Setting an alarm on your Arlo Pro 2 camera takes just minutes and greatly enhances your home security. Open the Arlo app, select your camera, and enable the motion-activated siren under the “Audio Alarm” settings to instantly deter intruders with a loud, built-in 100dB alarm triggered by movement or manually activated remotely.

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How to Set Alarm on Arlo Pro 2 Camera in Simple Steps

Key Takeaways

• Open the Arlo app to access alarm settings quickly and easily.
• Select your Arlo Pro 2 camera from the device list first.
• Enable motion detection to trigger the alarm automatically when activity occurs.
• Customize alarm duration between 10 seconds to 5 minutes as needed.
• Test the alarm after setup to ensure it works properly.
• Adjust sensitivity settings to reduce false alarms from small movements.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be real—coming home to a suspicious noise outside your front door at 2 a.m. is enough to spike anyone’s anxiety. You installed your Arlo Pro 2 camera for peace of mind, but if the built-in alarm isn’t doing its job, that peace can vanish fast.

Maybe you’ve tried setting it up, only to find the alarm won’t trigger when motion is detected. Or worse, it goes off randomly, waking up the whole neighborhood (and your dog). Sound familiar?

Setting the alarm correctly on your Arlo Pro 2 isn’t just about convenience—it’s about actual security. When done right, the siren can deter intruders, alert you instantly, and even notify your family or neighbors.

But here’s the good news: How to Set Alarm on Arlo Pro 2 Camera in Simple Steps is easier than you think. No tech genius required. I’ve been there—fiddling with settings, restarting the app, wondering if I’d missed something obvious. After years of troubleshooting (and a few late-night false alarms), I’ve cracked the code.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything—from what tools you need to pro-level tweaks that make the alarm actually useful. We’ll keep it simple, practical, and free of jargon.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s gather your gear. You don’t need much—just a few things you likely already have.

• Arlo Pro 2 camera(s) – Obviously. Make sure they’re powered and connected to your base station.
• Arlo SmartHub or base station – The Pro 2 uses this to connect to your Wi-Fi. If you’re using Wi-Fi directly (without a hub), that’s fine too, but the alarm function works best with the hub.
• Smartphone or tablet – iOS or Android. The Arlo app is where all the magic happens.
• Arlo app installed – Download it from the App Store or Google Play if you haven’t already.
• Stable Wi-Fi connection – A weak signal can delay alerts or prevent the alarm from triggering.
• Arlo subscription (optional but recommended) – For advanced features like activity zones and cloud recording. The basic alarm works without it, but you’ll get way more control with a plan.

Pro tip: If you’re using a SmartHub, plug it into your router via Ethernet for the most reliable connection. Wi-Fi is fine, but wired is better when it comes to security systems.

Warning: The Arlo Pro 2’s built-in siren is loud—about 90 decibels. Test it during the day, not at night, unless you want to explain to your neighbors why their dog is barking at 3 a.m.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Set Alarm on Arlo Pro 2 Camera in Simple Steps

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Log In

First things first—grab your phone and open the Arlo app. Log in using your email and password. If you’ve got two-factor authentication (and you should), go ahead and verify.

Once you’re in, you’ll see your dashboard with all your cameras. Make sure your Arlo Pro 2 is online—look for a green dot or “Online” status under the camera thumbnail.

If it shows “Offline,” check the power, Wi-Fi, or base station connection. The alarm won’t work if the camera isn’t talking to the app.

Personal insight: I once spent 20 minutes troubleshooting a “silent” alarm only to realize my camera had lost power overnight. Always double-check the status bar!

Step 2: Select Your Arlo Pro 2 Camera

Tap on the Arlo Pro 2 camera you want to set up. This opens the live feed and camera settings.

Now, look for the “Settings” icon—usually a gear or three dots in the top-right corner. Tap it.

You’ll see a menu with options like “Video Settings,” “Audio,” and “Siren.” We’re heading straight to the Siren section.

This is where the How to Set Alarm on Arlo Pro 2 Camera in Simple Steps journey gets real.

Step 3: Enable the Siren and Set Activation Rules

Inside the “Siren” menu, you’ll see a toggle: “Siren Enabled.” Turn it ON.

