Are you experiencing issues with your Arlo camera not detecting motion? You’re not alone. Many users have reported this problem, and it can be frustrating, especially if you’re relying on your camera for home security. In this article, we’ll explore the possible reasons why your Arlo camera is not picking up motion and provide a step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
Understanding How Arlo Motion Detection Works
Before we dive into the troubleshooting process, it’s essential to understand how Arlo motion detection works. Arlo cameras use a combination of algorithms and sensors to detect motion. The camera’s sensor detects changes in the environment, such as movement or temperature changes, and sends a signal to the Arlo app. The app then analyzes the signal and triggers a notification if motion is detected.
Factors That Can Affect Motion Detection
Several factors can affect motion detection on your Arlo camera. These include:
- Camera placement: If the camera is placed in a location with limited visibility or obstructed views, it may not detect motion accurately.
- Sensitivity settings: If the sensitivity settings are set too low, the camera may not detect motion.
- Lighting conditions: Low light conditions or harsh lighting can affect motion detection.
- Interference from other devices: Other devices in the vicinity can interfere with the camera’s signal and affect motion detection.
Troubleshooting Steps
Now that we’ve explored the possible reasons why your Arlo camera is not picking up motion, let’s move on to the troubleshooting steps.
Step 1: Check Camera Placement
Ensure that your Arlo camera is placed in a location with a clear view of the area you want to monitor. Avoid placing the camera in a corner or behind objects that may obstruct the view.
Best Practices for Camera Placement
- Place the camera at least 7 feet off the ground to reduce the risk of tampering.
- Avoid placing the camera near windows or doors that may cause glare or reflections.
- Place the camera in a location with a clear view of the area you want to monitor.
Step 2: Adjust Sensitivity Settings
If you’ve checked the camera placement and it’s not the issue, try adjusting the sensitivity settings. You can do this through the Arlo app.
How to Adjust Sensitivity Settings
- Open the Arlo app and go to the camera settings.
- Scroll down to the “Motion Detection” section.
- Adjust the sensitivity slider to your desired level.
Step 3: Check Lighting Conditions
Low light conditions or harsh lighting can affect motion detection. If you’re experiencing issues with motion detection, try adjusting the lighting conditions.
Best Practices for Lighting Conditions
- Avoid placing the camera in areas with direct sunlight or harsh lighting.
- Use night lights or motion-sensitive lights to improve visibility in low light conditions.
Step 4: Check for Interference from Other Devices
Other devices in the vicinity can interfere with the camera’s signal and affect motion detection. Try moving the camera to a different location or switching off nearby devices.
Devices That Can Interfere with Arlo Cameras
- Cordless phones
- Microwaves
- Baby monitors
- Other wireless devices
Additional Tips
In addition to the troubleshooting steps above, here are some additional tips to help you improve motion detection on your Arlo camera:
- Regularly update your Arlo app to ensure you have the latest features and bug fixes.
- Use the Arlo camera’s night vision feature to improve visibility in low light conditions.
- Use the Arlo camera’s motion zones feature to customize motion detection areas.
By following these troubleshooting steps and tips, you should be able to resolve the issue with your Arlo camera not picking up motion. If you’re still experiencing issues, you may want to contact Arlo support for further assistance.
Why is my Arlo camera not picking up motion when it’s supposed to be armed?
Your Arlo camera may not be picking up motion when it’s supposed to be armed due to a few reasons. First, ensure that the motion detection feature is enabled on your camera. You can check this by logging into your Arlo account, selecting the camera, and verifying that the motion detection toggle is turned on. Additionally, check that the camera is armed and set to the correct mode.
If the motion detection feature is enabled and the camera is armed, the issue might be related to the camera’s sensitivity settings. If the sensitivity is set too low, the camera may not detect motion. Try increasing the sensitivity to see if it resolves the issue. You can adjust the sensitivity settings in the Arlo app by going to the camera’s settings and selecting the motion detection option.
How do I adjust the motion detection sensitivity on my Arlo camera?
To adjust the motion detection sensitivity on your Arlo camera, open the Arlo app and select the camera you want to adjust. Then, go to the camera’s settings by tapping the gear icon. Scroll down to the motion detection option and select it. You will see a slider that allows you to adjust the sensitivity from low to high. Move the slider to the desired sensitivity level and save the changes.
It’s essential to note that adjusting the sensitivity may require some trial and error to find the optimal setting for your specific environment. If you set the sensitivity too high, you may receive false motion alerts. On the other hand, if you set it too low, you may miss actual motion events. Experiment with different sensitivity levels to find the one that works best for you.
Can a weak Wi-Fi signal cause my Arlo camera to not pick up motion?
Yes, a weak Wi-Fi signal can cause your Arlo camera to not pick up motion or experience delayed motion detection. Arlo cameras rely on a stable internet connection to send motion alerts and upload video footage to the cloud. If the Wi-Fi signal is weak, the camera may not be able to communicate effectively with the Arlo servers, resulting in missed motion events.
To resolve this issue, try moving the camera closer to your Wi-Fi router or switching to a different Wi-Fi network with a stronger signal. You can also consider using a Wi-Fi range extender to boost the signal strength. Ensure that your router is updated with the latest firmware and that there are no physical obstructions blocking the signal.
How do I reset my Arlo camera to its factory settings?
To reset your Arlo camera to its factory settings, press and hold the sync button on the back of the camera for about 10 seconds. Release the button when the camera’s LED light starts flashing amber. This will restore the camera to its default settings, including the motion detection feature. Note that resetting the camera will erase all custom settings, including motion detection zones and sensitivity levels.
After resetting the camera, you will need to re-sync it with your Arlo account and reconfigure the motion detection settings. To do this, open the Arlo app and select the camera. Follow the in-app instructions to re-sync the camera and set up the motion detection feature again.
Can I set up motion detection zones on my Arlo camera?
Yes, you can set up motion detection zones on your Arlo camera. Motion detection zones allow you to specify areas within the camera’s field of view where you want to detect motion. This feature is useful for ignoring areas with frequent motion, such as a street or a neighbor’s yard. To set up motion detection zones, open the Arlo app and select the camera. Go to the camera’s settings and select the motion detection option.
In the motion detection settings, you will see a grid overlay on the camera’s live feed. Use this grid to draw zones where you want to detect motion. You can add or remove zones as needed. Once you’ve set up the zones, the camera will only detect motion within those areas and ignore motion outside of them.
Why is my Arlo camera sending me false motion alerts?
Your Arlo camera may be sending you false motion alerts due to various reasons, such as insects, trees swaying in the wind, or shadows. To minimize false alerts, try adjusting the motion detection sensitivity or setting up motion detection zones to ignore areas with frequent motion. You can also try positioning the camera to reduce the impact of external factors, such as moving the camera away from windows or doors.
Another reason for false alerts could be the camera’s night vision feature. If the camera is set to night vision mode, it may detect motion from insects or other small objects that are not visible to the naked eye. Try disabling the night vision feature or adjusting the camera’s night vision sensitivity to reduce false alerts.