Can Arlo Pro Camera Work on Wink Alone Find Out Here

The Arlo Pro camera cannot work with Wink alone—it requires the Arlo SmartHub or base station to function properly, even if you’re using Wink as your smart home platform. While Wink can integrate with Arlo for basic controls, full functionality like live streaming, alerts, and recording depends on Arlo’s own ecosystem, making standalone Wink operation impossible.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo Pro cameras require a hub: Wink alone cannot support Arlo Pro without additional hardware.
• Wink lacks native integration: Arlo Pro needs its own base station for full functionality.
• Check compatibility first: Verify device requirements before pairing Arlo with Wink systems.
• Use IFTTT as a workaround: Limited automation is possible via third-party services.
• No live streaming on Wink: Arlo Pro feeds won’t display directly in the Wink app.
• Firmware updates matter: Ensure both devices run the latest software for optimal performance.

The Smart Home Dilemma: Can Your Arlo Pro Camera Work With Just Wink?

Imagine this: you’ve just installed a sleek new Arlo Pro camera to keep an eye on your front porch, and you’re excited to integrate it into your smart home setup. You already own a Wink hub, which controls your lights, thermostat, and even your garage door. So, the natural question arises: Can your Arlo Pro camera work on Wink alone? It’s a question I’ve asked myself—and one that many smart home enthusiasts ponder when trying to avoid extra subscriptions, hubs, or compatibility headaches.

Smart home ecosystems can feel like a maze of “ifs” and “buts.” You want simplicity, reliability, and seamless integration without juggling multiple apps. In this post, we’ll dive deep into whether the Arlo Pro camera can work on Wink alone, exploring compatibility, limitations, workarounds, and real-life scenarios. Whether you’re a DIY home security buff or just trying to keep your tech stack minimal, this guide will help you decide if Wink is enough—or if you’ll need to expand your ecosystem.

Understanding the Basics: Arlo Pro and Wink Hub Explained

What Is the Arlo Pro Camera?

The Arlo Pro series (including Pro 1, Pro 2, and Pro 3) is a line of wireless, weather-resistant security cameras designed by Netgear. They’re known for their 1080p HD video, two-way audio, motion detection, and night vision. The Pro models connect to a base station (also called a hub), which then links to your home Wi-Fi. This design helps reduce bandwidth strain and enhances reliability.

One of the key selling points of Arlo Pro is its flexibility—it works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. But here’s the catch: Arlo Pro does not natively support Wink. That means you can’t just plug it into your Wink hub and expect it to show up in the Wink app like your smart plugs or door sensors.

What Is the Wink Hub?

The Wink hub is a central device that connects various smart home products—like lights, locks, sensors, and thermostats—using protocols such as Zigbee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. It acts as a bridge between your devices and the Wink app, allowing you to control everything from one place.

Wink prides itself on compatibility. It supports over 400 brands, including Nest, Philips Hue, and Ring. However, Arlo is not on that list. This is a critical point. Even though both Arlo and Wink aim to simplify home automation, they operate on different platforms with different philosophies.

Why Compatibility Matters

When devices aren’t compatible, you face a few challenges:

• App fragmentation: You’ll need to use the Arlo app for camera control and the Wink app for everything else.
• No centralized automation: You can’t create a scene in Wink like “When motion is detected, turn on lights and record video” if the camera isn’t recognized.
• No voice control through Wink: Wink doesn’t let you ask Alexa or Google to show your Arlo feed via the Wink app.

So, while both devices are excellent on their own, they don’t speak the same language—yet. But don’t give up just yet. There are ways to make them play nice.

Can Arlo Pro Camera Work on Wink Alone? The Short and Long Answer

The Short Answer: No, Not Natively

Let’s be clear: the Arlo Pro camera cannot work on Wink alone in a native, plug-and-play way. You cannot pair the Arlo camera directly with the Wink hub, nor will it appear in the Wink app’s device list. The Wink hub doesn’t support the Wi-Fi or proprietary protocols Arlo uses for camera communication.

Unlike Z-Wave or Zigbee devices (which Wink excels at), cameras like Arlo rely on direct Wi-Fi or a dedicated base station. The Arlo base station connects to your router, and the cameras talk to it—bypassing the need for a third-party hub. But Wink isn’t designed to intercept or manage that traffic.

The Long Answer: Yes, With Workarounds

While native integration is off the table, you can create a semi-integrated experience using smart home automation platforms. Think of it like building a bridge between two islands. Here are the most common workarounds:

• Using IFTTT (If This Then That): This free automation tool can link Arlo and Wink. For example, you can set a trigger: “When Arlo detects motion, turn on a Wink-controlled light.”
• Using Alexa or Google Assistant as a Middleman: Both voice platforms support Arlo and Wink. You can create routines that link the two. Say, “Alexa, I’m leaving,” and have it arm Arlo and turn off Wink lights.
• Using Home Assistant (Advanced Users): This open-source platform can integrate both Arlo and Wink, giving you full control. But it requires technical know-how and a separate server or Raspberry Pi.

