Geofencing stopped working

[er-minio]

I'm not sure if this is really a camera problem or and app/system issue.

Goefencing for my Arlo Go camera stopped working recently.

I tried resetting the geofencing zone, changing sizes, to no avail.

The phone has location sharing, background refresh, etc. etc.

There is another user, same, all settings are good on the other phone.

Geofencing has been working for years at this location, no big changes done apart from switching the SIM in the Arlo Go Camera at the beginning of August (V-SIM shut down) and Geofencing worked ok after that.

I have to manually arm/disarm the camera and, a couple of days ago, even disarming the camera wouldn't do anything as I would get movement notification (and movie recordings) despite the camera being set as "disarmed".

Is there some software issue? Update needed?

[BrookeN]

Can you provide more details on how you are wanting to set up your Geofencing? I would be more than happy to help. 

[Neaves]

In keen to see a real resolution for this issue as we have had problems ever since the new app was rammed down our throats. Constant issues with geofence not working. Done everything and it starts working for a short time, then starts going faulty again. Activates when only one person leaves most of the time, or not at all. Never disarms on return. I’ve given up and created an applet on IFTTT that does exactly what I need it to do and it works without fail. Really shouldn’t have to spend the extra money for a function that is “supported” natively. 

Just tell us straight that there’s a problem with the app and it needs fixing. Also admit your developers probably need more training. The fact is most of us on this thread (most of your customers more likely) are having similar problems and only since the new app was released. 

[alex_loo]

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@Neaves wrote:

I’ve given up and created an applet on IFTTT that does exactly what I need it to do and it works without fail. Really shouldn’t have to spend the extra money for a function that is “supported” natively. 

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Can you share how you use IFTTT?  I'd like to see if there is any way to trigger Google Home from IFTTT, on a geofencing in/out event.

Alex

[Neaves]

Of course. 

At least one user will need a paid account to get the applet working as needed. 

You need to create a group in Group Locations trigger that contains the people/devices. This will be the trigger using geofencing. 

Then the action will be to change your Arlo device status. If you are using a base station to connect all your cameras, the base station will be the device to reference. 

[alex_loo]

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@Neaves wrote:

Of course. 

At least one user will need a paid account to get the applet working as needed. 

You need to create a group in Group Locations trigger that contains the people/devices. This will be the trigger using geofencing. 

Then the action will be to change your Arlo device status. If you are using a base station to connect all your cameras, the base station will be the device to reference. 

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thanks.  A few questions:

1. can this ifttt group location trigger trigger off, EVERY TIME one of the devices returns the defined location (irrespective of where the remaining devices are)

2. in general, when there is an IFTTT trigger fired off, how do you send a trigger to Google Home?  (so I can do something else there)

many thanks.

Alex

[Neaves]

1. Yes, you set the tiles how you want. Mine is arm when last person leaves and disarm when first person enters. Works every time. 

2. Google Home is not an action in IFTTT and can’t be used. You need to link direct to Arlo or any other server you have in mind. 

[alex_loo]

Hi @Neaves , thanks for the reply!

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@Neaves wrote:

1. Yes, you set the tiles how you want. Mine is arm when last person leaves and disarm when first person enters. Works every time. 

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can you trigger on ALL of the following? :

• when first person enters (that's what you have done)
• when second person enters
• when third person enters
• :
• when last person enters

Above is exactly what I am looking for.

2. Google Home is not an action in IFTTT and can’t be used. You need to link direct to Arlo or any other server you have in mind. 

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I have already linked up ARLO to within Google Home but then the issue is the ARLO device, as a Google Home Automation starter, doesn't work at all.  I am feeling this is another bug with ARLO (tagging @JamesC and @BrookeN )

So in trying to achieve above, I have been exploring turning an IFTTT device ON/OFF and having it monitored by Home Automation (as a starter trigger).  However, I have not been able to find such device (well, I prefer it cheap too).  Are you aware of any such device?

Alex

[Neaves]

The starters available are currently limited to any member, first member or last member. So in your case, you could use any member as it would trigger every time member enters or exits, no matter if there first, third, last, etc. 

Arlo cameras are not available devices in Google Home automation triggers for movement detection if that’s what you’re looking for. If you need that, you’ll need to get Google Nest cameras. 

[alex_loo]

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@Neaves wrote:

The starters available are currently limited to any member, first member or last member. So in your case, you could use any member as it would trigger every time member enters or exits, no matter if there first, third, last, etc. 

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Just to confirm above is regarding ITFFF (not Google Home Automation)?  Meaning ITFFF:

• can have individual member triggering, every time he enters or exits (no matter if he is first or not)
• can be configured for "group location trigger", which only triggers on first entry and last exit

Is my understanding correct?  If so, that would be exciting news for me.

Alex

[alex_loo]

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@Neaves wrote:

Arlo cameras are not available devices in Google Home automation triggers for movement detection if that’s what you’re looking for. If you need that, you’ll need to get Google Nest cameras. 

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(trigger by camera movement) That's NOT what I am looking for.  I just want Google Home Automation to ARLO modes for me --- not just the basic last exit and first entry scenarios, but also:

• first, second, ... last entry of ANY member

Apparently GHA does not support this, that's why I am exploring other options, say via IFTTT.

Alex

[Neaves]

Correct. This is using IFTTT logic. Just to clarify, the group location triggers are attached. 

[Neaves]

Correct. GHA does not support this so IFTTT is required until Arlo employs competent developers. 

[alex_loo]

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@Neaves wrote:

Correct. This is using IFTTT logic. Just to clarify, the group location triggers are attached. 

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picture not showing .... help! @StephenB @JamesC @BrookeN 

Alex

[alex_loo]

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@Neaves wrote:

Correct. This is using IFTTT logic. Just to clarify, the group location triggers are attached. 

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So they are pretty complete there.  Thanks for the info.

Since I don't have PRO subscription, I can only do "me entering an area anytime", and run the same login at all the member devices.  See mine below:

As for "all member away", I think I can use Google Home Automation to achieve that.  No need for IFTTT pro.

But thanks again for the update.

Alex

ps: @StephenB do you mind enabling the pic please

[StephenB]

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@alex_loo wrote:

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ps: @StephenB do you mind enabling the pic please

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Just did.

[Neaves]

Yes, you need a pro account which is cheap anyway. And no, you can’t use Google Home Automations at all to arm and disarm Arlo cameras. 

[alex_loo]

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@Neaves wrote:

Yes, you need a pro account which is cheap anyway. And no, you can’t use Google Home Automations at all to arm and disarm Arlo cameras. 

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actually for arming, you can.  I have been successfully switching my ARLO to ARM HOME and ARM AWAY --- from my Google Home Automation.

as for disarming (STANDBY), you are correct this is not possible with Google Home Automation --- an intentional move by Google, probably trying to play safe and get rid of any risk/responsibility, in case of "wrong" STANDBY causing troubles with customers, and the risk of follow-up lawsuit.

That's why at the moment, I am using IFTTT to do the actual work to switch arlo to STANDBY.  If I want, I can still use Google Home Automation to tell IFTTT to do that, via an IFTTT routine that is made available to GHA.

Alex

[alex_loo]

@Neaves , a question for you.

for "Any member enters an area", is there any way to do the following tasks: 

• Disarm ARLO
• Wait for 15 minutes
• If ARLO stays at disarm/standby, then switch to arm home

Many thanks

Alex