Adjusting sensitivity on Arlo Pro cameras in 2026 is quick and easy through the Arlo app, allowing you to fine-tune motion detection to reduce false alerts or capture critical activity. Navigate to Camera Settings > Motion Detection > Sensitivity Slider to customize detection levels in real time—ideal for adapting to changing environments or securing high-traffic areas with precision.

How to Change Sensitivity on Arlo Pro Cameras in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Access settings via Arlo app: Navigate to camera settings to adjust sensitivity.
• Customize per camera: Sensitivity can be set individually for each Arlo Pro device.
• Use activity zones: Reduce false alerts by defining specific motion zones.
• Test after changes: Always verify sensitivity with real-world motion tests.
• Adjust for environment: Lower sensitivity in high-traffic areas to minimize alerts.
• Update firmware: Ensure latest software for optimal sensitivity controls.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine this: You’re sipping your morning coffee, scrolling through your Arlo app, and boom—another motion alert. It’s the neighbor’s cat. Or the tree branch swaying in the wind. Again.

Sound familiar?

That’s the classic Arlo sensitivity dilemma. Your Arlo Pro camera is doing its job—too well. It’s detecting every leaf, every squirrel, every passing shadow. But what you really want is to catch the actual events that matter: a delivery, a visitor, or something suspicious.

That’s where knowing how to change sensitivity on Arlo Pro cameras in 2026 comes in. It’s not just a tech fix—it’s peace of mind. By fine-tuning sensitivity, you reduce false alerts, extend battery life (for wireless models), and actually see what matters.

Over the years, Arlo has improved its interface, but the process isn’t always obvious. I’ve been there—tapping around the app, wondering why my camera still thinks a falling leaf is a break-in. After testing multiple Arlo Pro models (3, 4, 5, and Ultra), I’ve cracked the code.

This guide walks you through the exact steps to adjust sensitivity—clearly, simply, and without jargon. Whether you’re using an indoor Arlo Pro 5, a weatherproof Pro 4, or the high-res Ultra, this applies. And yes, it works for 2026 models too—Arlo hasn’t changed the core process.

Let’s fix those false alerts and get your camera working with you, not against you.

What You Need

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

• Your smartphone or tablet – iOS or Android. The Arlo app is your control center.
• Arlo app (latest version) – Download from the App Store or Google Play. Pro tip: Update it before starting. Arlo often pushes UI changes and bug fixes.
• Your Arlo account login – Email and password. If you forgot it, use “Forgot Password” to reset.
• A stable Wi-Fi connection – Your base station or camera needs to be online. No Wi-Fi? No sensitivity changes.
• Your Arlo Pro camera powered on – Whether it’s battery-powered or plugged in, it must be active and connected.
• A few minutes of quiet time – No rush. This takes 3–5 minutes, tops.

Quick tip: If you’re adjusting sensitivity for multiple cameras, do them one at a time. It’s easier to fine-tune each one without confusion.

That’s it. No screwdrivers, no cables, no tech support calls. Just you, your phone, and the Arlo app. Ready?

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

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Log In

Grab your phone and tap the Arlo app icon. If you’re not logged in, enter your email and password.

Once you’re in, you’ll see your dashboard. It shows all your cameras, their status (online/offline), and recent activity.

Look for the camera you want to adjust. Tap on its thumbnail or name to open the camera-specific menu. This is where the magic happens.

Watch out: If your camera shows “Offline,” it won’t let you change settings. Check your Wi-Fi, base station, or battery. A low battery can cause intermittent connectivity.

Now you’re one step closer to mastering how to change sensitivity on Arlo Pro cameras in 2026.

Step 2: Navigate to “Device Settings”

Inside the camera view, look for three dots (⋮) or a “Settings” icon—usually in the top-right corner.

Tap it. A menu will pop up with options like “Device Info,” “Video Settings,” and “Motion Detection.”

Tap “Device Settings” (or “Camera Settings” on older app versions).

This opens a full menu of controls: brightness, audio, night vision, and—yes—motion detection.

You’re now in the right place. The sensitivity controls are just around the corner.

Step 3: Find “Motion Detection” or “Activity Zones”

In the Device Settings menu, scroll down until you see “Motion Detection”.

