Arlo cameras are a popular choice for home security due to their wireless design, ease of use, and reliable motion detection features. However, there may be instances when your Arlo camera is not detecting motion as expected. This article aims to provide helpful troubleshooting advice to resolve this issue and restore the optimal performance of your Arlo camera.
Table of Contents
Understanding Arlo Camera Motion Detection
Arlo cameras come equipped with a motion detection feature, which plays a crucial role in capturing video footage when there is movement within the camera’s field of view. This section discusses the motion detection feature, modes and rules, as well as sensitivity settings.
Motion Detection Feature
Arlo cameras use passive infrared (PIR) sensors to detect motion. These sensors detect changes in temperature, allowing the camera to trigger recording when a moving object, like a person or a car, is detected within its field of view. This feature helps conserve battery life, as the camera doesn’t record continuously, only when motion is sensed.
To ensure the best performance, follow these guidelines:
- Position your Arlo camera correctly, following the Arlo Camera Placement Tips.
- Make sure your camera is online and has enough battery charge.
- Check if notifications are enabled or if the registered email address in your Arlo app is correct.
Modes and Rules
Arlo cameras operate in different modes which define their behavior. Each mode has a set of rules that govern how the camera responds to motion events. For instance, the default mode is “Armed,” where recordings will be triggered when motion is detected. Other modes, like “Disarmed,” will not trigger recordings when motion is detected. You can create custom modes and rules to fit your requirements using the Arlo app.
To set up modes and rules:
- Open the Arlo app on your phone/tablet.
- Tap “Mode” on the homepage of the app.
- Select the camera you want to work on.
- Click on the pencil icon beside the mode option under the camera.
- Follow the prompts to create or edit modes and rules.
Sensitivity Settings
The motion sensitivity settings determine how sensitive the camera’s motion detection is. A higher sensitivity setting means the camera is more likely to detect and record motion, while a lower setting reduces the likelihood of false motion alerts.
To adjust the motion sensitivity settings:
- Open the Arlo app.
- Tap “Settings” and then select the camera you want to manage.
- Tap “Device Settings,” followed by “Motion Detection Test.”
- Use the slider to adjust the sensitivity level to your preference.
Remember to regularly evaluate and fine-tune your Arlo camera’s settings to achieve optimal motion detection performance. Proper setup and adjustments can help ensure that your Arlo camera detects motion efficiently and effectively.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
In this section, we’ll discuss some common issues that may cause your Arlo camera to not detect motion and provide troubleshooting tips to resolve these problems.
Position and Placement
To ensure effective motion detection, proper positioning, and placement of your Arlo camera is crucial. Here are a few points to consider:
- Avoid placing your camera near transparent objects like glass, plastic, or mirror surfaces, as they might interfere with motion detection.
- Adjust the sensitivity level in the Arlo app if your camera is not detecting motion.
- Make sure the motion sensor is not obstructed by objects or placed too high or low.
Battery and Performance Issues
Battery performance and overall camera functionality are interrelated. Keep these factors in mind:
- Ensure your camera has enough battery charge to operate optimally.
- Replace batteries if they are depleted or not functioning correctly.
- Regularly monitor the battery life of your camera in the Arlo app to avoid unexpected performance issues.
Firmware and Arlo Account Problems
The firmware and Arlo account settings can affect the motion detection feature. To troubleshoot these issues, follow these steps:
- Check if the firmware of your camera is up-to-date. If not, update it as necessary.
- Ensure you have the correct email address registered with your Arlo account for notifications.
- If the motion detection feature stopped working, reviewing and changing the modes and settings in your Arlo account could resolve the issue.
- Confirm that your base station is connected and functioning correctly.
- You can also perform a factory reset and resync your camera as a last resort.
Remember to keep these troubleshooting tips handy to resolve issues related to your Arlo camera not detecting motion efficiently. If the problems persist, consider reaching out to Arlo support for expert assistance.
Optimizing Arlo Camera Motion Detection
Adjusting Sensitivity Levels
One of the essential aspects of optimizing Arlo camera motion detection is adjusting the motion sensitivity settings. To improve the camera’s efficiency in detecting motion, follow these steps:
- Open the Arlo app on your phone or tablet.
- Tap on “Mode” from the app’s homepage.
- Select the specific camera that you wish to adjust.
- Click on the pencil icon next to the “Mode” option under the camera to access the “Rules” section.
- Modify the motion sensitivity settings to a level that suits the environment and your requirements.
Remember, setting the sensitivity levels too high may result in false alerts, whereas setting it too low may cause the camera to miss genuine motion events.
Positioning for Accurate Detection
Proper placement of the Arlo camera plays a vital role in accurate motion detection. Consider these tips while positioning your camera:
- Mount the camera at least 7 feet (2 meters) above the ground or floor.
- Angle the camera slightly downward.
- Place the camera within 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters) of the area where motion is expected.
- Ensure that side-to-side traffic crosses the camera field of view.
Avoid pointing the camera towards glass or other transparent objects, as it might interfere with motion detection.
Monitoring and Managing Alerts
Effectively managing the notifications and alerts from your Arlo camera is crucial for accurate motion detection. To monitor and manage alerts, ensure:
- Arlo notifications are enabled.
- The registered email address in your Arlo app is correct.
- Your camera is online and has enough charge.
Keep an eye on the received notifications to assess the camera’s performance and make necessary adjustments to the sensitivity levels, camera position, or rules as required.
If you continue to experience issues with your Arlo camera’s motion detection, consider contacting customer support for assistance. Their expertise can help you make the most of your security cameras and ensure optimal motion detection performance.