These workarounds aren’t perfect—they add complexity and may introduce delays—but they let you achieve some level of integration without buying a new hub.

Real-Life Example: Sarah’s Smart Home Setup

Take Sarah, a homeowner in Portland. She has:

• An Arlo Pro 2 system (4 cameras, base station)
• A Wink hub with 12 devices (lights, sensors, thermostat)
• Amazon Echo Dot for voice control

Sarah wanted to avoid using two apps. Her solution? She used IFTTT to create a rule: “When Arlo detects motion between 10 PM and 6 AM, turn on the Wink-connected porch light for 5 minutes.” She also set up an Alexa routine: “When I say ‘Goodnight,’ arm Arlo and turn off all Wink lights.”

It’s not a seamless integration, but it works. The porch light now turns on automatically when someone approaches at night, and she can control everything via voice. The downside? There’s a 5-10 second delay in IFTTT actions, and she still needs the Arlo app to view live feeds.

Workarounds That Make Arlo and Wink Play Nice

Using IFTTT: The Simplest Bridge

IFTTT is your best bet for basic automation between Arlo and Wink. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Create an IFTTT account (it’s free).
2. Connect your Arlo account (via the Arlo service).
3. Connect your Wink account (via the Wink service).
4. Create an applet (e.g., “When Arlo detects motion, turn on Wink light”).
5. Test and refine.

Pros:

• Easy to set up, even for beginners.
• No coding required.
• Supports many triggers and actions.

Cons:

• Delays of 5–30 seconds (IFTTT isn’t real-time).
• Limited to one trigger and one action per applet.
• No live video streaming to Wink.

Pro Tip: Use IFTTT for non-critical automations (like turning on lights) but rely on Arlo’s native app for real-time alerts and video.

Using Alexa or Google Assistant: Voice as the Controller

Both Alexa and Google Assistant support Arlo and Wink. This means you can:

• Arm/disarm Arlo via voice.
• Control Wink devices via voice.
• Create routines that combine both.

For example, in the Alexa app:

1. Go to “Routines.”
2. Create a new routine: “When I say ‘I’m home.’”
3. Add actions: “Disarm Arlo,” “Turn on living room lights (Wink),” “Set thermostat to 72°F.”

Pros:

• Hands-free control.
• Faster than IFTTT (almost instant).
• Works with multiple voice assistants.

Cons:

• Still requires the Arlo app for video.
• Routines can be limited by device capabilities.
• Requires an Alexa/Google device (Echo, Nest, etc.).

Real-World Tip: Place an Echo Show near your front door. When Arlo detects motion, you can say, “Alexa, show me the front door,” and see the Arlo feed on the screen—without opening the Arlo app.

Using Home Assistant: For the Tech-Savvy

Home Assistant is a powerful, open-source platform that runs on a local server (like a Raspberry Pi). It can integrate Arlo, Wink, and hundreds of other devices into a single dashboard.

To connect Arlo and Wink:

1. Install Home Assistant (on a Pi or virtual machine).
2. Add the Arlo integration (via username/password or OAuth).
3. Add the Wink integration (via Wink API).
4. Create automations using the visual editor or YAML code.

Pros:

• Full control over automations.
• No cloud delays (everything runs locally).
• Single app for all devices.

Cons:

• Steep learning curve.
• Requires technical setup and maintenance.
• Not beginner-friendly.

Note: If you’re comfortable with tech and want a unified smart home, this is the gold standard. But for most users, it’s overkill.

Limitations and What You’re Missing Without Native Integration

No Centralized Dashboard

One of the biggest drawbacks is app fragmentation. You’ll need to:

• Open the Arlo app to view live feeds, review recordings, or adjust camera settings.
• Open the Wink app to control lights, locks, or sensors.

This breaks the “one app to rule them all” dream. Imagine getting a motion alert from Arlo, but having to switch apps to turn on a light. It’s inconvenient—especially at night.

No Advanced Automations

Without native integration, you can’t create complex automations like:

• “When Arlo detects a person (not a pet), turn on all lights and send a notification.”
• “If Arlo records a video, upload it to a Wink-connected smart display.”
• “Arm Arlo when Wink detects that all doors are locked.”

These require deep integration that only platforms like Home Assistant or native support can provide.

No Video in Wink App

This is a major limitation. The Wink app can’t display live or recorded Arlo video. You’ll always need the Arlo app for that. If you have multiple cameras, you’re stuck switching between apps constantly.

