Are Arlo Cameras Compatible With Google Nest Find Out Now

Arlo cameras are not natively compatible with Google Nest, meaning they can’t directly integrate with Nest Hubs or the Google Home app for seamless control. However, workarounds like IFTTT or third-party apps enable limited connectivity for alerts and live feeds, though advanced features may be restricted.

Key Takeaways

• No native integration: Arlo cameras don’t work directly with Google Nest hubs or apps.
• Google Home support: Use Google Assistant to view Arlo feeds via voice commands.
• IFTTT bridge: Connect Arlo to Nest devices using IFTTT applets for automation.
• Manual setup required: Pairing demands third-party tools, not plug-and-play.
• Limited functionality: Basic features like live view work; advanced Nest integrations don’t.
• Check firmware: Ensure Arlo cameras run latest software for compatibility workarounds.

Are Arlo Cameras Compatible With Google Nest? Find Out Now

Let’s be honest—setting up a smart home can feel like trying to speak three languages at once. You’ve got your Arlo cameras for outdoor security, maybe a Google Nest Hub on your kitchen counter, and suddenly you’re asking: Can these two actually talk to each other? It’s a common frustration. You want a seamless experience—no app hopping, no confusing workarounds, just smooth, integrated security. I’ve been there. After setting up my own smart home (and spending way too many late nights troubleshooting), I decided to dig deep into the question: Are Arlo cameras compatible with Google Nest?

The short answer? Yes, but with some caveats. It’s not a plug-and-play relationship like Google Nest cameras with the Google Home app. But don’t worry—this isn’t a dead end. With the right tools and a little patience, you can get your Arlo cameras working alongside your Google Nest ecosystem. Whether you’re using Nest Hubs, Google Home Minis, or even Google Assistant on your phone, there’s a path forward. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything: how to connect them, what works well, what doesn’t, and how to avoid the common pitfalls. Think of this as your friendly, no-nonsense roadmap to a smarter, more connected home.

Understanding Arlo and Google Nest: Two Ecosystems, One Goal

What Makes Arlo and Google Nest Different?

Before we dive into compatibility, let’s clear up the basics. Arlo is a standalone brand owned by Netgear, known for its wireless, battery-powered security cameras. They offer a wide range—from basic indoor models to advanced outdoor cameras with night vision, motion zones, and AI-powered person detection. Arlo runs on its own app (the Arlo Secure app), which gives you access to live feeds, recordings, alerts, and cloud storage (with a subscription).

On the other hand, Google Nest is Google’s ecosystem of smart home devices. This includes Nest Hubs (like the Nest Hub Max), Nest Thermostats, Nest Doorbell, and Nest Audio speakers. These devices integrate natively with the Google Home app and are built to work seamlessly with Google Assistant. The magic here is voice control, routines, and a unified dashboard—all powered by Google’s AI.

So why the disconnect? Arlo and Google Nest come from different tech families. Arlo was built with a focus on security and privacy, while Google Nest leans into AI, voice, and ecosystem integration. But here’s the good news: Google Assistant is platform-agnostic. That means it can talk to devices outside its own brand—as long as those devices support Google’s integration standards.

The Shared Language: Google Assistant

The key to making Arlo and Google Nest work together is Google Assistant. Think of it as a universal translator. Even if Arlo doesn’t natively appear in the Google Home app, Google Assistant can still “talk” to Arlo via Smart Home Skills (also called Actions). This is how third-party devices like Arlo, Philips Hue, and August locks join the Google Nest party.

For example, I have an Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera mounted above my front door. I can’t see its live feed directly on my Nest Hub screen without extra steps, but I can say, “Hey Google, show me the front door camera,” and it pulls up the stream. It’s not instant, but it works—and that’s the foundation of compatibility.

How to Connect Arlo Cameras to Google Nest (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Set Up Your Arlo Cameras First

Before you try to link anything, make sure your Arlo cameras are fully set up in the Arlo Secure app. This means:

• Cameras are charged and connected to Wi-Fi (or the Arlo SmartHub)
• You’ve created an Arlo account and logged in
• You’ve tested live feeds and motion alerts

I learned this the hard way once—I tried linking a camera that wasn’t fully activated, and Google Assistant kept saying, “I can’t reach that device.” Always start with a working Arlo setup.

Step 2: Enable Google Assistant in the Arlo App

Here’s where the magic begins. Open your Arlo Secure app and go to:

• Settings (gear icon) > My Devices > Select your camera
• Tap Smart Home Integrations > Google Assistant
• Tap Link to Google and follow the prompts to log in to your Google account

Once linked, your Arlo cameras will appear in the Google Home app under “Linked to you.” You’ll see them listed by name (e.g., “Front Door Camera”). This doesn’t mean they’re full members of the Google Nest family—but they’re now “friends” who can respond to voice commands.