Now comes the important part—when the alarm should go off. You have two main options:

• Manual activation – You trigger the siren yourself from the app.
• Automatic activation – The camera triggers the siren when motion or audio is detected.

For most people, automatic activation is the goal. Tap “Automatic Siren.”

You’ll see a list of triggers:

• Motion Detection – The camera senses movement.
• Audio Detection – It picks up loud sounds (like glass breaking or yelling).

Enable the ones you want. I recommend Motion Detection for outdoor cameras and Audio Detection if it’s near a window or door.

But here’s the catch: if you enable both, you might get false alarms from passing cars or wind noise. We’ll fix that in Step 4.

Pro tip: Start with just Motion Detection. Once it’s working smoothly, add audio later. Less noise, fewer headaches.

Step 4: Customize Motion Zones (Critical for Fewer False Alarms)

This is where most people skip—and regret it later. Without motion zones, your camera will detect everything: trees, shadows, pets, delivery drivers… even a squirrel.

Back in the camera settings, go to “Motion Detection” (not the siren section).

Tap “Motion Zones” and select “Customize.”

You’ll see a grid over your camera’s live feed. Use your fingers to draw boxes around the areas you want to monitor—like your front door, driveway, or backyard gate.

Leave out areas with constant movement, like a busy street or a tree branch.

For example: I have a tree that sways in the wind. Instead of disabling motion detection, I just drew a zone that excluded the tree. Now, only people walking toward my door trigger the alarm.

This step is crucial for making the How to Set Alarm on Arlo Pro 2 Camera in Simple Steps actually useful.

Personal story: My first alarm setup went off 12 times in one night. Turns out, a moth kept flying into the camera. Motion zones solved that in 2 minutes.

Step 5: Set Siren Duration and Volume

Back in the “Siren” settings, look for “Siren Duration.”

You can set how long the alarm stays on—options range from 30 seconds to 10 minutes. I recommend 30–60 seconds for outdoor use. Longer durations might annoy neighbors (and violate local noise ordinances).

Next, check “Siren Volume.” The Pro 2 has two levels: Low and High. High is loud enough to scare off most intruders and alert your neighbors. Low is quieter—good for testing or if you live in an apartment.

Set it to High for outdoor cameras. You can always lower it later if it’s too loud.

Bonus: The Arlo Pro 2 lets you test the siren right from the app. Tap “Test Siren” and hold your phone away from your ears. You’ll hear a 5-second burst—perfect for checking volume and functionality.

Step 6: Enable Notifications (So You Don’t Miss a Thing)

An alarm is useless if you don’t know it’s going off. That’s where notifications come in.

Go to “Push Notifications” in your camera settings. Make sure it’s turned ON.

You can choose which alerts to receive:

• Motion Detected
• Audio Detected
• Siren Activated

I recommend enabling all three. That way, you’ll know why the alarm went off—motion, sound, or both.

Also, check your phone’s notification settings. Make sure Arlo has permission to send alerts. On iOS, go to Settings > Notifications > Arlo. On Android, it’s Settings > Apps > Arlo > Notifications.

Warning: If notifications are silent, you might miss a real emergency. Set Arlo alerts to “Urgent” or “Priority” in your phone’s settings.

Step 7: Schedule the Alarm (Optional but Smart)

Do you want the alarm active 24/7? Or only at night?

Go to “Scheduling” in your camera settings. You can create custom schedules for when the siren should be enabled.

For example:

• Night mode: Alarm active from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Vacation mode: Alarm active all day while you’re away.
• Weekday only: No alarm on weekends if you have guests.

This is especially helpful if you’re using the alarm for deterrence. You don’t need it going off at 2 p.m. when your kids are playing outside.

You can even link it to your Arlo Smart subscription for geofencing—the alarm turns on automatically when you leave home.

Step 8: Test the Entire Setup

Don’t skip this step. A test run is the only way to know if your How to Set Alarm on Arlo Pro 2 Camera in Simple Steps is working.

Here’s how I test:

1. Stand in a motion zone (like your front porch).
2. Wave your arms or walk slowly.
3. Wait for the push notification on your phone.
4. Listen for the siren (or check if it’s scheduled to be off).
5. If it works, great! If not, check Wi-Fi, motion zones, and siren settings.

