Can Alexa Control Arlo Cameras A Complete Guide

Yes, Alexa can control Arlo cameras seamlessly through voice commands and the Alexa app, enabling live view, motion alerts, and smart home automation. Integration is simple—just link your Arlo account to Alexa and use commands like “Alexa, show me the front door camera” for instant access. This powerful combo enhances home security with hands-free convenience.

Key Takeaways

• Alexa fully supports Arlo cameras via the Arlo Skill for seamless voice control.
• Enable the Arlo Skill in the Alexa app to link your accounts effortlessly.
• Use voice commands like “Show me the front door” to view live camera feeds.
• Group cameras into Alexa routines for automated alerts and scene triggers.
• Two-way audio works through Alexa devices for real-time communication with visitors.
• Check compatibility first—most Arlo models work, but older ones may lack features.

Can Alexa Control Arlo Cameras? A Complete Guide

Imagine this: You’re lounging on your couch, sipping coffee, and suddenly remember you forgot to check if the front door was locked. Instead of getting up, you simply say, “Alexa, show me the front door camera.” A few seconds later, your Arlo camera feed pops up on your Echo Show. No app, no phone—just voice control at its finest. This isn’t a futuristic dream; it’s a reality for many smart home users who’ve connected their Arlo cameras to Alexa.

If you’re wondering, “Can Alexa control Arlo cameras?”—the short answer is yes. But like most tech integrations, it’s not always plug-and-play. There are setup steps, quirks, and a few limitations to know about. Whether you’re a new Arlo owner or an Alexa power user, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know: how to link the two, what you can (and can’t) do, troubleshooting tips, and real-world examples to make your smart home even smarter.

How Arlo and Alexa Work Together: The Basics

Understanding the Connection

Arlo and Alexa aren’t just random gadgets that happen to work together—they’re part of a growing ecosystem of smart home devices that communicate via the cloud. Here’s how it works:

• Arlo cameras (like the Pro 4, Ultra 2, or Essential models) connect to your Wi-Fi and stream video to the Arlo app.
• Amazon Alexa runs on Echo devices and uses the Alexa app to manage smart home integrations.
• To link them, you enable the Arlo skill in the Alexa app, which gives Alexa permission to “talk” to your Arlo account.

Once linked, Alexa acts like a voice remote for your Arlo system. It doesn’t store your video or control the camera’s hardware directly—it just sends commands (like “show me the backyard”) to the Arlo cloud, which then streams the feed to your Echo Show or Fire TV.

What Devices Are Compatible?

Not all Arlo and Alexa devices play nicely together. Here’s the breakdown:

• Arlo cameras: Most Wi-Fi-enabled models (Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, Ultra 2, Essential, and newer) work with Alexa. Older models like the original Arlo or Arlo Go (cellular) may have limited support.
• Alexa devices: Any Echo with a screen (Echo Show 5, 8, 10, 15) or Fire TV (Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Cube) can display Arlo feeds. Audio-only Echo devices (Echo Dot, Echo Flex) can trigger alerts but can’t show video.
• Arlo SmartHub or Base Station: Required for certain older models (like Arlo Pro 2) but not for newer Wi-Fi cameras.

Pro tip: Check your Arlo camera’s manual or the Arlo app’s “Works With” section to confirm Alexa compatibility. For example, the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera works with Alexa, but the Arlo Baby (discontinued) does not.

Step-by-Step: How to Connect Arlo Cameras to Alexa

Step 1: Set Up Your Arlo System

Before you can link Alexa, make sure your Arlo cameras are fully set up:

• Install the Arlo app (iOS or Android) and create an account.
• Add your cameras to the app via Wi-Fi or a SmartHub (if needed).
• Test that all cameras are streaming and recording properly.

If a camera shows “Offline” in the Arlo app, Alexa won’t be able to access it. Fix connectivity issues first (e.g., Wi-Fi signal strength, battery level).

Step 2: Enable the Arlo Skill in the Alexa App

Open the Alexa app and follow these steps:

1. Tap the More (three-line) menu → Skills & Games.
2. Search for “Arlo” and select the Arlo by Arlo Technologies skill.
3. Tap Enable to Use.
4. When prompted, log in to your Arlo account (same credentials as the Arlo app).
5. Authorize Alexa to access your Arlo devices. You’ll see a confirmation message.

Note: If you have multiple Arlo accounts (e.g., personal and business), ensure you’re linking the correct one.