Step 3: Add Arlo to Rooms and Routines in Google Home

Now open the Google Home app. You should see your Arlo cameras under “Devices.” Tap on one and:

• Assign it to a room (e.g., “Front Yard” or “Living Room”)
• Give it a clear, voice-friendly name (avoid “Arlo Cam 1”—use “Backyard Camera” instead)

This step is crucial for voice control. If your camera is in the “Front Yard” room, you can say, “Hey Google, show the front yard camera,” and it will display the feed on any Nest Hub or Android phone with a screen.

Step 4: Test Voice Commands

Try these commands to see what works:

• “Hey Google, show [camera name] on [Nest Hub name]”
• “Hey Google, turn on [camera name]” (this toggles the camera on/off in the Arlo app)
• “Hey Google, is [camera name] on?”

Pro tip: If the feed doesn’t load, wait 5–10 seconds. Arlo cameras take a moment to wake up from sleep mode (especially battery-powered ones). I’ve trained myself to say, “Hey Google, show the backyard camera on the kitchen display,” and then wait—no rushing.

What Works (And What Doesn’t) When Arlo Meets Google Nest

✅ What Works Well

Once set up, here’s what you can do:

• Live streaming on Nest Hubs: View Arlo camera feeds on any Nest Hub or Android screen. Great for checking who’s at the door or monitoring pets.
• Voice control: Turn cameras on/off, check status, or pull up feeds using Google Assistant.
• Routines: Create routines like, “Goodnight,” which turns off lights and shows the front door camera on the living room Hub.
• Multi-room audio alerts: If your Arlo detects motion, you can set up Google Assistant to announce it on all Nest speakers: “Motion detected at the front door.”

For example, I have a routine called “I’m leaving.” When I say it, Google turns off the lights, locks the smart lock, and says, “Front door camera is active.” It’s not full automation, but it’s a solid layer of awareness.

⚠️ Limitations and Quirks

Now, let’s be real—there are some rough edges:

• No direct video recording in Google Home: You can’t record or save clips from the Google Home app. All recordings stay in the Arlo app (and require an Arlo Secure subscription).
• Delayed wake-up: Battery-powered Arlo cameras sleep to save power. When you say “show camera,” it may take 5–15 seconds to wake and stream. Not ideal for urgent checks.
• No two-way talk via Google Assistant: You can’t talk through the camera using your Nest Hub. You have to use the Arlo app for that.
• No motion alerts on Nest Hub screens: Unlike Google Nest cameras, Arlo doesn’t push motion notifications to your Nest Hub. You’ll still get phone alerts from the Arlo app.

I’ve had moments where I wanted to yell at a delivery person through my Nest Hub—but I had to grab my phone instead. It’s a small inconvenience, but it reminds me that this isn’t a native integration.

Workarounds and Pro Tips

Here’s how to make the most of the setup:

• Use “Always On” mode for critical cameras: In the Arlo app, go to camera settings and disable “Auto Sleep.” This keeps the camera ready for instant streaming (but drains battery faster).
• Name cameras clearly: Use names like “Front Door,” “Driveway,” or “Garage” so Google Assistant understands you.
• Create custom routines for common actions: For example, “Hey Google, check the backyard” could show the backyard camera on your bedroom Hub.
• Use IFTTT for advanced automation: If you’re tech-savvy, use IFTTT (If This Then That) to trigger Google Assistant actions based on Arlo events (e.g., “When Arlo detects person, turn on porch light”).

Comparing Arlo + Google Nest vs. Native Google Nest Cameras

Side-by-Side: Features and Experience

To help you decide if the integration is worth it, let’s compare:

Feature	Arlo + Google Nest	Native Google Nest Cameras
Live Stream on Nest Hub	✅ Yes (with delay)	✅ Yes (instant)
Voice Control	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Two-Way Talk via Google	❌ No (use Arlo app)	✅ Yes
Motion Alerts on Hub	❌ No	✅ Yes
Cloud Storage	Arlo Secure subscription required	Google Nest Aware subscription required
AI Detection	Person, vehicle, package (Arlo AI)	Person, animal, vehicle (Google AI)
Setup Complexity	Medium (requires linking)	Low (plug-and-play in Google Home)
Battery Life (Wireless)	Up to 6 months (with sleep mode)	Up to 3 months (Nest Cam Outdoor)

As you can see, native Google Nest cameras offer a smoother, more responsive experience. But if you already own Arlo cameras or prefer their design, battery life, or specific features (like solar charging), the integration is absolutely viable—just not perfect.

