How to Enable Motion Detection on Arlo Camera: Complete Guide for U.S. Users

Motion detection is one of the most essential features of Arlo security cameras. It turns your camera into a smart sentinel that only records when there’s activity, saving both storage and battery. Whether you’re securing your home, monitoring packages, or keeping an eye on your small business, enabling motion detection is critical to making your Arlo system truly effective. This guide walks you through how to enable and optimize motion detection on Arlo cameras with clear steps, real-world use cases, and troubleshooting tips.

Looking to learn more about Arlo camera features or compare models? Visit our Arlo Security Cameras page.

Why Motion Detection Matters on Arlo Cameras

Arlo cameras are designed to work smarter, not harder. With motion detection enabled, the camera doesn’t record continuously—it springs into action when it detects movement. This has several advantages:

Saves battery on wire-free models
Saves cloud storage space
Sends instant alerts to your phone or email
Captures only the footage that matters
Enhances real-time security response

Most Arlo cameras come with built-in PIR (Passive Infrared) sensors or video-based detection, depending on the model.

Step-by-Step: How to Enable Motion Detection on Arlo Cameras

Whether you’re using the mobile app or accessing the Arlo dashboard via a web browser, enabling motion detection is straightforward.

Using the Arlo Secure App (iOS or Android)

Open the Arlo Secure App
Launch the app on your smartphone or tablet.
Go to the Devices Tab
Tap on “Devices” and select the Arlo camera you want to configure.
Tap the Settings Gear Icon
This opens the camera’s settings.
Select “Motion Detection” or “Smart Notifications”
Depending on the model, this may be under “Device Settings > Motion Detection”.
Toggle Motion Detection On
Simply switch it on. You can also set up detection zones, sensitivity, and alert types.
Customize Notifications
Choose to receive push notifications, emails, or both.
Save Changes and Test
Walk in front of the camera to confirm detection is working.

Using a Web Browser (PC or Mac)

Visit https://my.arlo.com
Log in with your Arlo credentials.
Go to Settings > Devices
Select the camera you want to configure.
Click “Modes” or “Rules”
Select the active mode (usually “Armed”) and look for the motion rule.
Edit or Add a Rule
Ensure the rule includes motion detection and recording action.
Save and Exit
Make sure changes are saved. Use “Live View” to test functionality.

Real-World Use Cases for Motion Detection

Home Security

Detect Intruders: Cameras instantly notify you when someone enters your property.
Monitor Front Doors and Driveways: Know exactly when packages arrive or if someone is snooping around.
Watch Kids or Pets in the Yard: Receive alerts when kids come home from school or pets roam too far.

Business Surveillance

After-Hours Alerts: Know if someone is on your property after business hours.
Customer Tracking: See how many people enter your store without constantly reviewing footage.
Employee Monitoring: Verify deliveries and secure restricted areas.

Vacation Homes or Rentals

Activity Alerts: Get notified when there’s movement during periods when no one should be around.
Check Guest Check-Ins: Monitor motion activity around entrances.

Pre-Setup Checklist

Before enabling motion detection on your Arlo camera, ensure the following:

Camera is online and added to your Arlo account
Firmware is updated
Camera is positioned correctly with a clear line of sight
Motion zones (if supported) are configured
Detection mode is active (e.g., “Armed”)
Your Arlo Secure subscription (optional but recommended for AI-based detection) is active

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Motion Not Being Detected

Fix:

Adjust motion sensitivity in camera settings
Clean the camera lens
Ensure PIR sensor isn’t blocked by glass or objects
Reposition the camera for better field of view
Make sure the camera is in “Armed” mode

Too Many False Alerts

Fix:

Lower the motion sensitivity
Set up motion detection zones to limit the area being monitored
Avoid pointing the camera at trees, roads, or moving shadows

No Notifications

Fix:

Check if notifications are enabled in the Arlo app
Make sure your phone’s notification settings allow Arlo alerts
Ensure you’re logged into the right Arlo account

Motion Detection Not Recording

Fix:

Make sure your active mode has a rule to record on motion
Check cloud storage quota
If using local storage, ensure the USB drive or microSD card is functional

Watch Out For

While motion detection is incredibly useful, keep these limitations and considerations in mind:

Glass interference: Most Arlo cameras use PIR sensors that don’t detect motion through glass. Install the camera outdoors or use models with video-based detection for window setups.
Battery Drain: Frequent motion events may reduce battery life. Consider adjusting sensitivity or using activity zones.
Privacy Concerns: Ensure your setup respects local privacy laws, especially if pointing cameras at public or shared spaces.
Internet Connectivity: Poor Wi-Fi can cause delays in motion alert delivery. Use dual-band routers or Wi-Fi extenders if needed.

Pro Tips to Maximize Motion Detection Performance

Position at an Angle: Place cameras so that people walk across the field of view, not directly toward it. This improves PIR detection.
Use Activity Zones: Focus only on areas where motion matters to reduce false alerts.
Enable AI-Based Detection: With an Arlo Secure subscription, you can get person, vehicle, animal, and package detection—making alerts smarter.
Schedule Monitoring Hours: Use the scheduling feature to avoid notifications during high-traffic hours.
Test Periodically: Walk in front of your camera occasionally to ensure it’s still triggering motion alerts.

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Want to learn more about camera comparisons, setup guides, or smart integrations? Visit our Arlo Security Cameras page for everything you need to build a smarter, safer home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Do all Arlo cameras support motion detection?
Yes, all Arlo cameras support motion detection, but the type of detection (PIR vs. video analytics) may vary by model.

Q2. Can I customize the sensitivity of motion detection?
Absolutely. You can adjust motion sensitivity in the Arlo app or web dashboard for each camera.

Q3. Will motion detection work at night?
Yes. Arlo cameras include night vision and still detect motion in low light conditions.

Q4. What is the best height for mounting an Arlo camera for motion detection?
About 6 to 8 feet high is ideal. This position captures motion at an angle, improving detection accuracy.

Q5. Can I enable motion detection on multiple Arlo cameras at once?
Yes. By setting up a mode (e.g., “Armed”), you can apply the same motion rules to multiple cameras.

Q6. Does motion detection use more battery?
Yes, frequent motion events can drain the battery faster. Use smart alerts and zone filtering to optimize performance.

Q7. Do I need an Arlo Secure subscription for motion detection?
No, but a subscription unlocks enhanced AI motion alerts like people, vehicle, and package detection, which improves accuracy.

Q8. Will I get notified instantly when motion is detected?
Yes, the app sends near-instant push notifications and can also trigger email alerts or smart home automations.

Final Thoughts

Enabling motion detection on your Arlo camera is one of the smartest ways to improve the effectiveness of your home security system. With just a few taps or clicks, you can start receiving real-time alerts, minimize false alarms, and ensure that you’re always aware of what’s happening around your property.

Remember, the key to getting the best results lies in properly configuring motion zones, adjusting sensitivity, and choosing the right camera placement. Combine these with smart notifications and you’re well on your way to securing your space like a pro.

Troubleshooting Guides

How to Enable Motion Detection on Arlo Camera: Complete Guide for U.S. Users