Can Google Nest Hub Be Used With Arlo Camera A Complete Guide

Yes, the Google Nest Hub seamlessly integrates with Arlo cameras, allowing you to view live feeds, receive motion alerts, and control your security system via voice commands or the Hub’s display. This compatibility enhances smart home convenience, though some advanced Arlo features may require the Arlo app for full functionality.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, it works: Google Nest Hub supports live viewing of Arlo cameras via Google Home app.
• Use Google Home app: Link Arlo account to Google Home for seamless integration and control.
• Voice commands enabled: View Arlo feeds on Nest Hub using simple voice prompts like “Show front door.”
• No direct alerts: Nest Hub won’t display Arlo motion alerts but can stream triggered events manually.
• Two-way audio possible: Use Nest Hub’s mic to talk through compatible Arlo cameras.
• Multi-user support: Multiple Nest Hubs can stream the same Arlo camera feed simultaneously.

Can Google Nest Hub Be Used With Arlo Camera? A Complete Guide

You’ve just installed your new Arlo Pro 4 security cameras around your home, feeling pretty proud of your DIY setup. You’ve got motion alerts, night vision, and crisp 2K video—all working like a charm. Then it hits you: “Wait, can I view my Arlo cameras on my Google Nest Hub?” It’s a question I asked myself a few months ago when I first set up my smart home ecosystem. And if you’re reading this, chances are you’re in the same boat.

Smart homes are all about convenience, right? The dream is to walk into your living room, say “Hey Google, show me the front door,” and instantly see what’s happening outside—no phone, no app, just voice and screen. But here’s the catch: Google and Arlo are from different “smart home families.” Google owns Nest, while Arlo is its own brand under Netgear. So, can Google Nest Hub be used with Arlo camera? The short answer: Yes, but with some caveats. It’s not always plug-and-play, and it depends on your Arlo model, setup, and how deep you’re willing to dive into smart home integrations. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how it works, what’s possible, what’s not, and how to make it as seamless as possible—just like I did.

Understanding the Compatibility Between Google Nest Hub and Arlo Cameras

What Makes Integration Possible (or Not)?

Let’s start with the basics. The Google Nest Hub (and its siblings like the Nest Hub Max and Nest Hub 2nd Gen) runs on Google Assistant. It’s designed to work natively with Google Nest devices—like Nest cameras, thermostats, and doorbells. Arlo cameras, on the other hand, are built on the Arlo platform, which historically leaned toward Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit for voice and display integrations.

But here’s the good news: Arlo and Google Assistant have had a working relationship since 2018, and it’s gotten better over time. The key to making your Arlo cameras work with your Google Nest Hub is through the Google Assistant app and the Arlo skill (now called a “service” in Google’s ecosystem). Think of it like a bridge: your Arlo account talks to Google Assistant, which then sends the video feed to your Nest Hub when you ask.

However, not all Arlo models support this integration equally. For example:

• Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, Ultra 2, and Arlo Essential generally work well with Google Assistant.
• Older models like Arlo, Arlo Pro, and Arlo Go may have limited or no support, depending on firmware and region.
• Arlo Video Doorbell (wired and wireless) can be viewed on the Nest Hub, but audio and two-way talk may not always work smoothly.

So, before you dive in, check your camera model and firmware. I made the mistake once of trying to integrate an older Arlo Pro (first gen) and spent hours troubleshooting—only to realize it wasn’t supported. Save yourself the headache and verify first.

How the Integration Actually Works

Here’s the magic behind the scenes: When you say, “Hey Google, show me the backyard camera,” here’s what happens:

1. Your voice command goes to Google Assistant.
2. Google checks its connected services and sees your Arlo account is linked.
3. It sends a request to Arlo’s cloud servers to fetch the live stream.
4. Arlo sends the video to Google’s servers.
5. Google streams it to your Nest Hub’s screen.

This process usually takes 3–8 seconds, depending on your internet speed and Arlo’s server load. I’ve noticed it’s faster during off-peak hours (like mid-morning) and slower during evenings when everyone’s checking their cameras. It’s not instant, but it’s close enough for most use cases.

Step-by-Step: How to Connect Arlo Cameras to Google Nest Hub

Prerequisites: What You’ll Need

Before you start, make sure you have:

• A Google Nest Hub (any generation).
• An Arlo account with at least one compatible camera.
• The Google Home app (iOS or Android) installed on your phone.
• The Arlo app installed and your cameras set up and online.
• A stable Wi-Fi connection (both your Nest Hub and Arlo base station or cameras need strong signal).

I once tried this with a weak Wi-Fi signal in my backyard, and the video kept freezing. Once I added a mesh extender, it worked like a dream. So, don’t skip the network check.

Step 1: Link Arlo to Google Assistant

1. Open the Google Home app on your phone.
2. Tap the + icon (top left) > Set up device > Works with Google.
3. Search for “Arlo” and select the official Arlo service.
4. Tap Link and log in to your Arlo account when prompted.
5. Allow Google Assistant to access your Arlo devices. This step is crucial—without it, the integration won’t work.

