Adjusting motion sensitivity on your Arlo Pro camera in 2026 is quick and intuitive via the Arlo SmartHub or mobile app—simply navigate to Settings > Motion Detection to fine-tune detection zones and sensitivity levels. This ensures fewer false alerts and sharper accuracy by focusing only on areas that matter. For optimal performance, update your firmware regularly and customize notifications to match your daily routine.

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How to Adjust Motion on Arlo Pro Camera in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Access Settings: Open Arlo app and tap camera settings to begin motion adjustments.
• Adjust Sensitivity: Modify motion sensitivity to reduce false alerts or increase detection.
• Set Zones: Define activity zones to focus on key areas and ignore irrelevant motion.
• Schedule Alerts: Enable motion-based schedules to monitor only during desired times.
• Update Firmware: Ensure latest firmware for optimal motion detection performance and features.
• Test Settings: Trigger motion and review alerts to fine-tune accuracy after changes.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

You’ve got an Arlo Pro camera—maybe you’ve had it for years, or it’s brand new. Either way, you’ve probably noticed something: it’s either too sensitive or not sensitive enough. One day, your phone blows up with alerts because the neighbor’s cat walked by. The next, a delivery driver drops off a package and your camera misses it entirely.

This is where learning how to adjust motion on Arlo Pro camera in 2026 becomes essential. Motion settings aren’t just about convenience—they’re about peace of mind. You want real alerts, not false alarms. You want to catch what matters, not every leaf that flutters.

I remember setting up my first Arlo system. I thought “motion detection” meant “it sees everything.” But after 37 alerts in one night (yes, I counted), I realized: adjusting motion is not optional—it’s the difference between a smart camera and a noisy distraction.

In 2026, Arlo’s software has evolved. The interface is cleaner, the AI smarter, and the customization deeper. But with more options comes more confusion. This guide walks you through the process—not with tech jargon, but with real-world steps and personal insights—so you can finally get your Arlo Pro to work for you, not against you.

What You Need

Before we dive into how to adjust motion on Arlo Pro camera in 2026, let’s make sure you’re set up for success. You don’t need fancy tools—just a few essentials most people already have.

• Your Arlo Pro camera(s) – Make sure they’re powered on and connected.

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• The Arlo app – Download the latest version from the App Store or Google Play. (Seriously, update it—2026 features won’t work on older versions.)
• Your smartphone or tablet – iOS or Android, doesn’t matter. Just keep it charged.
• Wi-Fi connection – Your base station (if you have one) or direct Wi-Fi for newer models.
• Your Arlo account login – Have your email and password ready.
• 5–10 minutes of uninterrupted time – No multitasking. This is worth your full attention.

Pro Tip: If you’re adjusting multiple cameras, do them one at a time. It’s easier to track changes and avoid confusion. Trust me—I once tried to adjust three at once and ended up resetting them all.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Adjust Motion on Arlo Pro Camera in 2026

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Log In

Start by opening the Arlo app. If you haven’t logged in recently, enter your credentials. The app should greet you with your camera feed dashboard—your home base.

Look for your Arlo Pro camera in the list. Tap on it to open the live view. This is where the magic begins. The 2026 version of the app has a cleaner layout, with motion settings now more accessible than ever.

Pro tip: If you have multiple cameras, use the “Camera Groups” feature to organize them by location (e.g., “Front Yard,” “Back Porch”). It makes finding the right one faster when adjusting motion.

Step 2: Access the Camera Settings

From the live view, tap the three-dot menu (⋮) or the gear icon in the top right. This opens the Settings panel. Scroll down until you see “Motion Detection” or “Activity Zones”—both are key to adjusting motion on Arlo Pro camera in 2026.

You’ll notice a few new options in 2026: “Smart Motion,” “AI Filtering,” and “Custom Sensitivity.” These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re game-changers. But let’s take it one step at a time.

Tap “Motion Detection” first. This is the main control center for how your camera responds to movement.

Step 3: Adjust Motion Sensitivity

Here’s where you fine-tune how easily your camera triggers an alert. You’ll see a slider labeled “Sensitivity”—ranging from “Low” to “High.”

• Low: Only large, fast-moving objects (like people or cars) trigger alerts.
• Medium: Good for general use—catches people and pets.
• High: Catches almost everything—shadows, leaves, bugs. (Use sparingly!)