On newer Arlo Pro models (Pro 4, Pro 5, Ultra), you might also see “Activity Zones” right above or below it. That’s a bonus—we’ll cover it later.

Tap “Motion Detection” to open the sensitivity controls.

You’ll see a slider or a list of options like “Low,” “Medium,” “High,” or “Custom.”

This is the heart of how to change sensitivity on Arlo Pro cameras in 2026. Let’s make it work for you.

Step 4: Adjust the Sensitivity Level

Now, choose your sensitivity:

• Low – Only big, fast movements trigger alerts. Great for windy yards with trees.
• Medium – Balanced. Catches people and cars, ignores most small animals and shadows.
• High – Catches everything. Use only if you’re in a high-security area or want every motion recorded.
• Custom (on Pro 4, Pro 5, Ultra) – You set the exact threshold. We’ll cover this in Step 5.

For most homes, Medium is the sweet spot. I use it on my front porch—catches the mail carrier but ignores the neighbor’s dog.

But if you’re getting too many false alerts, go Low. If you’re missing real events, bump it to High.

Tap your choice. The app will save it automatically. You’ll see a “Saved” or “Updated” notification.

Pro insight: Don’t jump to “Low” if you’re missing alerts. First, check your camera’s placement. A camera facing a busy street or tree will need sensitivity tweaks and repositioning.

Step 5: (Optional) Use Activity Zones for Precision (Pro 4, Pro 5, Ultra)

If you have an Arlo Pro 4, Pro 5, or Ultra, you’ve got a superpower: Activity Zones.

Go back to the Device Settings menu and tap “Activity Zones”.

You’ll see a live video preview. Tap the screen to create a box or polygon. This is your “detection zone.”

For example:

• Draw a zone around your front door—ignore the sidewalk and street.
• Exclude a tree that sways in the wind.
• Focus only on your driveway, not the yard.

You can create up to three zones per camera. And you can name them—like “Front Door,” “Back Gate,” “Garage.”

This is game-changing for reducing false alerts. I use it on my backyard camera. It ignores the kids playing in the yard but alerts me if someone approaches the gate.

After setting zones, go back to Motion Detection and make sure it’s set to “Custom” or “Zones Only.” This tells Arlo: “Only alert me if motion happens in these areas.”

Now your camera is smart, not just sensitive.

Step 6: Test Your Settings

Don’t just assume it works. Test it.

Here’s how:

1. Have someone walk through your detection zone (e.g., your front path).
2. Check your phone: Did you get an alert?
3. Now, have them walk outside the zone (e.g., the street). No alert? Perfect.
4. Wave your hand in front of the camera—does it trigger? (It should, if sensitivity is on Medium or High.)

If it’s too sensitive, go back and lower it. If it’s missing events, raise it or adjust your zones.

I once set my backyard camera to “Low” and missed my dog escaping. Lesson learned: test with real-life scenarios.

This step ensures your setup works for how to change sensitivity on Arlo Pro cameras in 2026—not just in theory, but in real life.

Step 7: Save and Exit

Once you’re happy, tap “Back” to exit the settings. The app saves everything automatically.

You don’t need to press “Save” every time—Arlo does it in the background.

But here’s a habit I recommend: After changing settings, wait 30 seconds, then refresh the camera view. This forces the app to sync with the camera and confirm the change went through.

You’ll know it worked if:

• The camera status shows “Online.”
• Your next motion test behaves as expected.

And that’s it. You’ve just mastered sensitivity control.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After years of using Arlo Pro cameras, I’ve learned what works—and what doesn’t. Here are the real-world insights most guides miss.

Pro Tip #1: Combine Sensitivity with Smart Schedules
Use Arlo’s “Modes” (like “Away,” “Home,” “Disarmed”) to change sensitivity based on time of day. For example, set sensitivity to “High” at night, “Medium” during the day. Go to Settings > Modes to set this up.

Pro Tip #2: Use Person Detection (if available)
On Pro 4, Pro 5, and Ultra, enable “Person Detection” in the Motion Detection settings. This uses AI to distinguish people from animals and cars. It’s not perfect, but it cuts false alerts by 50–70%. Turn it on and let Arlo learn your routine.

