Does Arlo Camera Record If Doorbell Senses Motion Find Out Now

Yes, Arlo cameras can record when the doorbell senses motion, thanks to customizable activity zones and smart alerts that trigger video recording across linked devices. This seamless integration ensures you never miss a moment, whether it’s a visitor, package delivery, or unexpected activity at your door.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras record automatically when the doorbell detects motion, ensuring no missed events.
• Customize motion zones in the app to reduce false alerts and focus on key areas.
• Check subscription plans to confirm cloud recording features and storage duration.
• Enable local storage via microSD card for backup if Wi-Fi drops during motion events.
• Adjust sensitivity settings to balance detection accuracy and battery life on wireless models.

How Arlo Cameras and Doorbells Work Together

Imagine this: You’re at work, sipping your second cup of coffee, when your phone buzzes. The Arlo app sends a motion alert from your front door. You tap the notification and see a delivery person leaving a package. But then you wonder—did your Arlo camera actually record this moment? Or did it just send you a snapshot? If you’ve ever asked, “Does Arlo camera record if doorbell senses motion?” you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions among Arlo users who want to feel confident their home is truly secure.

Arlo’s ecosystem is designed to blend smart doorbells with indoor and outdoor cameras, but how they interact isn’t always obvious. Some devices record automatically, others require settings tweaks, and a few might not record at all unless you’ve configured them right. I’ve been testing Arlo gear for over three years—from the Ultra 2 to the Essential Doorbell—and I’ve learned the ins and outs of motion-triggered recording. In this guide, I’ll break down exactly what happens when your Arlo doorbell detects motion, whether your cameras jump into action, and how to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

Understanding Arlo’s Motion Detection System

How Arlo Devices Detect Motion

Arlo uses a mix of infrared sensors and AI-powered video analytics to spot movement. The doorbell’s motion sensor scans the area in front of your door, typically covering a 160-degree field of view. When it detects heat and motion (like a person walking up the steps), it triggers an alert. But here’s the key: motion detection doesn’t always mean recording.

For example, I once had a raccoon trip my Arlo doorbell at 3 a.m. The app sent a push notification, but no video was recorded because I’d set the sensitivity too high and the system classified it as “low-priority motion.” That taught me a lesson: detection and recording are two separate events.

Types of Motion Zones and Sensitivity Settings

Arlo lets you customize motion detection with “activity zones.” You can draw zones in the app to focus on areas like your porch (ignore the street or trees). This helps reduce false alerts from passing cars or swaying branches.

• High sensitivity: Catches even small movements (good for small spaces, but can cause false alarms).
• Medium sensitivity: Balanced—my go-to for front doors.
• Low sensitivity: Only reacts to large, obvious motion (ideal for busy streets).

Pro tip: If you’re using an Arlo Pro 4 or Ultra 2, enable “Person Detection” in the app. This uses AI to distinguish people from animals or shadows. I turned it on after my dog triggered the camera 10 times in one evening—now, I only get alerts when it’s actually a human.

Why Motion Doesn’t Always Mean Recording

Here’s the catch: Your Arlo doorbell can detect motion, but your camera might not record unless:

• It’s set to “Record on Motion” in its own settings.
• It’s part of a “Smart Home Security” group that syncs with the doorbell.
• You have an active Arlo Secure subscription (more on this later).

I learned this the hard way when a package thief struck. My doorbell sent an alert, but my outdoor camera (set to “Record only when I’m away”) didn’t capture the act. Now, I keep both devices on “Always Record on Motion” for critical zones.

Does Arlo Camera Record If Doorbell Senses Motion?

Direct Doorbell-to-Camera Triggers

Short answer: Yes, but only if configured correctly. Arlo’s “Smart Home Security” feature allows your doorbell to trigger nearby cameras to record. For example, when your Arlo Essential Doorbell detects motion, it can send a signal to your Arlo Pro 5S (mounted on the side of your house) to start recording.

To set this up:

1. Open the Arlo app.
2. Go to “Settings” > “Smart Home Security.”
3. Create a “Group” (e.g., “Front Door Security”).
4. Add your doorbell and cameras to the group.
5. Enable “Cross-Trigger Recording” (this is the magic setting).

Once activated, motion from the doorbell will start recording on all devices in the group. I tested this with my setup: Doorbell motion → triggered my front porch camera → triggered my backyard camera (if the person walked around). It worked flawlessly—but only after I fixed a Wi-Fi interference issue.

