Are Arlo Cameras HomeKit Compatible Find Out Now

Most Arlo cameras are not natively compatible with Apple HomeKit, but select models like the Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, and Ultra can work via HomeKit Secure Video using an Arlo SmartHub or Base Station. This integration enables rich features like end-to-end encryption, facial recognition, and seamless control through the Apple Home app, but requires specific hardware and setup.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras work with HomeKit: Select models support Apple’s ecosystem via Home app.
• Check model compatibility: Only Arlo Pro 3, Ultra, and Essential support HomeKit.
• Use Arlo app first: Set up cameras in Arlo app before enabling HomeKit.
• HomeKit Secure Video: Enables end-to-end encryption and smart detection features.
• No direct RTSP access: HomeKit limits third-party app access to live feeds.
• Update firmware regularly: Ensures seamless HomeKit integration and bug fixes.

Are Arlo Cameras HomeKit Compatible? Let’s Settle This Once and For All

So, you’ve got an Apple ecosystem at home—iPhone, iPad, maybe even a HomePod or two—and you’re thinking about upgrading your home security with Arlo cameras. But before you swipe that card, you’ve got one big question: Are Arlo cameras HomeKit compatible? It’s a fair question. After all, you don’t want to end up with a fancy camera that’s stuck in its own app universe, unable to talk to Siri or show up in the Apple Home app.

I’ve been there. I remember setting up my first smart camera, excited to integrate it with my Apple devices, only to realize it didn’t support HomeKit. Frustrating, right? That moment of “Wait, I can’t just say ‘Hey Siri, show me the front door’?” is all too real. That’s why I’ve dug deep into Arlo’s compatibility with Apple’s smart home platform. Whether you’re building a seamless smart home or just want one less app to manage, this guide will help you understand exactly where Arlo stands with HomeKit—and what it means for you.

What Is HomeKit, and Why Does Compatibility Matter?

Understanding Apple’s Smart Home Ecosystem

HomeKit is Apple’s framework for connecting and controlling smart home devices—lights, locks, thermostats, cameras, and more—through the Apple Home app. It’s designed to be secure, private, and deeply integrated with iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS. When a device is HomeKit compatible, it means it can be added to the Home app, controlled via Siri, and even appear in automations (like turning on lights when motion is detected).

For example, imagine coming home at night. You say, “Hey Siri, I’m home,” and your lights turn on, the thermostat adjusts, and your Arlo camera disarms—all without touching a phone. That’s the magic of HomeKit. But here’s the catch: not every smart device plays nice with Apple’s ecosystem.

Why HomeKit Compatibility Is a Big Deal

• Centralized Control: Instead of juggling multiple apps (Arlo app, Ring app, Nest app), you can manage everything from the Home app.
• Siri Integration: Use voice commands like “Hey Siri, show me the backyard” or “Is anyone at the front door?”
• Automation: Create scenes and triggers—like recording video when a door opens or sending a notification when motion is detected at night.
• End-to-End Encryption: HomeKit devices use Apple’s Secure Remote Access, meaning your video feed and data stay private, even from the manufacturer.

For privacy-conscious users, this is a game-changer. Apple doesn’t store your video in iCloud (unless you use iCloud+ with HomeKit Secure Video), and data is encrypted on your device. So, if you care about security and simplicity, HomeKit compatibility isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential.

Which Arlo Cameras Work with HomeKit?

The Short Answer: Not All Arlo Cameras Are Created Equal

Here’s the truth: not all Arlo cameras are HomeKit compatible. In fact, only a select few models officially support Apple’s smart home platform. As of 2024, the following Arlo cameras are HomeKit-enabled:

• Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera
• Arlo Ultra (1st and 2nd generation)
• Arlo Essential Indoor Camera (wired)
• Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera (wired)
• Arlo Pro 5S (2K) Spotlight Camera (newer models with HomeKit support)

Note: Battery-powered versions of the Essential cameras (like the Essential Wire-Free) do not support HomeKit. This is a common point of confusion—so double-check the product description before buying.

How to Confirm HomeKit Compatibility

When shopping for an Arlo camera, look for these clues:

• “Works with Apple HomeKit” on the packaging or product page.
• The Apple HomeKit logo (a white “H” in a circle).
• A note about “HomeKit Secure Video” support—this means the camera can use Apple’s encrypted cloud storage for video clips.

Pro tip: If you’re buying online, search for “Arlo Pro 4 HomeKit” or “Arlo Ultra Apple HomeKit” to filter compatible models. Also, check the “Tech Specs” section—HomeKit compatibility is usually listed under “Smart Home Integration.”

What About Older Models?

