You can easily adjust the settings for your Arlo doorbell through the Arlo app on your mobile device or by logging into the Arlo website. This allows you to customize various aspects of its operation, from video quality to motion detection and notifications.
Accessing Your Arlo Doorbell Settings
To begin customizing your Arlo doorbell, follow these straightforward steps, whether you prefer using the mobile app or a web browser:
- Launch the Arlo App or Log In to My Arlo:
- On your smartphone or tablet, open the Arlo app (available on iOS and Android).
- Alternatively, visit my.arlo.com on your computer's web browser and log in with your Arlo credentials.
- Navigate to Device Settings:
- Once logged in, tap or click Settings from the main menu.
- Then, select My Devices.
- Select Your Doorbell:
- From the list of your registered Arlo devices, choose your specific Arlo Essential Video Doorbell (or other Arlo doorbell model).
- Access Configuration Options:
- You will typically see various categories for settings. Tap or click on the relevant setting category you wish to adjust, such as Video Settings, Motion Settings, Audio Settings, or Notification Settings.
Key Settings to Customize on Your Arlo Doorbell
Arlo doorbells offer a range of customizable settings to enhance your home security and convenience. Here are some of the most common and important ones you can adjust:
Video Settings
These settings directly impact the quality and recording behavior of your doorbell's camera.
- Video Quality/Resolution: Adjust the recording resolution (e.g., 1080p, 2K) to balance video clarity with storage and battery life. Higher resolution provides more detail but uses more battery and data.
- HDR (High Dynamic Range): Enable this feature for improved video clarity in scenes with both very bright and very dark areas, helping to prevent overexposed highlights or underexposed shadows.
- Night Vision: Choose between color or black-and-white night vision, or set it to auto. Color night vision often requires ambient light but provides more detail.
- Field of View: Some models allow you to adjust the camera's viewing angle.
Motion Detection Settings
Customize how your doorbell detects and responds to movement.
- Motion Sensitivity: Increase or decrease the sensitivity level to fine-tune when motion events trigger recordings and alerts. Higher sensitivity detects more subtle movements but can also lead to more false alarms.
- Activity Zones: Define specific areas within the camera's view that you want to monitor for motion. This helps to ignore irrelevant motion, like passing cars on a street, and focus only on areas like your porch or front door.
- Motion Detection Test: Use the built-in test feature to walk through your activity zones and ensure motion detection is working as expected after making changes.
Audio Settings
Control the microphone and speaker functions of your doorbell for two-way communication.
- Microphone: Enable or disable the microphone to record audio with video or for two-way talk.
- Speaker Volume: Adjust the volume of the doorbell's speaker for when you speak to visitors through the app.
- Call Sensitivity: Some models allow you to adjust how easily a voice can be picked up during a call.
Notification Settings
Manage how and when you receive alerts from your doorbell.
- Push Notifications: Enable or disable instant alerts to your phone for doorbell presses, motion detection, and sound detection.
- Email Alerts: If supported, configure whether you receive email notifications for events.
- Notification Scheduling: Set schedules for when you want to receive specific types of notifications (e.g., only receive motion alerts when you're away from home).
Chime Settings
For wired Arlo doorbells connected to an existing chime, you can configure its behavior.
- Chime Type: Select whether you have a mechanical or digital chime connected so your Arlo doorbell can properly trigger it.
- Chime Duration: Adjust how long your internal chime rings when the doorbell is pressed.
- Chime Volume: Control the volume of the Arlo doorbell's built-in chime (if applicable) or the connected indoor chime.
Other Important Settings
- Power Management: Monitor battery life (for battery-powered models) and adjust power-saving options if available.
- Device Info: View firmware version, serial number, and other device-specific details.
- Firmware Updates: Ensure your doorbell's firmware is up-to-date for the latest features and security enhancements.
Tips for Optimizing Your Arlo Doorbell Settings
- Test After Changes: Always test your doorbell's functionality (motion detection, two-way audio, notifications) after making significant setting adjustments to ensure it works as intended.
- Consider Your Environment: Adjust sensitivity and activity zones based on your specific location. A doorbell facing a busy street will need different settings than one facing a secluded porch.
- Battery Life Awareness: If you have a battery-powered Arlo doorbell, be mindful that higher video resolution, frequent motion recordings, and continuous power consumption can affect battery life.
- Firmware Updates: Regularly check for and install firmware updates for your doorbell. These updates often include performance improvements, bug fixes, and new features. You can usually find these options within the device settings or through the main Arlo app settings.
- Arlo Secure Plan: For advanced features like cloud activity zones, richer notifications, and continuous video recording (CVR) on compatible devices, consider an Arlo Secure plan.
By taking the time to customize these settings, you can ensure your Arlo doorbell operates exactly how you need it to, providing effective security and convenience for your home.
| Setting Category | Common Adjustments |
|---|---|
| Video Settings | Resolution, HDR, Night Vision, Field of View |
| Motion Detection | Sensitivity, Activity Zones, Motion Detection Test |
| Audio Settings | Microphone (On/Off), Speaker Volume, Call Sensitivity |
| Notifications | Push Alerts (Doorbell Press, Motion, Sound), Email Alerts, Scheduling |
| Chime Settings | Chime Type (Mechanical/Digital), Volume, Duration |
