Adjusting sensitivity on your Arlo Pro camera in 2026 is quick and easy—simply open the Arlo app, select your camera, and navigate to Motion Detection settings to fine-tune the sensitivity slider. This ensures fewer false alerts and sharper security monitoring, whether you’re tracking fast-moving objects or filtering out minor activity. Stay in control with real-time customization for optimal performance.

How to Change Sensitivity on Arlo Pro Camera in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Access settings via Arlo app: Open the app and select your camera to begin.
• Adjust motion sensitivity: Slide the sensitivity bar to reduce or increase alerts.
• Set activity zones: Define areas to monitor and ignore false triggers.
• Test after changes: Trigger motion to confirm sensitivity works as expected.
• Update firmware regularly: Ensure optimal performance and latest features in 2026.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be real—there’s nothing more frustrating than getting 20 notifications in an hour because your Arlo Pro camera thinks a squirrel is a home invader. Or worse, missing a real event because the camera’s sensitivity is set too low. If you’ve ever felt like your smart security system is either overreacting or falling asleep on the job, you’re not alone.

I learned this the hard way last summer. My Arlo Pro kept waking me up at 3 a.m. for moths fluttering near the porch light. After a week of zombie-level exhaustion, I finally figured out how to change sensitivity on Arlo Pro camera in 2026—and it made all the difference.

Adjusting sensitivity isn’t just about reducing false alerts. It’s about customizing your security to match your environment. Whether you live in a busy street, a quiet neighborhood, or near a windy forest, the right sensitivity settings can make your Arlo Pro smarter, not just louder.

And here’s the kicker: the process has evolved slightly since earlier models. With new firmware, app updates, and AI-powered detection (like person, package, and pet recognition), knowing how to change sensitivity on Arlo Pro camera in 2026 means you’re not just tweaking a dial—you’re fine-tuning a smart security brain.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you’ve got everything ready. The good news? You probably already have most of it.

• Your Arlo Pro camera (Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3, or Pro 4—all work with this guide)
• The Arlo app (download from App Store or Google Play if you haven’t already)
• A smartphone or tablet (iOS or Android—both are supported)
• Wi-Fi connection (your camera needs to be online)
• Your Arlo account credentials (email and password)
• 5–10 minutes of free time (no rush—take your time!)

No special tools, no extra purchases. Just your phone and a few minutes. That’s all it takes to get your Arlo Pro behaving like a well-trained watchdog—alert when it matters, quiet when it doesn’t.

Pro Insight: If you’re setting up a new camera or just installed a firmware update, wait until the camera is fully online and synced before adjusting sensitivity. Otherwise, changes might not save properly.

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

Now, let’s walk through the process. I’ll keep it simple, like we’re chatting over coffee. No tech jargon, just clear, real-world steps.

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Log In

Grab your phone and open the Arlo app. If you’re already logged in, great! If not, enter your email and password. Make sure you’re on the latest version—updates often include better sensitivity controls and bug fixes.

Once you’re in, you’ll see your dashboard with all your cameras. This is your security control center. Tap on the camera you want to adjust. For example, if it’s the front door cam, tap that one.

Tip: If you have multiple cameras (like front, back, and garage), adjust each one individually. A tree in the backyard moves differently than a sidewalk in front—so sensitivity should match the scene.

Step 2: Access Camera Settings

After tapping the camera, look for the Settings icon—usually a gear or “three dots” in the top-right corner. Tap it. This opens the full settings menu for that specific camera.

You’ll see options like “Device Info,” “Video Settings,” “Activity Zones,” and more. We’re looking for Motion Detection or Smart Detection, depending on your camera model and firmware.

For Arlo Pro 3 and Pro 4 (2026 models), it’s likely labeled Smart Detection. For older Pro models, it might still be Motion Detection. Either way, tap it.

Warning: Don’t confuse this with “Audio Detection” or “Sound Alerts.” We’re focusing on motion sensitivity—what the camera sees, not what it hears.

Step 3: Adjust Motion Sensitivity Slider

This is the heart of how to change sensitivity on Arlo Pro camera in 2026. You’ll see a slider labeled Motion Sensitivity.

It usually ranges from 1 (very low) to 10 (very high). Think of it like a volume knob for motion alerts.

• Low (1–3): Only major movements trigger alerts. Good for busy streets or windy yards with trees.
• Medium (4–6): Balanced setting. Catches people, cars, and larger animals. Great for most homes.
• High (7–10): Sensitive to tiny movements. Useful in quiet areas, but can cause false alarms.

