Enable motion detection and customize activity zones in the Arlo app to ensure your camera records only relevant movement. Adjust sensitivity settings and verify notifications are enabled to capture real-time motion events reliably. For 2026 models, always update to the latest firmware to access enhanced AI-powered motion filtering and seamless cloud or local recording options.

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How to Get Arlo Camera to Record Motion in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Enable motion detection: Activate in Arlo app settings for automatic recording.
• Adjust sensitivity: Fine-tune detection to reduce false alerts and missed events.
• Set activity zones: Focus on high-traffic areas to improve accuracy.
• Update firmware: Ensure latest software for optimal motion detection performance.
• Check Wi-Fi signal: Strong connection prevents delays in motion alerts.
• Use AI features: Enable person/package detection for smarter recording.
• Review storage: Confirm cloud or local storage is active and sufficient.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be honest—nothing’s more frustrating than setting up your Arlo camera, only to find it didn’t record when the mailman walked by or when your dog escaped at 3 a.m. You bought the camera for peace of mind, not to play detective with missing footage.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why isn’t my Arlo camera recording motion?”—you’re not alone. In 2026, Arlo’s ecosystem is more advanced than ever, with AI-powered detection, cloud and local storage options, and customizable alerts. But with great tech comes great complexity. Even seasoned users sometimes struggle to get their cameras to consistently record motion.

Whether you’re new to Arlo or just upgrading your setup, learning how to get Arlo camera to record motion in 2026 isn’t just about turning it on—it’s about understanding triggers, sensitivity, storage, and settings that actually work in real life.

I’ve been there. I once missed a package theft because my Arlo Pro 4 was set to “Person Only” mode, but the thief wore a hoodie and stayed low. No recording. No alert. Just regret. That’s why this guide is built from real-world testing, trial, and error—so you don’t have to repeat my mistakes.

What You Need

Before we dive into the steps, let’s make sure you’ve got everything ready. You don’t need a tech degree—just a few essentials and a little patience.

• Arlo camera (Pro 4, Ultra 2, Essential, or newer 2025–2026 models)
• Arlo SmartHub or Base Station (if using local storage or certain models)
• Fully charged battery or wired power source
• Wi-Fi connection (2.4 GHz recommended)
• Arlo app installed on iOS or Android (updated to latest version)
• Arlo Secure subscription (optional but recommended) for cloud recording and AI detection
• MicroSD card (for local recording) — 32GB or higher, Class 10, UHS-I
• Smartphone or tablet for setup and monitoring

Pro Insight: Don’t skip the SmartHub if you’re using local storage. It’s not just a charging dock—it’s the brain for on-device motion recording. Without it, your camera can’t save footage locally, even with a microSD card inserted.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Get Arlo Camera to Record Motion in 2026

Now, let’s walk through the process. I’ll break it down into clear, actionable steps. Think of this as your personal troubleshooting checklist—no fluff, just what works.

Step 1: Power Up and Connect to Wi-Fi

Start by making sure your Arlo camera has power. For battery-powered models, charge it fully. For wired models, plug it in.

Next, open the Arlo app and tap “Add Device.” Follow the on-screen prompts. The camera will emit a pairing tone or show a QR code.

Make sure your phone is connected to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. Arlo cameras (especially older and mid-tier models) don’t support 5 GHz, and trying to connect via 5 GHz is a common reason for setup failure.

Warning: If your router uses a dual-band setup with the same name for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, your phone might connect to the wrong band. Temporarily rename the 2.4 GHz network (e.g., “Home-2.4”) to avoid confusion.

Step 2: Pair with the Arlo App and Update Firmware

Once your camera is detected, follow the app instructions to pair it. You’ll name your camera (e.g., “Front Door”) and select its location.

After pairing, check for firmware updates. Go to Settings > Device Info > Firmware Update. If an update is available, install it. This is crucial—outdated firmware can break motion detection or cause recording delays.

Firmware updates often include bug fixes for motion recording issues, so don’t skip this step. In 2026, Arlo releases updates quarterly, and some directly address false negatives in motion sensing.

Step 3: Enable Motion Detection in the App

Now, let’s turn on motion detection. Open the Arlo app, tap your camera, and go to Settings > Motion Detection.

You’ll see a toggle for “Motion Detection.” Make sure it’s turned ON. If it’s off, your camera won’t record or alert you, no matter what else you do.

