Adjusting motion settings on your Arlo camera in 2026 is quick and intuitive—simply open the Arlo app, select your camera, and tap “Motion Detection” to customize sensitivity, activity zones, and alerts. Fine-tune detection ranges and schedules to reduce false alarms and ensure precise monitoring tailored to your environment.

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How to Change Motion Settings 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: Customize detection levels to reduce false alerts and improve accuracy.
• Set activity zones: Focus on key areas to monitor and ignore irrelevant motion.
• Enable smart notifications: Get alerts only for people, vehicles, or animals with AI detection.
• Schedule motion detection: Activate settings only during specific times for better control.
• Update firmware regularly: Ensure latest features and optimal performance for motion tracking.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Ever had your Arlo camera send you 17 notifications because your cat walked past the window? Or worse—missed an actual delivery because the sensitivity was too low? You’re not alone.

Motion settings are the heartbeat of your Arlo camera’s performance. In 2026, with smarter AI detection, weather-based triggers, and customizable zones, knowing how to change motion settings on Arlo camera in 2026 isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for peace of mind.

I’ve been using Arlo cameras since 2019, and over the years, I’ve learned the hard way that a poorly configured motion sensor can lead to either constant false alerts or, worse, blind spots. One time, my neighbor’s dog triggered my camera 40 times in one evening. That night, I spent more time dismissing notifications than actually sleeping.

The good news? Arlo’s 2026 interface has made these adjustments easier than ever—if you know where to look. This guide walks you through the process step by step, so you can fine-tune your camera like a pro, whether you’re monitoring a front porch, a backyard, or a home office.

Real talk: The right motion settings mean fewer false alarms, better battery life (on wireless models), and more reliable alerts when it actually matters.

What You Need

You don’t need a tech degree or fancy tools. Just a few everyday items you probably already have:

• Your smartphone or tablet – The Arlo app is your main control center.
• Arlo account – Make sure you’re logged in and your camera is connected.
• Wi-Fi connection – Stable and strong, especially if you’re using a hub or base station.
• Your Arlo camera (any model from 2020–2026) – Works with Pro 5S, Ultra 2, Essential, and newer AI-enabled models.
• Optional but helpful: A second person to test motion triggers while you adjust settings (like a partner or roommate).

No need to download extra software or buy a new app. Everything happens in the Arlo Secure app, which is updated automatically in 2026 with new AI detection features.

Pro insight: If you’re using an older Arlo model, double-check that it’s compatible with the 2026 firmware. Most models from 2020 onward are, but some legacy devices may not support advanced motion zones or AI person/vehicle detection.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Change Motion Settings on Arlo Camera in 2026

Step 1: Open the Arlo Secure App and Select Your Camera

Grab your phone and open the Arlo Secure app. If you haven’t updated it in a while, take a minute to do so—2026 features like adaptive motion and weather-aware detection require the latest version.

On the home screen, you’ll see a grid of your cameras. Tap the one you want to adjust. For example, if you’re tweaking the front door cam, tap that thumbnail.

Once selected, you’ll enter the live view. Look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner. Tap it to open the Camera Settings menu.

Why this matters: The settings menu is where all the magic happens. Don’t skip this step—even if you’ve used Arlo before, the 2026 UI has a few new icons and submenus.

Step 2: Navigate to Motion Detection Settings

Inside Camera Settings, scroll down until you see “Motion Detection”. Tap it. This is your central hub for all motion-related adjustments.

In 2026, Arlo has streamlined this section. You’ll now see a toggle for “Enable Motion Detection”—make sure it’s on (blue).

Below that, you’ll find three key options:

• Detection Sensitivity – How easily the camera picks up motion.
• Motion Zones – Custom areas you want to monitor (or ignore).
• AI Detection Filters – New in 2026, this lets you choose what types of motion trigger alerts (person, vehicle, animal, package, etc.).

This is where you start customizing how to change motion settings on Arlo camera in 2026 to fit your lifestyle.

Step 3: Adjust Detection Sensitivity

Sensitivity controls how reactive your camera is. Think of it like a volume knob for motion.

Tap “Detection Sensitivity”. You’ll see a slider from 1 (low) to 10 (high). In 2026, Arlo added a “Smart Sensitivity” mode that automatically adjusts based on time of day and weather.