I recommend starting at Medium and testing for 24 hours. If you get too many false alerts, go down to Low. If you miss real events, bump it up slightly.

Warning: Setting sensitivity to “High” in windy areas is a recipe for alert fatigue. I once had a camera set to High during a storm—got 89 alerts in two hours. Not fun.

The 2026 update adds a “Dynamic Sensitivity” toggle. When enabled, the camera uses AI to adjust sensitivity based on time of day and weather. It’s surprisingly smart—especially for outdoor cameras. Try it if you live in a variable climate.

Step 4: Set Up Activity Zones (The Real Game-Changer)

This is where how to adjust motion on Arlo Pro camera in 2026 gets powerful. Activity Zones let you define where the camera should detect motion—and where it should ignore it.

Go back to the Settings menu and tap “Activity Zones”. You’ll see a live feed with a grid overlay. Tap to draw zones—like rectangles or polygons—over areas you want to monitor.

For example:

• Draw a zone over your front porch to catch deliveries.
• Leave the sidewalk and street outside the zone to ignore passing cars and joggers.
• Exclude trees or bushes that sway in the wind.

You can create up to 10 zones per camera in 2026. Use them wisely. I have one zone for my driveway and another for the side gate—perfect for catching package thieves but ignoring the mail truck.

Pro Tip: Use different colors for each zone. The 2026 app lets you assign colors, making it easier to identify zones later. I use red for high-priority areas (entry points) and blue for secondary zones.

Step 5: Enable AI-Based Motion Filtering (2026 Feature)

Here’s a new feature in 2026: AI Motion Filtering. It uses machine learning to distinguish between people, animals, vehicles, and other motion.

To enable it, go to “Smart Motion” in the Settings menu. You’ll see options like:

• Detect People – Only alerts when a human is detected.
• Detect Animals – Great for pet owners (or avoiding false alerts from raccoons).
• Detect Vehicles – Perfect for driveways and street-facing cameras.
• Ignore Small Objects – Filters out bugs, leaves, and shadows.

I keep “Detect People” and “Detect Vehicles” on for my front yard camera. “Ignore Small Objects” is a must—saved me from 20+ alerts per day from a swaying tree branch.

Note: AI filtering requires a subscription to Arlo Secure (or Arlo Secure Plus). But if you already have it, this feature is worth every penny.

Step 6: Schedule Motion Alerts (Time-Based Adjustments)

Not all times of day need the same motion sensitivity. That’s why Arlo 2026 lets you create custom schedules for motion detection.

Go to “Schedules” in the Settings menu. Tap “Add Schedule.” You can set:

• Time ranges (e.g., 9 PM to 6 AM).
• Different sensitivity levels for each schedule.
• Which activity zones are active during that time.

For example:

• At night: Set sensitivity to Medium, only monitor entry points, and ignore the backyard.
• During the day: Use High sensitivity and monitor all zones (in case of break-ins).

This is a lifesaver if you work from home. I have a “Work Hours” schedule (9 AM–5 PM) with reduced sensitivity and only porch monitoring. No more alerts from birds or squirrels.

Step 7: Test and Fine-Tune

You’ve made changes—now test them. Walk in front of the camera. Have a friend drive by. Wave a flashlight at night. Watch the app to see if alerts trigger correctly.

If the camera misses motion:

• Increase sensitivity slightly.
• Expand the activity zone.
• Check for obstructions (dirt on lens, overhanging branches).

If you get false alerts:

• Reduce sensitivity.
• Shrink or reposition activity zones.
• Enable “Ignore Small Objects” or “AI Filtering.”

I usually test for 24–48 hours before finalizing settings. The 2026 app has a “Motion History” feature—tap it to see a timeline of all detected events. Super helpful for diagnosing issues.

Step 8: Save and Sync Across Devices

Once you’re happy with the settings, tap “Save” or “Apply”. The changes sync across all devices linked to your Arlo account.

Pro tip: Use the “Sync All” button if you have multiple cameras with similar setups (e.g., all front-facing). It saves time and ensures consistency.

The 2026 app also lets you export your motion settings as a template. Great if you’re setting up new cameras or helping a neighbor.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Don’t Rely on Default Settings

Arlo’s default motion settings are designed for average conditions. But “average” doesn’t exist in real life. Your backyard isn’t like mine—adjust accordingly.

