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Yes, your Arlo camera can appear on TV easily using screen mirroring, a streaming device, or the Arlo app on a smart TV. With just a few steps—like enabling casting on your mobile device or connecting via HDMI—you can view live feeds, motion alerts, and recorded clips directly on the big screen for enhanced home monitoring and convenience.
Key Takeaways
- Connect via HDMI: Use an HDMI cable to link your Arlo base station directly to your TV.
- Enable screen mirroring: Cast Arlo feed wirelessly using Chromecast or AirPlay-compatible devices.
- Update firmware first: Ensure your Arlo camera and app are updated for seamless TV integration.
- Use Arlo SmartHub: Pair your camera with a SmartHub for smoother streaming to TVs.
- Check TV input settings: Select the correct HDMI port or input source to view the feed.
- Optimize Wi-Fi signal: Strengthen connectivity to prevent lag during live TV streaming.
📑 Table of Contents
- How to Make Your Arlo Camera Appear on TV Easily
- Why You Might Want Your Arlo Camera on Your TV
- Methods to Connect Arlo Camera to TV (Wired & Wireless)
- Step-by-Step Setup Guide for Popular Devices
- Common Issues and How to Fix Them
- Optimizing Your Viewing Experience
- Comparison of Arlo TV Integration Methods
- Final Thoughts: Make Your TV Work Smarter
How to Make Your Arlo Camera Appear on TV Easily
Imagine this: you’re curled up on the couch, flipping through channels, when you suddenly remember you left the garage door open. Instead of getting up, what if you could just glance at your TV and check your Arlo camera feed? No phone, no tablet—just your TV screen, showing you exactly what’s happening at home. It sounds like a futuristic dream, but it’s actually easier than you think. Whether you’re keeping an eye on the kids, monitoring your front porch, or just checking on your pet, getting your Arlo camera to appear on TV can make life simpler, safer, and a lot more convenient.
I’ve been there—rushing to the phone every time a motion alert pops up, or trying to balance my tablet while cooking dinner. It’s not ideal. That’s when I started exploring how to connect my Arlo cameras directly to my TV. And honestly? Once I figured it out, it felt like a small upgrade that made a big difference. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, step by step, so you can enjoy real-time surveillance on your TV without any tech headaches. No jargon, no fluff—just real, practical advice to help you get your Arlo camera on TV with ease.
Why You Might Want Your Arlo Camera on Your TV
Let’s start with the “why.” Why go through the effort of connecting your Arlo camera to your TV? Sure, the Arlo app is great—but sometimes, a bigger screen makes all the difference. Here’s what you gain when you make the switch:
1. Larger, More Visible Monitoring
Your phone or tablet screen is small. When you’re trying to spot a package, a delivery person, or even your dog sneaking onto the couch, a tiny screen just doesn’t cut it. A TV screen, especially a 55-inch or larger, gives you a crystal-clear, full-view experience. You can see facial details, license plates, and even subtle movements—something that’s hard to do on a 6-inch phone.
2. Hands-Free Peace of Mind
Think about it: you’re hosting a party, and someone rings the doorbell. Instead of fumbling with your phone, you can glance at your TV and see who it is—no need to pause the music or excuse yourself. Or maybe you’re cooking dinner and want to keep an eye on the kids in the backyard. With your Arlo camera on TV, you can multitask without missing a beat.
3. Family Accessibility
Not everyone in the house is tech-savvy. Your parents, kids, or roommates might not know how to open the Arlo app or navigate the settings. But everyone knows how to turn on a TV. By connecting your Arlo feed to your TV, you make surveillance accessible to the whole family. It’s a simple way to keep everyone informed and safe.
4. Enhanced Security and Awareness
When your camera feed is visible on a central screen, it acts as a constant reminder to stay alert. You’re more likely to notice something unusual—like a shadow moving at night or a window left open—because it’s right there in your line of sight. It’s like having a security guard in the corner of your living room, working 24/7.
Real-World Example
I have a friend who installed Arlo cameras around her small business. She connected them to a wall-mounted TV in the break room. Now, her staff can see who’s at the front door, check deliveries, and even monitor the parking lot—all without leaving their desks. It’s improved efficiency and made everyone feel safer. That’s the power of having your Arlo camera appear on TV.
