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To stop motion notifications on your Arlo camera, open the Arlo app, select your camera, and disable “Motion Alerts” under the Notifications settings—this instantly stops unwanted alerts. For more control, customize activity zones or set a notification schedule to limit alerts to specific times. These quick steps ensure peace of mind without missing critical events.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Arlo app to access camera settings and notification controls.
- Disable motion alerts by toggling off notifications in the camera’s settings.
- Customize alert schedules to limit notifications to specific times only.
- Adjust motion sensitivity to reduce false alarms and unwanted alerts.
- Use geofencing to auto-pause alerts when you’re home via phone location.
- Create activity zones to focus detection only on relevant areas.
- Check subscription status as some features require an active Arlo plan.
📑 Table of Contents
- How Do I Stop Notifications for Motion on Arlo Camera Easily
- Understanding Arlo Motion Notifications: Why They Happen
- Method 1: Disable Motion Notifications via the Arlo App (Quick Fix)
- Method 2: Adjust Motion Detection Sensitivity and Zones
- Method 3: Schedule Notifications for Specific Times
- Method 4: Upgrade to AI-Powered Alerts (Arlo Secure Subscription)
- Method 5: Reset, Reboot, or Contact Support (When All Else Fails)
- Final Thoughts: Regain Control of Your Arlo Alerts
How Do I Stop Notifications for Motion on Arlo Camera Easily
Let’s be honest—smart home security is a game-changer. I remember the first time I set up my Arlo camera. I felt like a tech genius, patrolling my yard like a digital superhero. But then… the notifications started. Every. Single. Time. A squirrel crossed the driveway. A trash can rolled in the wind. My neighbor’s cat did its morning stretch. Suddenly, my phone was buzzing more than a beehive. I’d open my notifications and see: “Motion detected at front porch.” Again. And again. And again. Sound familiar?
If you’ve ever felt like your Arlo camera is a little too enthusiastic about reporting motion, you’re not alone. Many users love the peace of mind Arlo provides but quickly realize that constant alerts can be overwhelming—especially if you’re not looking for a minute-by-minute update on every leaf that blows across your lawn. The good news? You can stop notifications for motion on Arlo camera easily, and in this guide, I’ll walk you through every step, from quick fixes to advanced settings. Whether you’re a new user or a seasoned pro, this post will help you regain control of your notifications—without sacrificing security.
Understanding Arlo Motion Notifications: Why They Happen
How Arlo Detects Motion
Arlo cameras use advanced motion detection technology to sense movement in their field of view. Most models rely on passive infrared (PIR) sensors that detect changes in heat signatures—like a person walking or a pet running. When the sensor detects a shift in thermal energy, it triggers a recording and sends a push notification to your phone or email.
But here’s the catch: the camera doesn’t always know the difference between a burglar and a raccoon. It just knows something moved. That’s why you might get alerts for things like:
- Tree branches swaying in the wind
- Shadows from passing cars
- Pets or children playing
- Flying insects near the lens
Why Notifications Can Become Overwhelming
Think of it like a smoke alarm that goes off every time you toast bread. It’s technically doing its job, but it’s not very practical. For many users, the volume of false alarms makes the system feel more like a nuisance than a security tool.
I once had an Arlo Pro 4 mounted near a busy street. Every car that passed triggered a notification. Within a week, I had over 200 alerts. I started ignoring them. And that’s the real danger: when notifications become too frequent, we stop paying attention. That’s why learning how to stop notifications for motion on Arlo camera isn’t just about convenience—it’s about making your system more effective.
The Balance Between Security and Sanity
The goal isn’t to disable notifications entirely. It’s to customize them so they’re meaningful. You want to know when someone rings your doorbell or a stranger walks into your yard—but not when a leaf falls. The key is fine-tuning your settings to match your lifestyle and environment.
Method 1: Disable Motion Notifications via the Arlo App (Quick Fix)
Step-by-Step: Turn Off Notifications for a Specific Camera
This is the fastest and easiest way to stop motion alerts. It’s perfect if you only want to silence one camera—like the one facing the street or a tree-heavy backyard.
- Open the Arlo Secure app (or Arlo app, depending on your model).
- Tap on the camera you want to adjust.
- Select “Device Settings” (usually a gear icon).
- Tap “Notifications”.
- Toggle off “Motion Alerts”.
