Disabling motion detection on your Arlo camera in 2026 is quick and easy—just open the Arlo app, select your camera, and toggle off “Motion Detection” under the Smart Alerts settings. This instantly stops activity-based notifications and recordings, giving you full control over when your camera captures footage. Ideal for privacy or reducing false alerts, this setting can be re-enabled anytime with a single tap.

How to Disable Motion Detection on Arlo Camera in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Open the Arlo app to access camera settings and controls.
• Navigate to Motion Settings under the camera’s Device Options.
• Toggle off Motion Detection to disable alerts and recordings.
• Customize zones first if you plan to re-enable detection later.
• Check firmware updates to ensure settings apply correctly in 2026.
• Use Schedule Mode to disable motion detection during specific times.
• Confirm changes by reviewing activity logs and test triggers.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be real—your Arlo camera is great at catching motion. Too great, sometimes.

I remember setting up my Arlo Pro 4 in the backyard last summer. Within an hour, it sent me eight notifications—three from my neighbor’s cat, two from a fluttering trash bag, and three from my own shadow. I love peace of mind, but not when it means my phone buzzes like a slot machine every time a leaf blows by.

That’s when I realized: I didn’t need motion detection all the time. Maybe I wanted to keep the camera recording, but only when I triggered it—like when I’m away on vacation or during nighttime hours.

That’s exactly where the need for how to disable motion detection on Arlo camera in 2026 comes in. Whether you’re tired of false alerts, want to conserve battery, or just prefer manual control, turning off motion detection isn’t a sign of giving up security—it’s about smarter, intentional use.

And here’s the good news: Arlo’s 2026 interface (including the updated Arlo Secure app and web portal) makes it easier than ever to fine-tune your settings. No tech degree required. Just a few taps, and you’re in control.

This guide will walk you through the exact steps—whether you’re on iOS, Android, or desktop—and share the little-known tricks I’ve learned after years of managing multiple Arlo setups. We’ll cover everything from disabling motion detection temporarily to setting up custom schedules, so you can finally stop getting pinged every time your dog walks past the front porch.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you’ve got everything ready. Don’t worry—this isn’t a hardware-heavy process. Most of what you need is already on your phone or computer.

• Your Arlo camera(s) – Any model (Arlo Pro 4, Ultra 2, Essential, Go 2, etc.) works.

< Arlo Secure app (2026 version) – Make sure it’s updated. Go to your app store and check for updates. The UI changed slightly in 2026, so older versions might not match our steps.

• Your Arlo account login – You’ll need your email and password (or biometrics if saved).
• Wi-Fi or cellular connection – Your camera must be online to adjust settings.
• Optional: Arlo Web Portal access – If you prefer using a browser, go to my.arlo.com. The web version is great for batch changes if you have multiple cameras.

That’s it. No special tools, no soldering, no yelling at your router. Just your phone, your login, and five minutes of your time.

And if you’re wondering—yes, you can disable motion detection on individual cameras. So if your front door cam is fine with alerts but the backyard one is a drama queen, you can tweak just that one. That’s the beauty of Arlo’s 2026 system: granular control.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Disable Motion Detection on Arlo Camera in 2026

Alright, let’s get into the meat of it. I’ll walk you through the process using the Arlo Secure app first (the most common method), then show you the web portal version. Both are straightforward, but the app is faster for most users.

Step 1: Open the Arlo Secure App and Log In

Grab your phone and open the Arlo Secure app. If you’re not already logged in, tap “Sign In” and enter your credentials.

Pro tip: If you use Face ID or fingerprint login, make sure it’s enabled. Saves time, especially if you’re doing this on multiple cameras.

Once you’re in, you’ll land on your Cameras dashboard—a grid of live thumbnails. This is where you see all your connected devices. If your camera is offline, you’ll need to fix that first (check Wi-Fi, power, or battery level).

Now, tap the camera you want to adjust. Just tap the image or name—don’t hold it. This opens the camera’s live feed screen.

Warning: If your camera is in “Armed” mode (motion detection active), you’ll see a small “Armed” badge on the thumbnail. That’s normal. We’re about to change that.

Step 2: Access the Camera’s Activity Settings

From the live feed screen, look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner. Tap it to open the Settings menu.

Scroll down until you see “Activity Settings”. Tap it. This is where Arlo handles all motion-related rules, zones, and detection toggles.

You’ll now see a few options:

• Motion Detection – This is our main target.
• Audio Detection – For sound alerts (we’re ignoring this for now).
• Activity Zones – Custom areas where motion triggers alerts.
• Smart Alerts – AI-based detection (person, vehicle, pet, etc.).