Unfortunately, older Arlo cameras like the original Arlo, Arlo Pro, Arlo Pro 2, and Arlo Go do not support HomeKit. Even if you update the firmware, these models lack the necessary hardware and software certification from Apple. So, if you’re upgrading from an older setup, you’ll need to replace the cameras to get full HomeKit integration.

How to Set Up Arlo Cameras with HomeKit (Step-by-Step)

Prerequisites: What You’ll Need

Before you start, make sure you have:

• An Arlo camera that supports HomeKit (see list above).
• The Arlo app installed on your iPhone or iPad.
• An Apple device (iPhone, iPad, or Mac) running iOS 14 or later.
• A home Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz—both work).
• An iCloud account with two-factor authentication enabled.

Step 1: Set Up the Camera in the Arlo App

Start by setting up your Arlo camera using the Arlo app. This is crucial—HomeKit won’t work if the camera isn’t properly paired with your Arlo account.

1. Open the Arlo app and tap “Add Device.”
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to power on and connect your camera to Wi-Fi.
3. Wait for the camera to appear in your Arlo dashboard.

Step 2: Enable HomeKit in the Arlo App

Once your camera is online, here’s how to link it to HomeKit:

1. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > My Devices.
2. Select your Arlo camera.
3. Tap Smart Home > Apple HomeKit.
4. Tap Enable Apple HomeKit.
5. The app will display an 8-digit HomeKit setup code (or a QR code).

Step 3: Add to the Apple Home App

Now, it’s time to bring the camera into your Apple ecosystem:

1. Open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap the + icon > Add Accessory.
3. Scan the QR code from the Arlo app (or manually enter the 8-digit code).
4. Follow the prompts to name the camera and assign it to a room (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard”).
5. Tap Done.

Step 4: Test and Automate

Once added, your camera will appear in the Home app. Try these:

• Tap the camera icon to view a live feed.
• Say, “Hey Siri, show me the backyard” (if you’re using an Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad as a hub).
• Create automations: Go to Automation > Create Automation > Camera Detects Motion, then choose an action (e.g., turn on lights, send a notification).

Real-life example: I set up my Arlo Pro 4 in the garage. Now, when motion is detected between 10 PM and 6 AM, Siri announces, “Motion detected in the garage,” and my bedroom light flashes once—just enough to wake me without being blinding. It’s saved me from false alarms and actual intruders.

HomeKit Secure Video: What It Means for Arlo Users

How HomeKit Secure Video Works

If your Arlo camera supports HomeKit Secure Video (most of the compatible models do), you can store recorded clips in iCloud with end-to-end encryption. Here’s how it works:

• When motion is detected, the camera records a 10-second clip.
• Apple’s servers analyze the clip (on-device, using your iPhone or iPad) to detect people, animals, or vehicles.
• Only clips with relevant motion are stored in iCloud (up to 10 days).
• You can view clips in the Home app—no need to open the Arlo app.

This is a huge privacy win. Unlike Arlo’s own cloud storage (which stores video on Arlo’s servers), HomeKit Secure Video keeps your data encrypted and under your control.

iCloud+ Subscription Required

To use HomeKit Secure Video, you need an iCloud+ subscription:

• 50 GB plan: Supports one camera.
• 200 GB plan: Supports up to 5 cameras.
• 2 TB plan: Supports unlimited cameras.

Compare that to Arlo’s subscription: The Arlo Secure plan (for cloud storage) starts at $2.99/month for one camera (30-day history). But with HomeKit Secure Video, you’re not paying Arlo for storage—you’re paying Apple, and getting better privacy.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

• No 24/7 Recording: HomeKit Secure Video only stores clips triggered by motion. If you want continuous recording, you’ll need Arlo’s cloud plan.
• No Person Detection in Arlo App: When using HomeKit, person detection is handled by Apple’s algorithms. Some users report it’s less accurate than Arlo’s AI.
• No Two-Way Audio via HomeKit: You can’t talk through the camera using Siri. You’ll still need the Arlo app for that.

So, while HomeKit Secure Video is great for privacy, it’s not a full replacement for Arlo’s native features. Think of it as a privacy-first alternative, not a complete solution.

Limitations and Workarounds for Non-HomeKit Arlo Cameras

What If You Have Older Arlo Models?

If you’re stuck with an older Arlo camera (like the Arlo Pro 2 or Arlo Go), you can’t use HomeKit directly. But there are workarounds:

Option 1: Use a Smart Hub (e.g., Homebridge)

Homebridge is a third-party tool that acts as a bridge between non-HomeKit devices and Apple’s ecosystem. It runs on a Raspberry Pi, Mac, or even a spare iPhone.

• Install Homebridge and the Arlo plugin.
• Add your Arlo camera to the Home app via Homebridge.
• You’ll get live video, motion alerts, and Siri control—but no HomeKit Secure Video.

