How to Configure Smart Camera Notifications

Difficulty
Beginner
Tested on
iOS 18.4 - Nest Cam / Ring Stick Up Cam
You will need
Smartphone with camera manufacturer app installed, Active internet connection

Step by step

  1. 30 sec

    Open your camera settings

    Launch your camera’s dedicated mobile application. Navigate to the camera feed and tap the gear icon located in the upper right corner to access device-specific preferences.

  2. 1 min

    Define detection types

    Select Event Notifications or Notification Settings. Toggle off generic motion alerts and enable specific categories like Person, Package, or Animal detection to filter out ambient noise like swaying trees.

    Note: AI-based person detection significantly reduces false positives.
  3. 1 min

    Set activity zones

    Locate Activity Zones or Motion Zones within the settings menu. Draw custom boxes over areas where movement is expected, such as your doorway, and exclude high-traffic areas like busy sidewalks or public roads.

  4. 1 min

    Establish quiet hours

    Navigate to the Notification Schedule section. Define specific time blocks during which alerts should be suppressed, such as when you are home or during nighttime hours.

    Note: Use 'Home/Away' assist modes to automate notifications based on your phone's GPS location.
  5. 30 sec

    Refine alert frequency

    Adjust the cooldown or alert interval settings if available. Increasing this duration prevents a flood of notifications when multiple events occur in rapid succession.