How Do You Activate the Email Option on Arlo Camera A Complete Guide

To activate the email option on your Arlo camera, open the Arlo app, navigate to Settings > Notifications, and toggle on “Email Alerts” for real-time motion or sound detection updates. Ensure your email is verified in the app and customize alert preferences for specific cameras or zones. This quick setup keeps you instantly informed, enhancing your home security with seamless, no-cost monitoring.

Key Takeaways

• Open the Arlo app and select your camera to begin setup.
• Enable notifications under camera settings for email alerts.
• Verify your email is linked to your Arlo account first.
• Customize alert types to avoid unnecessary emails.
• Check spam folder if emails don’t arrive promptly.
• Update firmware to ensure email feature compatibility.

Why Email Alerts from Your Arlo Camera Are a Game-Changer

Imagine you’re at work, sipping coffee, when suddenly your phone buzzes with an email. It’s not a work message—it’s your Arlo camera alerting you that someone just stepped into your driveway. No app to open, no push notifications to miss. Just a simple email in your inbox. That’s the power of activating the email option on Arlo camera. For many users, this feature is a quiet hero—especially if you’re someone who lives in their inbox or wants a reliable backup to mobile alerts.

I remember when I first set up my Arlo Pro 3. I loved the crisp 2K video and the smart motion zones. But I kept missing alerts because my phone was on silent or in another room. Then, a friend mentioned, “Have you tried email notifications?” It was a lightbulb moment. Suddenly, I could get alerts even when my phone was off or in airplane mode. Whether you’re a busy parent, a remote worker, or just someone who likes to stay informed, enabling email notifications on your Arlo camera can make your security system feel truly connected. And the best part? It’s easier than you think.

Understanding the Email Notification Feature on Arlo Cameras

What Email Alerts Actually Do

The email option on Arlo camera sends a direct email to your registered address whenever a motion or audio event is detected. Unlike push notifications that disappear after a few seconds, emails stay in your inbox—perfect for reviewing later, sharing with family, or even forwarding to authorities if needed. These emails typically include:

• A timestamp of the event
• A snapshot of the detected activity
• A direct link to view the full video in the Arlo app
• Camera name and location (if labeled)

For example, if your backyard camera detects movement at 2:15 PM, you’ll get an email within seconds with a thumbnail and a “Watch Video” button. Click it, and you’re taken straight to the clip. No digging through app notifications or checking multiple devices.

How Email Alerts Differ from Push and SMS Notifications

Many users wonder: “Why use email when I already get push notifications?” Great question. Here’s the breakdown:

• Push notifications are instant but fleeting. They vanish if you swipe them away or miss them.
• SMS alerts are reliable but often limited to text only (no video or image).
• Email alerts are persistent, visual, and can be archived, searched, and shared easily.

I once missed a delivery because my push notification got buried under 50 other alerts. But with email, the delivery person’s face was right there in my inbox the next morning. That’s the kind of reliability email offers.

Which Arlo Cameras Support Email Alerts?

Good news: almost all modern Arlo cameras support the email option. This includes:

• Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, and Pro 5
• Arlo Ultra and Ultra 2
• Arlo Essential series (Indoor, Outdoor, Spotlight)
• Arlo Go and Go 2 (LTE models)
• Arlo Video Doorbell and Floodlight Cam

The only exceptions are some older models like the original Arlo (2014), which lack full integration with the current Arlo app. If you’re unsure, check your camera’s settings in the app—email options will be visible if supported.

Step-by-Step Guide to Activate the Email Option on Arlo Camera

Step 1: Update Your Arlo App and Firmware

Before diving in, make sure your Arlo app and camera firmware are up to date. Outdated software can cause glitches with notifications. Here’s how:

• Open the Arlo app on your smartphone or tablet.
• Tap your camera’s name, then go to Settings > Device Info > Firmware Version.
• If an update is available, tap “Update.”
• Also, check your app store (Google Play or App Store) for Arlo app updates.

Tip: I once spent 20 minutes troubleshooting email alerts—only to realize my camera was on an old firmware version. A 5-minute update fixed it. Don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Access Notification Settings in the Arlo App

Now, let’s enable the email option:

1. Open the Arlo app and log in.
2. Tap the camera you want to configure (or “All Cameras” if you have multiple).
3. Tap the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner.
4. Scroll down and select Notifications.
5. Tap Email (it might say “Email Notifications”).