That’s it. You’ve silenced the alerts. But remember: this disables all motion notifications from that camera. If you want to re-enable them later, just flip the toggle back on.
Example: Silencing the Backyard Camera
Let’s say your Arlo is mounted on the back porch, where the neighbor’s dog often runs around. You don’t mind the dog, but you don’t need 10 alerts a day about it. By turning off motion alerts for just that camera, you keep your front door and garage cameras active—while reducing noise.
Pro Tip: Use “Do Not Disturb” for Temporary Silence
If you’re hosting a party or just want a few hours of peace, use the “Do Not Disturb” feature:
- Go to Account > Notifications > Do Not Disturb.
- Set a schedule (e.g., 7 PM to 7 AM).
- Choose which cameras to exclude (optional).
This is great for vacations or when you’re home and don’t need alerts. It doesn’t disable recordings—just the notifications.
Method 2: Adjust Motion Detection Sensitivity and Zones
Lower the Sensitivity to Reduce False Alarms
Instead of turning off notifications completely, you can make your camera smarter about what it detects. Lowering the sensitivity reduces how easily the camera triggers.
- In the Arlo app, go to the camera’s Device Settings.
- Tap “Motion Detection”.
- Adjust the sensitivity slider from High to Medium or Low.
I recommend starting with Medium. High sensitivity catches tiny movements (like bugs), while Low might miss real threats. Medium often strikes the perfect balance.
Use Activity Zones to Filter Out Unwanted Areas
This is one of Arlo’s most powerful tools. Activity Zones let you draw boxes on your camera’s view and tell it: “Only alert me if motion happens here.”
- Go to Device Settings > Motion Detection > Activity Zones.
- Tap “Add Zone” and drag to cover areas like your driveway or front porch.
- Leave out areas with frequent false triggers (e.g., a busy street or tree branches).
For example, I have a camera overlooking my front yard. There’s a sidewalk nearby, but I only care if someone steps onto my porch. So I created an Activity Zone just for the porch and door. Now, I get alerts only when someone approaches—not every time a jogger passes by.
Real-World Example: The Tree Branch Problem
My friend Sarah had a camera under a big oak tree. Every gust of wind set off alerts. She lowered the sensitivity, but it still wasn’t enough. Then she used Activity Zones to exclude the tree canopy. Problem solved. Her porch and driveway stayed monitored, but the leaves were no longer on her notification list.
Method 3: Schedule Notifications for Specific Times
Use Smart Schedules to Control When Alerts Arrive
Maybe you want notifications at night but not during the day. Or only when you’re away from home. Arlo’s Smart Schedules let you automate this.
- Go to Account > Smart Schedules.
- Tap “Create Schedule”.
- Name it (e.g., “Night Watch”).
- Set the time range (e.g., 8 PM to 6 AM).
- Choose which cameras to include.
- Enable motion alerts only during this schedule.
This is perfect for:
- Nighttime security (when most break-ins occur).
- Vacations (set a schedule for your entire trip).
- Work hours (if you’re home during the day but want alerts when you’re at the office).
Combine Schedules with Geofencing (Pro Tip)
For even smarter control, use Geofencing. This uses your phone’s location to automatically enable or disable notifications.
- When you leave home, Arlo turns on motion alerts.
- When you return, alerts turn off (or switch to a quieter mode).
To set it up:
- Go to Account > Geofencing.
- Enable “Automatically Arm/Disarm”.
- Set your home address.
- Choose which cameras to arm when you leave.
I use this every day. When I leave for work, my front and back cameras arm. When I come home, they disarm. No more alerts while I’m mowing the lawn!
Method 4: Upgrade to AI-Powered Alerts (Arlo Secure Subscription)
How AI Detection Reduces False Alarms
If you’re tired of sifting through alerts, consider upgrading to Arlo Secure, the company’s paid subscription service. It adds AI-powered object detection, which can distinguish between people, vehicles, animals, and packages.
With Arlo Secure, you can:
- Get alerts only for people or vehicles.
- Ignore animals and general motion.
- Receive package delivery notifications.
For example, you can set your camera to “Alert me only when a person is detected”. Now, your dog running around won’t trigger anything. But if a stranger walks into your yard, you’ll know instantly.
