Why Your Security Alarm Keeps Going Off for No Reason

From mistaken phone alerts to unnecessary police responses, security camera false alarms are more than just annoying; they can also be dangerous. Too many false alerts turn your security system into the boy who cried wolf, and we all know how that story ends. You start dismissing alerts, potentially missing a genuine threat on your property. The good news is that security camera false alarms are often preventable, and the first step is understanding what causes them. Below, we break down the most common reasons false alarms occur and how to fix them, with expert tips from two home security professionals.

How Do Home Security Systems Detect Intruders?

Security cameras rely on sensors and software to detect motion within their field of view. When sufficient movement is detected, the system may activate recording, send an alert or trigger an audible alarm, depending on your setup. Many systems use passive infrared (PIR) sensors or pixel-based motion detection to identify movement. Increasingly, AI technology works alongside these methods to classify activity as people, pets or vehicles and reduce false alarms.

Faulty installation

“False alarms are usually caused by improper installation,” Randy Atlas of Atlas Safety and Security Designs says. This can be due to sensors that are poorly positioned or set with high sensitivity. Poorly positioned cameras will pick up street traffic, while a high sensitivity setting may trigger an alert every time your dog walks through the yard.

How to fix: “To reduce the likelihood of this happening, you can use pet-immune motion sensors, adjust sensitivity settings to better match the environment and avoid positioning cameras directly toward busy streets or driveways where frequent movement can set off unnecessary alarms,” Jimmy Lin, Vice President of Product Management at ADT, says.

Low batteries

Wireless systems rely on batteries to operate, which require frequent checking and replacement and can cause false alarms. “Low or failing batteries can cause sensors to behave inconsistently, including sending intermittent signals or losing stable communication with the system. Most systems provide low-battery alerts in advance, but ignoring those warnings can increase the likelihood of false alarms,” Lin says.

How to fix: Set calendar reminders to check system batteries and consider switching to a hardwired system. “Homeowners with wired home security systems may have an advantage since they don’t need to worry about changing batteries,” Lin says.

Limited sensors

Outdated or inexpensive security cameras may only rely on a single sensor type to monitor changes and trigger alerts. These systems are more prone to detection errors as it’s not verified by multiple sensors for accuracy.

How to fix: To prevent false alarms, use dual-sensor cameras that require both to be triggered in order for an alarm condition to be activated, Atlas says.

Electromagnetic interference

Disrupted Wi-Fi signals can trigger a false alarm on a wireless security camera. “Electromagnetic interference, specifically radio frequency interference, can disrupt communication between wireless security devices, which may lead to system trouble alerts or unexpected behavior,” Lin says, including false alarms.

How to fix:

Consider updating outdated security cameras, as “modern security systems, including those from ADT, are built with multiple layers of protection,” Lin says. “That includes having multiple radios and cellular backups, so alarms can still function even if Wi-Fi is disrupted.”

Outdated firmware

Security camera manufacturers offer firmware updates as they improve sensor detection algorithms. Failing to keep up with these updates leaves your system working at less than optimal performance and can lead to false alarms. Updates also patch bugs in the system, which can lead to malfunctions if not addressed.

How to fix:

Initiate system updates when available, as “regular firmware and encryption updates help guard against evolving threats,” Lin says.

Dirty lens

Dust and dirt are especially problematic for camera sensors and lenses. “Dust, insects or debris inside detectors, may further increase the chances of false alerts,” Lin says. Dirt blocks the view of high-resolution cameras, while trapped insects flying near or inside the lens housing can trigger a motion-activated response.

How to fix: Clean exterior security cameras monthly. Power down the unit, then gently clean the camera lens with a lens cleaning solution and microfiber cloth.

Weather

Extreme weather, especially windstorms, can create excessive movement in trees and shrubs, or blow leaves and debris, causing a security camera false alarm. “While the weather can occasionally contribute to false alerts from security cameras, these situations are relatively rare,” Lin says.

How to fix: Lower the camera’s sensitivity settings if you know a major weather event is approaching or angle the camera away from any nearby branches. “If a homeowner experiences repeated issues, it’s worth having the system professionally inspected to rule out environmental interference,” Lin says.

FAQ

Is there a limit to how many false alarms I can have?

For security systems monitored by outside agencies, you may receive one false alarm without a fine, but policies vary widely by city and county. Expect to pay between $75 and $250 for false alarms that trigger a police response.

How often should I be testing my system to prevent false alarms?

“You should test your system every time you make changes such as adding devices, updating Wi-Fi or repositioning sensors. Routine testing helps confirm that devices are communicating properly and that alerts and monitoring are functioning as expected,” Lin says.

About the Experts

• Jimmy Lin is Vice President of Product Management at ADT, a leading home security company.
• Randy Atlas is the owner of Atlas Safety and Security Designs, as well as a nationally recognized expert in security design and crime prevention. He holds a Doctorate in Criminology and is a Certified Protection Professional.

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