How Do I Turn On Detect Motion on Arlo Camera A Quick Guide

Enable motion detection on your Arlo camera in seconds by opening the Arlo app, selecting your camera, and toggling “Motion Detection” on. Customize sensitivity and activity zones to reduce false alerts and ensure reliable monitoring. This quick setup enhances security with real-time alerts sent straight to your smartphone.

Key Takeaways

• Open the Arlo app to access camera settings and motion detection options.
• Select your camera and tap “Motion Detection” to enable it.
• Adjust sensitivity levels to reduce false alerts and improve accuracy.
• Set activity zones to focus detection on specific areas only.
• Enable notifications to receive instant alerts when motion is detected.
• Test detection regularly to ensure optimal performance and coverage.

Why Motion Detection Is a Game-Changer for Home Security

Imagine this: You’re at work, sipping coffee during a break, when your phone buzzes. A notification flashes—your Arlo camera just detected motion at your front porch. You open the app, and there it is: a delivery person dropping off a package. No more missed deliveries, no more wondering if that shadow was a raccoon or something more concerning. That’s the magic of motion detection on your Arlo camera. It turns a simple security tool into a smart, proactive guardian for your home.

But here’s the thing: setting up motion detection isn’t always intuitive. Maybe you’ve fumbled through the app, wondering, “How do I turn on detect motion on Arlo camera?” Or perhaps you’ve enabled it, only to get alerts for every leaf blowing in the wind. Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Whether you’re a tech newbie or just need a refresher, this guide breaks down everything you need to know. We’ll walk through the setup, fine-tune settings to avoid false alarms, and even share pro tips to get the most out of your Arlo system. Let’s dive in.

Getting Started: Setting Up Motion Detection on Your Arlo Camera

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Navigate to Your Camera

First things first: grab your phone and open the Arlo app (available on iOS and Android). If you haven’t set up your camera yet, follow the on-screen prompts to pair it with your Wi-Fi. Once it’s online, tap the camera you want to configure. You’ll see a live feed, along with icons for settings, recordings, and more. Look for the “Device Settings” gear icon—that’s your gateway to motion detection.

Step 2: Find the Motion Detection Toggle

Inside Device Settings, scroll down until you see “Motion Detection”. It’s usually near the top, but if you have multiple cameras or advanced features, it might be under a “Detection” or “Alerts” submenu. Tap it, and you’ll see a simple on/off toggle. Flip it to “On”—that’s the first step to enabling motion detection. Easy, right?

Pro tip: If the toggle is grayed out, check if your camera is in “Schedule Mode” or “Away Mode”. Some modes override motion detection settings, so you might need to adjust those first (more on that later).

Step 3: Test It Out

Now, give it a test run. Wave your hand in front of the camera or walk past its field of view. You should get a push notification within a few seconds. If not, double-check your phone’s notification settings (Arlo needs permission to send alerts) and ensure your camera’s firmware is up to date. Still no luck? Try restarting the camera or reinstalling the app.

Customizing Motion Sensitivity: Avoiding False Alarms

Why Sensitivity Matters

Here’s a common frustration: your Arlo camera alerts you every time a spider crawls across the lens or a shadow shifts. That’s where motion sensitivity comes in. Arlo lets you adjust how “trigger-happy” your camera is, so you only get alerts for what matters. Think of it like tuning a radio—you want to filter out static and hear the music clearly.

Adjusting Sensitivity in the App

Back in the Motion Detection menu, look for a slider labeled “Sensitivity” or “Detection Level”. It usually ranges from 1 (least sensitive) to 10 (most sensitive). Start at 5 or 6—this is a good middle ground for most homes. If you’re getting too many alerts, lower it. If you’re missing real motion (like a slow-moving person), raise it.

Real-world example: I live in a windy area, and my backyard camera kept alerting me to rustling leaves. Dropping sensitivity from 8 to 4 cut false alarms by 70% without missing actual activity. Your mileage may vary, so experiment!

Advanced: Setting Motion Zones (Arlo Pro/Ultra/Go)

If you have an Arlo Pro, Ultra, or Go model, you can create custom motion zones—areas where the camera should (or shouldn’t) detect motion. For instance, exclude a busy street or a tree with fluttering leaves. To set this up:

• Tap “Motion Detection” > “Motion Zones”.
• Drag the corners of the default zone to resize it.
• Tap “Add Zone” to create multiple zones (e.g., focus on a driveway but ignore a sidewalk).

This feature is a lifesaver for reducing clutter in your notification feed. Just remember: zones only work if the camera’s field of view covers the area you care about.

Smart Alerts: Filtering What Matters (Arlo Secure Subscription)

The Power of AI Detection

Arlo’s Smart Alerts (part of the Arlo Secure subscription) uses AI to distinguish between people, vehicles, animals, and packages. This means no more alerts for your neighbor’s cat—just the stuff that matters. If you’re on a budget, you can skip this, but it’s worth considering if false alarms drive you nuts.

How to Enable Smart Alerts

1. Go to “Account” > “Subscription” and sign up for Arlo Secure (plans start at $2.99/month).
2. Return to your camera’s Motion Detection settings.
3. Toggle on “Smart Alerts” and select the types of motion you want to detect (e.g., “People” and “Packages”).

Tip: Even with Smart Alerts, keep sensitivity at 5–6. The AI helps, but it’s not perfect—especially in low light or heavy rain.

