How Do I Turn On Notifications in Arlo Cameras A Quick Guide

Enable notifications in Arlo cameras instantly through the Arlo app by toggling on “Notifications” in your device settings. Simply select your camera, navigate to Settings > Notifications, and customize alerts for motion, sound, or specific activity zones. Stay informed in real time—no more missing critical events.

Key Takeaways

• Open the Arlo app to access notification settings quickly.
• Select your camera before adjusting alert preferences.
• Enable motion detection for real-time activity alerts.
• Customize alert types like push, email, or siren.
• Set activity zones to reduce false notifications effectively.
• Check device permissions to ensure notifications aren’t blocked.
• Update firmware regularly for optimal notification performance.

Why Arlo Camera Notifications Matter for Your Peace of Mind

Imagine this: You’re at work, sipping your coffee, when suddenly your phone buzzes. You glance down and see a real-time alert from your Arlo camera—someone is at your front door. Within seconds, you’re watching the footage, identifying the visitor, and even speaking to them through two-way audio. This isn’t just convenient; it’s peace of mind. That’s the power of notifications on your Arlo system.

Arlo cameras are known for their smart home integration, crisp video quality, and reliable motion detection. But none of that matters if you miss an important event because your notifications aren’t set up properly. Whether you’re a new Arlo owner or someone who’s struggled with inconsistent alerts, turning on notifications correctly can make all the difference. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step—from initial setup to troubleshooting—so you never miss a critical moment again.

Getting Started: Setting Up Your Arlo Account and Devices

Before you can enable notifications, you need to make sure your Arlo ecosystem is properly configured. This section covers the foundational steps to ensure your cameras are connected, updated, and ready for alerts.

1. Install the Arlo App and Create an Account

The first thing you’ll need is the Arlo app, available for free on iOS and Android. Download it, then create an account using your email address. If you already have an account, just log in. Pro tip: Use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security—especially important since your camera feeds are tied to this account.

Once logged in, the app will guide you through pairing your cameras. This usually involves scanning a QR code on the device or entering a setup code. Make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi and near the camera during setup. I once tried setting up a camera from another room and kept getting connection errors—lesson learned: stay close!

2. Connect Cameras to Wi-Fi and Update Firmware

After pairing, the app will prompt you to connect each camera to your home Wi-Fi network. This step is crucial because notifications rely on a stable internet connection. Use a 2.4 GHz network (not 5 GHz) for better range and compatibility with Arlo devices.

Once connected, check for firmware updates. Go to Settings > My Devices > [Your Camera] > Device Info > Firmware. If an update is available, install it. Updated firmware often includes fixes for notification delays or false alerts. For example, after updating one of my outdoor cameras, the motion detection became much more accurate—no more alerts for passing squirrels!

3. Test Basic Camera Functionality

Before diving into notifications, test that your camera is streaming video properly. Open the live view and move in front of the lens. You should see real-time footage. If the video is lagging or not loading, troubleshoot your Wi-Fi signal or consider adding an Arlo SmartHub for better connectivity.

Step-by-Step: How to Turn On Notifications in Arlo Cameras

Now that your cameras are set up, it’s time to enable notifications. This process is straightforward but involves a few key settings you’ll want to customize based on your needs.

1. Open the Arlo App and Navigate to Notifications

Launch the Arlo app and tap the Notifications icon (usually a bell symbol) in the bottom menu. Alternatively, go to Settings > Notifications. You’ll see a list of all your cameras and notification types.

For each camera, you’ll see toggles for different alert types: Motion Alerts, Sound Alerts, and Person Alerts (if your camera supports AI detection). Start by enabling the ones you care about. I personally keep Motion and Person Alerts on for my front door but disable Sound Alerts to avoid false alarms from barking dogs.

2. Customize Notification Types and Sensitivity

Tap on a specific camera to fine-tune its settings. Here’s where you can:

• Adjust motion sensitivity: Lower sensitivity reduces false alerts from leaves or shadows. I set mine to “Medium” for outdoor cameras and “High” for indoor ones.
• Set activity zones: Draw zones on the camera’s field of view to monitor only specific areas (e.g., your driveway but not the sidewalk). This cuts down on irrelevant alerts.
• Enable person detection: If your camera has AI (like Arlo Pro 4 or Ultra), this feature distinguishes people from animals or vehicles. It’s a game-changer for reducing false alarms.

