How do I test my Arlo device with my smoke and carbon monoxide detectors?

Follow these instructions to manually test whether your smoke or carbon monoxide (CO) detector is compatible with Arlo Alarm Detection and whether your Arlo camera is within range to detect your smoke/CO detector.

Before testing, make sure of the following:

• Alarm Detection is available on your Arlo camera. For more information, visit Is Alarm Detection available on all Arlo cameras?.
• Your Arlo camera is in an armed mode. For more information, visit What are modes and rules and how does Arlo use them?.
• Your Arlo camera is placed 2ft or less from your alarm if you are testing its compatibility with the feature. If the compatibility test is successful, and you are testing the range, position the camera where you will leave it if the range test is successful.
• Your alarm emits a T3 or T4 alarm pattern. For more information, visit How do I know if my smoke or carbon monoxide detector emits a T3 or T4 pattern?.
• The room you’re in doesn’t generate echoes and doesn’t have sounds that are louder than the alarm.

To test the range of your Arlo camera and confirm your smoke/CO detector is compatible with Arlo Alarm Detection:

1. Launch the Arlo app.
2. Tap or click Settings > Smart Notifications.
3. Select the camera you want to use for the test.
4. Tap or click the slider next to Smoke/CO Alarm.
5. Make sure that Other Audio is turned off.
6. Exit the Arlo app.
7. Make sure there is no motion in your Arlo camera’s field of view while you conduct the alarm test. If there is motion in your camera’s field of view while conducting the test, it is not clear whether the alarm was detected.
8. Activate the alarm on your smoke/CO detector for 30 seconds using the test button.
   • If your alarm can’t automatically sound for 30 seconds using the test button, then you can’t accurately test the range of the Arlo camera.
   • If the test button on your smoke/CO detector does not emit a continuous T3 or T4 pattern for at least 30 seconds when using the test button, but instead emits a different sound (such as a single beep), then you can’t accurately test the compatibility of your alarm. Refer to the instructions that came with your alarm to determine if your alarm emits the industry-standard T3 or T4 pattern.
9. The following outcomes are possible if your alarm generates a continuous T3 or T4 alarm pattern for at least 30 seconds while pressing the test button:
   • You receive an Audio Alert push notification on your mobile device that says “Arlo thinks it detected a Smoke/CO alarm on [Name of Camera],” and you see a video clip in the Library of your Arlo app, labeled ‘Smoke/CO alarm (?)’.
     This means that your camera is within range of your alarm, and your alarm is compatible with the Alarm Detection feature.
   • You do not receive an Audio Alert push notification, but you see a clip in the Library labelled audio as a result of your test. This means your camera is within range of your smoke/CO detector, but it did not recognize the pattern as a smoke/CO alarm.
     This might mean that your smoke/CO detector did not emit a continuous T3 or T4 alarm pattern, there is too much echo or background noise in the room, or your alarm is not compatible with the Alarm Detection feature. We recommend you perform the test again to confirm this.
   • You do not receive an Audio Alert push notification, and there is not a clip in the Library labeled audio.
     This means your camera is not close enough to your alarm to detect it. We recommend you move your Arlo camera closer to your alarm and you perform the test again.
10. Periodically retest the alarm if you change your floor plan, add or remove carpeting, or move your Arlo camera.

For more information about Alarm Detection, visit the following articles:

• How do I know if my smoke or carbon monoxide detector gives off a T3 or T4 alarm pattern?
• Where should I mount my Arlo camera so that it can detect alarms?