Arlo Camera Not Recording When Motion Detected (8 Easy Ways)

I remember the first time I installed my Arlo security camera system. It was a relief to know that I had an extra set of eyes on my property, especially when I wasn’t home.

But recently, I noticed that my Arlo camera wasn’t recording when it detected motion. This was concerning, as I needed to be able to rely on my security system to keep my home safe.

So, I researched online and found possible reasons why my Arlo camera wasn’t recording. In this article, I’ll walk you through the steps on how you can fix your Arlo camera.

Let’s get started!

How to Fix Arlo Camera Not Recording When Motion Detected

These are possible methods that you should try to resolve your Arlo camera when it isn’t recording motion detection events.

#1. Ensure your Arlo Subscription is Activated

While your Arlo camera is completely installed in correct orientations detecting motion but does not record motion detection events, you should ensure your subscription is activated/ valid.

If the subscription plan is expired or you’ve not activated it after installing your camera, the camera will not record videos.

Here is how you can check your active subscription:

1. Launch the Arlo app and click on your profile icon.

2. Then select the location where the plan is used under locations and plan.

3. Click on plans.

4. Here, you’ll see your currently activated Arlo subscription plans.

If you’ve not still activated the Arlo subscription plan or the existing one is expired, you should renew/ activate it to resolve the camera recording issues.

#2. Re-Establish Connection

Sometimes this problem can be due to the incorrect camera setup or device software malfunctioning, which you can resolve by re-establishing the connection between devices.

You should remove the device from your Arlo account and set it up again from the start.

Follow the steps to remove the Arlo camera:

1. Open the Arlo app and click on Device.

2. Go to the Device Settings.

3. Select Remove Device.

Once you’ve deleted the Arlo cam from your account, you should set it up back to your account following the below steps:

1. log in to your Arlo account and click on Add New Device.

2. Tap on Camera.

3. Select Ultra, Pro or Essential.

4. Then select your camera Model.

5. Select an Arlo SmartHub or BaseStation.

6. And then follow the instructions to re-add the Arlo camera.

#3. Fix the Camera Power Issues

On the other hand, a power issue with your Arlo device can prevent it from recording motion detection events.

So, you should check your camera battery for battery-powered devices; if it is running low or completely drained, plug it in to charge completely.

Also, you should check the wiring for your hardwiring Arlo camera to ensure it is receiving proper power, and its battery is fully charged.

If there is a power or wiring issue with your device, it results in a recording issue while it is detecting motions.

#4. Test the Motion Detection/ Detection LED

If you’ve installed a new Arlo camera and experiencing motion detection issues, you should ensure the motion detection feature is enabled for your device.

Because sometimes, when you install a camera device, its detection feature can be disabled, and you are facing an issue that it does not record footage.

You can check your camera motion detection by testing the detection feature using your Arlo mobile application.

Here are steps on how you can test your Arlo cam detection:

1. Open the Arlo app on your phone.

2. Then select the device and Device settings.

3. Choose Device Utilities.

4. And motion detection Test, then confirm the motion LEDs are working.

If the camera motion LED illume and detection feature works, you should also ensure the camera lens is clean and installed in the correct directions.

#5. Factory Reset the Device

The motion detection issue with your Alro camera can also be due to software bugs/ glitches on your device.

These bugs can interfere with the device’s functions and results, preventing it from recording video when events are recorded.

So, you can resolve this problem by performing a factory reset for the camera device resetting will remove all kinds of device bugs.

Note: You should set up data backup for your Arlo camera before performing a reset because it will not be recovered after resetting.

Here is how you can reset your Arlo camera:

1. Press and hold the SYNC button from the camera for about 15 seconds.

2. Release the button after 15 seconds until the camera blinks blue rapidly.

3. Now, your camera is factory reset, and you can set it up in your account.

#6. Enable Email Notifications

If your Arlo camera detects motion, but you are not receiving any kind of alert, you should ensure you’ve enabled the email notifications for the device.

Because when you do not have enabled the detection alert, you’ll be unable to receive notification on your phone when motion is detected.

Here is how you can enable email notifications for your Arlo device:

1. Launch the Arlo app and log in to your account.

2. Click on Mode> then Camera or Base station.

3. Tap on the Pencil icon for an existing mode.

4. Then click on the pencil icon under the Rule Section.

5. Under the alerts section, check the box next to the Email Alerts.

#7. Remove Obstructions

You should also check your device location where you’ve installed it to ensure you are not aiming your camera to look through Glass, Metal or other transparent objects.

If so, you should change the camera position or remove the transparent object next to your camera.

Your Arlo camera motion sensor performance will be decreased when it is aimed through the glass or metal.

#8. Camera Issues

If none of the above methods has resolved your Arlo camera, there will be a problem with your device hardware, or it will be damaged.

Your device can keep detecting motion but stop recording it to the storage you’ve selected. In case you’ll require assistance from an expert.

You can contact Arlo customer support for further assistance; the support team will deeply look into this matter and help you resolve the problem.

Wrapping Up

These are possible solutions to fix your Arlo camera that isn’t working when it detects motion:

Ensure your Arlo Subscription is Activated
Fix the Camera Power Issues
Test the Motion Detection/ Detection LED
Enable Email Notifications
Factory Reset the Device
Camera Issues

Now I’d like to hear from you!

Does this article has been resolved your Arlo device motion recording problems? Do you still need other solutions for your Arlo camera?

Let me know in the comment.