Adjusting sensitivity on your Arlo camera in 2026 is quick and easy—simply open the Arlo app, select your camera, and fine-tune the motion detection slider under “Activity Zones” for optimal performance. Whether you’re reducing false alerts or boosting security, customizing sensitivity ensures precise monitoring tailored to your environment. For best results, test different settings and use AI-powered filters to distinguish people, pets, and vehicles.

How to Adjust Sensitivity on Arlo Camera in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Access settings via Arlo app: Open the app and select your camera to begin adjustments.
• Adjust motion sensitivity slider: Fine-tune detection levels to reduce false alerts effectively.
• Set activity zones: Limit monitoring to specific areas for precise motion detection.
• Update firmware regularly: Ensure optimal performance with the latest camera updates.
• Test after changes: Verify sensitivity settings with real-world motion checks for accuracy.
• Use schedules: Automate sensitivity changes based on time or activity patterns.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be honest: nothing’s more frustrating than getting a flood of false alerts from your Arlo camera. One minute it’s a leaf blowing in the wind, the next it’s a shadow from a passing car—and your phone’s blowing up with notifications. I’ve been there. I once had an Arlo Ultra 2 screaming “motion detected” every 10 minutes because a squirrel kept running across my porch. It wasn’t just annoying—it made the whole system feel useless.

That’s where sensitivity comes in. Adjusting the sensitivity on your Arlo camera helps you filter out the noise while still catching the real action—like someone approaching your front door or a delivery driver dropping off a package. The good news? In 2026, Arlo’s app and firmware are smarter than ever, making it easier to fine-tune your motion detection. But only if you know where to look and what to tweak.

Whether you’re using an Arlo Pro 5, Arlo Essential, or the latest Arlo Ultra 3, learning how to adjust sensitivity on Arlo camera in 2026 is essential for a stress-free smart home. It’s not just about reducing false alerts—it’s about getting smarter alerts that actually matter.

And if you’re wondering whether this works with AI detection, zones, or night mode? Yes, it does. We’ll cover all that—and more—in this guide.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you’ve got everything ready. You don’t need fancy tools or a tech degree. Just a few essentials:

• Your Arlo camera(s) – Any model from the Pro 3 up to the Ultra 3 works. Older models like the Pro 2 may have limited options.
• The Arlo app – Make sure it’s updated to the latest version (as of early 2026, that’s Arlo Secure 4.8+).
• A smartphone or tablet – iOS or Android, doesn’t matter. Just needs to be connected to Wi-Fi.
• Your Arlo account login – You’ll need this to access your camera settings.
• A few minutes of quiet time – No rush. We’re going to do this right.

Bonus (but helpful): A second person to help test motion during setup. Or, if you’re like me, just wave your arms in front of the camera like a goof. Works every time.

Pro tip: If you’re using an Arlo SmartHub or base station (like the Arlo SmartHub Pro), make sure it’s online. Some sensitivity settings sync through the hub, especially for cameras with AI features.

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

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Select Your Camera

Start by opening the Arlo Secure app on your phone or tablet. Tap the “Cameras” tab at the bottom—this shows all your connected devices.

Now, tap the camera you want to adjust. I always start with the one giving me the most trouble—usually the front door cam. Once you tap it, you’ll see a live view and a gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner. That’s your ticket to the settings menu.

Click that gear icon. You’ll land in the camera’s Device Settings screen. This is where the magic begins. Look for a section called “Motion Detection” or “Detection & Alerts.” That’s where we’ll adjust sensitivity.

Pro tip: If you have multiple cameras, repeat this process for each one. Sensitivity settings are per camera, not system-wide. So your backyard cam can be more sensitive than your garage cam—perfect for customizing your home’s security.

Step 2: Find the Motion Detection or Sensitivity Slider

Once in the settings, scroll down until you see “Motion Detection” or “Detection Sensitivity.” The exact name depends on your camera model and firmware, but it’s usually near the top.

Here’s what you’ll typically see:

• A slider ranging from “Low” to “High” (or 1–10).
• Sometimes a toggle for “Smart Motion Detection” or “AI Detection” (more on that later).
• An option for “Detection Zones” (we’ll cover that in Step 3).

Tap on the slider. You can drag it left (lower sensitivity) or right (higher sensitivity). Think of it like volume control for motion alerts. Lower = quieter (fewer alerts). Higher = louder (more alerts, but more false ones too).

For most homes, I recommend starting at medium (around 5–6) and adjusting from there. If you’re in a busy area (near a street, with trees, or frequent foot traffic), go lower. If you’re in a quiet rural area and want to catch every movement, go higher.

This is the core of how to adjust sensitivity on Arlo camera in 2026—it’s that simple. But don’t stop here. The real power comes in the next steps.

