Can Google Nest Hub Be Used with Arlo Camera

Yes, the Google Nest Hub can be used with Arlo cameras—but not directly through native integration. With the help of smart home platforms like Home Assistant or IFTTT, you can stream live video from your Arlo cameras to your Nest Hub. This guide walks you through setup options, limitations, and tips to get the most out of your smart home security system.

Key Takeaways

• No native integration: Google Nest Hub does not officially support Arlo cameras out of the box, so direct pairing isn’t possible.
• Use third-party tools: Platforms like Home Assistant, IFTTT, or Alexa can bridge the gap between Arlo and Nest Hub.
• Live streaming is possible: With the right setup, you can view real-time Arlo camera feeds on your Nest Hub screen.
• Motion alerts and routines: Trigger notifications or routines on your Nest Hub when Arlo detects motion or sound.
• Voice control limitations: You can’t use “Hey Google” to view Arlo feeds directly, but voice commands via Alexa may work.
• Setup requires technical know-how: Connecting Arlo to Nest Hub involves some configuration, especially with Home Assistant.
• Privacy and security matter: Always use strong passwords and secure networks when linking third-party services.

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

If you’ve invested in both a Google Nest Hub and Arlo security cameras, you’re probably wondering: can these two smart devices work together? After all, the Nest Hub is a fantastic central hub for your Google-powered smart home, and Arlo cameras are known for their high-quality video and reliable motion detection. Combining them would mean checking your front door or backyard right from your bedside or kitchen counter—without pulling out your phone.

The short answer? Yes, you can use Google Nest Hub with Arlo cameras, but not in the way you might expect. There’s no official, plug-and-play integration between Google and Arlo (a brand owned by Netgear). That means you won’t find Arlo listed as a compatible device in the Google Home app. But don’t worry—clever workarounds exist. With a bit of setup and the right tools, you can stream live video from your Arlo cameras to your Nest Hub, receive alerts, and even automate routines.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about connecting your Arlo cameras to your Google Nest Hub. We’ll cover the limitations, the best methods to make it work, step-by-step instructions, and tips to keep your system secure and efficient. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just looking for a smarter way to monitor your home, this article will help you get the most out of your devices.

Why Isn’t There Direct Integration Between Google Nest Hub and Arlo?

Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand why Google Nest Hub and Arlo cameras don’t work together out of the box. The main reason is corporate and ecosystem separation. Google and Arlo operate under different companies—Google under Alphabet and Arlo under Netgear—and they’ve chosen to prioritize integration with their own ecosystems.

Google Nest devices are designed to work seamlessly with other Google products and services, like Google Assistant, Google Photos, and Nest cameras. Similarly, Arlo has built its platform around compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit, but not Google Home. This means that while you can ask Alexa to show you your Arlo camera feed on an Echo Show, you can’t do the same with “Hey Google” on a Nest Hub.

Another factor is API access. For devices to integrate directly, companies need to open their APIs (application programming interfaces) to each other. Google and Arlo have not established this level of partnership. As a result, users are left with indirect methods to connect the two systems.

That said, the smart home community is resourceful. Developers and users have created workarounds using third-party platforms that act as bridges between incompatible devices. These tools don’t offer the same smoothness as native integration, but they’re surprisingly effective once set up.

How to Connect Arlo Cameras to Google Nest Hub (Step-by-Step)

While there’s no official way to link Arlo cameras directly to your Google Nest Hub, you can still achieve live streaming and smart alerts using third-party services. Below are the most reliable methods, ranked by ease of use and functionality.

Method 1: Using Home Assistant (Most Powerful)

Home Assistant is an open-source home automation platform that supports thousands of devices, including both Arlo cameras and Google Nest Hub. It acts as a central brain for your smart home, allowing you to connect devices that don’t normally talk to each other.

To get started, you’ll need:
– A device to run Home Assistant (like a Raspberry Pi, old laptop, or a dedicated server)
– Your Arlo camera login credentials
– Your Google Nest Hub linked to the same Google account

Step 1: Install Home Assistant
Download and install Home Assistant on your chosen device. You can use the official image for Raspberry Pi or run it in a virtual machine. Follow the setup wizard to create your account and connect your home network.