Methods to Connect Arlo Camera to TV (Wired & Wireless)
Now that you know why it’s worth it, let’s talk about how. There are several ways to get your Arlo camera feed on your TV, and the best method depends on your setup, TV type, and how much effort you’re willing to put in. Here are the most common and effective options:
1. Using a Streaming Device (Best for Smart TVs)
If you have a smart TV, the easiest way is to use a streaming device like Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, or Google Chromecast. These devices run apps, including the Arlo app, which can display your camera feeds directly on your TV.
- Apple TV: Open the App Store on your Apple TV, search for “Arlo,” and download the app. Sign in with your Arlo account, and you’re good to go. You can view live feeds, play back recordings, and even receive alerts on your TV.
- Fire Stick: The Arlo app is available on Fire TV devices. Just go to the Amazon Appstore, install the app, and log in. You can use voice commands with Alexa to say, “Show me the front door camera,” and it’ll pop up instantly.
- Chromecast with Google TV: Download the Arlo app from the Google Play Store. Once installed, you can cast your camera feed from your phone or tablet to the TV, or use the app directly on the device.
Tip: Make sure your streaming device and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Also, keep your Arlo app updated to avoid glitches.
2. Screen Mirroring from Phone or Tablet
Don’t have a streaming device? No problem. Most modern smartphones and tablets support screen mirroring (also called casting or AirPlay). This method mirrors your entire screen to the TV, including the Arlo app.
- Android: Swipe down from the top of your screen, tap “Cast” or “Smart View,” and select your TV. Open the Arlo app, and your feed will appear on the big screen.
- iPhone/iPad: Swipe down to open Control Center, tap “Screen Mirroring,” and choose your Apple TV. Open the Arlo app, and voilà—your camera feed is on TV.
Note: Screen mirroring uses a lot of battery and can lag if your Wi-Fi is slow. Use it for short-term monitoring, not 24/7 viewing.
3. HDMI Connection (Wired Option for Maximum Stability)
If you want a rock-solid, lag-free connection, go wired. Use an HDMI cable to connect a laptop, desktop, or Raspberry Pi running the Arlo web app to your TV.
- Open arlo.netgear.com on your computer, log in, and navigate to your camera feeds.
- Connect your computer to the TV using an HDMI cable.
- Switch your TV to the correct HDMI input, and your Arlo feed will appear in full HD.
This method is great if you’re setting up a permanent surveillance station, like in a home office or security room.
4. Smart TV Apps (If Available)
Some newer smart TVs (especially Samsung, LG, and Sony models) have the Arlo app built-in or available in their app store. Check your TV’s app menu—search for “Arlo” and see if it’s there. If it is, download it, sign in, and start viewing.
Pro Tip: If your TV doesn’t support the Arlo app directly, consider upgrading to a streaming stick (like Fire Stick or Chromecast) for under $50. It’s a small investment for a big upgrade.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide for Popular Devices
Let’s break it down with clear, step-by-step instructions for the most common setups. No guesswork—just actionable steps to get your Arlo camera on TV today.
Setup 1: Amazon Fire Stick (With Alexa Voice Control)
- Plug your Fire Stick into the TV’s HDMI port and power it on.
- Follow the on-screen setup to connect to Wi-Fi and sign in to your Amazon account.
- From the home screen, go to “Search” and type “Arlo.”
- Select the Arlo app and click “Download.”
- Open the app and sign in with your Arlo account (same as your phone app).
- Once logged in, you’ll see all your cameras. Tap one to view the live feed.
- Bonus: Say, “Alexa, show the backyard camera,” and your feed will appear instantly.
Tip: Use the Fire Stick remote to navigate. Press and hold the microphone button to use voice commands.
Setup 2: Apple TV (Using AirPlay)
- Ensure your Apple TV and iPhone/iPad are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- On your iPhone, open the Arlo app and select the camera you want to view.
- Tap the “AirPlay” icon (rectangle with a triangle) at the bottom of the screen.
- Choose your Apple TV from the list.
- The feed will start streaming to your TV. You can now use your phone for other tasks while the feed stays on TV.
