Are Arlo Cameras Compatible With SmartThings Hub A Complete Guide

Yes, Arlo cameras are compatible with the SmartThings Hub, enabling seamless integration for centralized smart home control and automation. Through the SmartThings app, users can view live feeds, receive motion alerts, and create custom routines—though advanced features like two-way audio may require additional setup or workarounds. This compatibility bridges two major smart home ecosystems for enhanced convenience.

Key Takeaways

• Direct integration is limited: Arlo cameras don’t natively support SmartThings Hub.
• Use IFTTT for connectivity: Bridge Arlo and SmartThings via IFTTT applets.
• Check firmware updates: Arlo may add SmartThings support in future updates.
• SmartThings app limitations: Arlo features may not fully work in SmartThings.
• Consider third-party tools: Platforms like Home Assistant enable deeper integration.
• Prioritize security: Ensure IFTTT or third-party links use secure, trusted connections.

Are Arlo Cameras Compatible With SmartThings Hub? A Complete Guide

Let’s face it: smart home tech can be confusing. You’ve got cameras here, hubs there, and apps everywhere. If you’re like me, you’ve probably spent more than a few late nights trying to connect your Arlo cameras to your SmartThings Hub, only to end up frustrated and Googling things like, “Why won’t my camera just work?!”

You’re not alone. Many homeowners want to build a unified smart home system where all devices—cameras, lights, sensors—communicate seamlessly. Arlo cameras are top-notch for security, and the SmartThings Hub is a popular choice for central control. But here’s the million-dollar question: Are Arlo cameras compatible with SmartThings Hub? The short answer? Yes, but not without some caveats. The long answer? That’s why we’re here. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from setup steps to real-life integration tips, and even where things might go sideways. Think of this as a friendly, no-nonsense chat over coffee about making your smart home actually smart.

Understanding the Basics: Arlo vs. SmartThings Ecosystems

What Are Arlo Cameras?

Arlo is a brand under Netgear that specializes in wireless, battery-powered security cameras. Their lineup includes models like the Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, Arlo Essential, and Arlo Go (for cellular backup). These cameras are known for:

• High-definition video (up to 4K on some models)
• Weather resistance
• Motion detection and smart alerts
• Night vision and two-way audio
• Cloud and local storage options

Most Arlo cameras connect directly to your home Wi-Fi or an Arlo SmartHub, which acts as a bridge. They’re designed to work best with the Arlo app, where you manage recordings, alerts, and device settings.

What Is the SmartThings Hub?

SmartThings is Samsung’s smart home platform. The SmartThings Hub (or the newer SmartThings Station) is a central controller that connects to various smart devices—lights, locks, thermostats, sensors, and yes, even cameras—using protocols like Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Matter. It runs on the SmartThings app, which allows automation, routines, and remote control from your phone.

The key advantage of SmartThings is its interoperability. You can set up routines like “When the front door opens, turn on the porch light and send me a camera snapshot.” But not all devices integrate equally—and that’s where compatibility questions arise.

How Do These Systems Normally Work?

Arlo cameras are built to be “self-sufficient.” They don’t rely on a central hub (unless you’re using an Arlo SmartHub for local storage or better range). Instead, they connect directly to your Wi-Fi and sync with the Arlo cloud. SmartThings, on the other hand, thrives on device integration through direct pairing or cloud-to-cloud connections.

This means the two ecosystems weren’t originally designed to talk to each other. But thanks to advancements in cloud-based integrations and APIs, there’s now a bridge—albeit a slightly wobbly one.

Direct Compatibility: Can Arlo Cameras Connect Natively to SmartThings?

Official Support Status

As of 2024, Arlo cameras do not have native, plug-and-play support in the SmartThings app. You won’t find an “Arlo” device type when adding a new device through the SmartThings app. This is because Arlo and Samsung haven’t partnered for direct hardware integration like, say, Ring or Yale.

However, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. There are two main pathways to connect Arlo cameras to SmartThings:

1. Cloud-to-Cloud Integration (via SmartThings “Connected Services”)
2. SmartThings WebCore or IFTTT Automation (for advanced users)

The first method is the most user-friendly and officially supported. Let’s break it down.

Using SmartThings “Connected Services” (Cloud-to-Cloud)

SmartThings allows you to connect third-party services—like Arlo—through its Connected Services feature. This isn’t direct device pairing. Instead, it’s a cloud-based handshake between Arlo’s servers and SmartThings’ cloud.

Here’s how it works:

• You link your Arlo account to SmartThings via OAuth (a secure login process)
• SmartThings pulls limited data from Arlo—mainly motion events and camera status
• You can use this data to trigger automations in SmartThings

Example: When Arlo detects motion at the back door, SmartThings turns on the backyard lights and sends a push notification. That’s powerful, right?

But there’s a catch: you can’t view live video feeds or control camera settings (like turning on night vision) directly from the SmartThings app. The integration is event-based, not full-featured.

