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How It Works - Motion Sensor

Written by Naomi Ramirez

Updated at September 4th, 2025

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Table of Contents

Two Arm Modes: Where Not to Place Your Motion Sensor How to Use Test Mode More Helpful Info

Our motion sensor detects the movement of heat within its field of view — helping to protect your home while you're away.

Two Arm Modes:

  • Arm Away: The motion sensor is active and will trigger an alarm when it detects movement.
  • Arm Stay: The sensor is inactive, so you can move freely in your home without setting off the alarm.

To save battery life, the sensor goes into a brief sleep mode (3 minutes) after detecting motion.

Where Not to Place Your Motion Sensor

Because the sensor reacts to heat, avoid placing it in areas that can cause false alarms:

  • In direct sunlight
  • Facing windows
  • Rooms with active pets
  • Near air vents or heaters
  • On shelves or furniture where pets may climb
  • Anywhere moisture or condensation might build up

How to Use Test Mode

Want to test the sensor’s motion detection? Follow these steps:

  1. Open the sensor by pressing the clip at the bottom
  2. Remove the battery
  3. While holding the Tamper switch, reinsert the battery
  4. Reassemble the sensor

In test mode:

  • A red dot will flash every time motion is detected
  • Cooldown time is reduced to 15 seconds

To exit test mode:

  • Simply remove and reinsert the battery without holding the Tamper switch

More Helpful Info

  • Designed to ignore pets under 25–45 lbs (adjustable sensitivity)
  • 90° horizontal field of vision
  • Detects motion up to 35–45 feet forward, and downward at a 45° angle (not upward)
  • Returns to sleep mode for 3 minutes after each detection to save battery
motion sensor setup motion sensor placement test motion sensor motion sensor faq

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Home Security
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  • Motion Detector
  • Glass Break Detector
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  • Panic Button
  • Secondary Siren
Environmental Detectors
  • Environmental Detectors
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  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Water Leak Detector
Cameras
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  • Eufy Indoor Camera
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  • Eufy Doorbell Camera
Services
  • Services
  • Cove Connect App
  • Professional Monitoring
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