You’ll see a toggle switch. Make sure it’s turned on. If it’s gray, tap it to activate.

Step 3: Add and Verify Your Email Address

Arlo requires a verified email address to send alerts. Here’s how to add one:

• Under “Email Notifications,” tap Add Email Address.
• Enter your email (e.g., you@email.com).
• Tap “Save.”

Arlo will send a verification email to that address. Open your inbox, find the email (check spam if needed), and click the “Verify” button. Back in the app, you’ll see a green checkmark confirming the email is verified.

Pro tip: Use a primary email you check daily. I use my work email, but I’ve set up a filter to label Arlo alerts—so they stand out in my busy inbox.

Step 4: Customize Alert Types and Sensitivity

Not all motion is worth an email. Customize what triggers alerts:

• Motion Detection: Toggle on. You can adjust sensitivity (Low/Medium/High) under “Motion Detection Settings.”
• Audio Detection: Useful for indoor cams or detecting glass breaks. Toggle on if needed.
• Activity Zones: Create zones to ignore areas like swaying trees. Tap “Edit Zones” to draw boundaries.

Example: I set my front porch camera to ignore the street (high traffic) but alert on my doorstep. This cut my email alerts from 50/day to 5—much more manageable.

Step 5: Test the Setup with a Motion Test

Don’t assume it works—test it! Here’s how:

1. Stand in front of your camera.
2. Wave your arms to trigger motion.
3. Wait 10–15 seconds.
4. Check your email inbox for the alert.

If you don’t get an email:

• Check spam/junk folders.
• Ensure your camera has a strong Wi-Fi signal (check the signal strength in the app).
• Restart the Arlo app and try again.

When it works, you’ll hear the familiar *ding* of an incoming email—and feel that peace of mind.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Arlo Email Notifications

Emails Not Arriving in Your Inbox

Frustrating, right? Here are the most common causes:

• Email not verified: Revisit Step 3. The green checkmark must be visible.
• Spam filters: Mark Arlo emails as “Not Spam” and add Arlo’s sender address (no-reply@arlo.com) to your contacts.
• Wi-Fi issues: A weak signal delays alerts. Move your camera closer to the router or use an Arlo SmartHub.
• App permissions: Ensure the Arlo app has permission to send notifications (check your phone’s settings).

I once missed a package delivery because my email was in spam. Now, I check spam weekly—just in case.

Getting Too Many (or Too Few) Alerts

Problem: Flood of emails
Solution: Refine activity zones and lower motion sensitivity. For example, if trees trigger alerts, exclude that area. Also, enable “Smart Alerts” (if available) to filter out animals or vehicles.

Problem: No emails despite motion
Solution: Check if “Do Not Disturb” mode is on (in the app). Also, ensure your camera’s status is “Armed” (not “Disarmed”).

Bonus tip: Use scheduling to arm cameras only during certain times. Go to Settings > Schedule to set up daily or custom schedules.

Email Delays and Syncing Issues

Sometimes emails arrive late. This is usually due to:

• Internet latency: Run a speed test. Arlo recommends at least 2 Mbps upload speed.
• Server delays: Arlo’s servers occasionally lag. Wait 1–2 minutes—if no email arrives, try the test again.

If delays persist, contact Arlo Support through the app. They can check backend logs for issues.

Advanced Tips to Maximize Your Email Alerts

Set Up Multiple Email Recipients

Want your spouse or neighbor to get alerts too? Arlo lets you add multiple emails:

• In the app, go to Settings > Notifications > Email.
• Tap “Add Email Address” again.
• Enter the second email and verify it.

Now, both of you get alerts. I set this up for my elderly parents—so my sister and I both know when someone visits their home.

Use Filters and Labels in Your Email Client

Don’t drown in Arlo emails! Use filters:

• Gmail: Create a filter for “from:no-reply@arlo.com” and label as “Arlo Alerts.”
• Outlook: Set up a rule to move Arlo emails to a dedicated folder.
• Apple Mail: Use “Smart Mailboxes” to auto-sort alerts.

This keeps your inbox clean and makes it easy to find alerts later.

