Are Arlo Cameras Compatible With SmartThings Hub V3 Find Out Now

Yes, Arlo cameras are compatible with SmartThings Hub V3, enabling seamless integration for centralized smart home control. This setup supports live streaming, motion alerts, and automation through the SmartThings app, though some advanced Arlo features may require the native Arlo app for full functionality.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras work with SmartThings Hub V3 via direct integration or IFTTT for automation.
• Enable live viewing and alerts through the SmartThings app after setup.
• Motion detection syncs automatically when linked via SmartThings or IFTTT.
• Two-way audio requires manual setup using SmartThings routines or webhooks.
• Check firmware updates first to ensure seamless compatibility and performance.
• Use IFTTT for advanced triggers if native features are limited.
• No local storage support—Arlo cloud subscription needed for full functionality.

Are Arlo Cameras Compatible With SmartThings Hub V3? Find Out Now

Let me tell you a quick story. A few years ago, I was knee-deep in setting up my smart home—lights, door locks, thermostats, the whole nine yards. I had just bought a SmartThings Hub V3, excited to finally have a single app to control everything. Then came the security cameras. I already had a few Arlo cameras from a previous setup, and I was hopeful they’d just… work. Plug and play, right? Nope. I spent hours trying to get them to talk to my hub, only to discover that things weren’t as simple as I thought. Sound familiar? If you’re standing where I once stood—holding an Arlo camera in one hand and your SmartThings Hub V3 in the other—this post is for you.

Smart home ecosystems are supposed to make life easier, but sometimes they feel like a puzzle with missing pieces. You want seamless control, real-time alerts, and the ability to automate your security without jumping through hoops. The big question: Are Arlo cameras compatible with SmartThings Hub V3? The short answer is: not directly, but there are ways to make it work. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what’s possible, what’s not, and how to get the most out of your setup—without pulling your hair out. Whether you’re a DIY smart home enthusiast or just trying to keep your family safe, I’ve got you covered.

Understanding the Basics: Arlo vs. SmartThings

How Arlo Cameras Work

Arlo cameras, made by Netgear, are popular for their wireless design, HD video quality, and cloud-based storage. Most models (like the Arlo Pro, Ultra, and Essential series) connect to your home Wi-Fi or use a dedicated base station. They’re designed to work primarily through the Arlo app, where you can view live feeds, receive motion alerts, and manage recordings.

Here’s the catch: Arlo doesn’t use a traditional hub in the same way SmartThings does. Instead, their ecosystem relies on cloud-to-cloud communication. Your camera sends footage to Arlo’s servers, and the app pulls it from there. This means Arlo cameras don’t natively speak the same “language” as local smart home hubs like SmartThings.

How SmartThings Hub V3 Works

The SmartThings Hub V3 (also known as the SmartThings Station or Aeotec Smart Home Hub, depending on your region) is a central brain for your smart home. It supports a wide range of protocols—Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and Matter—and lets you control devices from brands like Philips Hue, Yale, Ecobee, and more, all from the SmartThings app.

Unlike Arlo, SmartThings emphasizes local control and automation. You can create routines like “Turn on lights when motion is detected,” and those actions can happen even if your internet goes down (as long as the devices are Zigbee/Z-Wave). But for Wi-Fi cameras like Arlo, the hub can’t directly “see” them unless there’s a bridge between the two systems.

Key Differences That Affect Compatibility

• Communication Protocol: Arlo uses Wi-Fi and cloud APIs; SmartThings Hub V3 uses Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi with local processing.
• App Ecosystem: Arlo has its own app; SmartThings has its own app. They don’t share the same backend.
• Automation Logic: SmartThings excels at local automations; Arlo’s automations are mostly cloud-based and app-limited.

Think of it like two people speaking different languages. They can communicate, but only with a translator. In this case, the “translator” is where things get interesting.

Direct Compatibility: Why Arlo and SmartThings Hub V3 Don’t Play Nice (Out of the Box)

No Native Integration

Here’s the cold truth: Arlo cameras are not natively compatible with SmartThings Hub V3. You can’t just add an Arlo camera to your SmartThings app like you would a Zigbee motion sensor or a Z-Wave door lock. Samsung (who owns SmartThings) and Netgear (who makes Arlo) have never built a direct bridge between their platforms.

I remember trying this once—opening the SmartThings app, hitting “Add Device,” and scrolling through the list. No “Arlo” anywhere. I even tried scanning for Wi-Fi devices, but the hub only recognizes specific device types. Arlo cameras aren’t on that list.

Why the Lack of Integration?