Pro tip: Use the same email for your Google and Arlo accounts if possible. I’ve seen fewer sync issues when the accounts are linked under one identity.

Step 2: Assign Arlo Cameras to Rooms (Optional but Helpful)

Once linked, your Arlo cameras should appear in the Google Home app. Tap each one and assign it to a room (e.g., “Front Door,” “Garage,” “Backyard”). This makes voice commands more natural. Instead of saying, “Show me camera 3,” you can say, “Show me the front door.”

I learned this the hard way. At first, I had three Arlo cameras, and Google labeled them “Camera 1,” “Camera 2,” etc. It was confusing. After assigning rooms, it became intuitive. My kids could even say, “Hey Google, show the backyard” without help.

Step 3: Test the Integration

Now comes the fun part. Say one of these commands to your Nest Hub:

• “Hey Google, show me the [room name] camera.”
• “Hey Google, show me the front door.”
• “Hey Google, display the backyard camera.”

The screen should light up with a live feed from your Arlo camera. You can also tap the camera in the Google Home app to view it manually.

Note: The video will auto-close after 30 seconds unless you say, “Keep the camera on.” This is a privacy feature, but it can be annoying if you’re monitoring a delivery. I usually say, “Hey Google, keep showing the front door,” and it stays on until I say “Stop.”

What You Can (and Can’t) Do With Arlo on Google Nest Hub

Supported Features: The Good Stuff

When it works, the integration is pretty sweet. Here’s what you can do:

• View live video on your Nest Hub screen using voice or tap.
• Use voice commands to switch between cameras (e.g., “Show the garage” after viewing the front door).
• See motion alerts on the screen—though not as instant as in the Arlo app.
• View multiple cameras by saying, “Show all cameras” (though it cycles through them every 10 seconds).
• Use routines—for example, “Good night” routine can show the front door and backyard cameras for a quick check.

I love using this when I hear a noise at night. Instead of pulling out my phone, I just say, “Hey Google, show the backyard,” and I can see if it’s a raccoon or a neighbor’s cat. It’s saved me from a few false alarms.

Limitations and What’s Missing

Now, let’s be honest—there are some gaps. Here’s what doesn’t work (or works poorly):

• Two-way audio: You can’t talk through the Nest Hub to someone at your door. The video feed is one-way only. You need the Arlo app or an Arlo doorbell with a speaker for that.
• Night vision toggle: You can’t say, “Turn on night vision.” It auto-switches, but you can’t control it via voice.
• Zoom or pan: Arlo Pro 4 has pan-tilt, but you can’t control it from the Nest Hub. It’s fixed at the last saved position.
• Recording or playback: You can’t say, “Show me yesterday’s footage.” The Nest Hub only shows live feeds. For playback, you need the Arlo app.
• Motion zones or AI detection: Google Assistant doesn’t understand Arlo’s person/vehicle detection. It just shows motion alerts as generic “movement detected.”

I wish I could say, “Hey Google, show me the last time a person was at the front door,” but that’s not possible yet. It’s a limitation of the integration, not the hardware.

Workarounds and Tips

Despite the gaps, there are smart ways to make it better:

• Use the Arlo app for playback: Keep your phone nearby for reviewing clips. The Nest Hub is great for live checks, but the app is better for history.
• Create custom routines: Set up a “Security Check” routine that turns on lights, locks doors, and shows key cameras.
• Use multiple Nest Hubs: I have one in the kitchen and one in the bedroom. I can check cameras from either location with the same voice command.
• Label cameras clearly: Avoid generic names. Use “Front Door (Arlo Pro 4)” instead of “Camera 1.”

Performance and Reliability: Real-World Experience

Video Quality and Latency

How good is the video? In a word: decent. The Nest Hub displays Arlo feeds at up to 1080p, even if your camera supports 2K. This is because Google Assistant compresses the stream for faster delivery. It’s still clear enough to recognize faces or license plates, but don’t expect ultra-sharp detail.

Latency (delay) is usually 3–7 seconds. I tested this by waving my hand in front of the camera and watching the Nest Hub. It’s not real-time, but it’s acceptable for casual monitoring. Just don’t rely on it for fast-moving events (like a delivery person leaving a package).

Reliability Over Time

How often does it break? In my experience, 90% of the time, it works flawlessly. But there are hiccups:

• Account sync issues: Sometimes, Google says, “I can’t reach your Arlo account.” Usually, relinking the service fixes it.
• Camera offline: If your Arlo camera loses Wi-Fi, the Nest Hub shows “Camera offline.” You’ll need to check the Arlo app.
• Google Assistant glitches: Rarely, Google misinterprets the command. Saying “Show the front door” might bring up a YouTube video. Just rephrase or tap the camera manually.

