How to Set Up Motion Detection on Ring and Other Smart Cams
A step-by-step guide for better security and fewer false alarms — from someone who’s done it all.
When I first installed my Ring Indoor Cam, I was excited to finally have eyes on my home while I was away. But I quickly learned that if you don’t set up motion detection properly, you’ll get bombarded with unnecessary alerts — every shadow, every pet movement, even passing cars if a window is in frame.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how I personally set up motion detection not just on Ring cameras, but also on other popular smart cams like eufy, Nest, and Tapo. The goal is to capture what matters and ignore what doesn’t.
Table of Contents
1. Start with the App That Matches Your Device
Each camera brand has its own app:
- Ring uses the Ring App
- eufy uses eufy Security
- Nest (Google) works through the Google Home app
- TP-Link Tapo uses Tapo
I recommend downloading the app before even mounting the camera. This way, you can test motion settings and view live footage to decide the best location and angle for the camera.
CHECK OUT THE RING INDOOR CAM I HAVE
2. Ring Camera: Set Up Motion Zones
Here’s how I did it with my Ring Indoor Cam:
- Open the Ring app
- Tap on your device
- Go to Device Settings > Motion Settings
- Choose Motion Zones
- Drag and shape the zone to cover only the areas you want
- Adjust Motion Sensitivity — I keep mine at medium to reduce alerts from ceiling fans and pets
You can also toggle off alerts during certain times using Motion Schedule, which I use to silence notifications when I’m working from home.
3. Nest Cam (Google): Fine-Tune Smart Detection
The Nest Cam is smarter than most. It can detect people, animals, and vehicles separately.
- Open the Google Home app
- Tap your camera
- Go to Settings > Events > Seen events
- Choose what type of motion you want alerts for
- You can also set up Activity Zones by drawing on the video feed
I created a zone just for my front door area, so passing cars or delivery trucks don’t trigger alerts.
4. eufy Cam: Great for Custom Zones
This is one of my favorite features with eufy.
- Open the eufy Security app
- Tap your camera
- Go to Detection Settings > Activity Zone
- Draw custom shapes to avoid high-traffic areas like windows
- Adjust sensitivity under Motion Detection Settings
eufy also lets you store recordings locally (no subscription required), which is a huge win for privacy.
5. TP-Link Tapo: Simplified But Effective
- Open the Tapo app
- Go to your camera settings
- Tap on Detection & Alerts
- Enable Motion Detection
- Create a Detection Area and adjust sensitivity
It’s not as advanced as Nest or eufy, but for under $30, it works great for basic needs.
6. Pro Tip: Test Your Zones
Once you’ve set everything up, walk through the motion zones yourself to make sure the camera is recording only what you want. You can have a friend help, or review the app notifications over a 24-hour period to make adjustments.
7. Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Mounting too high or too low
- Pointing toward reflective surfaces like windows or TVs
- Not adjusting zones near busy streets or trees
- Leaving all motion types on (do you really need pet alerts?)
8. Set Schedules to Avoid Alert Overload
I use motion schedules to pause alerts when I know there’ll be movement I don’t care about — like when I’m doing chores or letting the dog roam freely.
9. Integrate with Google or Alexa for Extra Control
I love being able to say, “Alexa, show me the kitchen cam” or “Hey Google, pause front door notifications.” Just link your camera to your smart home hub for hands-free convenience.
10. Use Motion Detection for Automations
Did you know you can set up routines like turning on lights when motion is detected? I use this in the hallway at night, and it’s been a game-changer for safety and convenience.
Final Thoughts
If you want better home security without being overwhelmed by constant pings, dialing in your motion settings is a must. Whether you use Ring, Nest, eufy, or Tapo — the goal is to let your camera work smarter, not harder.
When I first installed my Ring cam in the living room, I made the mistake of leaving motion detection on default settings. Within minutes, I was getting notifications every time the sunlight shifted or my cat stretched. Fine-tuning the motion zones changed everything.
A great tip I’ve learned is to install cameras slightly off-center from doorways or windows. That way, the motion sensor picks up intentional entry or exit but doesn’t get distracted by background movement like passing cars or fluttering curtains.
Also, avoid pointing your camera directly at a heat source like vents, heaters, or sunny spots. These can cause false triggers on motion sensors that rely on changes in infrared heat.
Some smart cameras like Nest and eufy give you AI-powered alerts — meaning the device can tell the difference between a person and an object. I’ve found this incredibly useful when I’m not home and only want notifications for actual people or pets.
In rental properties or shared living situations, it’s smart to name motion zones clearly — like “Front Entry Only” or “Package Drop Zone.” This keeps things organized and helps you understand alerts quickly when you’re on the go.
Another personal recommendation: keep your firmware updated. Most people overlook this, but new updates often improve motion sensitivity and false alert filtering. Just check the app settings every few weeks to make sure you’re up to date.
I’ve also experimented with motion-triggered automations — like turning on a smart bulb when motion is detected after 9 p.m. It’s great for both security and convenience, especially when coming home late or checking on a child.
When testing detection zones, try recording a 24-hour period with the settings you’ve created. Then review the timeline to see what you might have missed or what didn’t need to be recorded at all. It helps fine-tune everything for your daily life.
I can’t stress enough how helpful it is to pair your smart cams with voice assistants. Whether you use Alexa or Google Assistant, motion alerts can be controlled via voice, routines, or app-based schedules — super helpful if your hands are full.
In one setup, I use a Ring cam in tandem with a motion sensor and Echo device. When motion is detected, it not only notifies me but also plays a chime in the kitchen — letting me know someone is near the front door before they even knock.
I’ve also found that in shared family households, you should show everyone how to use the app. This reduces panic if someone receives a motion alert and doesn’t know how to check the footage.
Lastly, remember that more isn’t always better. It’s tempting to cover every corner of your home, but too many cameras with overly sensitive settings can backfire. Be strategic. Focus on high-traffic areas like entrances, hallways, and main rooms for the best results.