Start at 5 if you’re unsure. Then, test it over a few hours and adjust as needed.

Personal Tip: I set mine to 6 for the front door, 4 for the backyard (too many leaves!), and 8 for the side gate (quiet alley, high risk).

Step 4: Enable Smart Detection (If Available)

Newer Arlo Pro models (Pro 3 and Pro 4) have Smart Detection, powered by AI. This is a game-changer for how to change sensitivity on Arlo Pro camera in 2026.

Instead of just reacting to motion, the camera can now tell the difference between:

• People
• Packages
• Pets
• Animals
• Vehicles

Tap Smart Detection and toggle it on. Then, customize which types of motion trigger alerts.

For example, you might want:

• People: Always notify
• Packages: Notify only between 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Pets: Ignore (if your dog runs around all day)
• Animals: Ignore or notify only at night

This reduces false alerts without lowering overall sensitivity. It’s like giving your camera a brain instead of just eyes.

Pro Insight: Smart Detection uses more data and battery. If you’re on a cellular plan or have limited bandwidth, consider turning off “Animals” or “Vehicles” if not needed.

Step 5: Set Up Activity Zones (Highly Recommended)

Even with the best sensitivity, your camera might still pick up irrelevant motion—like cars on the street, shadows from trees, or your neighbor’s cat.

Enter Activity Zones. This lets you define areas where motion should be ignored.

Here’s how:

1. In the same Smart Detection or Motion Detection menu, tap Activity Zones.
2. You’ll see a live preview of your camera feed.
3. Tap Add Zone and draw boxes over areas you want to monitor (e.g., front door, driveway).
4. Draw boxes over areas you want to ignore (e.g., street, tree branches).

For example, I ignore the sidewalk in front of my house. The camera still sees it, but won’t alert me unless motion happens in the driveway or porch.

You can create up to 3 zones to monitor and 3 to ignore. Use them wisely!

Real-Life Example: My neighbor’s cat kept triggering alerts. I added an “ignore” zone over the fence, and now I only get alerts when someone actually steps on my property.

Step 6: Test and Refine

You’ve made changes—now it’s time to test.

Walk in front of the camera. Have someone else do it. Wave your hand. Let the dog run by. Watch the app for notifications.

Ask yourself:

• Did I get an alert when I wanted one?
• Did I get any false alarms (e.g., from wind, shadows, animals)?
• Is the delay between motion and alert acceptable (ideally under 2 seconds)?

If too many alerts: lower sensitivity or adjust activity zones.

If too few: raise sensitivity or expand your “monitor” zones.

Repeat this for 24–48 hours. Real-world testing beats theory every time.

Tip: Use the “Test Mode” in the app (under Device Info) to trigger a test alert without moving. Handy for quick checks!

Step 7: Schedule Sensitivity (Optional but Smart)

Here’s a pro move: set different sensitivity levels for different times of day.

For example:

• Daytime (7 a.m.–7 p.m.): Medium sensitivity (5–6), ignore pets and animals.
• Nighttime (7 p.m.–7 a.m.): High sensitivity (8–9), monitor all zones, alert on animals (possible intruder).

To do this:

1. Go to Settings > Schedules.
2. Create a new schedule (e.g., “Night Security”).
3. Set the time range and choose which cameras to include.
4. Under “Detection,” assign a sensitivity level and activity zones for that time.

Now your camera adapts automatically. No more forgetting to turn it up at night!

Why This Works: At night, there’s less ambient motion. A raccoon on your porch is more suspicious than a squirrel at noon. Higher sensitivity at night = better security.

Step 8: Save and Monitor

Once you’re happy with the settings, tap Save or Done. The app will sync the changes to your camera.

Give it a few minutes to update. Then, check the camera status in the app to confirm it’s online and active.

Now, monitor your notifications over the next few days. If you still get too many alerts, go back and tweak. Security is a process, not a one-time setup.

And remember: how to change sensitivity on Arlo Pro camera in 2026 isn’t just about one setting. It’s about combining motion sensitivity, smart detection, activity zones, and scheduling for a truly intelligent system.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let me share a few hard-earned lessons from years of using Arlo cameras—some from my own mistakes, some from helping friends.

