How Do I Setup Zones Arlo Cameras A Complete Guide

Subscription and Firmware Requirements

Zones work on all plans, but Smart features (like person/vehicle detection) require an Arlo Secure subscription. Without it, you’ll still get motion alerts but won’t get AI-based filtering.

• Free plan: Basic motion zones (any movement).
• Arlo Secure (paid): Advanced zones + AI detection (people, packages, vehicles).

Critical: Update your camera’s firmware! Outdated firmware can cause zones to malfunction. Go to Settings > Device Info > Firmware Update to check.

Ideal Camera Placement for Zones

Zones only work if your camera is positioned correctly. Ask yourself:

• Is the camera angled to capture the areas you want to monitor?
• Are there obstructions (e.g., branches, gutters) that block the view?
• Is the camera close enough to the zone for clear detection? (Arlo recommends at least 10–15 feet from the target area.)

For example: If you’re setting up a zone for your mailbox, place the camera where it can clearly see the mailbox and the path leading to it—not 50 feet away where details are blurry.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Arlo Activity Zones

Ready to create your first zone? Let’s walk through the process. I’ll use the Arlo app (iOS/Android) for this guide, but the steps are similar for desktop.

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Select Your Camera

1. Launch the Arlo app and log in.
2. Tap the camera you want to set up (e.g., “Backyard Cam”).
3. Tap the gear icon (⚙️) in the top right to open settings.

Note: If you don’t see the gear icon, make sure you’re viewing the live feed—not a recording.

Step 2: Navigate to Activity Zones Settings

1. In the camera settings, scroll to Video Settings.
2. Tap Activity Zones. You’ll see a live preview of your camera’s view.

Tip: If you’re outdoors, do this during daylight. The preview is much clearer in good lighting.

Step 3: Create Your First Zone

1. Tap + Add Zone.
2. Name your zone (e.g., “Front Porch,” “Driveway,” “Mailbox”).
3. Drag the white corners to resize the zone. You can also tap and drag the center to move it.
4. For irregular shapes, tap the polygon icon to add more points.

Pro tip: Make zones slightly larger than the target area. For example, if you’re monitoring a door, include the steps and walkway leading to it.

Step 4: Customize Zone Settings (Optional)

Once your zone is drawn, tap it to adjust:

• Sensitivity: Higher sensitivity detects smaller movements (e.g., a person walking). Lower sensitivity reduces false alarms from wind or shadows.
• Smart Detection (if subscribed): Choose what types of motion trigger alerts—people, vehicles, animals, or all motion.
• Schedule: Set the zone to be active only during certain times (e.g., “Front Door Zone” from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.).

Example: You set up a “Backyard Zone” but only want alerts when someone enters after dark. Tap the zone > Schedule > set time to 6 p.m.–6 a.m.

Step 5: Test and Refine Your Zone

1. Exit settings and return to the live feed.
2. Trigger motion in the zone (e.g., walk across the porch).
3. Check your phone for an alert. Did it work?

If not:

• Adjust the zone’s size or position.
• Increase sensitivity if the camera missed the motion.
• Reduce sensitivity if it’s triggering too often.

One user said, “I spent 20 minutes tweaking the zone around my garage. It was worth it—no more alerts from passing cars!”

Advanced Zone Setup: Smart Features, Scheduling, and Multiple Zones

Once you’ve mastered basic zones, it’s time to level up. Here’s how to use Arlo’s advanced features to create a truly smart system.

Using Smart Detection with Zones (Arlo Secure Required)

With an Arlo Secure subscription, you can tell your camera to only alert you for specific types of motion in a zone. For example:

• Front Porch Zone: Only notify me when a person or package is detected.
• Driveway Zone: Alert me for vehicles but ignore animals.

How to set it up:

1. Tap the zone > Smart Detection.
2. Toggle on the detection types you want (e.g., Person, Vehicle).
3. Toggle off the ones you don’t (e.g., Animal).

Real-world example: A user in a rural area set up a zone for their long driveway. They enabled “Vehicle” detection but turned off “Animal.” Now, they only get alerts when a car approaches—not deer or coyotes.

Scheduling Zones for Different Times of Day

Why keep a zone active 24/7 if you only need it at night? Scheduling lets you automate when zones are “on.”

• Example 1: “Backyard Zone” active from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. (when the kids are asleep).
• Example 2: “Garage Zone” active only on weekdays (to monitor for package deliveries).

Steps:

1. Tap the zone > Schedule.
2. Set the start/end time or choose “Custom Days.”
3. Tap Save.

Creating Multiple Zones in One Camera

One camera can have up to three activity zones. Use this to monitor different areas without buying extra cameras.

• Example: A backyard camera with zones for the patio, pool, and trash bins.
• Tip: Name zones clearly (e.g., “Patio Zone,” “Pool Zone”) to avoid confusion.

Important: Zones can’t overlap. If they do, the camera may ignore one. Keep them separate.

Excluding Areas with “Do Not Record” Zones

Want to ignore a busy street or neighbor’s yard? Create a “Do Not Record” zone (called “Inactive Zone” in the app).

1. Tap + Add Zone > select Inactive Zone.
2. Draw the area you want to ignore.
3. Name it (e.g., “Street”).

This is great for privacy or reducing false alerts. One user said, “I excluded the sidewalk from my front camera. No more alerts from joggers or mail carriers!”

Troubleshooting Common Zone Setup Issues

Even with careful setup, things can go wrong. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.

