Arlo security cameras are designed to detect motion and provide real-time alerts to keep your home secure. However, if your Arlo camera is not detecting motion, it can leave your property vulnerable. This guide will help you troubleshoot and fix motion detection issues to ensure your Arlo camera works as expected.
Common Reasons Why Arlo Camera Is Not Detecting Motion
Before troubleshooting, it’s essential to understand what might be causing the issue:
- Motion Sensitivity Is Too Low – The camera may not be registering movement due to low sensitivity settings.
- Activity Zones Are Not Set Correctly – The camera is only monitoring a specific area, missing movement outside that zone.
- Camera Placement Issues – Positioning the camera incorrectly can prevent it from detecting motion effectively.
- Firmware or Software Issues – Outdated firmware may cause glitches in motion detection.
- Battery or Power Problems – Low battery levels can affect the camera’s ability to function properly.
- Internet or Connectivity Issues – Weak Wi-Fi signals may delay or prevent motion detection alerts.
Step-by-Step Fixes for Arlo Motion Detection Issues
1. Adjust Motion Sensitivity Settings
One of the most common reasons for motion detection issues is low sensitivity settings.
How to Adjust Sensitivity:
- Open the Arlo Secure App.
- Go to Settings > My Devices and select your camera.
- Navigate to Motion Detection Settings.
- Increase the motion sensitivity level (try setting it to at least 80-90%).
- Save the settings and test by moving in front of the camera.
Pro Tip: If you receive too many false alerts, adjust sensitivity incrementally to find the right balance.
2. Check and Adjust Activity Zones
Arlo cameras allow users to set up activity zones to focus on specific areas. If the zone is not covering the right area, motion may not be detected.
How to Fix Activity Zones:
- Open the Arlo Secure App.
- Select your camera > Settings > Activity Zones.
- Ensure the zone covers the area where motion is expected.
- Save and test by walking into the zone.
Pro Tip: If you don’t need activity zones, try disabling them temporarily to see if it improves motion detection.
3. Optimize Camera Placement
If your camera is positioned too high, too low, or facing a reflective surface, motion detection might not work properly.
Placement Tips:
- Install the camera at a height of 6-7 feet for the best field of view.
- Angle the camera slightly downward to cover the area of interest.
- Ensure there are no objects (e.g., trees, glass windows, or light reflections) obstructing the motion sensor.
4. Update Firmware and App
Outdated firmware or app versions can cause motion detection malfunctions.
How to Update Firmware:
- Open the Arlo Secure App.
- Go to Settings > My Devices > Camera Name.
- Check for any firmware updates and install if available.
- Restart the camera after updating.
Pro Tip: Keeping auto-updates enabled ensures your Arlo camera runs on the latest firmware.
5. Check Battery and Power Source
If the battery is too low, the camera may stop detecting motion to conserve power.
Battery Check Steps:
- Open the Arlo Secure App.
- Navigate to Device Settings > Battery Status.
- If low, recharge or replace the battery.
For wired cameras, ensure the power source is functioning correctly.
Pro Tip: If your camera is placed in a high-traffic area, consider using a solar panel or permanent power connection to avoid battery depletion.
6. Improve Wi-Fi Connectivity
A weak internet connection may prevent motion detection alerts from reaching your app.
How to Fix Wi-Fi Issues:
- Move your router closer to the Arlo camera.
- Use a Wi-Fi extender if your camera is placed far from the router.
- Reduce network congestion by limiting the number of devices connected to Wi-Fi.
- Restart your router and camera to refresh the connection.
7. Reset and Reconnect the Camera
If none of the above solutions work, try resetting your Arlo camera.
How to Reset Arlo Camera:
- Press and hold the Reset Button on the camera for 10-15 seconds until the LED flashes amber.
- Remove the camera from your Arlo account in the app.
- Set up the camera again using the Add Device option.
Pro Tip: Resetting should be your last resort, as it will remove all saved settings.
When to Contact Arlo Support
If your Arlo camera still does not detect motion after trying all these steps, it may be a hardware issue. Contact Arlo Support for further assistance if:
- The motion detection feature suddenly stopped working with no changes.
- Your camera works fine but does not detect motion at all.
- The firmware is up to date, but the issue persists.
Final Thoughts
Arlo cameras are a great way to enhance home security, but motion detection issues can sometimes arise. By adjusting sensitivity settings, optimizing placement, updating firmware, and ensuring a stable Wi-Fi connection, you can restore your camera’s motion detection capabilities.
Try these troubleshooting steps and let us know if they helped! Need more security tips? Browse our latest articles for expert home security advice.