So far I haven’t seen the motion sensor activated I tried , but they light up where I needed them toNot as bright as I had expected it to be. Works well though, and I do like that you can aim it however you want and that it is solar. Also you can use the stake or mount it up on a wall. Its just not as bright as I was hoping it would be. It's really only bright if it shines directly onto a wall or plant. I was looking for something that would keep a dark section of our back yard lit up at night.Great lighting and stake height. I bought 2 light to cover to 2 main dark area. In full Texas 8 hours light I only get 4 hours of lighting, I really want the lights to perform the way in which they were purchased. I'm trying to give it more time.Love these. You can use on house or ground. Very bright!You can choose the brightness and adjust the direction of the lights which was a plus for me. The solar lights last from six to eight hours at night depending on the day time sunlight. Was not looking for motion sensor. All in all, I bought another one. There is a tiny, white rubber like button underneath solar plate to turn lights on and adjust brightness.Many double lights are motion activated only. I was lucky to find this one that stays on as soon as it gets dark. Wanted to light my side wall where I hope to get some large house numbers up in the empty space near small window. While also aiming light to my more than needed steps that are narrow and have three sides with an extra lower step at the end hidden behind my two potted plants. Wanted to make visible for late night delivery or when coming home.Buy these only if to illuminate a specific item. They don’t put out enough light for much of an area.