Problem: Zones Don’t Trigger Alerts

Possible causes and fixes:

• Zone is too small: Expand it to cover the full target area.
• Low sensitivity: Increase sensitivity in zone settings.
• Obstruction: Clear leaves, cobwebs, or dirt from the camera lens.
• Outdated firmware: Update your camera’s firmware.

Quick test: Wave your hand in the zone. If the camera doesn’t react, it’s not detecting motion.

Problem: Too Many False Alerts

Solutions:

• Reduce sensitivity: Lower the sensitivity setting.
• Narrow the zone: Exclude areas with wind-blown trees or streetlights.
• Use Smart Detection: Turn off “Animal” or “All Motion” if subscribed.
• Add an Inactive Zone: Cover the area causing false alerts (e.g., a flickering light).

Example: A user’s camera kept alerting to a streetlight’s reflection on their window. They created an inactive zone over the reflection area—problem solved.

Problem: Zones Work Intermittently

This often happens due to:

• Weak Wi-Fi signal: Move the camera closer to the router or add a Wi-Fi extender.
• Low battery (wireless cameras): Recharge or replace the battery.
• App glitches: Force-close the Arlo app and reopen it.

Pro tip: Restart your camera by holding the sync button for 10 seconds. This often fixes connectivity issues.

Optimizing Your Zones for Maximum Security and Efficiency

Great zones aren’t just about setup—they’re about long-term optimization. Here’s how to keep your system running smoothly.

Regular Maintenance Checks

Check your zones every 2–3 months to ensure they’re still effective. Ask yourself:

• Has the camera shifted or been bumped?
• Are new obstacles (e.g., overgrown plants) blocking the view?
• Are the zones still relevant? (e.g., a “Playground Zone” might not be needed if the kids have moved out.)

Tip: After major weather events (e.g., storms), verify your camera’s position and clean the lens.

Balancing Coverage and Privacy

Zones help respect privacy, but be mindful of:

• Neighbors’ property: Avoid monitoring areas you don’t own (e.g., sidewalks, backyards).
• Legal compliance: Some areas have laws about recording public spaces. Check local regulations.

Example: A user in a condo complex set up a zone for their balcony but excluded the shared courtyard. This avoided conflicts with neighbors.

Data Table: Zone Optimization Checklist

When to Upgrade or Expand Your System

If your zones are working but you still miss important events, consider:

• Adding more cameras: For large properties, one camera can’t cover everything.
• Upgrading to a Smart subscription: AI detection reduces false alerts by up to 70%.
• Using Arlo SmartHub: Improves connectivity for multiple cameras.

Real-world insight: A user with a 1-acre yard started with one camera but added two more after realizing the zones couldn’t cover the entire property. “It was worth the investment,” they said. “Now I have eyes on every corner.”

Conclusion: Your Arlo Zones, Your Peace of Mind

Setting up zones on your Arlo cameras isn’t just a tech task—it’s a game-changer for home security. You’ve learned how to create zones, use advanced features like Smart Detection, and troubleshoot common issues. But the real power lies in how you apply these tools to your life.

Think about it: No more waking up to alerts about a stray cat. No more scrolling through hours of useless footage. Instead, you get focused, relevant notifications that let you act quickly when it matters. Whether it’s a package delivery, a visitor, or an intruder, your zones ensure you see what’s important—and ignore the rest.

As you refine your setup, remember that zones are a living part of your security system. They’ll change as your needs do. A new baby? Add a zone for the nursery. A home office? Monitor the front walkway. The key is to review and adapt—because the best security is the kind that works for you, not against you.

So go ahead: Open the Arlo app, draw your first zone, and take control. Your future self will thank you for the peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I setup zones for Arlo cameras in the app?

To setup zones for Arlo cameras, open the Arlo app, select your camera, and navigate to “Settings” > “Video Settings” > “Activity Zones.” Tap “Add Zone” and drag the corners to define your desired monitoring area. This helps reduce false alerts by focusing on specific regions.

Why should I use activity zones with my Arlo cameras?

Activity zones let you customize motion detection areas, so your Arlo camera only alerts you to movement in high-priority spots (like driveways or doors). This minimizes unnecessary notifications from irrelevant motion, like passing cars or tree movement, improving overall system efficiency.

Can I set up multiple zones for one Arlo camera?

Yes, most Arlo cameras allow you to create up to three activity zones per device. After accessing “Activity Zones” in the app, tap “Add Zone” and customize each zone’s shape and location. This is ideal for monitoring different areas, like a front yard and sidewalk, simultaneously.

How do I edit or delete existing Arlo camera zones?

Open the Arlo app, go to your camera’s settings, and select “Activity Zones.” Tap the zone you want to modify and use the drag points to resize or reposition it. To delete a zone, tap it and select “Remove Zone” to disable it.

Do Arlo cameras require a subscription to use activity zones?

No, setting up and using activity zones is free and doesn’t require an Arlo subscription. However, a subscription unlocks advanced features like cloud storage, AI-powered detection (e.g., person/vehicle recognition), and extended video history for your zone-triggered recordings.

How do I troubleshoot if my Arlo camera zones aren’t working?

First, ensure your camera’s firmware is up-to-date and motion detection is enabled in settings. If zones still don’t trigger alerts, check for obstructions, adjust sensitivity, or recreate the zone. For persistent issues, restart the camera or contact Arlo support.