Can I Connect Arlo Cameras to Nest A Complete Guide

No, you cannot directly connect Arlo cameras to Nest systems due to incompatible ecosystems and proprietary software. However, you can integrate both using third-party platforms like Google Home or IFTTT to view feeds and manage devices from a single app, though advanced features like unified alerts or shared automation remain limited. This workaround offers flexibility but requires extra setup and may lack seamless performance.

Key Takeaways

• Direct connection isn’t supported: Arlo and Nest systems operate on separate, non-integrated platforms.
• Use IFTTT for basic automation: Create simple cross-platform triggers between Arlo and Nest via IFTTT.
• Nest doesn’t display Arlo feeds: You can’t view Arlo cameras in the Nest app or Google Home.
• Smart home hubs bridge the gap: Use third-party hubs like Home Assistant for unified control.
• Check for firmware updates: Always update both systems to ensure optimal compatibility and features.
• Consider ecosystem migration: For seamless integration, switch entirely to Arlo or Nest ecosystem.

Why Connect Arlo Cameras to Nest? Understanding the Smart Home Dream

Imagine this: You’re sipping coffee on a quiet Saturday morning, and your Nest Hub lights up with a motion alert. You glance at the screen and see your front porch—your neighbor’s dog just left a surprise gift on your welcome mat. But here’s the twist: the camera that caught it all isn’t a Nest cam. It’s your trusty Arlo Pro 4, silently working in the background. That’s the dream, right? A unified smart home where devices from different brands talk to each other seamlessly. But can you really connect Arlo cameras to Nest? Let’s break it down.

The short answer? It’s complicated. Arlo and Nest are both heavyweights in the smart home world, but they’re also rivals. Like two chefs in the same kitchen using different recipes, they don’t always play nice together. But don’t worry—there are workarounds, hacks, and clever integrations that can get these devices talking. Whether you’re a tech-savvy tinkerer or just want a simpler way to monitor your home, this guide will walk you through the options, the trade-offs, and the real-world solutions that actually work.

Understanding Arlo and Nest: Ecosystems, Compatibility, and the Wall Between Them

How Arlo and Nest Work (And Why They Don’t Naturally Sync)

Let’s start with the basics. Arlo (owned by Netgear) and Nest (a Google company) are both popular smart camera brands, but they operate on entirely different platforms. Arlo cameras connect to your home via the Arlo app, which handles everything from live feeds to cloud storage. Nest devices, on the other hand, use the Google Home app and integrate deeply with Google Assistant and other Google products.

The core issue? They don’t natively integrate. Think of it like trying to use an iPhone charger on an Android phone—it just won’t fit. Arlo’s ecosystem is built around its own subscription plans (Arlo Secure), while Nest relies on Google’s cloud infrastructure. Even if you’re using a Nest Hub or Google Home to view your cameras, Arlo’s feeds won’t show up there unless you bridge the gap manually.

The Technical Hurdles: APIs, Clouds, and Proprietary Locks

Here’s where it gets technical (but don’t worry—we’ll keep it simple). Arlo and Nest use different APIs (application programming interfaces), which are like the “languages” devices use to communicate. Arlo’s API is closed off to third-party integrations, while Nest’s API is more open but still requires specific authentication methods. Even if you’re a coding whiz, the effort to make them talk is like translating a novel from Japanese to Spanish—possible, but time-consuming and error-prone.

Another hurdle? Cloud storage. Arlo cameras save footage to Arlo’s cloud (or local storage with an Arlo SmartHub). Nest cameras save to Google’s cloud. If you want both systems to “see” each other’s footage, you’re stuck manually downloading clips or using workarounds (more on that later).

Real-World Example: The “I Just Want One App” Dilemma

Let’s say you already have three Arlo cameras and a Nest Hub. You’d love to see all your feeds in one place—no app-switching, no confusion. But here’s the reality: You’ll need to open the Arlo app for Arlo cams and the Google Home app for Nest cams. It’s not the end of the world, but it’s not the seamless experience you were hoping for. This is the biggest frustration for users trying to connect Arlo cameras to Nest.

Workarounds That Actually Work: How to Connect Arlo to Nest (Without Losing Your Mind)

Option 1: Use a Smart Display (The Easiest Fix)

If you have a Nest Hub, Nest Hub Max, or Google Nest Smart Display, you’re in luck. These devices can show live feeds from Arlo cameras—but only if you’ve set up Arlo’s “Works with Google Assistant” integration. Here’s how:

• Open the Google Home app.
• Tap Add > Works with Google.
• Search for Arlo and follow the prompts to link your Arlo account.
• Once linked, say, “Hey Google, show me the front porch camera on the living room display.”

Pros: Simple setup, works with voice commands, no coding required.
Cons: Limited to live viewing (no playback or alerts), requires a stable Wi-Fi connection.

Option 2: IFTTT (For Power Users Who Love Automation)

IFTTT (If This, Then That) is a free automation tool that connects apps and devices. With IFTTT, you can create “applets” to make Arlo and Nest interact. For example:

• Applet 1: When Arlo detects motion, send a notification to your Google Home app.
• Applet 2: When Arlo records a clip, save it to Google Drive (so you can view it alongside Nest footage).

To set this up:

1. Create an IFTTT account and connect your Arlo and Google accounts.
2. Search for pre-made applets like “Arlo Motion to Google Assistant” or “Save Arlo Clips to Google Drive.”
3. Customize the applet (e.g., choose which Arlo camera to monitor).

Pros: Highly customizable, works with many devices, free tier available.
Cons: Can be glitchy, limited to basic triggers (no advanced features like facial recognition).

Option 3: Third-Party Apps (The “Almost Works” