Arlo Camera Activity Zone Not Working? – 7 Tips to Fix It.

Activity zones allow Arlo users to define specific areas within the camera’s field of view, triggering notifications and alerts only when motion is detected in those designated zones.

However, even the most advanced systems can encounter hiccups, and if your Arlo camera’s Activity Zones have decided to take an unscheduled break, it can be more than just a minor inconvenience.

Imagine missing crucial alerts from the very areas you’ve designated as high-priority zones. Whether it’s a backyard entryway or a front porch, the impact on your home’s safety and peace of mind can be significant.

The good news is that there’s a wealth of solutions to explore. In this article, I’ll guide you through a variety of tips and techniques to revive and optimize your Arlo camera’s activity zones.

So, let’s dive in and ensure that your Arlo camera is operating at its full potential.

7 Tips To Fix Arlo Camera Activity Zones.

When your Arlo camera’s Activity Zones decide to take an unexpected break, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and dive into some troubleshooting.

In the following sections, you’ll find seven solutions that can help you reclaim the precision of your Activity Zones.

Tip 1: Increase Motion Sensitivity.

When it comes to motion sensitivity, finding the sweet spot is crucial. too low sensitivity level can lead the motion detection feature to stop working on the created activity zones.

Boost the sensitivity level to ensure your camera doesn’t miss a beat, but be cautious not to set it too high. Excessive sensitivity can increase the likelihood of false alarms, disrupting your peace of mind.

Here are the instructions to follow in order to boost sensitivity:

1. Launch the Arlo Secure App.
2. Tap Mode.
3. Select the device you want to adjust.
4. In the Armed section, tap the pencil icon.
5. In the Rules section, tap the pencil icon for the rule you want to edit.
6. Tap the pencil icon next to Motion is detected.
7. Move the slider to decrease or increase motion sensitivity.
8. Tap Save.
9. Tap Edit Mode.
10. Tap Done.

Tip 2: Change Your Camera’s Angle.

Optimizing your camera’s angle is more than just a visual preference, it’s a key factor in Activity Zone accuracy. Adjust your device to avoid recording areas you don’t want to monitor, and ensure there are no obstructions hindering motion detection within the specified zones.

by optimizing your camera’s coverage by adjusting its position, you ensure a clear view of the monitored area. This improves the chances of capturing all relevant movements within the specified range.

Here are some best practices for camera placement:

1. Ensure a clear line of sight by keeping cameras free of obstacles like trees or walls.
2. Mount cameras at eye level or slightly above to capture details without being tampered with.
3. Choose well-lit areas for consistent image quality and avoid pointing cameras directly at bright lights.
4. Test camera angles and views to make sure they meet your surveillance objectives.

Tip 3: Disable Auto Zooming and Tracking.

Auto Zoom and Tracking is a feature that enables your Arlo camera to digitally zoom in on a moving object and follow it. This can help you see people, vehicles, and other moving objects without needing to manually zoom in.

While Auto Zoom and Tracking can enhance your camera’s capabilities, it may impact Activity Zone accuracy. Turn off this feature temporarily to see if it resolves any issues.

Arlo recommends this step to ensure optimal performance within your designated zones.

Here are the steps to follow in order to disable this feature:

1. Open the Arlo Secure App or log in to my.arlo.com.
2. Tap or click Settings > My Devices.
3. Select the camera you want to edit.
4. Tap or click Video Settings.
5. Tap on the slider next to Auto Zoom and Tracking to turn it off.

Tip 4: Enable Notifications.

Sometimes, the problem isn’t with your Activity Zones but rather within your smart notification settings. Ensure that your notification settings are set properly to receive alerts when motion is detected within the designated zones.

Here are the steps to follow in order to change your notification settings:

1. Launch the Arlo Secure App.
2. Tap Settings.
3. Tap Smart Notifications.
4. Select the camera you want to edit.
5. Make sure the toggle switches are On for object types you want to receive notifications for.

Tip 5: Update Your Camera and The App.

Keeping your camera’s firmware and the Arlo Secure app up to date is more than routine maintenance—it’s a crucial step in troubleshooting.

Updates often include patches and enhancements that address performance issues which could be the reason of your activity zones problem.

To update the Arlo app, head to your device’s app store (Google Play or the App Store), search for “Arlo,” and hit the update button if available.

To update your Arlo Ultra, Pro 3, Pro 2, Pro, or Wire-Free firmware manually:

1. Launch the Arlo app or log in to my.arlo.com.
2. Tap or click Settings > My Devices.
3. Select the camera that you want to update.
4. Tap or click Device Info > Firmware > Update.
   • Warning: Do not open the battery door or remove the battery while an Arlo camera is updating and installing firmware.
5. Wait for the camera firmware update to complete.
6. While the firmware is downloading, the LED on the camera blinks alternating blue and amber.
7. After this, the camera’s LED turns off for about one to two minutes while the camera installs the firmware.
8. After the camera firmware update finishes, the camera syncs to the base station again and the LED blinks blue rapidly.

To update your Arlo Q, Q Plus, or Go firmware manually:

1. Launch the Arlo app or log in to my.arlo.com.
2. Tap or click Settings > My Devices.
3. Select the camera that you want to update.
4. Tap or click Device Info > Firmware > Update.
   • Warning: Do not disconnect your camera, open the battery door, or remove the battery while the firmware update is in progress.
5. Wait for the firmware update to complete.
   • The camera’s LED blinks amber and blue while the firmware is downloading and installing. After the firmware is installed, the camera reboots and the LED is off.
   • When the LED lights again and the pattern stops changing, your camera is available to stream.
   • Note: If you turn off your Arlo Go camera’s LED in the camera settings, the LED does not blink to show that a firmware update is in progress.
   • While the LED is turned off, always make sure that you can view your camera live from the Arlo app or a web browser before interrupting power to the camera.
   • If you remove the battery or otherwise interrupt power while a firmware update is in progress, your camera might become unusable.

Tip 6: Power Cycle Your Arlo Camera.

Power cycling involves restarting the camera by either unplugging it (for wired versions) or removing and reinserting the batteries (for battery-powered versions).

This solution is simple to implement and can effectively address your issue. It refreshes the camera settings, removes bugs and resolves temporary software glitches.

Tip 7: Reset The Camera.

In the event that all else fails, a factory reset is our last solution for troubleshooting Activity Zones on your Arlo camera.

By initiating a factory reset, you return your camera to its original state, eliminating glitches and configuration problems. However, exercise caution, as this process erases all data and settings.

Only proceed with a factory reset if the previous solutions prove unsuccessful, and be prepared to reconfigure your camera from the ground up.

Here are the steps to follow in order to reset your Arlo camera:

1. Unmount your camera and find the sync button.
2. If you have Pro 3, Pro 4, Floodlight, Ultra and Go 2 models, Release the camera from the camera housing to access the sync button.
3. If you have Essential Wire-Free, Pro, Pro2, and other models, Find the sync button on the camera housing.
4. Press and hold this button until the camera LED begins blinking amber (blinks 3 times).
5. Launch the Arlo app or log in to this website.
6. Tap Settings, then “My Devices” and select your camera.
7. Choose “Remove Device”, the “Yes” to confirm.
8. Back to the Devices page and choose “Add New Device”.
9. Select Cameras and follow the prompts to connect the camera to your WiFi network, base station, or SmartHub.
10. If needed, insert the camera back into its camera housing until it clicks back into place.

Conclusion.

As you read the steps to resolve the activity zone issue, remember that additional help is available with Arlo’s customer support.

Whether you have questions or need personalized guidance, their team can assist you.