Here’s how I set mine:

• Front porch: 6 (medium) – enough to catch deliveries, but not every leaf blowing by.
• Backyard: 8 – higher because it’s more exposed and I want to catch intruders.
• Garage: 4 – low, since I only want alerts for people or cars, not wind-blown trash.

For most homes, a setting between 5 and 7 works best. If you live in a windy area or have a lot of tree cover, start at 6 and tweak after a day of testing.

Warning: Setting it too high (9–10) can drain battery life on wireless cameras and flood your phone with false alerts. I learned this the hard way when my backyard cam went from 6 months to 2 weeks on a single charge.

Step 4: Set Up Motion Zones (Your Secret Weapon)

This is where most people miss out. Motion zones let you choose exactly where your camera detects motion—like your porch, but not the street.

Tap “Motion Zones”. The app will show a live feed from your camera. You’ll see a transparent overlay with a grid.

To create a zone:

• Tap the “+” button.
• Draw a rectangle (or freehand shape in newer models) over the area you want to monitor.
• Name it—like “Front Door” or “Driveway.”
• Set its sensitivity independently (e.g., higher for the door, lower for the driveway).

You can create up to 5 zones per camera in 2026. I use:

• One for the front steps (high sensitivity).
• One for the walkway (medium).
• One exclusion zone over the street to ignore passing cars.

To delete a zone, tap it and select “Remove.”

Pro tip: Use exclusion zones to ignore areas with constant motion—like swaying trees, busy roads, or your neighbor’s motion light. This cuts down on false alerts by up to 80%, according to Arlo’s 2026 user data.

Step 5: Enable AI Detection Filters (2026’s Game-Changer)

This is the biggest upgrade in 2026. Instead of getting alerts for every shadow, you can now choose what types of motion trigger notifications.

Tap “AI Detection Filters.” You’ll see a list of options:

• Person – Best for doors, gates, and entryways.
• Vehicle – Great for driveways or garages.
• Animal – Useful if you have pets or wildlife.
• Package – New in 2026, detects boxes and bags left at the door.
• Other – Catches everything else (shadows, leaves, etc.).

For most homes, I recommend:

• Front door: Person + Package (ignore animals and vehicles).
• Backyard: Person + Animal (ignore vehicles and packages).
• Driveway: Vehicle + Person (ignore animals).

You can toggle each on or off. The more filters you use, the smarter your alerts become.

Real-life example: After I turned off “Animal” and “Other” for my front porch, my daily alerts dropped from 12 to just 2—both were actual deliveries. Huge win.

Step 6: Schedule Motion Detection (For Smarter Alerts)

Not every motion matters 24/7. In 2026, Arlo lets you schedule when motion detection is active.

Back in Motion Detection, tap “Detection Schedule.” You’ll see a calendar-style grid.

Tap any day or time block to customize. For example:

• Weekdays: 7 PM – 7 AM (active).
• Weekends: 5 PM – 9 AM (active).
• Or set it to “Always On” if you want full coverage.

I use this for my backyard cam—it only alerts at night, so I don’t get woken up by raccoons at 3 AM. (Yes, that happened.)

Bonus tip: Pair this with Arlo’s “Away Mode” for automatic activation when you leave the house. It uses geofencing and is super reliable in 2026.

Step 7: Test and Fine-Tune

Settings are only good if they work. Now it’s time to test.

Have someone walk through your zones while you watch the app. Look for:

• Did the camera detect motion in the right zone?
• Did it ignore the exclusion zones?
• Did the AI filter catch the right type of motion (e.g., person, not animal)?

Make adjustments as needed. I usually test over 2–3 days to account for different lighting and weather conditions.

After testing, check your Activity Log (in the app’s main menu) to review past alerts. This helps you spot patterns—like if your cat always triggers the backyard cam at sunset.

Personal note: I once thought my settings were perfect—until I realized my camera was missing deliveries because the package was too small. Lowering the sensitivity in the package zone fixed it.

Step 8: Enable Push Notifications (Optional but Recommended)

Even with perfect settings, you need to see the alerts. Go to your phone’s settings and make sure Arlo notifications are enabled.