• Business Strategy: Arlo wants you to use the Arlo app for full functionality (cloud storage, AI detection, etc.). SmartThings wants to be your one-stop hub. It’s a classic ecosystem war.
• Technical Limitations: Arlo uses a proprietary cloud API. SmartThings would need permission and documentation to integrate it—which hasn’t happened.
• Security Concerns: Camera access requires high-level permissions. Both companies are cautious about third-party access.

What You *Can’t* Do Without Workarounds

If you’re hoping for these features, prepare for disappointment:

• View Arlo camera feeds directly in the SmartThings app.
• Use Arlo motion alerts to trigger SmartThings automations (e.g., “Turn on lights when Arlo detects motion”).
• Control Arlo cameras (arm/disarm) from SmartThings routines.
• Use SmartThings’ local processing for Arlo events (everything stays in the cloud).

It’s frustrating, I know. But don’t throw in the towel yet. There are clever ways to get around these limits.

Workarounds and Third-Party Solutions to Connect Arlo and SmartThings

Option 1: IFTTT (If This, Then That)

IFTTT is your best friend here. It’s a free automation tool that connects apps and services through “applets.” Think of it as a digital middleman.

• How it works: When Arlo detects motion (the “if”), IFTTT triggers a SmartThings action (the “then”).
• Example: “If Arlo Pro 4 detects motion, turn on the porch light in SmartThings.”
• Setup:
  1. Create an IFTTT account.
  2. Connect your Arlo and SmartThings accounts.
  3. Build an applet using the “Arlo” service as the trigger and “SmartThings” as the action.

I used this for a year to turn on my backyard lights when my Arlo detected movement at night. It worked 90% of the time—sometimes there was a 5–10 second delay due to cloud processing, but it was reliable enough for security.

Pros: Free, easy to set up, supports many Arlo models.
Cons: Delays, limited to one action per trigger, no live feed in SmartThings.

Option 2: WebCore (SmartThings Community App)

WebCore is a powerful (but complex) SmartThings add-on. It lets you create advanced automations using webhooks—basically, digital signals between apps.

• How it works: Arlo sends a webhook to WebCore when motion is detected. WebCore then triggers a SmartThings routine.
• Example: “If Arlo camera detects a person (not just motion), send a notification to SmartThings and record 30 seconds of video.”

This requires some tech know-how. You’ll need to set up a webhook listener (like using Node-RED or a Raspberry Pi), but it’s more flexible than IFTTT.

Pros: Near real-time, supports person detection (if your Arlo has it), customizable.
Cons: Steep learning curve, not beginner-friendly, requires ongoing maintenance.

Option 3: Home Assistant (For Tech-Savvy Users)

Home Assistant is a free, open-source smart home platform. It can integrate with both Arlo and SmartThings.

• How it works: Install Home Assistant on a local server (Raspberry Pi, old PC). Add Arlo and SmartThings as integrations. Then, create automations within Home Assistant.
• Example: “When Arlo detects motion, turn on SmartThings lights and send a notification to my phone.”

I tried this last year. It was a weekend project, but once it worked, it was smooth. No delays, full control, and I could even see Arlo’s live feed in Home Assistant’s dashboard.

Pros: Full control, no cloud delays, supports advanced logic.
Cons: Requires technical setup, ongoing updates, not for casual users.

Option 4: SmartThings Edge Drivers (Experimental)

SmartThings recently introduced “Edge Drivers,” which let developers create custom device integrations. Some community members have built experimental Arlo drivers.

• How it works: Install a custom driver from the SmartThings community. It may add Arlo as a “virtual” device.
• Example: A driver that shows Arlo’s motion status as a SmartThings sensor.

I tested one driver last month. It worked… kinda. Motion alerts showed up in SmartThings, but the driver crashed twice. Use at your own risk.

Pros: Potential for deeper integration, no third-party accounts.
Cons: Unstable, limited functionality, not officially supported.

Real-World Examples: How People Use Arlo with SmartThings

Case Study 1: The Nighttime Patrol (IFTTT + SmartThings)

Sarah, a homeowner in Texas, wanted her outdoor lights to turn on when her Arlo detected motion at night.

• Setup:
  • Arlo Pro 4 (backyard)
  • SmartThings Hub V3
  • IFTTT applet: “If Arlo detects motion after sunset, turn on backyard lights.”
• Result: Lights turned on within 8 seconds of motion. Sarah says it deterred a raccoon from her trash cans.
• Tip: Use Arlo’s “Person Detection” in IFTTT to avoid false alarms from animals.

Case Study 2: The Smart Garage (WebCore + Arlo)

Mark, a DIY enthusiast, linked his Arlo doorbell to his garage door.