Step 3: Discover Devices

After enabling the skill, Alexa needs to “discover” your Arlo cameras:

• In the Alexa app, go to Devices → + → Add Device → Camera → Arlo.
• Tap Discover Devices.
• Wait 30–60 seconds. Alexa will list all Arlo cameras linked to your account.

If a camera doesn’t appear, try:

• Restarting your Echo device.
• Re-linking the Arlo skill (disable and re-enable it).
• Checking your Arlo app for any pending updates.

Step 4: Test Voice Commands

Now the fun begins! Try these commands on your Echo:

• “Alexa, show me the front porch camera.”
• “Alexa, show the backyard.”
• “Alexa, close the camera.”

For Fire TV, say: “Alexa, show me the garage on Fire TV.”

Real-life example: My friend Sarah uses this daily. She says, “Alexa, show me the kids’ playroom” to check on her toddlers napping upstairs. The camera feed appears instantly on her Echo Show 8.

What Alexa Can (and Can’t) Do with Arlo Cameras

What Alexa Can Control

Once linked, Alexa unlocks several handy features:

• Live Video Streaming: View any Arlo camera feed on Echo Show or Fire TV. Works in real time (with a 2–5 second delay).
• Multi-Camera Views: On Echo Show 10/15 or Fire TV, you can view multiple cameras at once (e.g., “Alexa, show the front door and garage”).
• Camera Alerts: Alexa announces motion/sound alerts. For example, if the front door camera detects motion, your Echo will say, “Front door camera detected motion.” You can then say, “Alexa, show me the front door” to see what triggered it.
• Routines: Create custom routines. Example: When Alexa hears “Goodnight,” it turns off lights, locks doors, and says, “Front door camera is armed.”
• Two-Way Talk (limited): If your Echo has a microphone (Echo Show, Echo Dot), you can talk through the camera. Say, “Alexa, talk to the front door.” This works best with Arlo Pro/Ultra models that have built-in speakers.

What Alexa Can’t Do (Limitations)

Alexa’s control over Arlo isn’t perfect. Here are the limitations:

• No Recording Controls: You can’t start/stop recordings or access cloud storage via voice. You’ll need the Arlo app for that.
• No PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom): Alexa can’t physically move the camera. Arlo’s pan/tilt models (like Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight) must be controlled manually via the app.
• No Advanced Settings: You can’t adjust motion sensitivity, change video quality, or arm/disarm the system via voice. These require the Arlo app.
• No Audio-Only Alerts on Video Devices: If you ask, “Alexa, is the backyard camera armed?” she’ll say, “I can’t check the status of Arlo devices.” You must open the Arlo app.
• Latency: There’s a 2–5 second delay in live feeds, which can be frustrating if you’re monitoring real-time events (e.g., a delivery).

Pro tip: For critical tasks (like reviewing recorded footage), always use the Arlo app. Alexa is best for quick checks and alerts.

Real-World Use Cases: How People Actually Use Arlo + Alexa

Use Case 1: Home Monitoring

Scenario: A busy parent checks on kids or pets while working remotely.

How it works:

• Say, “Alexa, show me the living room.” The camera feed appears on the Echo Show.
• If motion is detected, Alexa announces it: “Living room camera detected motion.”
• The parent says, “Alexa, talk to the living room” to tell the kids, “Dinner’s ready!”

Why it’s great: No need to open the app every time. Voice control is faster and more natural.

Use Case 2: Package Delivery

Scenario: You’re waiting for a delivery but don’t want to wait by the door.

How it works:

• When the delivery person arrives, the front door camera detects motion.
• Alexa says, “Front door camera detected motion.”
• You say, “Alexa, show me the front door.” You see the delivery person and can say, “Alexa, talk to the front door” to ask, “Where are you leaving the package?”

Real example: My neighbor used this to stop a delivery driver from leaving a fragile package in the rain. He said, “Please put it under the porch!”—and the driver did.

Use Case 3: Security Alerts

Scenario: You’re on vacation and want to monitor your home.

How it works:

• Set up an Alexa routine: When the back gate camera detects motion at night, Alexa turns on porch lights and says, “Back gate camera detected motion.”
• You check the feed remotely via the Arlo app (Alexa can’t send alerts to your phone, but Arlo’s app can).

Limitation: Alexa won’t call you if an alert happens. For that, you need Arlo’s Professional Monitoring service (paid).

Troubleshooting Common Arlo + Alexa Issues

Issue 1: “Alexa Can’t Find My Arlo Camera”

Causes:

• Arlo camera is offline (check Wi-Fi/battery).
• Arlo skill isn’t properly linked (re-enable it).
• Firewall/router blocking Arlo’s cloud connection.