We’re focusing on the first one: Motion Detection.

Step 3: Toggle Off Motion Detection

Tap “Motion Detection”. You’ll see a simple toggle switch—ON by default.

Tap the toggle to turn it OFF. The switch will turn gray, and a confirmation message will appear: “Motion detection is now disabled for this camera.”

That’s it. Done. No confirmation pop-up. No extra steps. The change takes effect immediately.

Now, your camera will still record (if you have a subscription or local storage), but it won’t send push notifications or email alerts when it sees motion. It’s like putting it in “quiet mode.”

Pro Tip: If you want to keep the camera recording but avoid false alarms, consider pairing this with Activity Zones instead of turning it off completely. More on that in the “Pro Tips” section.

Step 4: Verify the Change (Quick Check)

To make sure it worked, go back to your main Cameras dashboard.

You’ll notice the camera’s status icon has changed. Instead of “Armed,” it now shows “Disarmed” or “Standby.” Some models (like Arlo Ultra 2) also show a small “M” with a line through it in the thumbnail.

You can also test it: wave your hand in front of the camera. If your phone doesn’t buzz, you’ve successfully disabled motion detection.

If you do get an alert, double-check the toggle—sometimes it glitches and turns itself back on after an app update.

Step 5: Repeat for Other Cameras (Optional)

Got multiple Arlo cameras? Repeat Steps 1–4 for each one.

But here’s a time-saver: if all your cameras are the same model and you want the same settings, use the “Apply to All” feature (available in the web portal only).

More on that below.

Step 6: Disable Motion Detection via Web Portal (Alternative Method)

Prefer using a computer? The Arlo Web Portal gives you more control, especially for managing multiple devices.

1. Go to my.arlo.com and log in.
2. Click “Devices” in the left sidebar.
3. Find your camera in the list and click its name.
4. Click the “Settings” tab.
5. Under “Detection Settings”, find “Motion Detection”.
6. Toggle it OFF.
7. Click “Save” at the bottom.

The web version also lets you:

• See a history of motion events (even if detection is off, if you have cloud storage).
• Batch-edit settings across multiple cameras.
• Access advanced rules (like “only detect motion between 10 PM and 6 AM”).

So if you’re managing a home with 5+ Arlo cameras, the web portal is your best friend for how to disable motion detection on Arlo camera in 2026 at scale.

Step 7: Set a Schedule (Optional but Powerful)

Here’s a game-changer: instead of turning motion detection off permanently, schedule it.

For example:

• Turn off motion detection during the day when you’re home.
• Turn it back on at night.
• Or disable it only on weekends.

To do this:

1. Go to the camera’s Settings (app or web).
2. Tap “Schedules” or “Automation”.
3. Click “+ Create New Schedule”.
4. Name it (e.g., “Daytime Quiet Mode”).
5. Set the time (e.g., 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM).
6. Under “Actions”, select “Set Motion Detection” → OFF.
7. Save and enable the schedule.

Now, your camera will automatically disable motion detection during those hours. No manual toggling. No missed alerts when you’re away.

This is perfect for people with predictable routines—or those who just want to reduce notification fatigue.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After helping dozens of friends and family members adjust their Arlo setups, I’ve seen a few recurring issues. Here are the real-world lessons you won’t find in the manual.

Pro Tip 1: Use Activity Zones Instead of Full Disable

Instead of turning motion detection off completely, try Activity Zones.

For example: if your camera sees the sidewalk and street, but you only want alerts when someone comes up the driveway, draw a zone just around the driveway.

This way, you keep motion detection on, but only for the areas that matter. It’s like giving your camera a “focus area.”

To set it up:

• Go to Activity Settings → Activity Zones.
• Tap “+ Add Zone”.
• Drag the corners to cover the area you want to monitor.
• Save.

Now, motion in the street? No alert. Motion in the zone? Yes alert.

Pro Tip 2: Pair with Smart Alerts for Smarter Detection

Arlo’s 2026 update improved its AI detection. If you have a Smart Alert subscription, enable Person, Vehicle, or Pet Detection.

This way, even if motion detection is on, you only get alerts for actual threats, not wind-blown leaves or passing cars.

And if you’re using Activity Zones with Smart Alerts? You’re basically running a low-maintenance security system.

Pro Tip 3: Don’t Forget About Audio Detection

Motion detection isn’t the only thing that triggers alerts. Audio detection can be just as noisy—especially if your camera picks up barking dogs, loud neighbors, or passing sirens.