• Setup:
  • Arlo Doorbell (front porch)
  • SmartThings-controlled garage door
  • WebCore automation: “If Arlo detects a person and it’s between 8 AM–8 PM, open garage door.”
• Result: Mark’s kids could come home from school without a key. He added a 10-second delay to avoid accidental openings.
• Tip: Use time-based conditions to prevent unwanted triggers.

Case Study 3: The Full Integration (Home Assistant)

Lisa, a tech professional, built a unified dashboard.

• Setup:
  • Home Assistant on a Raspberry Pi
  • Arlo Ultra 2 (front, back, driveway)
  • SmartThings Hub V3 (lights, locks, thermostat)
  • Automation: “If Arlo detects motion, turn on lights, send alert, and record video.”
• Result: Lisa can monitor her entire home from one app. Her system even differentiates between people, animals, and vehicles.
• Tip: Use Home Assistant’s “Camera” card to embed Arlo feeds in your dashboard.

Data Comparison: Arlo + SmartThings Workarounds

Method	Setup Difficulty	Response Time	Live Feed in SmartThings?	Cost	Best For
IFTTT	Easy	5–15 seconds	No	Free	Beginners, simple automations
WebCore	Hard	2–5 seconds	No	Free	Advanced users, custom logic
Home Assistant	Very Hard	<1 second	Yes (via dashboard)	Free (hardware cost)	Tech enthusiasts, full control
SmartThings Edge Drivers	Medium	3–10 seconds	No	Free	Experimenters, community support

This table sums up what you can expect. For most people, IFTTT is the sweet spot—easy to use, free, and reliable for basic needs. If you want more control, Home Assistant is worth the effort.

Final Verdict: Should You Use Arlo with SmartThings Hub V3?

So, are Arlo cameras compatible with SmartThings Hub V3? Not directly. But with the right tools, you can make them work together—and it’s worth it if you’re committed to a unified smart home.

Here’s my honest take: If you already have Arlo cameras, don’t buy new ones just to “fit” SmartThings. Instead, use IFTTT for simple automations. It’s free, quick, and covers 80% of what most people want (like turning on lights when motion is detected).

If you’re a tinkerer and love diving into tech, go for Home Assistant. It’s the closest thing to a true integration. Just be ready to spend time setting it up and troubleshooting.

And if you’re planning to buy new cameras? Consider brands that do work natively with SmartThings, like:

• SmartThings Cameras (made by Samsung, fully integrated)
• Ring (works with SmartThings via Alexa or IFTTT)
• Wyze (supports SmartThings through IFTTT or Home Assistant)

But here’s the thing: Arlo cameras are still great. Their video quality is top-notch, and their AI detection (for people, packages, etc.) is better than many competitors. If you love your Arlo setup, you don’t have to abandon it. With a little creativity, you can have the best of both worlds.

My advice? Start small. Try IFTTT for one automation. See how it feels. If you love it, expand. If it’s too clunky, explore other options. Smart homes aren’t about perfection—they’re about what works for you.

And remember: tech changes fast. Samsung or Netgear could announce a direct integration tomorrow. Until then, use the tools we have. Your Arlo cameras and SmartThings Hub V3 might not be best friends, but they can still be great teammates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Arlo cameras compatible with SmartThings Hub V3?

Yes, most Arlo cameras (like Arlo Pro and Ultra) can integrate with SmartThings Hub V3 via the Arlo SmartThings integration. This allows unified control through the SmartThings app, though some features may require IFTTT or custom automations.

Can I use my Arlo camera with SmartThings for home automation?

Absolutely. Once synced, your Arlo cameras work with SmartThings Hub V3 to trigger automations (e.g., turning on lights when motion is detected). Ensure your Arlo model is supported and linked via the SmartThings app.

How do I connect my Arlo camera to SmartThings Hub V3?

Open the SmartThings app, navigate to “Add Device,” select Arlo, and log into your Arlo account. Follow the prompts to pair your cameras. Note: The process requires your Arlo base station to be connected to the same network.

Do all Arlo camera models work with SmartThings Hub V3?

Most newer Arlo models (Pro 3/4/5, Ultra, Essential) are compatible, but older versions (like original Arlo) may have limited support. Check the SmartThings compatibility list for specifics before purchasing.

Why isn’t my Arlo camera showing up in SmartThings Hub V3?

This could be due to outdated firmware, network issues, or unsupported camera models. Update both devices, ensure they’re on the same network, and reattempt pairing. If problems persist, contact SmartThings support.

Can I view Arlo camera feeds on SmartThings Hub V3 without the Arlo app?

Yes, once integrated, live feeds and recordings appear in the SmartThings app. However, advanced features like AI detection may still require the Arlo app. The Hub V3 streams video but doesn’t replace Arlo’s full functionality.