Motion Detection Not Working
Arlo Security Camera
Severity:What Does This Error Mean?
Arlo motion detection that is not working is almost always caused by low sensitivity, a restrictive activity zone, or the camera being in a mode that does not trigger recording. Increase sensitivity and confirm the camera is in Armed mode.
Affected Models
- Arlo Pro 4
- Arlo Pro 5
- Arlo Ultra 2
- Arlo Essential
- Arlo Q
Common Causes
- Motion sensitivity set too low
- Camera in Schedule or Home mode with no recording rule
- Activity zone excludes the area of interest
- Camera battery critically low — detection disabled to save power
- Camera positioned too far from the area to monitor
How to Fix It
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Increase motion sensitivity.
In the Arlo app go to Device Settings > Motion Settings. Move the sensitivity slider to 80 or higher. Walk in front of the camera to test — the camera should trigger within 2–3 seconds of entering the frame.
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Check the active mode.
The camera must be in Armed mode (or a custom mode with motion recording enabled) to detect and record motion. In the app, tap Modes and confirm Armed is selected for the camera.
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Review activity zones.
Open Device Settings > Activity Zones. Confirm that the zone covers the area you want to monitor. A zone that excludes the driveway or doorway will miss all motion in those areas.
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Check the battery level.
When an Arlo battery is critically low, the camera conserves power by reducing or disabling motion detection. Charge the battery and retest detection.
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Reposition the camera.
Arlo motion detection works best when subjects move across the camera's field of view, not directly toward it. Mount the camera at the side of an entry point rather than directly facing it head-on.