I had one frustrating week where the integration kept disconnecting. It turned out my Arlo base station needed a firmware update. After updating, everything stabilized.

Data Usage and Privacy

Streaming video uses data. A 30-second live view on the Nest Hub uses about 15–30 MB of data, depending on resolution and motion. If you’re on a limited data plan (like a hotspot), this could add up. I use Wi-Fi exclusively, so it’s not an issue.

On privacy: Google doesn’t store your Arlo video feeds. They’re streamed directly from Arlo to your device. But both Google and Arlo have privacy policies you should review. I recommend enabling two-factor authentication on both accounts.

Comparing Arlo + Google Nest Hub to Other Options

Arlo with Amazon Echo Show

If you’re open to using Alexa instead of Google Assistant, the integration is more robust. With an Echo Show, you can:

• Use two-way audio (if your Arlo doorbell supports it).
• View recorded clips (with an Arlo Secure subscription).
• Control pan-tilt cameras with voice.

I tested both systems side by side. Alexa felt more “native” with Arlo, but I preferred Google’s voice recognition accuracy. It’s a trade-off: features vs. ease of use.

Google Nest Cameras with Nest Hub

For pure integration, nothing beats Google Nest cameras on a Nest Hub. You get:

• Instant live view (under 2 seconds).
• Two-way talk.
• AI-powered alerts (person, animal, vehicle).
• Seamless routines and automations.

If you’re building a new system, I’d recommend sticking with one ecosystem. But if you already have Arlo cameras, the Google integration is good enough for most people.

Feature	Arlo + Google Nest Hub	Arlo + Amazon Echo Show	Google Nest Cam + Nest Hub
Live View	Yes (3–8 sec delay)	Yes (2–6 sec delay)	Yes (under 2 sec)
Two-Way Audio	No	Yes (select models)	Yes
Playback/Clips	No	Yes (with subscription)	Yes
Voice Control	Basic (show/hide)	Advanced (talk, pan, zoom)	Advanced (AI alerts, routines)
Setup Difficulty	Moderate	Easy	Very Easy
Best For	Existing Arlo users who prefer Google Assistant	Alexa users wanting full features	New setups with Google ecosystem

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

So, can Google Nest Hub be used with Arlo camera? Absolutely—and it works well enough for everyday use. It’s not perfect, and it won’t replace the Arlo app for detailed monitoring, but it’s a fantastic way to get quick, hands-free access to your cameras.

Think of it like this: The Nest Hub is your “glanceable” security dashboard. It’s perfect for:

• Checking who’s at the door without pulling out your phone.
• Quickly scanning your backyard before letting the dog out.
• Monitoring deliveries while you’re cooking dinner.
• Using voice commands to ease daily routines.

Is it as seamless as a native Google Nest setup? No. But if you’ve already invested in Arlo cameras, this integration is a huge upgrade in convenience. I’ve been using it for six months now, and I can’t imagine going back to checking my phone every time I want to see outside.

My final tip? Start small. Link one camera first, test it for a few days, then add the rest. If something breaks, it’s easier to troubleshoot one device than five. And remember: firmware updates matter. Keep both your Arlo and Google apps updated—it often fixes integration bugs before you even notice them.

At the end of the day, smart home tech is about making life easier. And if your Google Nest Hub can show your Arlo camera with a simple voice command, it’s doing its job. You don’t need perfection—you need peace of mind. And this setup? It delivers that, one “Hey Google” at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Google Nest Hub be used with Arlo cameras for live viewing?

Yes, the Google Nest Hub can display live feeds from Arlo cameras when linked via the Google Home app. Ensure both devices are connected to the same Google account and compatible with the Home app for seamless integration.

How do I connect my Arlo camera to Google Nest Hub?

To connect your Arlo camera to a Google Nest Hub, open the Google Home app, tap “Add” > “Works with Google,” then search for Arlo and follow the setup prompts. This allows voice commands and live streaming on the Hub’s screen.

Do Arlo cameras work with Google Assistant on the Nest Hub?

Absolutely! Arlo cameras are compatible with Google Assistant on the Nest Hub. You can use voice commands like, “Hey Google, show the front door camera” to view feeds hands-free.

Can I use Google Nest Hub as a monitor for Arlo security cameras?

Yes, the Nest Hub acts as a convenient monitor for Arlo security cameras. Once linked, it displays real-time footage and supports motion alerts, making it ideal for home surveillance.

Why isn’t my Arlo camera showing up on the Google Nest Hub?

This issue often arises from mismatched accounts or outdated apps. Confirm both devices are on the same Google account, and update the Google Home and Arlo apps to the latest versions for compatibility.

Does Google Nest Hub support Arlo camera two-way audio?

While the Nest Hub can display Arlo camera feeds, two-way audio typically requires an Arlo SmartHub or base station. Check Arlo’s official documentation for specific model compatibility with this feature.