Step 2: Add Arlo Cameras
In the Home Assistant dashboard, go to “Settings” > “Devices & Services” > “Add Integration.” Search for “Arlo” and enter your Arlo username and password. Home Assistant will authenticate and pull in all your Arlo cameras.

Step 3: Enable Google Cast Integration
Next, add the Google Cast integration. This allows Home Assistant to send video feeds to your Nest Hub. Go back to “Add Integration” and search for “Google Cast.” Select your Nest Hub from the list.

Step 4: Create a Camera View
In the Home Assistant dashboard, go to “Dashboards” > “Overview” and click “Edit Dashboard.” Add a new card and choose “Picture Entity” or “Camera” card. Select one of your Arlo cameras. You can now view the live feed directly in Home Assistant.

Step 5: Cast to Nest Hub
Click the three dots on the camera card and select “Cast to [Your Nest Hub Name].” The live feed will appear on your Nest Hub screen. You can repeat this for multiple cameras.

Pro Tip: Use Lovelace UI to create a custom dashboard with multiple camera views, motion sensors, and weather info—all accessible from your Nest Hub.

Method 2: Using IFTTT (Easiest for Beginners)

IFTTT (If This Then That) is a free automation tool that connects apps and devices using simple “applets.” While it can’t stream live video to your Nest Hub, it can trigger notifications and routines based on Arlo activity.

For example, you can set up an applet that sends a notification to your phone or lights up your Nest Hub when Arlo detects motion.

Step 1: Sign Up for IFTTT
Create an account at ifttt.com and download the IFTTT app on your phone.

Step 2: Connect Arlo and Google Assistant
In IFTTT, go to “Services” and connect your Arlo account. Then connect Google Assistant.

Step 3: Create an Applet
Click “Create” and set the trigger to “Arlo – Motion Detected.” Choose the specific camera if you have multiple.

For the action, select “Google Assistant” and choose “Say a phrase with text ingredient.” You could say, “Motion detected at the front door.”

Step 4: Test the Applet
Trigger motion on your Arlo camera (walk in front of it). Your Google Assistant should speak the alert through your Nest Hub.

Limitations: IFTTT can’t show live video, but it’s great for alerts and simple automations.

Method 3: Using Alexa as a Bridge

Since Arlo works natively with Amazon Alexa, you can use an Echo device (like an Echo Show) to view Arlo feeds—and then cast that screen to your Nest Hub.

Step 1: Link Arlo to Alexa
Open the Alexa app, go to “Skills & Games,” search for “Arlo,” and enable the skill. Log in with your Arlo credentials.

Step 2: View Arlo on Echo Show
Say, “Alexa, show me the front door camera.” The live feed will appear on your Echo Show.

Step 3: Cast to Nest Hub
On your Echo Show, tap the cast icon (looks like a TV with a Wi-Fi signal) and select your Google Nest Hub. The video will stream to the Nest Hub.

Note: This method requires an Echo Show or another Alexa device with a screen. It’s not a direct Arlo-to-Nest solution, but it works in a pinch.

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

Now that you know how to connect the two devices, let’s clarify what’s possible—and what’s not.

What You Can Do

– View live camera feeds: With Home Assistant or casting from Alexa, you can watch real-time video from your Arlo cameras on the Nest Hub screen.
– Receive motion and sound alerts: Use IFTTT or Home Assistant to trigger notifications when Arlo detects activity.
– Automate routines: For example, when Arlo detects motion at night, have your Nest Hub display a camera feed and turn on smart lights.
– Create custom dashboards: Home Assistant lets you build a personalized view with multiple cameras, sensors, and controls.
– Use voice commands (indirectly): While you can’t say “Hey Google, show me the backyard camera,” you can use Alexa to cast the feed, then control playback with voice.

What You Can’t Do

– Native voice control: Google Assistant doesn’t recognize Arlo cameras, so you can’t use “Hey Google” to view feeds.
– Two-way audio: Even if you stream video, two-way communication (talking through the camera) isn’t supported on Nest Hub.
– Cloud recording playback: You can’t access recorded clips from Arlo’s cloud storage directly on the Nest Hub.
– Seamless switching: Unlike native integrations, switching between cameras requires manual input or automation setup.
– Instant wake-up: The Nest Hub may take a few seconds to load the stream, especially over Wi-Fi.