Testing Smart Alerts

To see if it’s working, ask a friend to walk past the camera. You should get a notification labeled “Person Detected” instead of a generic “Motion Detected.” If it misidentifies something (like a dog as a person), adjust the sensitivity or reposition the camera for a clearer view.

Scheduling Motion Detection: When to Turn It On/Off

Why Use Schedules?

Not every hour needs motion detection. For example, you might disable it at night when you’re home (to avoid alerts from pets) or enable it only during work hours. Arlo’s schedules let you automate this, so you don’t have to toggle settings manually.

Setting Up a Schedule

1. In the Arlo app, go to “Modes” (usually in the bottom navigation bar).
2. Tap “Schedule” and select “Add Schedule”.
3. Name your schedule (e.g., “Work Hours”) and set the days/times.
4. Choose which cameras to include and their motion detection settings (on/off, sensitivity, etc.).

Example: I created a “Sleep Mode” that disables motion detection from 10 PM to 7 AM, but keeps my front door camera active at high sensitivity. No more midnight alerts from my cat!

Syncing with Smart Home Devices

If you use Alexa or Google Assistant, link your Arlo account to enable voice-controlled schedules. For instance, say, “Alexa, set Arlo to ‘Away Mode’” to activate motion detection everywhere. This is handy when you’re rushing out the door.

Troubleshooting Common Motion Detection Issues

Issue 1: No Alerts, Even with Motion

Check these first:

• Wi-Fi signal: Weak connections can delay alerts. Move the camera closer to your router or add a Wi-Fi extender.
• Phone settings: Ensure Arlo notifications are enabled (Settings > Notifications > Arlo).
• Battery level: Low-battery cameras may disable motion detection to conserve power.

Issue 2: Too Many False Alarms

Try these fixes:

• Reposition the camera: Avoid pointing it at moving trees, streetlights, or reflective surfaces (like windows).
• Clean the lens: Dust or water spots can confuse the sensor.
• Update firmware: Go to Device Settings > “Firmware Update”.

Issue 3: Delayed or Missed Recordings

Motion detection and cloud recording are linked. If your camera isn’t saving clips, check:

• Storage plan: Free Arlo accounts only save clips for 7 days. Subscribers get 30 days.
• Clip length: In Device Settings > “Recordings”, adjust how long clips are (default is 10 seconds).

Data Table: Arlo Camera Motion Detection Features by Model

Feature	Arlo Essential	Arlo Pro 4	Arlo Ultra 2	Arlo Go 2 (LTE)
Basic Motion Detection	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Custom Motion Zones	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Smart Alerts (AI)	❌ No (Subscription only)	✅ Yes (Subscription)	✅ Yes (Subscription)	✅ Yes (Subscription)
Night Vision Detection	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (Color Night Vision)	✅ Yes (4K HDR)	✅ Yes
Weather Resistance	✅ IP65	✅ IP65	✅ IP65	✅ IP65

Note: The Arlo Essential lacks advanced features like motion zones, but it’s a budget-friendly way to get basic detection. For power users, the Pro 4 or Ultra 2 is worth the investment.

Final Thoughts: Making Motion Detection Work for You

So, how do I turn on detect motion on Arlo camera? Now you know—it’s as simple as a toggle, but the real magic lies in customization. Whether you’re fine-tuning sensitivity, setting up schedules, or leveraging AI alerts, the goal is the same: get the alerts that matter, when they matter. No more sifting through clips of falling leaves or your dog’s midnight zoomies.

Here’s my final advice: start small. Enable motion detection, run a few tests, and tweak settings gradually. Don’t feel pressured to use every feature at once—your Arlo camera is flexible, so adapt it to your life, not the other way around. And if you ever hit a snag? Arlo’s support site and community forums are goldmines for troubleshooting.

At the end of the day, motion detection isn’t just about security. It’s about peace of mind. It’s knowing your home is watched, even when you can’t be there. So go ahead—enable that toggle, customize those settings, and enjoy a smarter, safer home. After all, the best security is the kind you barely notice… until you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I turn on detect motion on Arlo camera for the first time?

To enable motion detection on your Arlo camera, open the Arlo app, select your camera, and tap “Device Settings.” Toggle “Motion Detection” to ON and adjust sensitivity if needed. This ensures your camera starts recording when movement is detected.

Where do I find the motion detection settings in the Arlo app?

In the Arlo app, go to your camera’s live view, tap the gear icon for “Device Settings,” then select “Motion Detection.” Here, you can toggle motion detection on and customize zones or sensitivity levels for better accuracy.

Can I turn on detect motion on Arlo camera without using the app?

No, enabling motion detection requires the Arlo app or web portal. Physical buttons on the camera don’t control this feature. Use the app to access “Device Settings” and activate motion detection remotely or locally.

Why isn’t my Arlo camera detecting motion even after turning it on?

Check if motion detection is enabled in the app and verify your camera’s sensitivity settings aren’t too low. Ensure no obstructions block the camera’s field of view and that your firmware is up-to-date for optimal performance.

How do I enable motion detection zones on my Arlo camera?

Under “Device Settings” in the Arlo app, select “Motion Detection” and tap “Detection Zones.” Customize the zones to focus on specific areas, reducing false alerts from irrelevant movement like tree branches or passing cars.

Does turning on detect motion on Arlo camera affect battery life?

Yes, enabling motion detection increases battery usage since the camera actively monitors for movement. For battery-powered models, consider lowering sensitivity or using schedules to balance performance and battery longevity.