Step 3: Set Up Detection Zones (Your Secret Weapon)

Here’s where Arlo shines in 2026: Detection Zones. Instead of making your camera detect motion across the entire field of view, you can draw boxes on the screen to tell it where to look.

To set this up:

• Tap “Detection Zones” under the sensitivity slider.
• You’ll see your camera’s live view with a grid overlay.
• Tap and drag to draw rectangles over areas you care about—like your front porch, driveway, or backyard gate.
• You can draw multiple zones and even exclude areas (like a busy sidewalk or tree branch).

Why this matters: Let’s say your camera sees your neighbor’s cat walking by every morning. With a zone, you can exclude that path. Now, only motion in your driveway triggers an alert. No more cat spam.

And here’s a cool 2026 update: Arlo’s AI can now auto-suggest zones based on past motion patterns. If it notices 90% of alerts come from your front walkway, it’ll suggest drawing a zone there. Tap “Apply” and you’re golden.

Warning: Don’t make your zones too small. If you’re trying to catch someone walking up, a tiny 1-foot box might miss them. I made this mistake once and missed a package thief because they walked just outside my zone. Aim for zones at least 3–4 feet wide.

Step 4: Enable or Tweak AI Detection (If Available)

Newer Arlo models (Pro 5, Ultra 3, Essential XL) come with AI-powered motion detection—and it’s a game-changer. Instead of just detecting “motion,” it can tell the difference between a person, animal, vehicle, or package.

To use it:

• Back in the Motion Detection settings, look for “AI Detection” or “Smart Alerts.”
• Toggle it on.
• You’ll see checkboxes for “Person,” “Animal,” “Vehicle,” and “Package.”
• Check the ones you want to get alerts for. Uncheck the ones you don’t.

For example: If you only want alerts when a person or package is detected, uncheck “Animal” and “Vehicle.” This cuts down on false alarms dramatically. I did this after my dog kept triggering alerts—problem solved in seconds.

And here’s a 2026 bonus: Arlo now lets you adjust AI sensitivity per category. So you can set “Person” detection to high, “Animal” to low, and “Vehicle” to medium. This is huge for fine-tuning your alerts.

Note: AI detection requires an Arlo Secure subscription (or free trial). If you’re not subscribed, you’ll still get basic motion alerts, but not the AI filtering.

Step 5: Test and Adjust in Real Time

Settings are great—but they don’t mean much until you test them. Here’s how I do it:

• Go back to the live view of your camera.
• Wave your arm in front of it (or have a friend walk by).
• Check if you get an alert.
• Wait a few minutes. If you don’t get an alert, increase sensitivity slightly.
• Repeat until you get a reliable alert.

But don’t stop there. Test at different times of day. I’ve found that low-light sensitivity often behaves differently. So test at dusk or dawn. If the camera misses motion in dim light, go into settings and look for “Night Mode Sensitivity” or “IR Detection Sensitivity.” Some Arlo cameras let you adjust this separately.

Also, test edge cases:

• Does it detect someone walking slowly?
• Does it catch motion in shadows?
• Does it ignore your neighbor’s cat?

Adjust the slider or zones until you’re happy. This trial-and-error process is key to mastering how to adjust sensitivity on Arlo camera in 2026.

Step 6: Schedule Sensitivity (For Smart Homes)

Here’s a pro move: Schedule different sensitivity levels for different times of day. Arlo’s 2026 update lets you create “Detection Schedules.”

For example:

• High sensitivity at night (when fewer people are around).
• Medium sensitivity during the day.
• Low sensitivity during peak hours (like 8–10 AM when kids are going to school).

To set this up:

• Go to “Settings” > “Schedules” in the main app menu.
• Tap “+” to create a new schedule.
• Name it (e.g., “Night Watch”).
• Set the time range (e.g., 8 PM to 6 AM).
• Choose the cameras and set their sensitivity level (and AI preferences).
• Save and enable.

This is perfect for shift workers or anyone who wants more control. I use a “Vacation Mode” schedule when I’m away—high sensitivity, full AI, and all zones enabled.

Step 7: Monitor and Fine-Tune Over Time

Don’t set it and forget it. Sensitivity needs occasional tweaking. Why? Because:

• Seasons change (leaves, snow, rain).
• New plants grow.
• Your neighbor might install a new light that creates shadows.
• Your dog gets bigger and moves differently.

So, every few weeks, check your camera’s activity log. Look at the alerts. Are you getting too many false positives? Too few real ones? Adjust accordingly.

I keep a little notebook (yes, paper) where I jot down changes and results. It helps me track what works. For example: “Lowered sensitivity from 7 to 5—fewer cat alerts, but caught the mail carrier. Win.”

Over time, you’ll get a feel for what’s right. And that’s when your Arlo camera becomes a true security partner—not just a noisy gadget.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After years of using Arlo cameras, I’ve learned a few hard truths. Here are the real-world insights I wish I knew earlier:

Tip #1: Don’t max out sensitivity. I used to set it to 10, thinking “more is better.” Nope. I got alerts from moths, shadows, and even my own reflection. High sensitivity without zones or AI is a recipe for alert fatigue. Aim for precision, not volume.