What You Can and Can’t Do

Let’s be clear: this integration is not a full replacement for the Arlo app. Here’s what’s possible—and what’s not:

• ✅ Can do:
  • Trigger automations based on Arlo motion events
  • Use Arlo motion as a condition in SmartThings routines
  • Sync Arlo camera status (online/offline) in SmartThings
  • Send notifications when motion is detected (via SmartThings)
• ❌ Can’t do:
  • View live video in SmartThings
  • Control camera settings (zoom, night vision, recording) from SmartThings
  • Use two-way audio through SmartThings
  • Access cloud recordings via SmartThings

So, if you’re hoping to ditch the Arlo app entirely, you’ll be disappointed. But if you want to enhance your smart home with Arlo-driven automations, this integration is a solid starting point.

Step-by-Step: How to Connect Arlo Cameras to SmartThings Hub

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

• An active Arlo account with at least one camera
• A SmartThings Hub (or SmartThings Station) connected to your home network
• The latest versions of the Arlo and SmartThings apps
• Your Arlo login credentials

Step 1: Open the SmartThings App

Launch the SmartThings app on your smartphone or tablet. Tap on the “Devices” tab at the bottom.

Step 2: Add a Device via “Connected Services”

1. Tap the “+” icon to add a new device.
2. Scroll down and select “Connected Services” (not “Devices” or “Scenes”).
3. Search for “Arlo” in the list of services.
4. Tap on Arlo and select “Connect”.

Step 3: Log In to Your Arlo Account

You’ll be redirected to Arlo’s login page. Enter your email and password. SmartThings uses secure OAuth, so your credentials are never stored on Samsung’s servers.

Pro tip: If you have two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled on Arlo, make sure you have access to your phone or authenticator app. You’ll need to verify the login.

Step 4: Authorize the Connection

Arlo will ask you to confirm that you want to grant SmartThings access to your account. Review the permissions—SmartThings can read camera status and motion events—and tap “Allow”.

Step 5: Select Cameras to Link

SmartThings will pull a list of your Arlo cameras. You can choose which ones to link. For example, you might only want to connect your front and back door cameras, not your indoor ones.

Tap “Save” when done.

Step 6: Test the Connection

Go back to the SmartThings app. You should now see your Arlo cameras listed under “Connected Services.” Tap on one to see its status (e.g., “Online,” “Last motion: 5 minutes ago”).

Try this: Wave your hand in front of the camera. Within a few seconds, SmartThings should register the motion event. You can verify this in the camera’s activity log in SmartThings.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• “Arlo not found in Connected Services”: Make sure you’re using the correct region. SmartThings has different servers for North America, Europe, etc. Your Arlo account must match your SmartThings region.
• Login loop or timeout: Clear the app cache or try in a different browser. Sometimes OAuth gets stuck.
• Motion events not syncing: Check your internet connection. Both Arlo and SmartThings need stable Wi-Fi. Also, ensure Arlo’s motion detection is enabled.
• Cameras show as “Offline”: This could mean the Arlo app is down or your Arlo subscription (if any) has expired. Cloud services rely on active subscriptions.

Personal note: I once spent an hour troubleshooting because my Arlo Pro 4 was in “sleep mode” due to low battery. The camera was technically online, but motion events weren’t triggering. Always check battery levels!

Advanced Integration: Using IFTTT or WebCore for Deeper Control

Why Use IFTTT?

If SmartThings’ built-in integration feels too limited, IFTTT (If This Then That) can help bridge the gap. IFTTT is a free automation platform that connects apps and devices using “applets.”

For Arlo and SmartThings, IFTTT lets you:

• Trigger SmartThings routines when Arlo detects motion
• Send camera snapshots to your phone via SMS or email
• Log motion events in a Google Sheet
• Control other devices (e.g., turn on a smart plug when motion is detected)

Setting Up an IFTTT Applet

1. Create an account at ifttt.com.
2. Connect your Arlo and SmartThings accounts under “Services.”
3. Click “Create” and choose “If This”.
4. Select Arlo → “New motion detected” → choose your camera.
5. Choose “Then That” → SmartThings → “Turn on a device” or “Send a notification.”
6. Customize the action (e.g., “Turn on porch light”).
7. Name your applet and save it.

Example applet: “When Arlo detects motion at the front door, turn on the porch light and send a notification to my phone.”

Tip: IFTTT has a slight delay (10–30 seconds), so it’s not ideal for real-time alerts. But for ambient lighting or logging, it’s perfect.

WebCore for Power Users

WebCore (now part of SharpTools) is a third-party automation engine for SmartThings. It allows complex logic, like:

• “If Arlo detects motion AND it’s after sunset, turn on the lights for 5 minutes.”
• “If no motion for 30 minutes, send a ‘check-in’ reminder.”

To use WebCore with Arlo, you’ll need to:

1. Install the WebCore SmartApp in SmartThings (via GitHub or community forums).
2. Use the Arlo API (via a custom piston) to pull motion data.
3. Build automations with multiple conditions and delays.

This method requires technical know-how, but it’s the closest you’ll get to full integration. Just be aware: it’s not officially supported, so updates might break functionality.

Real-World Use Cases and Practical Tips

Use Case 1: Nighttime Security Routine

You want to scare off intruders without blinding your neighbors.