I learned this the hard way when my camera kept alerting on my dog. Default settings treated her like a human. After enabling “Detect Animals” and setting a lower sensitivity, the problem vanished.

2. Watch for Obstructions

Even the best motion settings fail if the lens is dirty or the view is blocked. Wipe the lens monthly. Trim branches. Avoid mounting near bright lights (they can cause glare or false shadows).

One summer, my camera kept missing motion because a spider built a web in front of the lens. A quick wipe fixed it—but I missed a delivery because of it.

3. Use AI Filtering Wisely

AI is smart, but not perfect. It might miss a person in dark clothing or misclassify a large dog as a person. Use AI as a tool, not a guarantee.

Also, AI filtering uses more data. If you’re on a limited data plan, monitor your usage. I noticed a 15% increase in data use after enabling AI—worth it for me, but something to consider.

4. Avoid Overlapping Zones

Don’t draw activity zones that overlap too much. It confuses the camera and can cause duplicate alerts. Keep zones distinct and focused.

I once had two zones overlapping on my driveway. The camera triggered twice every time a car passed. Annoying—and avoidable.

5. Update Firmware Regularly

Arlo releases firmware updates that improve motion detection accuracy. Check for updates in the “Device Info” section of the app. The 2026 models have automatic updates, but it’s good to verify.

One update last year fixed a bug where motion detection failed during heavy rain. My camera worked perfectly after that.

6. Consider Lighting Conditions

Motion detection works better in well-lit areas. If your camera is in a dark corner, consider adding a motion-activated light nearby. The 2026 Arlo Pro models have improved low-light sensitivity, but light helps.

I added a solar light near my back porch camera. Night alerts became way more reliable.

FAQs About How to Adjust Motion on Arlo Pro Camera in 2026

Q: Why is my Arlo Pro camera sending too many false alerts?

It’s probably due to high sensitivity, poor activity zone setup, or environmental factors (wind, animals). Try lowering sensitivity, refining activity zones, and enabling AI filtering. Also, check if the lens is dirty or if there are moving objects in the frame (like trees).

Q: Can I adjust motion settings remotely?

Yes! The Arlo app works from anywhere with internet. You can adjust sensitivity, activity zones, and schedules from your phone, even if you’re on vacation. Just make sure your camera is online.

Q: Do I need a subscription to use AI motion filtering?

Yes. AI features like “Detect People” and “Ignore Small Objects” require an Arlo Secure or Arlo Secure Plus subscription. But if you already have one (or plan to get one), it’s a huge upgrade for motion accuracy.

Q: Why does my camera miss motion at night?

Night vision has a shorter detection range. Make sure your camera’s IR sensors are unobstructed. Also, avoid pointing it directly at bright lights (they can wash out the image). If problems persist, try increasing sensitivity at night using a schedule.

Q: Can I set different motion settings for weekdays vs. weekends?

Absolutely. Use the Schedules feature to create custom time blocks. For example, set high sensitivity on weekends when you’re home, and lower sensitivity on weekdays when you’re away. You can even create a “Vacation Mode” schedule.

Q: How often should I review my motion settings?

I recommend checking them every 3–6 months, or after major changes (new landscaping, added lights, seasonal weather shifts). The 2026 app has a “Motion Health” score that gives you a quick overview of how well your settings are working.

Q: What if I reset my camera? Will I lose my motion settings?

Yes. A factory reset erases all custom settings, including motion sensitivity, activity zones, and schedules. Before resetting, note down your current settings or use the “Export Template” feature to save them. Then, you can reapply them later.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to adjust motion on Arlo Pro camera in 2026 isn’t just about reducing alerts—it’s about building a smarter, more reliable security system. It’s the difference between a camera that annoys you and one that protects you.

Start small. Adjust one setting at a time. Test it. Tweak it. The 2026 Arlo Pro is more customizable than ever, but with great power comes great responsibility (and a few trial-and-error moments).

Remember: your camera should work for your life—not the other way around. Whether you’re guarding your home, keeping an eye on pets, or just avoiding false alarms, the right motion settings make all the difference.

So grab your phone, open the Arlo app, and take control. Your peace of mind is worth 10 minutes of your time. And hey—once it’s set, you might even get a full night’s sleep without checking your phone every hour.

You’ve got this.

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