Tip #2: Use zones for outdoor cameras. If your camera faces a street, draw a zone that stops at the sidewalk. This cuts down on passing cars and pedestrians. I once excluded a bus route—my alerts dropped by 60%.

Tip #3: Adjust IR sensitivity for night. Infrared motion detection is different from daytime. If your camera misses motion at night, go to “Night Mode” settings and increase IR sensitivity. But be careful—too high, and it’ll pick up heat from pavement.

Tip #4: Sync with your SmartHub. If you have a SmartHub, make sure it’s updated. Some sensitivity settings (like AI) sync through the hub, not just the app. I once spent an hour tweaking my camera, only to realize the hub was running old firmware.

Common Mistake: Ignoring firmware updates. Arlo pushes updates that improve motion detection. In 2025, a firmware update fixed a bug where AI missed small animals. If you’re on an old version, you’re missing out. Check “Device Info” > “Firmware” and update if needed.

Common Mistake: Forgetting about camera placement. No amount of sensitivity adjustment can fix a poorly placed camera. If it’s pointed at a tree, you’ll always get leaf alerts. Reposition it to face open areas. I moved my garage cam up 6 inches—suddenly, no more false alerts from the garage door shadow.

And one last thing: Don’t rely on sensitivity alone. Pair it with other features:

• Activity Zones (we covered this).
• AI Detection (to filter by object type).
• Scheduling (to adjust for time of day).
• Notifications (set to “Important Only” to avoid spam).

When you combine these, you’re not just adjusting sensitivity—you’re building a smart security system.

FAQs About How to Adjust Sensitivity on Arlo Camera in 2026

Let’s answer the questions I get most often—because I’ve been asked them all.

Q: Can I adjust sensitivity on older Arlo cameras like the Pro 2?

A: Yes, but with limits. The Pro 2 has a basic sensitivity slider, but no AI detection or advanced zones. You can still reduce false alerts by lowering sensitivity and using manual zones (if supported). For the best experience, consider upgrading to a newer model with 2026 features.

Q: Why isn’t my sensitivity change taking effect?

A: A few reasons. First, make sure you tapped “Save” after adjusting the slider. Second, check if your SmartHub needs a restart. Third, ensure your app is updated. I once spent 20 minutes troubleshooting—only to realize I’d forgotten to hit “Save.” Classic.

Q: Does sensitivity affect battery life?

A: Indirectly. Higher sensitivity means more processing, which can drain battery faster—especially on wireless models like the Essential. But the impact is usually small. If battery life is a concern, use lower sensitivity and AI to filter out unnecessary alerts.

Q: Can I adjust sensitivity for all cameras at once?

A: Not directly. Each camera has its own settings. But you can use Schedules to apply the same sensitivity level to multiple cameras at the same time. For example, set all outdoor cams to “High” at night. It’s not one-click, but it’s close.

Q: What’s the best sensitivity setting for a front door camera?

A: I recommend 6–7 with a detection zone covering the walkway and porch. Enable AI for “Person” and “Package” detection. This catches visitors and deliveries without alerting on every passing car. If you live in a quiet area, go up to 8. If it’s busy, drop to 5.

Q: Does rain or snow affect sensitivity?

A: Yes, but not in the way you think. Heavy rain can create motion blurs, but Arlo’s AI usually filters this out. Snow is trickier—melting snow can look like motion. In winter, I lower sensitivity slightly and use zones to avoid snow-covered areas. Also, keep your camera lens clean!

Q: Can I adjust sensitivity remotely?

A: Absolutely. As long as you have the Arlo app and internet, you can adjust sensitivity from anywhere. I’ve done it from a beach in Mexico when my camera started alerting on palm trees. Saved me a lot of stress.

Final Thoughts

Adjusting sensitivity on your Arlo camera isn’t just about silencing annoying alerts—it’s about taking control of your home security. In 2026, with smarter AI, better zones, and flexible scheduling, it’s easier than ever to get the alerts you want—and ignore the ones you don’t.

Remember: How to adjust sensitivity on Arlo camera in 2026 isn’t a one-time task. It’s an ongoing process. Test it. Tweak it. Learn from it. Over time, you’ll find the sweet spot where your camera feels like an extension of your awareness, not a source of noise.

Start simple: pick one camera, adjust the slider, set a zone, and test it. Then move to the next. Before you know it, you’ll have a system that’s not just smart—it’s thoughtful.

And if you ever feel overwhelmed? Take a breath. I’ve been there. Just wave your arm in front of the camera and see what happens. Sometimes, the best teacher is a little motion.

Now go forth and tweak. Your Arlo camera is waiting.