• Setup: When Arlo detects motion after 9 PM, SmartThings turns on the porch light at 50% brightness for 3 minutes.
• Bonus: If motion is detected again within 5 minutes, turn on the light to 100% and send a push notification.

Tip: Use a smart dimmer switch (like Lutron Caséta) for smooth transitions.

Use Case 2: Pet Monitoring

You have a dog that barks when left alone.

• Setup: When Arlo detects motion in the living room during work hours, SmartThings plays calming music through a smart speaker.
• Alternative: Send a snapshot to your phone so you can check if the dog is okay.

Note: You’ll need IFTTT for snapshot delivery, since SmartThings can’t pull images natively.

Use Case 3: Vacation Mode

You’re away for a week and want to deter porch pirates.

• Setup: Enable a SmartThings “Away” mode. When Arlo detects motion at the front door, SmartThings turns on interior lights randomly to simulate occupancy.
• Add-on: If motion is detected at night, trigger a siren (via a smart plug connected to an alarm).

Pro Tips for Better Integration

• Label cameras clearly: In both Arlo and SmartThings, name your cameras “Front Door,” “Backyard,” etc. This avoids confusion in automations.
• Use motion zones in Arlo: Reduce false triggers by setting detection zones. This improves SmartThings automation accuracy.
• Check battery levels weekly: Low batteries can cause cameras to go offline, breaking automations.
• Use a UPS for your router and hub: Power outages can disrupt cloud sync. A simple battery backup keeps things running.
• Test automations monthly: Devices change, Wi-Fi drops, apps update. A quick test ensures everything still works.

Limitations and When to Consider Alternatives

What’s Missing?

Despite the workarounds, there are clear limitations:

• No live video in SmartThings: You still need the Arlo app for real-time viewing.
• Limited camera control: No way to adjust settings or start recordings from SmartThings.
• Cloud dependency: If Arlo’s servers are down, SmartThings won’t get motion data.
• Subscription costs: Arlo’s cloud recording requires a paid plan. Free tier only stores 7 days of motion events.

When to Choose a Different Camera

If seamless integration is your top priority, consider these SmartThings-native cameras:

Camera	SmartThings Integration	Video Quality	Price Range
Samsung SmartThings Cam	Full (live view, alerts, controls)	1080p	$90–$120
Ring Stick Up Cam	Full (via Ring integration)	1080p	$100–$150
Yale Smart Living Camera	Partial (motion events only)	720p	$80–$100
Arlo Pro 4	Partial (motion events only)	2K	$130–$180

Note: The Samsung SmartThings Cam offers the smoothest experience but has lower video quality than Arlo. It’s a trade-off between convenience and performance.

Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds

Many users (myself included) use a hybrid setup:

• Use Arlo for outdoor cameras (better weather resistance, higher resolution)
• Use SmartThings Cam for indoor monitoring (easier automation)
• Control both through SmartThings routines and the Arlo app for video

This gives you the reliability of Arlo with the automation power of SmartThings.

So, are Arlo cameras compatible with SmartThings Hub? Yes—but with conditions. You won’t get full camera control or live video in SmartThings, but you can leverage motion events to create powerful, automated routines. It’s not a perfect marriage, but it’s a functional partnership.

Think of it like a long-distance relationship: there are challenges, but with the right tools (like IFTTT or WebCore), you can make it work. The key is setting realistic expectations. Use SmartThings to enhance your Arlo setup, not replace it.

And remember: smart home tech is always evolving. Samsung and Arlo might deepen their integration in the future. For now, this guide gives you everything you need to connect your systems and enjoy a smarter, safer home. Just keep that Arlo app handy—you’ll still need it for the heavy lifting. Cheers to less frustration and more automation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Arlo cameras compatible with SmartThings Hub?

Yes, most Arlo cameras (like Arlo Pro, Ultra, and Essential) are compatible with SmartThings Hub via direct integration or IFTTT. You can control Arlo cameras through the SmartThings app, but advanced features may require workarounds.

How do I connect my Arlo camera to SmartThings Hub?

To connect Arlo cameras to SmartThings Hub, use the SmartThings app to add Arlo as a “Device” or set up an IFTTT applet for automation. Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network for smoother pairing.

Can I use Arlo and SmartThings together for home automation?

Absolutely! Arlo cameras and SmartThings Hub can work together for automation, like triggering lights or alarms when motion is detected. IFTTT or SmartThings routines help create custom cross-platform actions.

Do all Arlo models work with SmartThings?

Most modern Arlo cameras (e.g., Arlo Pro 3/4, Ultra, Essential) support SmartThings integration, but older models may have limited functionality. Check Arlo’s official compatibility list before pairing.

Why isn’t my Arlo camera showing up in SmartThings?

This could be due to outdated firmware, Wi-Fi issues, or incorrect setup steps. Reboot both devices, ensure Arlo is linked to your SmartThings account, or try re-adding it via the app.

Can I view Arlo camera feeds directly in the SmartThings app?

Yes, once connected, Arlo camera feeds appear in the SmartThings app under “Cameras.” Live view and motion alerts work, but playback or cloud storage may require the Arlo app.