For audio detection: clap loudly or knock on your door. The camera should pick it up and (if enabled) trigger the alarm.

Repeat this test during the day and night. Lighting and Wi-Fi strength can affect performance.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After setting up alarms for my own home and helping friends with theirs, I’ve learned a few things the hard way. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Don’t Rely on Wi-Fi Alone

The Arlo Pro 2 can connect directly to Wi-Fi, but the SmartHub gives you a more stable connection. If your Wi-Fi drops, the alarm might not trigger. Use the hub if possible.

2. Avoid Over-Sensitivity

New users often set motion detection to “High.” Big mistake. It leads to false alarms. Start at “Medium” and adjust based on real-world testing.

3. Use Activity Zones Wisely

Don’t just draw one big zone. Break it into smaller areas. For example, monitor your front door but ignore the sidewalk. This reduces false triggers.

4. Keep Firmware Updated

Arlo releases updates that fix bugs and improve alarm performance. Check Settings > Device Info > Firmware Update monthly.

5. Pair with Other Devices

If you have an Arlo Smart subscription, you can link the alarm to lights, sirens, or even smart locks. For example: when the alarm goes off, your porch light flashes. That’s next-level deterrence.

6. Don’t Forget About the Base Station

The base station has its own siren (up to 100 dB). Enable it in Base Station Settings > Siren for extra volume. Great if the camera’s siren isn’t loud enough.

Personal insight: I once had a raccoon trigger my camera. The siren scared it off, but the base station alarm made it run faster. Two sirens are better than one.

7. Test After Changes

Every time you adjust motion zones, sensitivity, or schedules, run a test. Settings that look good on paper might not work in real life.

FAQs About How to Set Alarm on Arlo Pro 2 Camera in Simple Steps

1. Why isn’t my Arlo Pro 2 alarm going off when motion is detected?

First, check if the siren is enabled in the app. Then verify motion zones and detection sensitivity. If those look good, test the Wi-Fi connection. A weak signal can delay or block alerts. Also, make sure notifications are turned on.

2. Can I set different alarm schedules for different cameras?

Yes! Each camera has its own settings. You can have one camera alarm active at night and another only when you’re away. Just repeat the steps for each camera individually.

3. Does the Arlo Pro 2 alarm work without a subscription?

Yes, the basic alarm function works without a subscription. But you’ll miss out on activity zones, cloud recording, and advanced scheduling. For full control, I recommend at least the Arlo Smart Premier plan.

4. How loud is the Arlo Pro 2 siren?

About 90 decibels—similar to a lawnmower or loud music. It’s loud enough to scare off intruders and alert neighbors, but not ear-splitting. The base station adds another 100 dB if needed.

5. Can I trigger the alarm manually?

Absolutely. In the live feed, tap the “Siren” icon (a speaker with a sound wave). It activates instantly. Useful for testing or scaring off a stray animal.

6. Why does my alarm go off randomly?

False alarms are usually caused by:

• Overly broad motion zones
• High sensitivity settings
• Moving shadows or reflections
• Wi-Fi interference

Start by refining your motion zones and lowering sensitivity.

7. Can I turn off the alarm remotely?

Yes. Open the Arlo app, go to the camera, and tap the siren icon to turn it off. You can also disable automatic triggers in settings without turning off the siren completely.

Final Thoughts

Setting up the alarm on your Arlo Pro 2 doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right steps—and a little patience—you can turn that sleek camera into a powerful deterrent.

Remember: the key to How to Set Alarm on Arlo Pro 2 Camera in Simple Steps isn’t just flipping a switch. It’s about customization. Use motion zones, adjust sensitivity, schedule wisely, and test everything.

Start small. Enable the siren, set a motion zone, and run a test. Once that works, add audio, notifications, and schedules. Build it up over time.

And if you run into issues? Don’t stress. I’ve been there. Check the app, restart the camera, and—if all else fails—contact Arlo support. They’re actually helpful.

Your home’s security is worth the effort. With a properly set alarm, you’ll sleep better, feel safer, and maybe even scare off a raccoon or two.

Now go give it a try. And when that siren goes off for the first time? Smile. You’ve earned it.

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