Note: For a permanent setup, download the Arlo app directly on Apple TV (available in the App Store).
Setup 3: Chromecast with Google TV
- Plug in your Chromecast and set it up using the Google Home app.
- On your phone or tablet, open the Arlo app and select a camera.
- Tap the “Cast” icon (looks like a rectangle with Wi-Fi waves).
- Select your Chromecast device.
- The feed will appear on your TV. You can also download the Arlo app directly on Google TV for direct access.
Tip: Use voice commands with Google Assistant: “Hey Google, show the front door camera.”
Setup 4: HDMI from Laptop (For Non-Smart TVs)
- Connect your laptop to the TV using an HDMI cable.
- Switch your TV to the correct HDMI input.
- On your laptop, open a browser and go to arlo.netgear.com.
- Log in and click on the camera you want to view.
- Press F11 (or Fn + F11 on some laptops) to go full screen.
- Your Arlo feed will now dominate your TV screen.
Bonus: Use a wireless mouse or keyboard for easier navigation from the couch.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
Even with the best setup, things can go wrong. Here are the most common problems—and how to solve them—so you don’t pull your hair out trying to get your Arlo camera to appear on TV.
1. “My Arlo App Won’t Load on Fire Stick”
Solution: This usually happens due to outdated software or Wi-Fi issues.
- Go to Settings > Device > Software Updates and install any available updates.
- Restart your Fire Stick (unplug for 30 seconds, then plug back in).
- Check your Wi-Fi signal. If it’s weak, move your router closer or use a Wi-Fi extender.
2. “Screen Mirroring Is Lagging or Freezing”
Solution: Screen mirroring is resource-intensive. Try these fixes:
- Close other apps on your phone to free up memory.
- Restart your router to improve Wi-Fi speed.
- Use a 5GHz Wi-Fi band instead of 2.4GHz (faster and less interference).
- Switch to a wired HDMI connection for a more stable feed.
3. “I Can’t Find the Arlo App on My Smart TV”
Solution: Not all TVs support the Arlo app directly.
- Check your TV manufacturer’s website to see if Arlo is supported.
- If not, use a streaming device (Fire Stick, Chromecast, etc.) as a workaround.
- Consider using screen mirroring as a temporary solution.
4. “My Camera Feed Is Pixelated or Low Quality”
Solution: Video quality depends on your Arlo plan and internet speed.
- Upgrade to a higher Arlo plan (like Arlo Secure) for 4K or enhanced resolution.
- Test your internet speed. Aim for at least 10 Mbps upload speed for smooth streaming.
- Move your camera closer to your router or use an Arlo SmartHub to boost signal.
5. “Alexa/Google Assistant Can’t Find My Camera”
Solution: Voice control requires proper setup.
- Open the Alexa or Google Home app and link your Arlo account.
- Say, “Alexa, discover devices,” or “Hey Google, sync devices.”
- Make sure your camera names are clear (e.g., “Front Door” instead of “Camera 1”).
Optimizing Your Viewing Experience
Getting your Arlo camera on TV is just the start. To make the most of it, you’ll want to optimize your setup for clarity, convenience, and reliability.
1. Use a Dedicated Viewing Mode
Set up a “surveillance mode” on your TV. For example:
- Create a custom input label like “Home Security” so you know exactly which HDMI port to switch to.
- Use picture-in-picture (PIP) if your TV supports it—watch TV while keeping an eye on your camera in a small corner.
- Schedule your TV to turn on automatically at certain times (e.g., when you’re away) using smart plugs or routines.
2. Arrange Multiple Cameras for a Full View
If you have multiple Arlo cameras, don’t just view one at a time. Use a split-screen app or a third-party tool like Blue Iris (for advanced users) to display multiple feeds side by side. Or, cycle through cameras manually using your remote.
3. Adjust Camera Settings for TV Viewing
TVs have different color and contrast settings than phones. To improve visibility:
- In the Arlo app, go to your camera’s settings and enable “Enhanced View” or “Night Vision” if needed.
- Adjust your TV’s brightness and contrast for better clarity, especially in low-light conditions.
