Why Won't My Arlo Camera Detect Motion?

Problem Description

Your Arlo camera is not detecting motion when people or vehicles pass through the camera's field of view. The first thing to check is whether the camera is armed — Arlo cameras only detect and record motion when the system mode is set to Armed. Activity zones, sensitivity, and camera angle also affect detection.

Why This Happens in Real Homes

Arlo only detects and records motion when the system is armed (or in a custom mode with a rule), so the first thing to check is the mode — a disarming schedule or geofence is the most common reason a camera that "used to work" suddenly detects nothing.

Start by confirming the system is armed and motion detection is on for that camera, then check the activity zone covers the area and sensitivity isn't too low. Make sure the camera is online with a decent signal; and remember detection can work while cloud recording still needs an active Arlo Secure plan.

Symptoms

• No motion detection
• Camera does not record on motion
• No alerts
• Works in Live View only
• Missing events
• Detection stopped after a change
• Disarmed without realizing
• Zones seem ignored

Recognize these? Here's what usually causes it.

Common Causes

• System disarmed or in a non-recording mode
• Motion detection off for the camera
• Activity zone excludes the area
• Sensitivity too low
• Schedule/geofencing disarming it
• Weak signal or camera offline
• PIR obstructed/aimed wrong
• Subscription lapsed (no cloud clips)

Tools & Requirements

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Check if the camera is armed

Arlo cameras only detect and record motion when the system is in Armed mode or a custom mode with recording rules. Open the Arlo app and check the mode selector. If it shows Disarmed, no motion detection occurs on any camera. Switch to Armed. If you use geofencing, the system may disarm when your phone is at home. Turn off geofencing if you want detection while home.

2

Verify motion detection is enabled for this specific camera

Even when the system is Armed, individual cameras can have motion detection disabled. Go to the camera settings and confirm motion detection is toggled on. Also check the detection type — some models let you choose between All Motion and People Only. If People Only is selected and you are trying to detect a vehicle or animal, it will be ignored.

3

Adjust sensitivity and activity zones

If detection is enabled but not triggering, sensitivity may be too low. Increase it one or two levels. Also check activity zones — if zones are defined, only motion within the zones triggers detection. Motion outside the zones is completely ignored, even at maximum sensitivity. Remove all activity zones temporarily to test if detection works across the full frame.

4

Clean the sensor and reposition the camera

The PIR motion sensor detects heat movement across its field of view. A dirty lens or PIR sensor window reduces effectiveness. Clean the camera lens and the small dark PIR sensor window next to it (on the front face of the camera body) with a soft cloth. PIR sensors work best when subjects move perpendicular to the camera (across the field of view), not directly toward it. If people walk straight at the camera, it may not detect them until they are very close.

Needed for this step

MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloth,Pack of 12,Si...

This helps complete the fix you are currently reading.

$13.99

View Needed Item

5

Power cycle and update firmware

If motion detection worked before and stopped, the camera may be in a stuck state. Remove the battery for 30 seconds and reinsert it. After reboot, check for firmware updates in the Arlo app — motion detection bugs have been fixed in past firmware releases. If this doesn't help after a power cycle and firmware update, factory reset the camera and re-add it to your account.

Needed for this step

JcBlaon Outlet Extender Surge Protector - 6 Out...

This helps complete the fix you are currently reading.

$9.99

View Needed Item

Quick Solutions

Still having issues? This is usually the deeper cause below.

Need More Help? Arlo Support

Note: The contact information below connects you directly to Arlo's official customer support team, not Trunetto. They can help with warranty claims, device replacements, and advanced technical issues.

How Does Arlo Compare?

Before replacing your Arlo device, see how it stacks up against alternatives in our full comparison guides.