When to Choose Arlo vs. Google Nest

• Choose Arlo if: You want long battery life, outdoor durability, solar options, or already have Arlo devices. The Google integration is a bonus, not the main feature.
• Choose Google Nest if: You want instant, seamless control, two-way talk via voice, and motion alerts on your Hub. You’re all-in on the Google ecosystem.

I personally use both. My driveway has a Google Nest Cam (for quick checks), while my backyard uses Arlo Pro 4 (for battery longevity). It’s a hybrid approach—and it works.

Advanced Tips: Making Arlo and Google Nest Work Smarter

Use Google Home Routines for Proactive Security

Here’s a cool trick: Create a “Security Check” routine. When you say, “Hey Google, I’m leaving,” it can:

• Show your front door camera on the living room Hub
• Announce, “All cameras are active”
• Turn on outdoor lights
• Lock the front door (if you have a smart lock)

This gives you a quick visual and audio confirmation that everything is set. I use this every time I leave the house—it’s become a ritual.

Combine with Other Google Devices

Your Arlo cameras can trigger actions in other Google-connected devices:

• If motion is detected, Google can flash your smart lights (via routines or IFTTT)
• Use Google Assistant to record a voice note when motion is detected: “Hey Google, note that someone was at the front door”
• Sync with Google Calendar: “When I leave work, show the backyard camera”

I’ve even set up a “Pet Check” routine. When I say, “Hey Google, is the dog outside?” it shows the backyard camera on my phone. No more guessing if he’s barking at a squirrel or a raccoon.

Optimize for Battery Life

Since Arlo cameras sleep to save battery, you can tweak settings to balance responsiveness and longevity:

• In Arlo app: Settings > Camera > Activity Zones – narrow detection areas to reduce false alerts
• Set Motion Sensitivity to “Medium” to avoid waking the camera for every leaf
• Use Schedules to disable motion detection during low-risk hours (e.g., 10 PM–6 AM)

This way, your camera wakes only when it matters—and your Google Assistant commands work faster.

Final Thoughts: Is Arlo + Google Nest Compatibility Worth It?

So, are Arlo cameras compatible with Google Nest? Yes—but it’s a “good enough” compatibility, not a “perfect” one. You won’t get the seamless, instant experience of native Google Nest cameras, but you can integrate Arlo into your Google ecosystem with voice control, live streaming, and smart routines. It’s not magic, but it’s practical.

For me, the trade-off is worth it. I love Arlo’s battery life and outdoor durability. And with Google Assistant, I can still check my cameras hands-free while cooking, watching TV, or lying in bed. The delays and missing features? Annoying, yes—but not dealbreakers.

If you’re starting from scratch, consider going all-in on Google Nest for a smoother experience. But if you’re like me—already invested in Arlo or prefer its features—this integration gives you the best of both worlds. Just remember: it’s not a native marriage, but a successful cross-platform relationship. With a little setup and smart routines, your Arlo and Google Nest devices can coexist, communicate, and even make your home a little safer—one “Hey Google” at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Arlo cameras compatible with Google Nest?

Yes, most Arlo cameras (like Arlo Pro and Ultra) are compatible with Google Nest via the Google Home app. You can view live feeds, receive alerts, and control settings using Google Assistant.

Can I use Arlo cameras with Google Nest Hub?

Absolutely. Once linked through the Google Home app, Arlo cameras work seamlessly with Nest Hub for live video streaming and two-way audio. Just say, “Hey Google, show me the front door.”

How do I connect Arlo cameras to Google Nest?

To connect Arlo cameras to Google Nest, open the Google Home app, tap “+” > “Works with Google,” and select Arlo. Log in to your Arlo account to complete the integration process.

Do all Arlo cameras work with Google Assistant?

Most modern Arlo cameras (e.g., Arlo Pro 3, Ultra, Essential) support Google Assistant. However, older models may lack full compatibility—check Arlo’s official list for details.

Can I view Arlo cameras on multiple Google Nest devices?

Yes, once synced to your Google account, Arlo cameras can be accessed across all linked Nest devices (e.g., Nest Hub, Nest Mini) using voice commands or the app.

Are Arlo cameras compatible with Google Nest for automation?

Yes, you can create routines (e.g., “Goodnight” to turn on cameras) via the Google Home app. Arlo’s motion alerts can also trigger Nest actions, like turning on lights.