Subscription Tiers and What They Offer
Here’s a quick breakdown of Arlo Secure plans:
| Plan | Price (Monthly) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Arlo Secure | $2.99/camera | AI detection (person, vehicle, animal), cloud storage (30 days), 24/7 emergency response |
| Arlo Secure Plus | $9.99 for 5 cameras | Everything in Secure, plus 24/7 professional monitoring, extended storage, smart siren |
| Arlo Secure Premium | $14.99 for 10 cameras | All features, plus 4K video, local storage backup, and advanced AI |
While the subscription costs extra, many users find it well worth it for the reduction in false alerts. One user told me: “I saved $50 in phone battery life alone after switching to AI alerts. I stopped opening my app every 5 minutes!”
Is It Worth It for You?
Ask yourself:
- Do I get more than 10 alerts per day?
- Are most of them false alarms?
- Do I want to know about packages or vehicles?
If you answered yes, Arlo Secure is likely a smart investment. It’s not just about stopping notifications—it’s about making the right ones matter.
Method 5: Reset, Reboot, or Contact Support (When All Else Fails)
Troubleshooting Glitches and Bugs
Sometimes, the app doesn’t save your settings. Or a camera keeps alerting even after you’ve disabled notifications. This is usually due to a software glitch. Here’s how to fix it:
- Restart the app: Close it completely and reopen.
- Restart your phone: A simple reboot often fixes sync issues.
- Reboot the camera: Press and hold the sync button for 10 seconds until the LED blinks.
- Update the app and firmware: Go to Account > App Settings > Check for Updates.
When to Factory Reset
If the camera still misbehaves, a factory reset might help. This erases all settings and returns the camera to default. Use it as a last resort.
- Press and hold the sync button for 15 seconds.
- Wait for the LED to flash amber.
- Re-pair the camera in the app.
Warning: This deletes all custom settings, schedules, and activity zones. Reconfigure them afterward.
Contacting Arlo Support
If nothing works, reach out to Arlo. Their support team is generally helpful. You can:
- Chat via the app (Account > Help > Contact Us).
- Call their customer service line.
- Submit a support ticket online.
I once had a camera that wouldn’t stop alerting after a firmware update. Arlo support walked me through a reset and even sent a replacement when the issue persisted. Don’t hesitate to ask for help—especially if you’re a paying subscriber.
Final Thoughts: Regain Control of Your Arlo Alerts
Let’s face it: smart cameras are only as useful as their notifications. When they’re too loud, we tune them out. But when they’re smart, timely, and relevant? That’s when they become a true security ally.
Learning how to stop notifications for motion on Arlo camera isn’t about disabling your system—it’s about customizing it. Whether you turn off alerts for one camera, use Activity Zones, set a schedule, upgrade to AI detection, or reset a glitchy device, the goal is the same: peace of mind without the noise.
I’ve been there. I’ve silenced my phone, ignored alerts, and even considered unplugging my cameras. But with the right settings, my Arlo system now works for me—not against me. I get alerts when it matters, and silence when it doesn’t.
So take a few minutes today to review your settings. Try one method at a time. See what works for your home, your routine, and your tolerance for alerts. Your phone—and your sanity—will thank you.
Remember: a quiet camera isn’t a weak one. It’s a smart one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop notifications for motion on Arlo camera?
Open the Arlo app, go to your camera’s settings, tap “Notifications,” and toggle off “Motion Alerts.” This will immediately stop motion-triggered notifications for that specific camera.
Can I disable Arlo motion notifications temporarily?
Yes! Use the “Do Not Disturb” mode in the Arlo app to pause notifications for a set time. Navigate to your camera settings and enable this feature to silence alerts without turning them off permanently.
How do I turn off push notifications for motion on Arlo without deleting rules?
Go to your camera’s “Rules” tab in the Arlo app, edit the active rule, and disable the notification action. This keeps your motion detection active but stops the app alerts.
Why am I still getting motion notifications after turning them off in Arlo?
Check both the camera-specific settings and your Arlo account-wide notification preferences. Sometimes, alerts are managed at multiple levels, including device firmware or smartphone notification settings.
Is there a way to mute Arlo motion alerts for specific cameras only?
Yes—adjust notification settings individually for each camera in the Arlo app. Tap the camera name > “Notifications” and customize alerts per device to stop notifications for motion on select units.
How do I stop email notifications for Arlo motion detection?
Open the Arlo app, go to “Account” > “Notification Settings,” and uncheck “Email” under the “Motion Alerts” section. This disables email alerts while keeping other notification types active.