Example: I once kept getting alerts every time my cat walked by the kitchen camera. After enabling person detection and adjusting the zone to focus on the back door, the alerts became 90% more relevant.

3. Choose How You Receive Alerts

Arlo lets you receive notifications in three ways:

• Push notifications: Sent directly to your phone. Most people use this.
• Email alerts: Great for backup or if you prefer written records.
• SMS/text messages: Useful if you’re in an area with spotty data.

To set these up, go to Settings > Notifications > Notification Methods. You can enable multiple methods. I use push for instant alerts and email for a daily summary of activity. This way, I’m not overwhelmed by constant pings but still have a record.

4. Schedule Notification Times (Optional)

If you only want alerts during certain hours (e.g., when you’re away), use the Scheduling feature. Tap Settings > Schedules and create a new schedule. For instance, you might disable motion alerts from 8 AM to 6 PM on weekdays when you’re home.

Tip: Combine this with geofencing. The Arlo app can detect when your phone leaves or enters your home area and automatically adjust notification settings. It’s like having a smart assistant manage your alerts!

Troubleshooting Common Notification Issues

Even with perfect setup, you might run into hiccups. Here are the most common notification problems and how to fix them.

1. Notifications Aren’t Coming Through

If you’re not getting alerts, check these first:

• App permissions: On your phone, go to Settings > Apps > Arlo > Notifications. Make sure “Allow notifications” is turned on.
• Do Not Disturb mode: If your phone is in DND or Sleep mode, alerts might be silenced. Adjust your phone’s focus settings to allow Arlo notifications.
• Background app refresh: On iOS, enable background refresh for Arlo. On Android, check if battery optimization is restricting the app.

Personal story: I once missed an alert because my phone’s “Battery Saver” mode had disabled background processes. After turning it off, notifications returned to normal.

2. Too Many False Alerts

Getting alerts for every passing car or bird? Try these fixes:

• Lower motion sensitivity: Start at 50% and adjust.
• Narrow activity zones: Exclude high-traffic areas like streets.
• Upgrade to AI-enabled cameras: Models like Arlo Pro 5S can filter out animals and vehicles.

Data shows that users who use activity zones report 40% fewer false alerts. It’s worth the extra setup time!

3. Delayed or Laggy Notifications

If alerts arrive 10+ seconds late:

• Check Wi-Fi signal strength: Weak signals cause delays. Move the camera closer to your router or add a Wi-Fi extender.
• Restart your camera: Power it off, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
• Contact Arlo support: In rare cases, server-side issues affect delivery. Arlo’s support team is usually responsive via chat.

Advanced Notification Features and Customization

Once you’ve mastered the basics, Arlo offers advanced tools to make notifications smarter and more personalized.

1. Using Arlo SmartHub for Enhanced Alerts

The Arlo SmartHub (or Arlo Base Station) isn’t just for storage—it also improves notification reliability. It creates a dedicated mesh network for your cameras, reducing Wi-Fi congestion and latency. If you have 3+ cameras, this is a smart investment.

Bonus: The SmartHub supports local recording, so even if your internet goes out, you’ll still get motion alerts (though you won’t see live video until service resumes).

2. Integrating with Smart Home Platforms

Arlo works with Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit. This lets you:

• Receive spoken alerts through smart speakers (e.g., “Front door camera detected motion”).
• Trigger routines, like turning on lights when motion is detected.

Example: I set up an Alexa routine where the porch light turns on and my Echo says, “Someone’s at the door,” whenever the front camera detects motion after dark. It’s both practical and a little fun!

3. Creating Custom Notification Rules

For power users, Arlo’s Rules feature lets you automate complex actions. For instance:

• Send a high-priority alert if motion is detected at 3 AM.
• Only notify you if the same camera detects motion three times in 10 minutes (reducing false alarms).