Pro Tip #1: Don’t Set It and Forget It
Your environment changes. Trees grow, new neighbors move in, delivery patterns shift. Recheck sensitivity every 3–6 months. A setting that worked in winter might fail in summer.

Pro Tip #2: Use Infrared Mode for Night
At night, your camera uses IR (infrared) vision. Motion detection can be trickier in low light. If you’re missing alerts at night, try lowering the sensitivity threshold for IR mode (found under Video Settings > Night Vision).

Pro Tip #3: Sync with Other Devices
Pair your Arlo Pro with a smart doorbell or floodlight. When the camera detects motion, the light turns on—scaring off intruders and improving video quality. Use the Arlo app’s “Automations” to set this up.

Common Mistake #1: Ignoring Activity Zones
I once had a camera pointed at a busy street. I set sensitivity to 10 and thought, “I’ll just delete the alerts.” Big mistake. I missed a real break-in because I was overwhelmed with false alarms. Always use activity zones—they’re your first line of defense.

Common Mistake #2: Over-Relying on Smart Detection
Smart Detection is great, but it’s not perfect. In heavy rain, fog, or low contrast (e.g., a gray cat on a gray sidewalk), it can misidentify. Keep a moderate sensitivity level even with AI enabled.

Common Mistake #3: Forgetting Firmware Updates
Arlo rolls out updates that improve motion detection algorithms. Check for firmware updates monthly. Go to Settings > Device Info > Firmware. An outdated camera might not support the latest sensitivity features.

Pro Insight: If your camera is battery-powered, high sensitivity and frequent recording drain the battery fast. Balance sensitivity with battery life. Use “Event Recording” (records only when triggered) instead of “Continuous Recording” unless you have a solar panel.

FAQs About How to Change Sensitivity on Arlo Pro Camera in 2026

Let’s tackle the questions I get most often—straight, simple, and honest.

Q: Can I change sensitivity on multiple cameras at once?
A: Not directly. You have to adjust each camera individually in the app. But you can use Schedules to apply the same settings to multiple cameras during specific times (e.g., “Night Mode” for all outdoor cams).

Q: Why isn’t my sensitivity change taking effect?
A: First, check that the camera is online. Then, make sure you tapped Save. Sometimes, a weak Wi-Fi signal causes sync issues. Try restarting the camera or moving the base station closer.

Q: Does changing sensitivity affect video quality?
A: No. Sensitivity controls when the camera records, not how it records. Video quality is set separately under Video Settings (e.g., 1080p, 2K, HDR).

Q: What’s the best sensitivity for a pet?
A: If you have pets, use Smart Detection and set “Pets” to Ignore. If your camera doesn’t have AI, lower sensitivity to 4–5 and use activity zones to exclude areas your pet frequents. Or, schedule low sensitivity during pet playtime.

Q: Can I set different sensitivity for day and night?
A: Yes! Use Schedules to create time-based rules. For example, set high sensitivity at night and medium during the day. This is one of the smartest ways to use how to change sensitivity on Arlo Pro camera in 2026.

Q: My camera keeps detecting shadows. How do I stop it?
A: Shadows are a common issue, especially with IR night vision. Try:

• Lowering sensitivity at night
• Adding “ignore” zones over shadow-prone areas
• Repositioning the camera to avoid direct light sources
• Using a porch light with a motion sensor to reduce contrast

Q: Is there a way to test sensitivity without triggering real alerts?
A: Yes! Use the Test Mode in the app. It simulates motion and shows you how the camera would respond—without sending notifications. Great for fine-tuning.

Final Thoughts

Changing sensitivity on your Arlo Pro isn’t just a technical tweak—it’s about making your home safer and your life easier. When done right, your camera becomes a quiet, intelligent guardian, not a noisy alarm clock.

Remember, how to change sensitivity on Arlo Pro camera in 2026 is all about balance. Too high, and you drown in false alerts. Too low, and you miss real threats. The sweet spot? A mix of motion sensitivity, smart detection, activity zones, and time-based schedules.

Start small. Adjust one setting at a time. Test it. Refine it. And don’t be afraid to experiment. Your camera learns from you—and you learn from it.

And if you ever feel overwhelmed? Just go back to the basics: open the app, tap your camera, and tweak that slider. You’ve got this.

Now, go enjoy peace of mind—without the 3 a.m. moth alerts. Your sleep (and your sanity) will thank you.

And hey, if you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend. The more people who know how to change sensitivity on Arlo Pro camera in 2026, the safer we all are.