Why does my security light keep going on and off?
Andrew Mccoy
Updated on January 09, 2026
A motion light switching on and off could be due to many reasons. Incompatible LED bulbs are common, but also, the sensor may be faulty or damaged power bumps, or even spiders. Try changing the bulb, resetting the sensitivity, or replacing the sensor if nothing else works.
What causes a security light to go off and on?
Faulty wires, bulbs that do not work or are dead, and bad electrical connections are all reasons why your motion sensor lights might be turning on and off. If it is on a high sensitivity level, it may be detecting too much movement.Why does my security light keep going on?
What Causes my Light to Stay On? Several things can cause your motion detector to stay on, including age, storm damage, a power surge, improper installation, and improper settings. A few issues are easy to correct without professional help.Why does my dusk to dawn light keep going on and off?
A loop of rapid on/off actions by the photocell causes the flickering on the LEDs. It is too bright for the photocell to switch off the light. The light is switched on once the photocell is off.Why does my outside light keep flashing?
Flickering or blinking lights are usually caused by one of four things: Problem with the bulb (not in tight enough, wrong bulb type for dimmer switch) Loose light plug. Faulty light or fixture switch.Security light not turning off? Possible solution.
How do you fix a flickering outdoor light?
Tighten loose bulbsIf your light bulbs are flickering, turn off the power and, using a glove to protect your hand from heat, screw the bulb in more tightly. If a light bulb is in too loosely the socket isn't making proper contact with the bulb, and that can cause intermittent flickering.
How do you know if your photocell is bad?
Security Light Photocell Problems
- Extraneous Light. The most common problem encountered with security lights controlled by photocells is that they shut off unexpectedly during the night. ...
- Dust and Shading. Another problem with security lighting is that the light remains on during the day. ...
- Electrical. ...
- Incorrect Settings.
How do you adjust a dusk to dawn light sensor?
To change the sensor setting:
- Launch the Arlo app or log in to your Arlo account at my.arlo.com. ...
- Tap or click Settings > My Devices.
- Select the Arlo Security Light that you want to customize.
- Tap or click Dusk to Dawn Sensor.
- Move the slider to adjust the ambient light sensitivity level. ...
- Tap or click Done.