Are Arlo Security Cameras Compatible With Nexia Find Out Here

Arlo security cameras are not natively compatible with Nexia, but you can integrate them using third-party platforms like IFTTT or SmartThings for limited functionality. This workaround enables basic automation, such as triggering Nexia-connected devices when Arlo detects motion, though advanced features may require additional setup.

Key Takeaways

• Direct compatibility: Arlo cameras work with Nexia via RTSP, not native integration.
• Bridge required: Use a third-party hub like SmartThings for seamless connectivity.
• Manual setup: Configure RTSP settings in Arlo app for Nexia access.
• Limited features: Not all Arlo functions may work in Nexia platform.
• Firmware matters: Keep both systems updated for optimal compatibility.
• Check models: Verify Arlo camera RTSP support before purchasing.

Understanding the Basics: Arlo and Nexia at a Glance

Imagine this: You’ve just installed a sleek Arlo security camera system to keep an eye on your home. You’re loving the crisp 4K video, the easy app interface, and the fact that your dog can’t trigger false alarms (well, most of the time). But then you remember—your smart home already runs on Nexia. You’ve got smart thermostats, door locks, and lights all connected through Nexia’s ecosystem. Now you’re wondering: *Are Arlo security cameras compatible with Nexia?* Can these two systems actually work together, or will you be juggling two separate apps like a circus performer?

You’re not alone. Many homeowners face this exact dilemma when trying to unify their smart home systems. The good news? You don’t need to choose between Arlo’s top-tier cameras and Nexia’s automation power. While the two brands aren’t *natively* designed to work together, there are workarounds—some clever, some a bit technical, but all doable. In this post, we’ll explore the compatibility between Arlo and Nexia, break down the technical realities, and show you how to bridge the gap (if you want to). Whether you’re a tech newbie or a DIY smart home enthusiast, we’ve got you covered.

How Arlo and Nexia Work: A Closer Look at Their Ecosystems

The Arlo Ecosystem: Standalone Simplicity

Arlo is known for its user-friendly, standalone security camera systems. Whether it’s the Arlo Pro, Ultra, or the budget-friendly Arlo Essential, these cameras are designed to work primarily through the **Arlo app** (available on iOS and Android). They connect directly to your Wi-Fi (or a base station, depending on the model) and don’t rely on third-party hubs for basic functionality. Features like motion detection, two-way audio, night vision, and cloud or local storage are all managed within the Arlo app.

One of Arlo’s biggest strengths is its **plug-and-play nature**. You don’t need a complex smart home hub to get started. This is great for beginners but can be a limitation when trying to integrate with other ecosystems like Nexia. Arlo does support **IFTTT (If This Then That)**, which opens the door to some cross-platform automation, but more on that later.

The Nexia Ecosystem: Hub-Centric Automation

Nexia, on the other hand, is a **hub-based smart home platform**. It uses a Nexia Bridge (or compatible third-party hub like SmartThings or Hubitat) to connect and manage devices like thermostats, door locks, lights, and sensors. Nexia excels at creating **automated routines**—like turning off all lights and locking doors when you leave home—because it centralizes control in one place.

Unlike Arlo, Nexia doesn’t have its own line of cameras. Instead, it relies on partnerships with other brands (like Yale, Schlage, and Ecobee) and **supports devices that communicate over Z-Wave or Zigbee protocols**. This is key: Nexia doesn’t natively support Wi-Fi-only cameras like Arlo unless they’re connected via a bridge or third-party service.

The Core Compatibility Issue

Here’s the crux of the problem: **Arlo cameras are Wi-Fi-based, while Nexia is built around Z-Wave/Zigbee**. They speak different “languages” at the hardware level. Without a translator (like a bridge or automation service), they can’t directly communicate. This isn’t a flaw—it’s just how the two ecosystems were designed. Arlo prioritizes camera quality and ease of use; Nexia focuses on whole-home automation. But that doesn’t mean they can’t coexist.

Direct Integration: Why Arlo Isn’t Natively Compatible With Nexia

The Technical Roadblock

Let’s get technical for a moment (but keep it simple!). Nexia’s hub uses **Z-Wave and Zigbee** to communicate with devices. These are low-power, mesh-network protocols designed for reliable, long-range communication in smart homes. Arlo cameras, however, connect via **Wi-Fi**—a higher-bandwidth protocol optimized for streaming video.

Because of this difference, **Arlo cameras can’t be added directly to the Nexia app** like a Z-Wave lock or thermostat. There’s no “Add Arlo Camera” button in Nexia, and no official API (application programming interface) that lets the two platforms talk to each other. It’s like trying to plug a USB-C cable into an old USB-A port—it just won’t fit.