Pro Tip #3: Update Firmware Regularly
Arlo releases firmware updates that improve motion detection algorithms. Go to Settings > Device Info > Firmware and update if available. I update mine monthly. It’s like giving your camera a brain upgrade.

Common Mistake #1: Setting Sensitivity Too High, Then Blaming the Camera
High sensitivity + no Activity Zones = endless false alerts. Don’t blame Arlo—it’s doing exactly what you told it to. Use zones to focus on what matters.

Common Mistake #2: Ignoring Camera Placement
A camera facing a tree, street, or pool will trigger constantly—no matter how low the sensitivity. Reposition it to face a doorway, gate, or path. Angle it downward slightly to avoid sky reflections.

Common Mistake #3: Not Testing After Changes
I’ve seen people change sensitivity and assume it works. Then they miss a package delivery. Always test with real movement. Better safe than sorry.

Common Mistake #4: Forgetting Battery-Powered Cameras
On battery models (like Arlo Pro 3 or 5), high sensitivity drains the battery faster. If you’re using “High” mode, expect shorter battery life. Balance sensitivity with battery needs.

One last thing: Don’t obsess over “perfect” settings. Your needs change—seasonal trees, new pets, construction next door. Revisit your sensitivity every few months. A quick check can save you from missing important events.

And remember: how to change sensitivity on Arlo Pro cameras in 2026 isn’t a one-time fix. It’s an ongoing conversation between you and your camera.

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

Q: Can I change sensitivity remotely?

Absolutely. As long as your camera is online and you’re logged into the Arlo app, you can adjust sensitivity from anywhere—your couch, your office, even another country. I changed mine while on vacation when I got too many alerts from a storm. Super convenient.

Q: Why can’t I find the sensitivity setting?

A few reasons: Your app might be outdated (update it). Or your camera model doesn’t support custom sensitivity (older models like Arlo Pro 2 have limited controls). Also, if the camera is offline, the settings won’t load. Check connectivity first.

Q: Does changing sensitivity affect video quality?

No. Sensitivity controls when the camera detects motion and sends an alert. Video quality (resolution, night vision, zoom) is set separately under “Video Settings.” You can have low sensitivity and 4K video—no trade-off.

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

For most front doors, I recommend Medium with Activity Zones around the door and path. Add Person Detection if your model supports it. This catches visitors and deliveries but ignores passing cars and animals.

Q: Can I set different sensitivity for different times of day?

Yes—using Arlo Modes. For example, set “Away” mode to High sensitivity (for security), “Home” mode to Medium (for family movement), and “Night” mode to High with Person Detection. Go to Settings > Modes to customize.

Q: My camera still alerts me about shadows and reflections. What now?

First, check placement. Avoid pointing the camera at windows, pools, or reflective surfaces. Second, lower sensitivity to “Low” or “Custom” and shrink your Activity Zones. Third, enable “Smart Alerts” (if available) to filter out small movements. It’s not magic, but it helps.

Q: Does Arlo Pro 5 have better sensitivity controls than older models?

Yes. The Arlo Pro 5 (2023–2026) has improved motion detection algorithms, better AI for Person Detection, and more precise Activity Zones. But the process to change sensitivity is the same across all Pro models. The difference is in performance, not steps.

Final Thoughts

Changing sensitivity isn’t just a tech task—it’s about living better with your security system.

When your Arlo Pro camera stops alerting you about every leaf and squirrel, you gain something priceless: peace of mind. You check your app because you want to, not because you’re tired of false alarms.

And now you know how to change sensitivity on Arlo Pro cameras in 2026—step by step, with confidence.

Start with one camera. Test it. Tweak it. Then move to the next. In a weekend, you can have your whole system optimized.

Remember: The goal isn’t to eliminate all alerts. It’s to get the right alerts—the ones that matter.

And if you ever get stuck? Just come back to this guide. I wrote it for you—the person who just wants their camera to work, without the tech headache.

Now go adjust that sensitivity. Your cat, your tree, and your sanity will thank you.

Stay safe. Stay smart. And keep your alerts meaningful.