In the Arlo app, tap your profile icon > Notifications. Toggle on:

• “Motion Alerts”
• “AI-Confirmed Alerts” (new in 2026)
• “Smart Alerts” (uses AI to group similar events)

You can also set notification sounds, vibration, and even custom ringtones for different cameras.

Pro tip: Use “Smart Alerts” to avoid notification spam. In 2026, Arlo groups multiple events (like a person walking and a package being left) into one alert. Saves your sanity.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After years of tweaking Arlo settings, here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Don’t Rely on Default Settings

Out of the box, Arlo sets sensitivity to 7 and enables all AI filters. That’s great for testing, but not for real life. Customize it.

2. Watch the Weather

Wind, rain, and snow can trigger false alarms. In 2026, use the “Weather-Aware Detection” feature (in Settings > Advanced) to reduce sensitivity automatically during storms.

3. Update Firmware Regularly

Arlo pushes updates every few months. These often include better AI models and motion detection improvements. Check for updates under Settings > Device Info > Firmware.

4. Use Night Vision Wisely

Infrared motion detection works differently than daytime. Test your settings at night—sometimes shadows or reflections can cause false triggers. Adjust zones if needed.

5. Battery vs. Wired: Adjust Accordingly

Wireless cameras (like Arlo Pro 5S) need lower sensitivity to save battery. I keep mine at 5–6 and use AI filters to compensate. Wired cameras can go higher.

6. Avoid Overlapping Zones

Too many zones in one area can confuse the AI. Keep them simple and non-overlapping. One zone per activity (e.g., door, walkway, driveway).

7. Don’t Ignore the “Other” Category

Even if you disable “Other,” keep an eye on it in the activity log. Sometimes, it catches things AI misses—like a delivery person wearing a dark uniform.

Common mistake: Setting up motion zones but forgetting to test them at night. I once had a perfect daytime setup that missed a package at 10 PM because the zone was too small under low light.

FAQs About How to Change Motion Settings on Arlo Camera in 2026

Q: Can I change motion settings from my computer?

Yes! In 2026, Arlo’s web app supports full motion customization. Log in at my.arlo.com, select your camera, and follow the same steps. The interface is nearly identical to the mobile app.

Q: Why isn’t my camera detecting motion at all?

First, check if motion detection is enabled in the app. Next, ensure your camera has a strong Wi-Fi signal. If it’s a battery model, the battery might be low. Finally, make sure the lens isn’t dirty or blocked.

Q: How do I reduce false alerts from trees or bushes?

Use motion zones to exclude those areas. Or, set a lower sensitivity (4–5) and rely on AI filters like “Person” or “Vehicle” to ignore plant movement. In 2026, Arlo’s AI is much better at distinguishing between leaves and people.

Q: Can I have different settings for day and night?

Not directly, but you can use Detection Schedule to create a “Night Mode” with different zones and sensitivity. For example, higher sensitivity at night, lower during the day.

Q: What’s the difference between “Motion Detection” and “AI Detection”?

“Motion Detection” is the basic sensor that picks up any movement. “AI Detection” uses machine learning to identify what caused the motion (person, car, etc.). In 2026, both work together—AI only analyzes motion that the sensor picks up.

Q: My Arlo camera is old. Will these steps work?

Most models from 2020 onward support 2026 features. If your camera is older (pre-2020), it may lack AI filters or motion zones. Check Arlo’s compatibility page or contact support.

Q: How often should I update my motion settings?

I review mine every 3–6 months, or after big changes (new landscaping, moving furniture, adding pets). Seasons also matter—your backyard in summer vs. winter may need different settings.

Final Thoughts

Changing motion settings isn’t about making your camera “smarter”—it’s about making it work for you. Knowing how to change motion settings on Arlo camera in 2026 means fewer false alarms, better battery life, and alerts you can actually trust.

Start small. Pick one camera. Adjust the sensitivity. Add a motion zone. Then test it. Over time, you’ll fine-tune it to your home’s rhythm—whether that’s a busy street, a quiet yard, or a house full of pets.

And remember: no setup is perfect on the first try. I’ve tweaked my settings dozens of times over the years. Each adjustment brings me closer to that sweet spot: peace of mind without constant notifications.

So grab your phone, open the Arlo app, and take control. Your future self—and your phone’s notification center—will thank you.

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