No Official Partnerships or Plugins

Unlike some smart home brands (e.g., Ring or Nest, which integrate with Alexa or Google Home), **Arlo and Nexia have no official partnership**. You won’t find Arlo listed in Nexia’s “Works With” section, nor will you see a Nexia plugin in the Arlo app. This means no out-of-the-box integration, no shared routines, and no unified control panel.

For example, if you want your Nexia-connected lights to turn on when your Arlo camera detects motion, you can’t do it *within* either app. You’ll need a third-party tool (we’ll cover that next). This lack of native support can be frustrating, but it’s not a dead end—just a detour.

A Real-World Example: The “Two-App Problem”

Meet Sarah, a homeowner with Arlo Pro 4 cameras and a Nexia-controlled smart lock and thermostat. She wants her porch light (on Nexia) to turn on when her Arlo camera detects a delivery person at the door. Right now, she has to:

• Check the Arlo app for motion alerts.
• Manually turn on the porch light in the Nexia app.
• Wait for the delivery, then turn the light off.

It’s doable, but it’s not automated. Sarah’s stuck in “manual mode” until she finds a workaround. Sound familiar?

Workarounds: How to Make Arlo and Nexia Work Together

Using IFTTT: The Universal Translator

The most popular workaround? **IFTTT (If This Then That)**. IFTTT is a free automation platform that connects apps and devices, even if they’re from different brands. Here’s how it bridges the Arlo-Nexia gap:

1. Set up an IFTTT account (it’s free).
2. Connect your Arlo and Nexia accounts to IFTTT. You’ll need to grant permissions for IFTTT to access your Arlo camera alerts and Nexia devices (like lights or locks).
3. Create an “Applet” (IFTTT’s term for a rule). For example:
   • “If Arlo detects motion at the front door, then turn on the Nexia porch light.”
   • “If Arlo records a video, then send a notification to my phone and log it in Nexia’s activity feed.”

Pros of IFTTT:

• Free and easy to set up.
• Works with hundreds of devices (not just Arlo and Nexia).
• No coding required.

Cons of IFTTT:

• Delays: Actions can take 10–30 seconds to trigger.
• Limited customization: You can’t create complex multi-step routines.
• Relies on cloud services: If IFTTT’s servers are down, your automation fails.

Using SmartThings as a Bridge

If you’re willing to add a **third hub**, Samsung SmartThings can act as a bridge between Arlo and Nexia. Here’s how:

1. Set up a SmartThings hub (or use an existing one).
2. Add Arlo cameras to SmartThings using the Arlo SmartThings integration (available in the SmartThings app).
3. Connect SmartThings to Nexia via IFTTT or a custom webhook (more advanced).
4. Create automations in SmartThings that trigger Nexia devices. For example:
   • “When Arlo detects motion, use SmartThings to turn on Nexia-connected lights.”

Pros of SmartThings:

• More reliable than IFTTT for complex routines.
• Supports both Wi-Fi (Arlo) and Z-Wave/Zigbee (Nexia).
• Local execution (if using a SmartThings hub), reducing delays.

Cons of SmartThings:

• Cost: A SmartThings hub costs $70–$100.
• Setup complexity: Requires technical know-how.
• Extra hardware: More devices to manage.

Using Webhooks and Custom Scripts (Advanced)

For tech-savvy users, **webhooks** (HTTP callbacks) and custom scripts can create deeper integration. For example:

• Use Arlo’s API to send motion alerts to a local server.
• Write a script that triggers Nexia devices via its API.
• Host the script on a Raspberry Pi or cloud service.

This method requires coding skills (Python, JavaScript) but offers full control and near-instant responses. It’s not for everyone, but it’s the most powerful option for power users.

Real-World Scenarios: Practical Examples of Arlo + Nexia Automation

Scenario 1: Automated Lighting for Security

Goal: Turn on outdoor lights when Arlo detects motion at night.

Setup:

1. Use IFTTT to create an applet: “If Arlo detects motion between 7 PM–7 AM, turn on Nexia-connected porch lights.”
2. Set the applet to turn lights off after 5 minutes.

Result: Deters intruders and improves visibility without manual intervention. *Pro tip:* Adjust Arlo’s motion zones to avoid false triggers from trees or pets.

Scenario 2: Lock Doors When Cameras Detect Activity

Goal: Lock the front door automatically when Arlo detects someone near it.

Setup:

1. Use SmartThings as a bridge. Add Arlo cameras and Nexia locks to SmartThings.
2. Create a SmartThings routine: “When Arlo detects motion at the front door, lock the Nexia smart lock.”

