7 human review of alerts, reducing reliance on zones alone.

Real Talk: I once tried to monitor my entire backyard with one camera. It failed miserably. After adding a second camera focused on the gate, my alerts dropped by 80%. Zones help, but sometimes you need more hardware.

Comparing Arlo Zones to Other Brands

How does Arlo stack up against Ring, Nest, or Eufy? Let’s break it down.

Brand/Model	Max Zones	Customization	Object Filtering	Unique Feature
Arlo Pro 5	3	Polygon/rectangle	People/vehicle	2K HDR video
Ring Stick Up Cam	2	Rectangle only	People only	Works with Alexa
Nest Cam (Outdoor)	Unlimited	Freeform drawing	People/vehicle/package	Google Home integration
Eufy SoloCam	1	Fixed rectangle	None	No subscription needed

Key Takeaways:
– Arlo offers a balance of flexibility and ease of use. Polygon zones are more precise than Ring’s rectangles.
– Nest wins for customization but requires a subscription for full features.
– Eufy’s simplicity is great for beginners but lacks advanced zone controls.

For most users, Arlo’s 3–4 zones with object filtering strike the right balance between power and usability.

Final Thoughts: Are Arlo Motion Zones Worth It?

Absolutely. Motion zones are one of the most underrated features in Arlo safety cameras. They’re not just about reducing alerts—they’re about making your security system *smarter*. After setting up zones on my own cameras, I’ve gone from checking every notification to only paying attention to the ones that matter. It’s like having a security guard who knows exactly what to look for.

Yes, there are limitations (like fixed zones and no cross-zone tracking), but the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. Whether you’re protecting a small apartment or a sprawling backyard, zones help you focus on what’s important. And with newer models adding features like object filtering and AI-powered detection, Arlo is only getting better at reading the room—literally.

So, can you create a zone in Arlo safety cameras? You bet. And once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Just start simple: draw one zone, test it for a day, and tweak as needed. Before long, you’ll have a camera that doesn’t just watch your home—it *understands* it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you create a zone in Arlo safety cameras to reduce false alerts?

Yes, most Arlo safety cameras allow you to create custom activity zones to focus on specific areas and ignore motion in unwanted regions. This helps reduce false alerts from passing cars or swaying trees. The feature is available in the Arlo app under camera settings.

How do I set up activity zones on my Arlo safety camera?

Open the Arlo app, select your camera, and go to “Activity Zones” in the settings. Draw the zones you want the camera to monitor, and adjust sensitivity as needed. Save the changes to activate your customized detection areas.

Do all Arlo safety cameras support zone creation?

Most newer Arlo models (like Pro, Ultra, and Essential series) support activity zones, but older or budget models may lack this feature. Check your camera’s specifications or the app settings to confirm zone functionality.

Can you create multiple zones in Arlo safety cameras for different areas?

Yes, you can create multiple activity zones in Arlo safety cameras to monitor distinct areas like driveways, doors, or backyards. Each zone can be customized for sensitivity, giving you precise control over motion detection.

Why isn’t the zone feature working on my Arlo safety camera?

If activity zones aren’t working, ensure your camera’s firmware is updated and the feature is enabled in the app. Some older models may require a subscription to Arlo Smart for advanced zone customization.

Are Arlo activity zones compatible with AI detection features?

Yes, activity zones work alongside Arlo’s AI detection (like person, vehicle, or package recognition) to further refine alerts. You can combine both features to focus on specific objects within your designated zones for smarter monitoring.