Motion Detection Not Working
Arlo Baby Monitor (Camera)
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
Arlo Baby motion detection not working is usually a notification setting turned off in the app. Check that push notifications are enabled in the Arlo app and on your phone for Arlo.
Affected Models
- Arlo Baby (ABC1000)
Common Causes
- Push notifications turned off for the Arlo app on your phone
- Motion sensitivity set too low
- Mode set to Disarmed — no motion alerts in Disarmed mode
- Activity zone configured too small — motion in area outside the zone
- Arlo subscription plan not including advanced notifications
How to Fix It
-
Check your phone's notification settings for the Arlo app.
iPhone: Settings → Notifications → Arlo → Allow Notifications (must be ON). Android: Settings → Apps → Arlo → Notifications → Enable All.
-
Check that the camera mode is set to Armed in the Arlo app.
In the Arlo app, tap the Mode tab and make sure the camera is set to Armed. In Disarmed mode, no motion recording or alerts happen regardless of sensitivity settings.
-
Increase the motion sensitivity setting.
In the Arlo app: Camera Settings → Motion Settings → Sensitivity. Move the slider toward High. The Arlo Baby is optimised for indoor nursery use — medium-high sensitivity works well.
-
Check the activity zone settings.
If you set up an activity zone, alerts only trigger for motion within that zone. In the Arlo app: Camera Settings → Activity Zones. Either enlarge the zone or disable it to restore full-frame detection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Arlo Baby record continuously or only on motion?
By default it records on motion only. Continuous recording requires an Arlo Secure subscription. Without a subscription, the camera streams live but only saves short motion-triggered clips.
Why do I get motion alerts when nothing moved?
False alerts are usually caused by changing light (sunlight moving, TV glow) or AC airflow triggering the sensor. Lower sensitivity slightly and avoid pointing the camera at windows.