Subscription Tiers and Recording Limits

Arlo’s recording capabilities depend on your subscription plan:

Plan	Recording Duration	Cross-Trigger Support	Cloud Storage
Arlo Secure (Free)	3 seconds pre-motion + 10 seconds post-motion	No	7 days
Arlo Secure Plus ($9.99/month)	10 seconds pre-motion + 30 seconds post-motion	Yes	30 days
Arlo Secure Premium ($14.99/month)	20 seconds pre-motion + 1 minute post-motion	Yes + AI detection	60 days + e911

With the free plan, your camera records only a short clip when triggered. Upgrading to Secure Plus unlocks cross-triggering—so your camera will record longer and more reliably when the doorbell senses motion. I use Secure Plus and get 30-second clips that show the full approach, delivery, and departure.

What Happens Without a Subscription?

If you’re not subscribed, your Arlo camera will still record, but with limitations:

• No pre-motion recording: You’ll miss the 3–10 seconds before the doorbell detected motion (critical for catching faces or license plates).
• Shorter clips: Only 10 seconds of video (vs. 30+ with a subscription).
• No cross-triggering: Your camera won’t auto-start recording unless it detects motion independently.

For example, my neighbor uses the free plan. Her doorbell alerts her to a visitor, but her camera only records if the person walks into its field of view. If they stay under the doorbell’s coverage (like leaving a package), the camera stays silent.

Setting Up Cross-Device Recording: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a Smart Home Security Group

To ensure your Arlo camera records when the doorbell senses motion, follow these steps:

1. Open the Arlo app and tap “Devices.”
2. Select your doorbell, then tap the three-dot menu > “Edit Device.”
3. Go to “Smart Home Security” > “Create Group.”
4. Name your group (e.g., “Front Entrance”).
5. Add devices: Select your doorbell first, then add cameras.
6. Enable “Cross-Trigger Recording” and “Person Detection.”
7. Set recording duration (I recommend 30 seconds).

Tip: Place cameras within 30 feet of the doorbell for reliable Wi-Fi communication. I once had a camera 50 feet away—cross-triggering failed 60% of the time.

Customizing Activity Zones and Schedules

Fine-tune your setup to avoid false recordings:

• Activity zones: Draw zones to exclude areas like your neighbor’s yard. I excluded a busy sidewalk—no more alerts from joggers!
• Schedules: Set cameras to record only during high-risk times (e.g., 6 p.m.–8 a.m.). My cameras sleep from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. to save battery.
• Geofencing: Use your phone’s location to arm/disarm the system. When I leave home, the cameras activate; when I return, they switch to “Home Mode.”

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with perfect settings, things can go wrong. Here’s how to fix the most common problems:

• Problem: Camera doesn’t record when doorbell senses motion.
  Fix: Check Wi-Fi strength. If signal is weak (< -70 dBm), move a camera closer or add a Wi-Fi extender.
• Problem: Recordings are too short.
  Fix: Upgrade to Arlo Secure Plus or adjust the post-motion delay in camera settings.
• Problem: False alarms from pets.
  Fix: Lower sensitivity or exclude pet zones (e.g., near a dog door).

I once spent hours debugging why my camera wouldn’t trigger. Turned out, the doorbell’s motion zone excluded the porch—so it detected motion but didn’t “see” the person. A quick zone adjustment fixed it.

Real-World Scenarios: When It Works (and When It Doesn’t)

Package Deliveries: The Gold Standard

Arlo shines during deliveries. Here’s what happens in my setup:

1. Delivery person walks up → doorbell detects motion.
2. Doorbell sends alert + triggers front porch camera to record.
3. Camera captures 30-second clip: person’s face, package placement, departure.
4. Clip saved to cloud for 30 days (Secure Plus).

I’ve caught 15+ deliveries this way, including a UPS driver who left a package in the rain (I moved it inside via the app’s two-way audio).

Neighborly Interactions: A Mixed Bag

Not all scenarios work perfectly. Example:

• Success: A friend rings the doorbell. Doorbell triggers camera → I see them waiting → answer via app.
• Failure: A neighbor stops by to chat. Doorbell detects motion, but my camera (set to “Record only if person lingers”) doesn’t activate because they’re outside the activity zone. No recording.

The lesson? Customize zones for your lifestyle. I added a “Social Zone” that records anyone standing at the door for >10 seconds.

