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, your property may be left vulnerable. This guide will help you identify and fix motion detection issues to ensure your Arlo camera functions as expected.
Common Causes of Motion Detection Problems with Arlo Cameras Before diving into troubleshooting, it’s important to understand some potential reasons for the issue:
- Low Motion Sensitivity – The camera may not be registering movement if sensitivity is set too low.
- Incorrect Activity Zone Settings – The camera may be monitoring only a specific area, missing any motion outside of that zone.
- Camera Placement Issues – Improper positioning could hinder the camera’s ability to detect movement effectively.
- Firmware or Software Glitches – Outdated firmware can lead to issues with motion detection.
- Battery or Power Issues – Low battery levels can affect the camera’s overall functionality.
- Internet or Connectivity Problems – A weak Wi-Fi signal can delay or block motion detection alerts.
Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix Arlo Motion Detection Issues
- Adjust Motion Sensitivity One common cause of motion detection problems 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 sensitivity level (try setting it to at least 80-90%).
- Save the settings and test by moving in front of the camera.
Tip: If you get too many false alerts, adjust the sensitivity gradually to find the best level.
- Check and Adjust Activity Zones Arlo cameras allow you to set up activity zones, but if the zone is improperly configured, the camera may not detect movement outside of it.
How to Fix Activity Zones:
- Open the Arlo Secure App.
- Select your camera > Settings > Activity Zones.
- Ensure the zone covers the area you want to monitor.
- Save and test by walking into the zone.
Tip: If activity zones are not necessary, try disabling them temporarily to see if motion detection improves.
- Optimize Camera Placement Improper camera placement can affect motion detection. Ensure it’s positioned properly.
Placement Tips:
- Install the camera at a height of 6-7 feet for optimal coverage.
- Angle the camera slightly downward to capture the desired area.
- Make sure there are no objects like trees, windows, or light reflections obstructing the camera’s sensor.
- Update Firmware and App Outdated firmware or app versions can cause motion detection problems.
How to Update Firmware:
- Open the Arlo Secure App.
- Go to Settings > My Devices > Camera Name.
- Check for any firmware updates and install them if available.
- Restart the camera after updating.
Tip: Keep auto-updates enabled to ensure your camera is always running the latest firmware.
- Check Battery and Power Source Low battery levels can cause the camera to stop detecting motion to conserve power.
How to Check Battery:
- Open the Arlo Secure App.
- Go to Device Settings > Battery Status.
- If the battery is low, recharge or replace it.
- For wired cameras, ensure the power source is functioning properly.
Tip: If your camera is in a high-traffic area, consider adding a solar panel or permanent power connection to avoid battery drain.
- Improve Wi-Fi Connectivity A weak Wi-Fi connection can hinder 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 the camera is too far from the router.
- Reduce network congestion by limiting the number of devices connected to the Wi-Fi.
- Restart both your router and camera to refresh the connection.
- 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 via the app.
- Set up the camera again by selecting Add Device.
Tip: Resetting should be a last resort, as it will remove all saved settings.
When to Contact Arlo Support If your Arlo camera still isn’t detecting motion after troubleshooting, it may have a hardware issue. Contact Arlo Support if:
- The motion detection feature stops working suddenly without any changes.
- Your camera works but does not detect motion at all.
- The firmware is up-to-date, yet the issue persists.
Final Thoughts Arlo cameras are an excellent addition to home security, but motion detection issues can occur from time to time. By adjusting sensitivity, optimizing placement, updating firmware, and ensuring strong Wi-Fi connectivity, you can restore your camera’s motion detection features.
Try these troubleshooting steps and let us know if they helped! Looking for more home security tips? Explore our latest articles for expert advice on keeping your home safe.