To set this up, go to Settings > Rules > Create Rule. The interface is intuitive, and you can test rules before enabling them.

Best Practices for Effective and Stress-Free Alerts

Notifications are only helpful if they’re reliable and relevant. Here’s how to optimize them long-term.

1. Regularly Review and Adjust Settings

Your needs change over time. Maybe you installed a new light that triggers false alerts, or your kids started playing near a camera. Set a monthly reminder to:

• Check activity zones.
• Update motion sensitivity.
• Review recent alerts to identify patterns.

2. Manage Notification Volume

Too many alerts can lead to “alert fatigue,” where you start ignoring them. To avoid this:

• Disable alerts for low-priority areas (e.g., backyard when you’re home).
• Use “Quiet Hours” in the app to mute alerts during sleep times.
• Enable Summary Notifications (available in Arlo Smart) for a daily digest instead of constant pings.

3. Data Table: Notification Settings Comparison

Feature	Basic Cameras (e.g., Arlo Essential)	Advanced Cameras (e.g., Arlo Pro 5S)	With Arlo Smart Subscription
Motion Alerts	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Person Detection	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (with AI)
Activity Zones	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Custom Rules	❌ Limited	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (Advanced)
Cloud Storage for Alerts	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes (30-day history)

Note: Arlo Smart subscription adds AI detection, 30-day cloud storage, and advanced rules. Pricing starts at $2.99/month per camera.

4. Battery vs. Wired Cameras: Notification Considerations

Wireless Arlo cameras (like the Arlo Pro 4) rely on batteries. Low battery can affect performance. To avoid missed alerts:

• Check battery levels weekly (via the app).
• Enable “Low Battery” notifications.
• Use rechargeable batteries and keep spares.

Wired cameras (e.g., Arlo Ultra 2) don’t have this issue—just ensure they’re plugged in!

Final Thoughts: Never Miss a Moment with Arlo Notifications

Setting up notifications in your Arlo cameras isn’t just a technical task—it’s about reclaiming control over your home’s security. Whether it’s catching a package thief, greeting a neighbor, or simply checking in on your pets, the right notification settings keep you informed without overwhelming you.

Remember, the key is balance. Start with basic motion alerts, then gradually add features like activity zones, AI detection, and smart home integrations as you get comfortable. And don’t hesitate to tweak settings over time. What works today might need adjustment next month—and that’s okay.

From personal experience, I can say that well-configured Arlo notifications have saved me from missed deliveries, potential break-ins, and even helped me track down a lost package. It’s not about having more alerts—it’s about having the right ones. With this guide, you’re now equipped to turn on notifications the smart way. So go ahead, set it up, test it out, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is truly under watch.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I turn on notifications in Arlo cameras?

To turn on notifications in Arlo cameras, open the Arlo app, go to your camera’s settings, and enable “Push Notifications” or “Email Alerts” under the Notification section. Ensure your mobile device’s notification settings also allow alerts from the Arlo app.

Why aren’t my Arlo camera notifications working?

If your Arlo camera notifications aren’t working, check that notifications are enabled in both the Arlo app and your phone’s settings. Also, verify your camera is online and motion detection is properly configured.

Can I customize Arlo notifications for specific cameras?

Yes, you can customize Arlo notifications per camera by selecting each camera in the app, adjusting its notification settings, and choosing alert types (e.g., motion, audio, or person detection). This helps tailor alerts to your needs.

How do I enable Arlo notifications for multiple devices?

To enable Arlo notifications across multiple devices, log into the same Arlo account on each device and turn on notifications in the app settings. This ensures alerts are consistent across all your phones or tablets.

Does Arlo offer smart notifications for motion detection?

Yes, Arlo’s Smart Notifications let you filter alerts by motion type (e.g., people, vehicles, or animals) when using an Arlo Smart subscription. Enable these in the app under Notification settings for more precise alerts.

How do I turn off Arlo notifications temporarily?

To pause Arlo notifications, open the app, navigate to Notification settings, and toggle off alerts or set a schedule. This is useful for avoiding false alarms during specific times.