Subscription Considerations

Arlo Pro requires a subscription for cloud storage and advanced features (like person detection). Wink doesn’t offer any camera-related features, so you’re still paying for Arlo’s service. This means:

• Double the apps, double the subscriptions (if you use Wink for other services).
• No savings from “using Wink alone.”

Tip: Consider Arlo’s local storage option (using a microSD card) to avoid cloud fees. But this won’t help with Wink integration.

Comparing Alternatives: Should You Stick With Wink or Switch?

Option 1: Stick With Wink + Workarounds

If you’re already invested in Wink and don’t want to switch, the IFTTT and voice assistant workarounds are your best bet. They’re free, easy to set up, and provide basic automation.

Best for: Casual users who want simple automations (e.g., lights on when motion detected).

Cost: Free (plus Arlo subscription, if needed).

Option 2: Switch to a Compatible Ecosystem

If seamless integration is a priority, consider switching to a platform that supports both Arlo and Wink (or replace one device). For example:

• SmartThings: Supports Arlo and many Wink-compatible devices. Offers better automation than Wink.
• Apple HomeKit: Works with Arlo (via HomeKit-enabled models) and select Wink devices.
• Replace Arlo with Wink-Compatible Cameras: Brands like Ring, Nest, and Wyze offer cameras that integrate with Wink or SmartThings.

Best for: Users who want a unified experience and are open to changing platforms.

Cost: Varies (new hub, cameras, or subscriptions).

Option 3: Go All-In on Home Assistant

For ultimate control, Home Assistant is unmatched. It can integrate Arlo, Wink, and hundreds of other devices into a single, customizable dashboard.

Best for: Tech-savvy users who want full automation and local control.

Cost: Free (but requires hardware like a Raspberry Pi).

Data Table: Comparison of Integration Options

Option	Ease of Setup	Real-Time Control	Video in App	Cost	Best For
Wink + IFTTT	Easy	No (delays)	No	Free	Beginners, simple automations
Wink + Alexa/Google	Easy	Yes (voice)	No	Free	Voice-first users
Home Assistant	Hard	Yes	Yes	Free (hardware cost)	Tech enthusiasts
Switch to SmartThings	Medium	Yes	Yes (for compatible cams)	Hub cost (~$50)	Unified ecosystem seekers

Final Verdict: Is Wink Alone Enough for Arlo Pro?

So, can the Arlo Pro camera work on Wink alone? The honest answer is: not really. You can’t pair it directly, control it through the Wink app, or view video feeds without the Arlo app. But with a little creativity, you can create a functional, partially integrated setup using IFTTT, voice assistants, or advanced platforms like Home Assistant.

For most users, the best approach is a hybrid:

• Use IFTTT or Alexa/Google routines for basic automations (e.g., lights on when motion detected).
• Keep using the Arlo app for video and security.
• Use Wink for non-camera devices.

If you’re willing to invest time (or money), switching to a more compatible ecosystem like SmartThings or diving into Home Assistant can give you the seamless experience you’re after. But for now, Wink alone isn’t enough to fully unlock the potential of your Arlo Pro camera.

Remember: smart home tech is about convenience, not perfection. It’s okay to have a few apps and a few delays. What matters is that your system works for you—whether that’s through workarounds, upgrades, or a mix of both. So go ahead, experiment, and find the balance that makes your home feel truly smart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Arlo Pro cameras work with Wink without a hub?

No, Arlo Pro cameras require their own Arlo SmartHub or base station to function and cannot operate standalone with the Wink hub. The Arlo Pro system relies on its proprietary hub for connectivity and advanced features like local storage.

Is it possible to integrate Arlo Pro with Wink for unified control?

While Wink supports many smart home devices, Arlo Pro cameras do not natively integrate with the Wink app. You’d need to use both the Arlo and Wink apps separately for full functionality, as direct control via Wink isn’t supported.

Do I need both an Arlo SmartHub and Wink hub for Arlo Pro cameras?

Yes, if you want to use Arlo Pro cameras alongside Wink devices, you’ll need the Arlo SmartHub for the cameras and the Wink hub for other compatible devices. The two systems operate independently but can coexist in the same smart home setup.

Can Wink replace the Arlo app for Arlo Pro camera management?

No, the Wink app cannot replace the Arlo app for managing Arlo Pro cameras. All camera settings, live feeds, and recordings require the Arlo app, as Wink lacks the necessary integration for these features.

Will Arlo Pro cameras trigger Wink automations or alerts?

Unfortunately, Arlo Pro cameras cannot directly trigger Wink automations due to the lack of integration. Motion alerts and recordings from Arlo Pro must be managed within the Arlo app, limiting cross-platform automation capabilities.

Are there any workarounds to connect Arlo Pro to Wink alone?

There are no official workarounds to make Arlo Pro cameras work with Wink alone. Third-party tools like IFTTT offer limited cross-platform triggers, but core features still require the Arlo SmartHub and app for full functionality.