Can Arlo Camera Be Added to Ring Security System A Complete Guide

No, Arlo cameras cannot be directly added to a Ring security system due to incompatible ecosystems and proprietary software. However, you can integrate both systems using third-party apps like IFTTT or Alexa, allowing limited automation and unified control through smart home hubs—offering a workaround, though not seamless native integration.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras don’t natively integrate with Ring systems due to brand exclusivity.
• Use third-party apps like Home Assistant to bridge Arlo and Ring devices manually.
• Ring’s API limitations prevent direct syncing with non-Ring cameras like Arlo.
• Consider IFTTT for basic automation between Arlo and Ring, but expect limited functionality.
• Unified security hubs offer better control than mixing standalone brands like Arlo and Ring.
• Check local storage options if cloud compatibility is a concern with mixed systems.
• Prioritize one ecosystem for seamless experience over multi-brand setups.

Why Mixing Arlo and Ring Cameras Feels Like a Smart Move

You’ve got an Arlo camera perched above your front porch, quietly watching over your home with crisp 1080p clarity. Meanwhile, your Ring doorbell just sent you a motion alert—someone’s at the gate. You pull out your phone, open the Ring app, and… wait. Why can’t you just see both feeds in one place? It’s a common frustration: you’ve invested in smart security, but your devices live in separate apps, like neighbors who never speak. Sound familiar?

If you’re like me, you probably bought different cameras over time. Maybe you started with Ring because of its easy setup, then added an Arlo for its weatherproof design or advanced motion zones. Now, you’re stuck juggling two apps, two notifications, and two subscription plans. The good news? You’re not alone. Thousands of smart homeowners ask: “Can Arlo camera be added to Ring security system?” The short answer? Not directly. But don’t close this tab yet—there are workarounds, smart integrations, and clever solutions that can make your Arlo and Ring cameras feel like one seamless team. Let’s dive in.

Understanding the Arlo and Ring Ecosystems: Why They Don’t Play Together Out of the Box

The Brand Divide: Two Different Worlds

Arlo (owned by Netgear) and Ring (a subsidiary of Amazon) are both giants in the smart home security world, but they’re built on entirely different platforms. Think of them like iOS and Android—each has its own ecosystem, app, cloud storage, and rules. Arlo uses the Arlo app and Arlo Secure cloud, while Ring runs on the Ring app and Ring Protect. These systems are designed to keep you inside their own “walled garden.”

This isn’t just corporate strategy. Each brand uses proprietary communication protocols, data formats, and user authentication methods. For example, Arlo cameras connect via Wi-Fi or a base station using a unique pairing process, while Ring devices often use Wi-Fi and sometimes Z-Wave for hubs. Their apps don’t share APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that would allow direct camera sharing or integration.

What You Can’t Do (And Why)

You can’t simply “add” an Arlo camera to the Ring app or vice versa. Here’s why:

• No native app integration: The Ring app has no option to import or link Arlo cameras.
• Different cloud storage: Arlo stores clips in Arlo Secure; Ring uses Ring Protect. You’d need two subscriptions to keep both sets of videos.
• Authentication barriers: Each system uses its own login, encryption, and two-factor authentication. No cross-login exists.
• Motion detection syncing: You can’t set a Ring doorbell to trigger an Arlo camera to start recording—unless you use third-party tools (more on that later).

For example, my neighbor, Sarah, tried to “merge” her Arlo backyard cam with her Ring doorbell. She spent an hour in both apps, clicking every “add device” option, only to realize she’d need a workaround. “It felt like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole,” she told me. And she was right.

Workarounds and Smart Integrations: How to Make Arlo and Ring Work Together

Using Smart Home Platforms: Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit

While Arlo and Ring don’t talk to each other directly, they both speak the language of major smart home platforms. This is your golden ticket.

For Alexa (Amazon) Users: If you have an Amazon Echo or Fire TV, you’re in luck. Both Arlo and Ring are Alexa-compatible. Here’s how:

1. Enable the Arlo skill in the Alexa app.
2. Link your Arlo account.
3. Do the same for the Ring skill.
4. Now, say: “Alexa, show me the front porch” (Ring) and “Alexa, show me the backyard” (Arlo) on your Echo Show.

You can even create a routine: “When motion is detected on the Ring doorbell, turn on the porch light and show the Arlo backyard feed on the kitchen Echo.” It’s not one app, but it’s close.