Integrate with Smart Home Platforms

Arlo works with IFTTT, SmartThings, and Alexa. For example:

• Use IFTTT to forward Arlo emails to Slack or a Telegram group.
• Set up Alexa routines to announce alerts via Echo devices.

I use IFTTT to send alerts to my family’s WhatsApp group—so everyone stays informed, even if they don’t use the Arlo app.

Archive Old Alerts for Reference

Need to review past events? Don’t delete emails—archive them. Most email clients let you:

• Search by keyword (e.g., “Arlo” + date).
• Export emails as PDFs (great for insurance claims or police reports).

I once found an old email showing a package thief—helped the police identify them.

Comparing Arlo Email Alerts with Other Security Cameras

How does Arlo’s email option stack up against competitors? Let’s break it down.

Data Table: Email Alert Features Across Brands

Feature	Arlo	Ring	Nest	Eufy
Email Alerts Included?	Yes (Free)	Yes (Free)	Yes (Free)	No (Requires Subscription)
Custom Activity Zones	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Multiple Email Recipients	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Email with Video Clip	Yes (Snapshot + Link)	Yes (Snapshot + Link)	Yes (Snapshot + Link)	Yes (Snapshot + Link)
Free Cloud Storage	No (7-day rolling for 1 cam)	No (30-day for paid)	Yes (3-hour for Nest Aware)	No (Local only)

Arlo’s email option shines in flexibility. Unlike Eufy, which hides email behind a paywall, Arlo offers it for free. And compared to Nest, Arlo allows multiple recipients—a big plus for families or shared homes. The only downside? Arlo’s free cloud storage is limited, so you’ll rely on email snapshots for quick checks, not full videos.

When to Choose Email Over Other Alert Types

Email is ideal if:

• You’re away from your phone (e.g., in a meeting).
• You want a searchable record of events.
• You share alerts with people who don’t use the Arlo app.

But for instant responses (like stopping a thief), combine email with push notifications and smart home integrations.

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Arlo’s Email Alerts

Activating the email option on Arlo camera isn’t just a technical task—it’s a way to stay connected to your home, no matter where you are. I’ve found that the peace of mind it brings is worth the 10-minute setup. Whether it’s catching a delivery, monitoring kids, or just knowing your home is safe, those little emails make a big difference.

Remember: start with a firmware update, verify your email, and test the system. Don’t forget to refine your activity zones—it’ll save you from email overload. And if you run into issues, don’t panic. Most problems are fixable with a quick check of spam folders or Wi-Fi strength.

Security tech should make life easier, not more complicated. With Arlo’s email alerts, you’re not just getting notifications—you’re building a smarter, more responsive home. So go ahead, enable that email option, and let your inbox become your new security dashboard. After all, the best alerts are the ones you actually see.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you activate the email option on Arlo camera for motion alerts?

To activate the email option on your Arlo camera, open the Arlo app or web portal, go to Settings > Alerts, and enable “Email Notifications” under the Alert Types section. Ensure your email address is verified in your account settings to start receiving motion-triggered alerts.

Can I customize which events trigger email notifications on my Arlo camera?

Yes, you can customize email triggers by selecting specific alert types (e.g., motion, audio, person detection) in the Alerts settings. Navigate to Settings > Alerts > Alert Types and toggle the desired events to activate the email option for only those triggers.

Why am I not receiving emails from my Arlo camera even though the option is activated?

First, check your spam/junk folder and ensure your email is correctly listed in Account Settings. If the issue persists, re-enable the email option on Arlo camera by toggling it off/on in the app and restart your device.

Is it possible to activate email notifications for multiple Arlo cameras at once?

Yes, you can activate the email option for multiple cameras simultaneously via the Arlo web portal. Go to Settings > Alerts > Alert Types, select “All Devices,” and enable “Email Notifications” to apply the change across your cameras.

Do I need a subscription to use the email option on Arlo camera?

Basic email notifications for motion/audio alerts are free with all Arlo cameras. However, advanced features like person/package detection require an Arlo Secure subscription to activate the email option for those specific alerts.

How do I update my email address for Arlo camera notifications?

To update your email, go to Account Settings > Profile in the Arlo app or web portal, edit the email field, and verify the new address. The email option will automatically sync with your updated contact details.