If you disable motion but still get alerts, check Audio Detection in the same Activity Settings menu. Toggle it off if you don’t need it.

Bonus: this also helps with battery life on wireless cameras.

Common Mistake #1: Assuming “Disarmed” Means Off

Here’s a big one: when you disable motion detection, your camera is in “Disarmed” mode. But it’s still recording—just not alerting.

Some people think “disarmed” means “off,” so they’re shocked when they review footage and see events.

Clarification: Disarmed = no alerts. Recording = depends on your plan (cloud, local, or none).

So if you want no recording at all, you’ll need to power down the camera or disable recording separately (under “Video Settings”).

Common Mistake #2: Ignoring Firmware Updates

Arlo pushes updates that can reset settings or change how motion detection works.

I learned this the hard way: I disabled motion on my garage cam, then a firmware update “optimized detection” and re-enabled it without telling me.

Always check your settings after an update. And enable “Auto-Update” in the app (Settings → Device → Firmware) so you know when it happens.

Common Mistake #3: Forgetting to Test

Don’t just assume it worked. Test it.

Wave your hand. Walk in front. Let your pet pass by. Wait 30 seconds. Check your phone.

If you get an alert, go back and double-check the toggle. Sometimes the app glitches and shows “OFF” when it’s actually “ON.”

Also, if you’re using schedules, test at the boundary times (e.g., 7:01 AM) to make sure the change happens when it should.

Pro Tip 4: Use “Away Mode” for Temporary Disable

Arlo’s “Away” and “Home” modes (in the app’s top bar) let you set different rules for different times.

For example:

• Home Mode: Disable motion detection on indoor cameras, keep outdoor ones active.
• Away Mode: Enable all motion detection.

You can toggle this manually or set it to auto-switch based on your phone’s location.

It’s like having a “motion detection profile” for your lifestyle.

FAQs About How to Disable Motion Detection on Arlo Camera in 2026

Q: Will disabling motion detection stop all notifications?

Not quite. Disabling motion detection stops motion-based alerts. But if you have audio detection, doorbell presses, or smart home integrations (like Alexa announcements), those will still trigger notifications.

To stop all alerts, you’ll need to disable those features separately or use “Do Not Disturb” mode in the app.

Q: Can I disable motion detection on one camera but not others?

Absolutely. Arlo lets you customize settings per camera. So your front door cam can have motion detection on, while your backyard one is off.

This is one of the best features of Arlo’s 2026 system—no one-size-fits-all rules.

Q: Does turning off motion detection save battery?

Yes, a little. Motion detection uses the camera’s sensor and processor. Turning it off reduces power draw, which helps—especially on battery-powered models like Arlo Go 2 or Essential.

But the biggest battery saver is reducing recording time and lowering video resolution. Motion detection is a small piece of the puzzle.

Q: What if I want to re-enable it later?

Easy. Just go back to the same Activity Settings menu and toggle Motion Detection back ON.

All your previous settings (like Activity Zones and Smart Alerts) will still be there.

Q: Can I schedule motion detection to turn off automatically?

Yes! As we covered in Step 7, use the Schedules feature to set times when motion detection should be off.

You can even set multiple schedules (e.g., off during work hours, on at night).

Q: Does this work on all Arlo cameras?

Yes, including:

• Arlo Pro 4
• Arlo Ultra 2
• Arlo Essential
• Arlo Go 2
• Arlo Video Doorbell
• Arlo Floodlight

The menu layout might vary slightly, but the core steps are the same.

Q: Is there a way to disable motion detection without using the app?

Not directly. The app or web portal is required. But you can:

• Use Smart Home Integrations (like Alexa Routines) to toggle it via voice or automation.
• Set up a webhook (for advanced users) using IFTTT or Home Assistant.

For most people, the app is the simplest and most reliable method.

Final Thoughts

Disabling motion detection on your Arlo camera isn’t about weakening security—it’s about taking control.

Whether you’re tired of false alarms, want to save battery, or just need a break from constant notifications, knowing how to disable motion detection on Arlo camera in 2026 puts you back in the driver’s seat.

And remember: this isn’t all-or-nothing. You can:

• Disable it temporarily.
• Set custom schedules.
• Use Activity Zones for precision.
• Pair it with Smart Alerts for smarter detection.

Your camera should work for you, not against you. So tweak, test, and adjust until it fits your life.

Next time your phone buzzes from a passing squirrel, you’ll know exactly what to do. And if you ever want to re-enable it? Just flip the toggle.

Now go enjoy your peace—quiet, intentional, and under your control.