Fix:

• Restart your router and Echo device.
• In the Alexa app, disable the Arlo skill, then re-enable it.
• Ensure your router allows outbound traffic on ports 443 and 80 (standard for Arlo).

Issue 2: “Camera Feed Won’t Load”

Causes:

• Weak Wi-Fi signal (camera or Echo).
• Arlo app needs an update.
• Alexa app cache is corrupted.

Fix:

• Move the Echo closer to the router.
• Update both the Alexa and Arlo apps.
• Clear the Alexa app cache (Settings → Apps → Alexa → Storage → Clear Cache).

Issue 3: “Alexa Says ‘Camera Not Responding’”

Causes:

• Arlo cloud servers are down (rare).
• Your Arlo account has a billing issue (e.g., expired subscription).

Fix:

• Check Arlo’s status page for outages.
• Verify your Arlo subscription is active (required for cloud features).

Comparison: Arlo + Alexa vs. Other Smart Camera Integrations

How does Arlo + Alexa stack up against other smart home camera systems? Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Arlo + Alexa	Ring + Alexa	Google Nest + Google Assistant
Live Video Streaming	Yes (Echo Show/Fire TV)	Yes (Echo Show/Fire TV)	Yes (Nest Hub/Chromecast)
Motion Alerts via Voice	Yes	Yes	Yes
Two-Way Talk	Limited (Pro/Ultra models only)	Yes (all Ring cameras)	Yes (all Nest cameras)
PTZ Control	No	No	Yes (Nest Cam IQ)
Cloud Subscription Required	Yes (for advanced features)	Yes (for recordings)	Yes (for AI features)
Setup Difficulty	Easy (5–10 mins)	Easy (5–10 mins)	Easy (5–10 mins)

Key takeaway: Arlo + Alexa is on par with Ring and Nest for basic features but lags in PTZ control and two-way talk. However, Arlo’s cameras often have better battery life and weather resistance than Ring/Nest models.

Final Thoughts: Is Arlo + Alexa Worth It?

So, can Alexa control Arlo cameras? Absolutely—and for most users, the integration is a game-changer. It’s not perfect (no PTZ, limited two-way talk), but for quick checks, alerts, and hands-free monitoring, it’s incredibly convenient. I’ve used it daily for over a year, and the peace of mind it brings is priceless. No more opening the Arlo app to see if the kids are home—just say the word, and there they are.

That said, remember Alexa is a companion to the Arlo app, not a replacement. Use Alexa for:

• Live video checks (e.g., “Is the dog in the yard?”).
• Motion alerts (e.g., “Front door detected motion”).
• Quick two-way communication (if your camera supports it).

Use the Arlo app for:

• Reviewing recorded footage.
• Adjusting motion zones or sensitivity.
• Managing cloud subscriptions or settings.

The bottom line? If you already own Arlo cameras and an Echo device, linking them takes 10 minutes and adds serious value to your smart home. And if you’re shopping for a new system, Arlo + Alexa is a solid choice—especially for outdoor security, battery-powered convenience, and seamless voice control.

Now go ahead—say, “Alexa, show me the backyard” and enjoy the magic of a truly connected home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Alexa control Arlo cameras?

Yes, Alexa can control Arlo cameras if you link your Arlo account to your Amazon Alexa app. Once connected, you can use voice commands to view live feeds, arm/disarm systems, or check camera status.

How do I connect my Arlo cameras to Alexa?

To connect Arlo cameras to Alexa, open the Alexa app, go to “Skills & Games,” search for “Arlo,” and enable the skill. Log in to your Arlo account to complete the linking process.

What Arlo camera features can I control with Alexa?

With Alexa, you can view live streams on Echo Show/Fire TV, arm or disarm your Arlo system, and receive motion alerts. However, advanced settings like recording or zoom require the Arlo app.

Can Alexa control Arlo cameras without a hub?

Yes, most Arlo cameras (like Arlo Pro or Ultra) connect directly to Wi-Fi and don’t require a hub. Just ensure your Alexa device and Arlo cameras are on the same network for seamless control.

Why isn’t Alexa recognizing my Arlo cameras?

This may happen due to a weak Wi-Fi signal, outdated firmware, or improper skill linking. Re-link the Arlo skill in the Alexa app or restart your devices to troubleshoot.

Can I use Alexa to view multiple Arlo cameras at once?

Yes, if you have multiple Arlo cameras, you can group them in the Alexa app and say, “Alexa, show all cameras.” This displays live feeds on compatible Echo Show or Fire TV devices.