Pros: Free, flexible, supports many devices.
Cons: Requires technical setup, not officially supported by Apple, may break after software updates.

Option 2: Use IFTTT (If This Then That)

IFTTT lets you create “applets” that connect Arlo with other services. For example:

• When Arlo detects motion, send a notification to your Apple Watch.
• When motion is detected at night, turn on your Philips Hue lights.

Pros: Easy to set up, no coding needed.
Cons: Limited functionality, delays in triggers, no live video in Home app.

Option 3: Upgrade to a HomeKit-Compatible Model

The most reliable solution? Replace your old Arlo cameras with HomeKit-enabled ones. Yes, it costs money, but you’ll get:

• Seamless integration with Siri and Apple Home.
• End-to-end encryption for video.
• Better automation options.

I upgraded my Arlo Pro 2 to the Arlo Pro 4 last year. The difference was night and day—I finally felt like I had a true smart home.

Comparing Arlo HomeKit Support to Other Brands

How Does Arlo Stack Up?

Let’s see how Arlo’s HomeKit support compares to other popular camera brands:

Brand	HomeKit Support	HomeKit Secure Video	Two-Way Audio via HomeKit	Continuous Recording
Arlo (Pro 4, Ultra, Essential)	Yes (select models)	Yes	No	No (motion clips only)
Eufy	Yes (select models)	Yes	Yes	Yes (with local storage)
Logitech Circle View	Yes (all models)	Yes	Yes	No
Netatmo	Yes (all models)	Yes	Yes	No
Ring	No	No	No	N/A

As you can see, Arlo is in the middle of the pack. It supports HomeKit and Secure Video, but lacks two-way audio and continuous recording via Apple’s system. Eufy stands out with local storage (no subscription needed), while Logitech and Netatmo offer full two-way audio through Siri.

Bottom line: If you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem and value privacy, Arlo’s HomeKit support is solid—but not perfect. If two-way audio is a must, consider Eufy or Logitech.

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy Arlo for Your Apple Home?

So, back to your original question: Are Arlo cameras HomeKit compatible? Yes—but only certain models. If you’re buying new, stick to the Pro 4, Ultra, or Essential (wired) series. Avoid older or battery-powered models if HomeKit is a priority.

Here’s my take: Arlo’s HomeKit integration is good, not great. You get live video, motion alerts, Siri control, and top-tier privacy with HomeKit Secure Video. But you miss out on two-way audio and continuous recording through Apple’s system. And if you have older Arlo cameras, you’ll need workarounds—or an upgrade.

For most Apple users, the trade-offs are worth it. The ability to say, “Hey Siri, show me the front door,” and have it appear on your Apple TV or iPad is incredibly convenient. And knowing your video is encrypted end-to-end? That’s peace of mind you can’t put a price on.

But if you’re building a new system from scratch and want everything to work flawlessly with Apple, you might also look at Eufy or Logitech. They offer more complete HomeKit support out of the box.

At the end of the day, Arlo’s HomeKit compatibility is a strong option—especially if you value video quality, weather resistance, and flexible mounting. Just make sure you’re buying the right model, and you’ll be glad you did.

Now go forth, set up that camera, and tell Siri to keep an eye on your home. Your smart home dreams are one HomeKit setup away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Arlo cameras HomeKit compatible?

Yes, select Arlo cameras are HomeKit compatible, including models like the Arlo Pro 3, Arlo Ultra, and Arlo Essential. However, compatibility depends on the specific model and firmware updates, so always check Arlo’s official HomeKit support list.

Which Arlo cameras work with Apple HomeKit?

The Arlo Pro 3, Arlo Ultra, Arlo Essential, and Arlo Video Doorbell (wired) support Apple HomeKit. Older models like the Arlo Pro 2 may lack compatibility, so verify your device’s specs before setup.

How do I connect my Arlo camera to HomeKit?

To connect Arlo cameras to HomeKit, open the Apple Home app, tap “Add Accessory,” and scan the HomeKit code on your compatible Arlo device or its packaging. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete setup.

Do all Arlo cameras support HomeKit automation?

Only HomeKit-compatible Arlo cameras support automation via the Apple Home app. Features like motion alerts and live streaming work, but advanced Arlo-specific functions (e.g., activity zones) may require the Arlo app.

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

If your Arlo camera isn’t appearing in HomeKit, ensure it’s a compatible model, running the latest firmware, and connected to the same Wi-Fi as your Apple devices. Restarting the camera and router can also help.

Can I use Siri with Arlo HomeKit cameras?

Yes, once your Arlo camera is linked to HomeKit, you can use Siri voice commands to view live feeds (e.g., “Hey Siri, show the backyard camera”) or check motion alerts directly from your Apple devices.