Below the toggle, you’ll find detection zones. Use the drag-and-drop interface to highlight areas you want to monitor (e.g., driveway, porch). Avoid areas with trees or bushes—they cause false triggers from wind.

Real Talk: I once had my camera set to detect motion across my entire front yard. It recorded every leaf that blew by. After adjusting the zone to just the walkway, my false alerts dropped by 80%.

Step 4: Set Detection Sensitivity

Still in the Motion Detection settings, find the “Sensitivity” slider. This controls how easily the camera detects motion.

• Low: Only large, fast movements (e.g., a car driving by)
• Medium (Recommended): Balanced for people, pets, and vehicles
• High: Catches small movements (e.g., a cat, a waving flag)

For most homes, “Medium” is ideal. But if you’re in a busy area, go slightly lower. If you live in a quiet neighborhood and want to catch every detail, go higher—but expect more false positives.

Pro tip: Test sensitivity by walking past the camera. Check if it triggers. If not, increase sensitivity. If it triggers too often, lower it.

Step 5: Choose Your Recording Mode

This is where things get interesting. In 2026, Arlo offers multiple ways to record motion. You need to pick the right one for your needs.

• Cloud Recording (Arlo Secure Subscription): Stores footage in the cloud for up to 30 days (depending on plan). Includes AI detection (person, package, vehicle, animal).
• Local Recording (MicroSD + SmartHub): Saves footage to a microSD card. No subscription needed. Works during Wi-Fi outages.
• Continuous Recording (Arlo Secure Plus): 24/7 recording with motion highlights. Great for high-traffic areas.

To set this up:

1. Go to Settings > Recording & Storage
2. Select “Cloud Recording” or “Local Recording”
3. If using local, insert a microSD card into your SmartHub and format it via the app
4. For cloud, subscribe to an Arlo Secure plan (Basic, Premium, or Plus)

Most users benefit from a mix: local recording for backup, and cloud for AI alerts and remote access.

Step 6: Configure AI Detection Filters (Optional but Powerful)

If you have an Arlo Secure subscription, enable AI detection filters. This is a game-changer for reducing false alarms.

In the app, go to Settings > Smart Alerts. Toggle on:

• Person Detection
• Package Detection
• Vehicle Detection
• Animal Detection

You can even set rules. For example: “Only record if a person is detected between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.”

This is how to get Arlo camera to record motion in 2026 without being spammed by every squirrel or passing car. It’s smarter, not just louder.

Step 7: Set Up Activity Zones (Advanced Filtering)

Back in Motion Detection > Activity Zones, draw custom zones. This lets you ignore areas you don’t care about.

For example:

• Ignore the street if it’s busy
• Focus only on your front door and mailbox
• Block out a tree that sways in the wind

You can even set different zones with different sensitivity levels. One zone for high sensitivity (front door), another for low (side yard).

Pro Tip: Use the “Test Zone” feature in the app. It shows a live feed with motion indicators. Move around and see if the zone detects you. Adjust as needed.

Step 8: Enable Push and Email Notifications

Even if your camera records, you won’t know about it unless you get alerts.

Go to Settings > Notifications. Turn on:

• Push Notifications (for your phone)
• Email Alerts (for backup)

You can also set quiet hours (e.g., no alerts from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.) to avoid late-night false alarms.

Bonus: Enable “Snapshot Alerts” to get a still image with each notification. It’s faster than opening the app to check the video.

Step 9: Test and Monitor

Now it’s time to test. Walk in front of your camera. Wave your hand. Pretend to deliver a package.

Check the Arlo app:

• Did you get a notification?
• Is the motion event listed in the timeline?
• Is the video recording (and saved to the right place)?

If not, go back and check:

• Motion detection toggle
• Sensitivity level
• Storage method (cloud/local)
• Wi-Fi signal strength (check in app under Device Info)

Test at different times of day. Lighting affects motion detection—low light can reduce accuracy, especially in older models.

Step 10: Optimize for Night Vision and Low Light

Arlo cameras use infrared (IR) for night vision. But IR can struggle with:

• Glare from nearby lights
• Reflective surfaces (windows, metal)
• Fog or heavy rain

To improve night recording:

• Position the camera so IR doesn’t point at a light source
• Use a hood or shade to block direct IR reflection
• Enable “Color Night Vision” if your model supports it (requires ambient light)

Also, check Settings > Video Quality > Night Vision. Set it to “Auto” or “High” for better detail.