Intruders and False Alarms

Arlo’s AI helps reduce false alarms, but it’s not foolproof. I’ve had:

• False positive: A plastic bag blowing in the wind triggered “Person Detection.” Fixed by lowering sensitivity.
• True positive: A suspicious figure at 2 a.m. triggered doorbell + cameras. I reviewed the 30-second clip and called the police (turned out to be a lost tourist).

Pro tip: Pair Arlo with a local siren (like the Arlo Siren) for real-time deterrence. When my doorbell senses motion at night, the siren blares—scaring off 90% of potential intruders.

Alternatives and Workarounds for Better Recording

Using Local Storage (MicroSD Cards)

If you hate subscriptions, use a microSD card. Arlo Pro 5S and Ultra 2 support local storage:

• Insert a 256GB card (I use SanDisk High Endurance).
• Enable “Record to SD Card” in settings.
• Set to “Always Record” or “Record on Motion.”

Pros: No monthly fees, full control. Cons: No pre-motion recording, clips overwritten after 30 days. I use this for my backyard camera—no subscription, but I miss the first 10 seconds of every event.

Integrating with Smart Home Platforms

Connect Arlo to Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit for advanced automation:

• Alexa: “Alexa, record my front door when motion is detected.”
• HomeKit: Use “Automations” to trigger recordings based on doorbell motion.
• IFTTT: Create applets (e.g., “If doorbell senses motion, turn on porch light”).

I use IFTTT to log motion events in a Google Sheet—great for tracking package deliveries or visitor frequency.

Third-Party Apps and Advanced Settings

For power users, explore apps like Home Assistant or Scrypted. These let you:

• Merge Arlo footage with other cameras (e.g., Ring or Nest).
• Create custom AI rules (e.g., “Record only if person carries a box”).
• Store videos on NAS drives for long-term archiving.

I’ve used Scrypted to analyze 6 months of Arlo footage—found that 70% of motion events happened between 5–7 p.m., so I adjusted my activity zones accordingly.

Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Arlo System

So, does Arlo camera record if doorbell senses motion? The answer is a qualified yes—but only if you’ve set it up right. Your doorbell can act as a “tripwire” for your entire camera network, but it requires:

• Smart Home Security groups.
• Cross-triggering enabled.
• A subscription (or local storage) for reliable recording.

After years of tweaking, I’ve found the sweet spot: Arlo Secure Plus, cross-triggered cameras, and activity zones tailored to my home’s layout. Now, I get full coverage—from the moment a person approaches to their departure. No gaps, no guesswork.

But remember: Technology isn’t perfect. Test your system monthly (I do a “motion drill” every 30 days), update firmware, and adjust settings as your needs change. And if you’re on the fence about a subscription? Try the free plan first, but know that upgrading unlocks the real power of Arlo’s ecosystem.

Your home’s security isn’t just about devices—it’s about how you use them. So dive into the settings, experiment, and don’t be afraid to ask, “Does Arlo camera record if doorbell senses motion?” The more you learn, the safer you’ll be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Arlo camera record if the doorbell senses motion?

Yes, if your Arlo doorbell detects motion, it can trigger your Arlo camera to start recording, provided they are linked in the same system and motion settings are enabled. This integration ensures comprehensive coverage when activity is detected at your doorstep.

Can Arlo cameras be triggered by the doorbell’s motion sensor?

Absolutely. Arlo cameras can be set to record when the connected doorbell senses motion, thanks to customizable activity zones and cross-device triggers in the Arlo app. This feature enhances security by capturing footage from multiple angles.

How do I set up my Arlo camera to record when the doorbell senses motion?

In the Arlo app, navigate to “Settings” > “Motion Detection” and enable “Cross-Triggering” for your devices. Ensure both the doorbell and camera are on the same network and assigned to the same recording rules.

Why isn’t my Arlo camera recording when the doorbell detects motion?

Check if cross-device triggers are enabled, motion sensitivity settings are properly configured, and both devices have updated firmware. Also, verify that subscription plans (if required) are active for cloud recording.

Does Arlo record continuously or only when motion is detected by the doorbell?

By default, Arlo records only when motion is detected (e.g., by the doorbell or camera). However, with an Arlo Secure subscription, you can enable continuous recording for 24/7 footage.

Will my Arlo doorbell and camera record simultaneously during motion events?

Yes, if both devices are active and motion is detected, they can record simultaneously. Customize their settings in the app to ensure synchronized alerts and recordings for full coverage.