Result: Adds an extra layer of security. *Note:* Use this cautiously—you don’t want to lock yourself out!

Scenario 3: Energy Savings with Camera-Based Thermostats

Goal: Adjust the Nexia thermostat when Arlo detects you’re home or away.

Setup:

1. Use IFTTT to link Arlo’s “Person Detected” alert to Nexia’s thermostat.
2. Set rules: “If Arlo detects a person, set thermostat to 72°F. If no motion for 30 minutes, set to 68°F.”

Result: Saves energy and keeps your home comfortable. *Bonus:* Works with Arlo’s geofencing feature (if enabled).

Pros, Cons, and Alternatives: Is the Effort Worth It?

The Pros of Arlo + Nexia Integration

1. Best-of-Both-Worlds: Arlo offers top-tier camera features (4K, color night vision, AI detection), while Nexia provides reliable Z-Wave automation. Together, they cover all bases.

2. Flexibility: You’re not locked into a single ecosystem. You can mix and match devices as needs change.

3. Future-Proofing: IFTTT and SmartThings integrations can adapt to new devices or services.

The Cons of Arlo + Nexia Integration

1. Complexity: Workarounds require time, effort, and technical knowledge. Not beginner-friendly.

2. Delays: IFTTT actions aren’t instant. A 30-second delay could mean missing a critical event.

3. Reliability: Cloud-based services (IFTTT, SmartThings) depend on internet uptime. A Wi-Fi outage = no automation.

Alternatives to Consider

If the integration feels too clunky, consider these options:

• Switch to a unified ecosystem: Brands like Ring or Google Nest offer cameras and hubs that work natively together. But you’ll lose Nexia’s Z-Wave devices.
• Use a universal hub: Hubitat or Home Assistant can integrate Arlo, Nexia, and hundreds of other devices—with local processing for faster responses.
• Stick with two apps: If you only need basic automation (e.g., checking cameras and lights separately), the “two-app” approach is simpler.

Integration Method	Ease of Setup	Cost	Speed	Best For
IFTTT	Easy	Free	10–30 sec delay	Beginners, simple automations
SmartThings Bridge	Moderate	$70–$100 (hub)	5–15 sec delay	Intermediate users, complex routines
Custom Scripts	Hard	Free (if you have equipment)	Near-instant	Advanced users, full control

Final Thoughts: Should You Integrate Arlo With Nexia?

So, are Arlo security cameras compatible with Nexia? The short answer: Not natively, but yes—with effort. If you’re willing to use IFTTT, SmartThings, or custom scripts, you can create a powerful, unified smart home. The result? Cameras that trigger lights, locks, or thermostats based on real-time activity—exactly what a modern home needs.

But let’s be honest: The setup isn’t seamless. You’ll face delays, occasional glitches, and the frustration of managing multiple apps. For some, the trade-off isn’t worth it. If you’re happy with Arlo’s app and Nexia’s hub as separate tools, that’s perfectly fine. Smart home tech should *simplify* your life, not complicate it.

However, if you’re a DIY enthusiast or love tinkering with tech, the integration journey can be rewarding. Start small—try IFTTT for basic automations, then level up to SmartThings if needed. And remember: You’re not just connecting devices; you’re building a smarter, safer home. Whether you choose Arlo, Nexia, or both, the goal is the same: peace of mind. And that’s something no app or hub can automate—but it’s worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Arlo security cameras compatible with Nexia?

Yes, Arlo security cameras are compatible with Nexia, but functionality may vary depending on the specific Arlo model. Basic features like live viewing often work, while advanced integrations (e.g., automation triggers) may require additional setup.

Which Arlo cameras work best with Nexia?

Most Arlo Pro and Arlo Ultra models integrate well with Nexia for live streaming and motion alerts. Check Nexia’s official compatibility list to confirm your Arlo model’s supported features.

Can I control my Arlo cameras through the Nexia app?

Yes, you can view live feeds and receive motion alerts from Arlo cameras in the Nexia app. However, advanced Arlo features like AI detection may still require the Arlo app for full control.

Do I need a hub to connect Arlo cameras to Nexia?

No hub is needed—Arlo cameras connect to Nexia via Wi-Fi or the cloud. Ensure both systems are linked to the same account during setup for seamless integration.

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

This could be due to outdated firmware, login issues, or unsupported features. Re-sync the devices and confirm your Arlo model’s compatibility with Nexia’s platform.

Can Nexia trigger Arlo cameras for automations?

Yes, Nexia can trigger Arlo cameras for basic automations, like recording when a door sensor is activated. Complex automations may require IFTTT or manual configuration.