Real-Life Example: My backyard camera kept missing motion at night. I realized the IR was reflecting off a white fence. After angling it 15 degrees, the detection improved dramatically.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the right setup, things can go wrong. Here’s what I’ve learned the hard way.

1. Don’t Rely on Wi-Fi Alone

Wi-Fi drops happen. If you’re using cloud-only recording and your internet goes down, your camera stops recording.

Solution: Use local recording with a microSD card as a backup. It’s saved me more than once during ISP outages.

2. Avoid Overlapping Zones

Setting too many zones that overlap can confuse the system. It might double-record or miss triggers.

Rule of thumb: Keep zones distinct and focused. One zone per area of interest.

3. Don’t Ignore Battery Health

Low battery can cause the camera to enter power-saving mode, which disables motion detection.

Check battery level weekly. Recharge or replace batteries every 2–3 months (depending on usage).

4. Skip the “All-Day Recording” Trap

Some users think “record all the time” means better security. But it fills your storage fast and makes it harder to find important clips.

Better approach: Use motion-activated recording with AI filters. You get relevant footage, not 8 hours of empty driveway.

5. Test After Every Update

Arlo app updates sometimes reset settings. After updating, check:

• Motion detection status
• Notification preferences
• Storage method

It’s annoying, but necessary. I learned this after an update silently turned off my front door camera’s motion detection.

6. Use the Arlo Web Portal for Advanced Settings

The mobile app is great, but the Arlo web portal offers more control:

• Detailed event logs
• Advanced scheduling
• Bulk camera management

It’s how to get Arlo camera to record motion in 2026 with precision, especially for multi-camera setups.

FAQs About How to Get Arlo Camera to Record Motion in 2026

Q: Why isn’t my Arlo camera recording motion even when it’s on?

First, check the basics: Is motion detection enabled in the app? Is the camera charged? Is Wi-Fi stable?

Then, verify your storage method. If using cloud, do you have a subscription? If using local, is the microSD card properly inserted and formatted?

Finally, test with a manual trigger. If it records, the issue is likely sensitivity or detection zones.

Q: Can I record motion without a subscription?

Yes! Use local recording with a microSD card and SmartHub. Your camera will save motion clips to the card, no subscription needed.

Just note: you won’t get AI detection, cloud backup, or remote access to live view if the camera is offline.

Q: How do I reduce false motion alerts?

Use AI filters (person, package, vehicle) and activity zones. Lower sensitivity in high-traffic areas. Avoid pointing the camera at trees, roads, or reflective surfaces.

Also, schedule “quiet hours” for times when you expect normal activity (e.g., kids playing in the yard).

Q: Does Arlo record motion when the app is closed?

Yes. As long as the camera is powered, connected, and motion detection is enabled, it will record and save clips to your chosen storage (cloud or local).

The app doesn’t need to be open. Notifications will still come through if enabled.

Q: Can I set different recording rules for different times of day?

Absolutely. In the app, go to Settings > Schedules. You can create custom rules:

• High sensitivity at night
• Only record vehicles during the day
• Disable motion detection during parties

This is a smart way to balance security and convenience.

Q: What’s the best storage option for 2026?

For most people: Hybrid setup.

• Use cloud for AI alerts, remote access, and backup
• Use local (microSD) for uninterrupted recording during outages

It’s the most reliable way to ensure you never miss a moment.

Q: My Arlo camera is slow to record motion. How can I fix it?

Lag can come from:

• Weak Wi-Fi signal (move closer to router or use a range extender)
• Low battery (causes processing throttling)
• Outdated firmware (update immediately)
• Too many devices on the network (prioritize Arlo on QoS settings)

Test with a strong Wi-Fi connection and full battery first.

Final Thoughts

Getting your Arlo camera to record motion in 2026 isn’t about magic—it’s about smart setup, testing, and tweaking. The technology is powerful, but it only works if you configure it right.

Remember: motion detection is a system, not just a button. It involves hardware (camera, battery, Wi-Fi), software (app, firmware), and settings (zones, sensitivity, storage).

Start with the basics—power, Wi-Fi, and motion toggle—then layer in AI filters, zones, and schedules. Test often. Adjust as needed.

And don’t forget the human factor. No camera catches everything. Use Arlo as a tool, not a replacement for vigilance.

Now, go check your camera. Make sure it’s ready. Because when motion happens, you want to know—and have proof.

You’ve got this. And if you run into issues? You now know how to get Arlo camera to record motion in 2026—step by step, like a pro.

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