Understanding these limits helps set realistic expectations. While the setup isn’t perfect, it’s still a powerful way to enhance your home security.

Tips for a Smooth and Secure Setup

Connecting Arlo to Nest Hub via third-party tools can be tricky. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth, secure experience.

Use a Strong Network

Video streaming requires a stable internet connection. Make sure your Wi-Fi signal is strong where your Nest Hub and Arlo cameras are located. Use a mesh network or Wi-Fi extender if needed.

Keep Software Updated

Regularly update Home Assistant, IFTTT, and your Arlo firmware. Updates often include bug fixes, security patches, and new features.

Secure Your Accounts

Use strong, unique passwords for your Arlo, Google, and Home Assistant accounts. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.

Limit Access

If you’re using Home Assistant, restrict access to trusted devices. Avoid exposing your Home Assistant server to the public internet unless you use a secure VPN.

Test Regularly

Check your camera feeds and alerts weekly. Make sure everything is working, especially after power outages or network changes.

Use Local Storage When Possible

Some Arlo models support local storage via USB. This reduces reliance on the cloud and can improve streaming speed.

Alternatives to Consider

If the setup feels too complex, you might want to consider alternatives that offer native integration.

Switch to Google Nest Cameras

Google Nest cameras (like the Nest Cam Indoor or Outdoor) work seamlessly with the Nest Hub. You can say, “Hey Google, show me the front door,” and the feed appears instantly. They also support two-way audio, facial recognition, and cloud recording.

Use Arlo with Echo Show

If you’re open to Amazon’s ecosystem, pairing Arlo with an Echo Show gives you native live viewing, voice control, and drop-in features.

Try Other Smart Displays

Some third-party smart displays support both Google Assistant and Arlo via Alexa integration. Check compatibility before buying.

While these options may require changing devices, they offer a more polished experience.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

So, can Google Nest Hub be used with Arlo camera? Yes—but with caveats. If you’re comfortable with a bit of technical setup, tools like Home Assistant make it possible to stream live video and receive alerts. For casual users, IFTTT offers a simpler way to get notifications.

The experience won’t be as smooth as native integration, but it’s a powerful workaround that enhances your smart home’s functionality. You gain centralized monitoring, automation, and peace of mind—all from your Nest Hub.

Just remember: security and privacy should be top priorities. Always use strong passwords, keep software updated, and avoid exposing sensitive systems to the open internet.

If you’re willing to put in the effort, connecting your Arlo cameras to your Google Nest Hub can be a rewarding project. It turns your Nest Hub into a true security command center, giving you eyes on your home whenever you need them.

And who knows? Maybe one day Google and Arlo will partner up and make this process as easy as saying, “Hey Google, show me the backyard.” Until then, the smart home community has your back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I view Arlo camera feeds directly on Google Nest Hub?

No, there is no direct integration between Arlo cameras and Google Nest Hub. However, you can view live feeds using third-party tools like Home Assistant or by casting from an Alexa-enabled device.

Do I need a smart display to use Arlo with Nest Hub?

Yes, you need a Google Nest Hub (or similar smart display) to view video feeds. Audio-only Nest devices like the Nest Mini cannot display video.

Can I use voice commands to show Arlo cameras on Nest Hub?

Not directly. Google Assistant doesn’t support Arlo cameras. You can use Alexa to cast the feed, but you can’t say “Hey Google” to view Arlo.

Is it safe to connect Arlo to Home Assistant?

Yes, as long as you follow security best practices. Use strong passwords, enable 2FA, and avoid exposing your Home Assistant server to the public internet.

Will this setup work with all Arlo camera models?

Most Arlo cameras are supported in Home Assistant, including Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, and Arlo Essential. Check the Home Assistant documentation for your specific model.

Can I record Arlo footage through the Nest Hub?

No, the Nest Hub cannot record video from Arlo cameras. Recording must be done through the Arlo app or cloud service.