How to Adjust Motion Sensitivity on Arlo Cameras: A Complete Guide for U.S. Users

Arlo security cameras are a popular choice for homeowners and small businesses across the U.S. thanks to their flexible features, including smart motion detection. However, if your Arlo camera is either sending too many false alerts or not picking up actual events, the issue might be with the motion sensitivity settings. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to adjust motion sensitivity on Arlo cameras, so your security system works exactly the way you need it to—without the unnecessary notifications or missed moments.

For more setup guides, comparisons, and troubleshooting tips, visit our Arlo Security Cameras page.

Why Adjusting Motion Sensitivity Matters

Motion detection is a core feature of any Arlo camera, but getting it right is all about balance. Too sensitive, and your camera alerts you every time a leaf blows or a car drives by. Not sensitive enough, and it might miss someone walking right up to your door. Adjusting sensitivity allows you to fine-tune how your camera responds to movement—so you get alerted for what really matters.

Whether you’re monitoring your home, watching for deliveries, or securing a business, customizing motion sensitivity improves efficiency, battery life, and overall peace of mind.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Adjust Motion Sensitivity on Arlo Cameras

Adjusting sensitivity depends slightly on whether you’re using the Arlo app or accessing settings via a web browser. Below are step-by-step instructions for both methods.

Through the Arlo Secure App (iOS or Android)

Open the Arlo Secure App
Launch the app and sign in if you aren’t already.
Tap on the Devices Tab
Choose the specific Arlo camera you want to modify.
Tap on the Settings Gear Icon
This opens the camera’s settings menu.
Go to Mode or Rules
Tap on “Mode,” then select the current mode in use (typically “Armed”).
Edit the Motion Detection Rule
Tap “Edit” next to the motion rule for the camera.
Adjust Motion Sensitivity
You’ll see a slider ranging from 1 (least sensitive) to 100 (most sensitive). Move the slider to your preferred sensitivity level.
Save Your Settings
After adjusting, make sure to save the changes before exiting.
Test It Out
Walk in front of the camera or trigger movement to see how it reacts.

On a Web Browser (PC or Mac)

Visit https://my.arlo.com and Log In
Use your Arlo credentials to sign in.
Go to Settings > Modes
Choose the camera and click on its current mode.
Edit Motion Detection Rule
Find the motion rule and click “Edit.”
Adjust the Sensitivity Slider
Just like in the app, drag the slider between 1 and 100 based on your needs.
Save Changes and Exit
Click “Save” and close the window when done.

Real-World Use Cases for Adjusting Sensitivity

Front Porch Package Monitoring

If your Arlo camera is watching a front porch, set sensitivity higher to ensure small movements like someone dropping off a package are picked up.

Backyard Wildlife

Lower sensitivity helps avoid false alerts from squirrels or raccoons in your backyard, especially at night.

Office Entry Points

In a business setting, a moderate sensitivity setting can ensure human activity is detected without being triggered by passing cars or shadows.

Apartment Hallways

When mounted in indoor hallways, a lower sensitivity helps avoid triggering the camera every time someone walks by a shared space.

Pre-Adjustment Checklist

Before you begin adjusting sensitivity, run through this checklist to make sure everything else is configured properly:

Is the camera online and in “Armed” or custom mode?
Is the firmware up to date?
Is the camera mounted at the correct angle and height?
Are you using activity zones (if available) to focus detection?
Are you receiving motion alerts consistently (even if inaccurate)?
Are other rules (like sound detection) disabled to prevent confusion?

Common Fixes for Sensitivity-Related Issues

Getting Too Many Alerts

Fix:

Lower sensitivity to a value around 30–50
Use activity zones to exclude trees, roads, or moving shadows
Position the camera to avoid high-traffic areas

Not Detecting Motion

Fix:

Raise sensitivity to 80 or higher
Ensure there are no obstructions blocking the PIR sensor
Position the camera so subjects move across its field of view, not directly at it

Irregular Alerts at Night

Fix:

Use night vision settings in combination with motion detection
Adjust sensitivity lower for night hours if using a schedule
Ensure motion detection is based on infrared (not video-only) at night

Watch Out For

There are a few common pitfalls users face when adjusting motion sensitivity:

Placing Cameras Behind Glass: PIR motion detection won’t work through glass. Make sure the camera is placed outside or in direct view.
Wrong Angle: Mounting the camera too high or too low can reduce detection. Arlo recommends a height of 6 to 8 feet for best results.
Sunlight and Shadows: Direct sunlight or quick shadow changes can trigger false alerts.
Wi-Fi Lag: A weak connection may delay notifications or cause missed motion events.

Pro Tips for Best Sensitivity Settings

Start High, Then Dial Down: Begin with high sensitivity (around 80–90) and lower gradually until false alerts stop.
Use Zones Wisely: Focus detection on doorways, walkways, or driveways. Exclude roads, bushes, or trees.
Combine with Arlo Secure: If you’re subscribed, use the AI filters to receive alerts only for people, vehicles, animals, or packages.
Use Schedules: Reduce notifications during known high-traffic hours, such as daytime in a busy neighborhood.
Keep Lens Clean: Dust or moisture on the lens can impact how the camera processes movement.

Recommended Arlo Product

Looking for a camera with precise motion sensitivity controls and smart AI detection?

Recommended: Arlo Pro 5S 2K on Amazon

Features include:

Fine-tuned motion sensitivity and customizable zones
Dual-band Wi-Fi for strong connectivity
Person, vehicle, and package detection with Arlo Secure
Long-lasting battery with solar charging support
Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases—at no extra cost to you.

Internal Resource

Want more setup tips or troubleshooting help for your Arlo camera? Visit our in-depth Arlo Security Cameras guide, where we cover everything from installation to integration with smart home platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What’s the best sensitivity setting for Arlo motion detection?
Most users find that a setting between 60 and 80 strikes a good balance. For high-traffic areas, reduce it to 40–60.

Q2. Can I set different sensitivity levels for different times of day?
Yes. You can create custom modes or use a schedule to change settings based on the time of day.

Q3. Does sensitivity affect recording length?
No. Sensitivity only affects whether a motion is detected. Recording length is set separately.

Q4. Do activity zones override sensitivity settings?
No. Zones limit where motion is detected, but sensitivity still controls how much motion triggers an alert.

Q5. Why is my Arlo camera still alerting me for cars even with low sensitivity?
You may need to reposition the camera or adjust the zone to avoid driveways or streets.

Q6. Can I test sensitivity without waiting for real alerts?
Yes. Walk in front of the camera and watch the live feed or check the library to see if a video was recorded.

Q7. Is there a default sensitivity level?
Yes. Arlo usually sets a default around 80 for new rules, but it can vary slightly by model.

Q8. Will adjusting sensitivity affect battery life?
Yes. Higher sensitivity can lead to more recordings and faster battery drain. Find the right balance to extend battery life.

Final Thoughts

Adjusting motion sensitivity on your Arlo camera can make a huge difference in how effectively your system monitors your home or business. Whether you’re aiming to reduce false alerts or ensure nothing gets missed, fine-tuning sensitivity is one of the easiest and most impactful tweaks you can make.

Take time to test various settings, use activity zones, and leverage features like scheduling and AI filtering if available. With the right configuration, your Arlo system can provide smarter, more accurate protection 24/7.

Need help picking the best Arlo model for your setup? Check out our full Arlo Security Cameras resource page for comparisons, features, and buying guides.

Troubleshooting Guides

How to Adjust Motion Sensitivity on Arlo Cameras: A Complete Guide for U.S. Users