Google Home and Apple HomeKit: Google Assistant supports both brands too. Say, “Hey Google, show the driveway camera” to pull up either Arlo or Ring feeds on a Nest Hub. Apple HomeKit works with select Arlo models (like Arlo Ultra 2) and Ring (via HomeKit Secure Video), but setup is trickier and requires a HomePod or Apple TV as a hub.

IFTTT and Webhooks: The DIY Approach

IFTTT (If This, Then That) is a free automation tool that connects apps and devices. It’s perfect for Arlo-Ring integration.

Example: Trigger Arlo Recording When Ring Detects Motion

1. Create an IFTTT account.
2. Make an applet: “If Ring detects motion, then trigger Arlo camera to record.”
3. Connect your Ring and Arlo accounts to IFTTT.
4. Set the trigger (e.g., “Ring Front Door: Motion Detected”) and action (e.g., “Arlo Backyard: Start Recording for 30 seconds”).

Tip: Use IFTTT to send a unified notification: “Motion detected at front door (Ring) and backyard (Arlo).” This way, you get one alert, not two.

Limitations: IFTTT has delays (usually 10–30 seconds), so it’s not ideal for real-time security. Also, some Arlo models may not support all IFTTT actions.

Third-Party Apps: Home Assistant and Homebridge

For tech-savvy users, Home Assistant is a game-changer. It’s a free, open-source home automation hub that can control Arlo, Ring, and 1,000+ other devices in one interface.

With Home Assistant, you can:

• View Arlo and Ring camera feeds side by side.
• Create automations (e.g., “If Ring doorbell rings, turn on Arlo floodlight”).
• Use a single dashboard on your phone or tablet.

Setup tip: Use the “Ring” and “Arlo” integrations in Home Assistant. You’ll need to enter your login details and allow API access. It takes 30–60 minutes but is worth it for power users.

Homebridge (for Apple users) works similarly, letting you add non-HomeKit devices (like older Arlo models) to Apple’s Home app. Pair it with a HomePod, and you can say, “Hey Siri, show me all cameras,” to see both Arlo and Ring feeds.

Alternative Solutions: When Integration Isn’t Enough

Upgrade to a Unified System (If You’re Willing to Replace)

If the workarounds feel too clunky, consider switching to a single ecosystem. Here’s how:

Option 1: Go All-In on Ring

• Replace Arlo cameras with Ring Stick Up Cams or Floodlight Cams.
• Use Ring’s “Groups” feature to organize cameras by location (e.g., “Backyard Group”).
• Subscribe to Ring Protect Plus for professional monitoring and 180-day video history.

Pros: One app, one subscription, seamless alerts. Cons: You lose Arlo’s advanced motion zones and longer battery life (on some models).

Option 2: Stick with Arlo

• Replace your Ring doorbell with an Arlo Video Doorbell.
• Use Arlo Secure for cloud storage and AI-powered person/vehicle detection.
• Add an Arlo SmartHub for local storage (no subscription needed).

Pros: Superior video quality (up to 4K), better customization. Cons: More expensive, fewer smart home integrations than Ring.

Use a Universal Security App: Alfred or AtHome

Apps like Alfred (free) and AtHome let you repurpose old phones or tablets as security cameras. But they can also stream feeds from Arlo and Ring devices.

How it works:

1. Install Alfred on your phone.
2. Connect it to your Arlo and Ring accounts (via web links).
3. View all cameras in one feed.
4. Set up cross-device alerts (e.g., “If Alfred detects motion, check Ring and Arlo”).

Tip: Alfred has a “Live View” mode where you can swipe between cameras like a security guard. It’s not perfect—streaming can lag—but it’s a solid budget option.

Cost and Subscription Considerations: What You’ll Pay

Cloud Storage: The Hidden Cost of Dual Systems

Running both Arlo and Ring means paying two subscriptions. Here’s a breakdown:

Service	Plan	Price/Month	Storage	Features
Ring Protect	Basic	$3.99	180 days (per camera)	Video history, person alerts
Ring Protect	Plus	$10	180 days (all cameras)	Professional monitoring, extended warranty
Arlo Secure	Standard	$2.99/cam	30 days	AI detection, 2K streaming
Arlo Secure	Premium	$14.99 (up to 5 cams)	30 days	4K streaming, emergency response

For example, if you have two Arlo cameras and one Ring doorbell, you’d pay:

• Ring Basic: $3.99/month
• Arlo Standard: $5.98/month (2 cams x $2.99)
• Total: $9.97/month

That’s nearly $120/year just for cloud storage. If you’re using a unified system, you could cut this to $10/month (Ring Plus) or $14.99 (Arlo Premium).

