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Fixing Arlo Cameras Not Recording Motion: A Complete Troubleshooting Guide
Arlo security cameras have become one of the most popular smart surveillance devices for homes and businesses due to their reliability, wireless functionality, and real-time motion alerts. However, like any piece of technology, they can occasionally run into performance issues. A common and frustrating problem for many users is when Arlo cameras not recording motion properly. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “My Arlo camera is not recording when there’s clear activity,” you’re not alone.
In this comprehensive blog from Callhelpsupport, we will address the core reasons why your Arlo camera not recording motion and offer step-by-step solutions to get them working efficiently again.
Why Are Arlo Cameras Not Recording Motion?
The Arlo camera system uses advanced motion detection technology to trigger recordings. But certain settings or environmental factors can interfere with its effectiveness. Before jumping into fixes, it’s important to understand why these issues happen in the first place:
Improper Motion Detection Settings
If the sensitivity settings are too low, your Arlo device may not detect minor movements. This is a common reason for Arlo cameras not recording motion.
Camera Placement Issues
Arlo cameras use PIR (Passive Infrared) sensors to detect motion. If the camera is not facing the right direction or placed too high, it may not detect motion effectively.
Battery or Power Problems
If your Arlo camera is low on battery or not properly connected to its power source, it might stop recording or fail to initiate when motion is detected.
Subscription Limitations
Free plans on Arlo might have restricted features. Advanced motion detection and continuous recording are often locked behind paid subscriptions.
Firmware Glitches
Outdated firmware or incomplete software updates can also lead to issues like my Arlo camera is not recording at the right times.
Common Fixes for Arlo Camera Not Recording Motion
Now that you understand the causes, it’s time to dive into the solutions. Here are tried-and-tested steps that can help restore your Arlo camera’s motion detection and recording functions.
- Adjust Motion Sensitivity Settings
Open your Arlo app and go to Mode > Rules > Edit Rule > Motion is detected. You’ll find a slider to adjust motion sensitivity. Increase it if you feel that the camera is missing out on movements.
A lower sensitivity level will only trigger recordings for larger movements, which means everyday activity might be ignored.
- Optimize Camera Placement
Ensure the camera is placed at an angle where people or objects cross the field of view rather than approaching directly. PIR sensors are more effective when detecting motion across their range rather than head-on.
Also, avoid placing your camera behind glass or in areas with too much direct sunlight, which can interfere with infrared sensors.
- Check Battery and Power Source
If your Arlo is battery-powered, ensure the battery is fully charged. Inconsistent or low power levels often cause glitches where the camera stops functioning or fails to record.
For wired models, check the power adapter and cable for any signs of wear or disconnection.
What to Do If Arlo Still Doesn’t Record Motion?
Even after basic troubleshooting, if Arlo camera not recording motion persists, you may need more advanced fixes.
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Update Firmware
Go to Settings > Device Settings > Firmware in the Arlo app. If a firmware update is available, install it immediately. Many bugs related to motion detection and recording are resolved through firmware updates. -
Re-Sync the Camera
Sometimes the camera loses sync with the base station. Remove the device from your Arlo account and add it back. This often solves the problem of my Arlo camera is not recording even when motion is clearly happening. -
Restart the Base Station
Unplug your base station, wait 60 seconds, and plug it back in. A full power cycle often resolves connection and performance issues. -
Verify Cloud Subscription
Some features—like cloud storage and motion-triggered recordings—are only available on certain Arlo plans. Make sure your plan includes motion-triggered video storage.
Smart Tips to Prevent Motion Detection Issues
While it’s important to know how to fix problems, prevention is always better. Here are a few smart tips to keep your Arlo system running smoothly:
Enable Notifications: Make sure you receive motion alerts in real time so you can confirm whether recordings are being triggered.
Create Custom Modes: Arlo allows you to set specific detection zones and times. Use custom modes to prevent false alarms or missed recordings.
Use Activity Zones (If Available): Premium Arlo plans allow you to define specific areas for motion detection. This helps in fine-tuning performance.
When to Contact Support
If you’ve tried all the above and your Arlo camera not recording motion still persists, it may be time to contact Callhelpsupport for expert guidance. The issue could be hardware-related or deeper within the network configurations. Our specialists can walk you through advanced diagnostics, reset procedures, or even assist with warranty replacements.
You can also visit our dedicated support resources if Arlo cameras not recording motion continues to be a recurring issue despite these fixes.
Conclusion
There’s no denying that Arlo cameras are a powerful addition to your home or office security system. However, issues like my Arlo camera is not recording or Arlo camera not recording motion can undermine their effectiveness. By understanding the underlying causes and applying the solutions shared above, you can restore full functionality to your camera in no time.
For any ongoing or complex issues, don't hesitate to reach out to Callhelpsupport, your go-to partner for device troubleshooting and support. Our experts are ready to help you make the most of your smart security system.