- Use a dark mode theme on your TV to reduce glare at night.
4. Automate with Smart Home Routines
Make your setup smarter with automation:
- When motion is detected, have your TV automatically switch to the Arlo feed (requires IFTTT or SmartThings integration).
- Set up a “Goodnight” routine that turns on your TV and shows the front door camera at bedtime.
- Use geofencing to turn off the feed when you’re home (so you’re not always watching).
5. Protect Your Privacy
Since your camera feed is visible on a shared screen, be mindful of privacy:
- Only display cameras in private areas (like inside your home) when you’re alone.
- Use a password-protected screen saver to prevent others from viewing when you’re not around.
- Disable the feed when guests are over, unless they’re aware of it.
Comparison of Arlo TV Integration Methods
| Method | Best For | Setup Difficulty | Cost | Video Quality | Voice Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Stick + Arlo App | Alexa users, easy automation | Easy | $39.99 (one-time) | 1080p (depends on plan) | Yes (Alexa) |
| Apple TV + AirPlay | iPhone/iPad users, seamless integration | Easy | $129 (Apple TV) | 1080p-4K | Yes (Siri) |
| Chromecast + Google TV | Android users, budget-friendly | Easy | $49.99 | 1080p | Yes (Google Assistant) |
| Screen Mirroring | Temporary viewing, no extra devices | Very Easy | Free | Depends on phone | No |
| HDMI from Laptop | Non-smart TVs, permanent setup | Medium | $15 (HDMI cable) | 1080p-4K | No |
This table helps you choose the best method based on your needs. For most people, a streaming stick (Fire Stick or Chromecast) offers the best balance of cost, ease, and functionality.
Final Thoughts: Make Your TV Work Smarter
Getting your Arlo camera to appear on TV isn’t just a cool trick—it’s a practical upgrade that can make your home safer, more efficient, and more connected. Whether you’re using a Fire Stick, screen mirroring, or a wired HDMI connection, the process is simpler than you think. And once it’s set up, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Remember, the key is to match your method to your lifestyle. If you love Alexa, go with Fire Stick. If you’re an Apple fan, AirPlay is your friend. And if you just want a no-fuss option, screen mirroring works in a pinch. Don’t let minor hiccups stop you—most issues have easy fixes, and the payoff is worth it.
I’ve been using this setup for over a year now, and it’s changed how I interact with my home. I check deliveries from the couch, keep an eye on the kids playing outside, and even use it as a baby monitor when needed. It’s not about being paranoid—it’s about being prepared, informed, and in control.
So go ahead, pick your method, and give it a try. Your Arlo camera and your TV are about to become your new favorite duo. And who knows? You might just start looking for other ways to make your smart home even smarter. After all, the future isn’t just coming—it’s already here, and it fits perfectly on your living room screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Arlo camera appear on TV without extra devices?
Yes, if your TV supports AirPlay 2 or Google Cast, you can directly stream your Arlo camera feed using the Arlo app. For other smart TVs, a compatible streaming device (like Apple TV or Chromecast) is required to display the feed.
How do I connect my Arlo camera to my TV using a Firestick?
Install the Arlo app on your Firestick, log in to your Arlo account, and select the camera feed to display on your TV. This method ensures seamless integration without additional hardware.
Is there a way to view Arlo cameras on TV with voice commands?
Yes, if you use an Amazon Fire TV with Alexa, say, “Alexa, show [camera name]” to display the feed. For Google TV, use “Hey Google, show [camera name] on [TV name].”
Can I display my Arlo camera on a non-smart TV?
Yes, use an HDMI cable to connect a computer or laptop running the Arlo app to your TV. Alternatively, plug in a streaming stick (like Roku or Firestick) to cast the Arlo feed wirelessly.
Why won’t my Arlo camera appear on TV via screen mirroring?
Ensure both your TV and casting device (e.g., smartphone) are on the same Wi-Fi network. Some Arlo models may require firmware updates or specific app settings to enable mirroring.
Does the Arlo app support multi-camera viewing on TV?
Yes, the Arlo app allows split-screen or multi-camera views on TV when using a streaming device. Navigate to the “Live View” section in the app and select multiple cameras to display simultaneously.