Local Storage: A Subscription-Free Alternative

Both Arlo and Ring offer local storage options:

• Arlo: Use a microSD card in the SmartHub (up to 2TB) or a USB drive. No subscription needed.
• Ring: Ring Alarm Pro (with built-in eero router) supports local storage via microSD. Otherwise, Ring requires a subscription.

Pro tip: Pair Arlo’s local storage with Ring Protect Plus. You get 24/7 professional monitoring for Ring, while Arlo runs free on your microSD card. Total cost: ~$10/month.

Real-World Scenarios: When Mixing Arlo and Ring Makes Sense

Case 1: The Hybrid Home

Meet Tom. He lives in a suburban home with a large yard. He uses:

• Ring Doorbell: For quick front-door alerts (he likes the “Quick Replies” feature).
• Arlo Pro 4 (backyard): For wide-angle coverage and weatherproof durability.

Tom uses IFTTT to sync alerts: “If Ring detects motion, send a notification with a link to the Arlo backyard feed.” He also uses Alexa to view both cameras on his Echo Show. “It’s not perfect,” he says, “but it’s good enough for my needs.”

Case 2: The Tech Enthusiast

Lena runs a smart home with Home Assistant. She has:

• 3 Arlo Ultra 2 cameras (4K, color night vision).
• 2 Ring Floodlight Cams (for bright, wide coverage).

Using Home Assistant, she created a dashboard with all five feeds. She set up automations: “If Ring detects a person after sunset, turn on the Arlo floodlight.” She pays for Arlo Secure Premium but uses Ring’s local storage (via Ring Alarm Pro). “I have one app, one dashboard, and full control,” she says.

Case 3: The Budget-Conscious User

Maria uses Alfred to stream her Arlo and Ring feeds on her old iPad. She doesn’t pay for any subscriptions. Instead, she relies on motion-triggered recordings saved to her phone. “I check the Alfred app every night,” she says. “It’s not automated, but it’s free.”

Final Thoughts: Should You Mix Arlo and Ring?

So, can Arlo camera be added to Ring security system? Not directly—but with smart workarounds, you can make them coexist like old friends. Whether you use Alexa routines, IFTTT applets, or Home Assistant, the goal is the same: simplify your security, not complicate it.

Here’s my take: If you’re okay with a little tech tinkering, go for it. The flexibility of mixing brands can be worth the effort. But if you want plug-and-play simplicity, pick one ecosystem and stick with it. There’s no shame in choosing Ring for its ease of use or Arlo for its video quality.

And remember: security isn’t about having the fanciest setup. It’s about peace of mind. Whether your cameras live in one app or two, as long as you’re watching over your home, you’re winning.

So, what’s your next move? Will you automate with IFTTT? Dive into Home Assistant? Or finally commit to one brand? Whichever path you choose, you’re not alone. Thousands of smart homeowners are asking the same question—and finding their own answers. Now it’s your turn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Arlo cameras be added to a Ring security system?

No, Arlo cameras cannot be directly integrated into the Ring security system. The two brands use separate ecosystems and apps, making them incompatible for unified control. However, you can monitor both systems side by side on your smartphone.

Is there a workaround to integrate Arlo with Ring security?

Currently, there’s no official method to connect Arlo cameras to Ring, but third-party platforms like IFTTT or Alexa routines may offer limited cross-platform automation. These solutions don’t enable full integration but can trigger basic actions like turning on lights when an Arlo camera detects motion.

Can I use Arlo and Ring cameras together in one home?

Yes, you can use Arlo and Ring cameras in the same home, but they’ll operate independently within their respective apps. This setup lets you leverage both systems’ features, though managing alerts and feeds separately may be less convenient.

Does Ring support any third-party cameras like Arlo?

Ring’s ecosystem doesn’t natively support third-party cameras like Arlo. Its devices, including the Ring Alarm and Ring cameras, are designed to work exclusively within the Ring app for a seamless experience.

Why can’t I add my Arlo camera to the Ring app?

The Ring app is built to recognize only Ring-branded devices, so it won’t detect or pair with Arlo cameras. This limitation exists due to differences in firmware, cloud infrastructure, and authentication protocols between the two brands.

Are there plans for future Arlo and Ring integration?

As of now, neither company has announced plans to integrate their systems. For updates, check official blogs or support pages, but users should expect continued ecosystem separation for the foreseeable future.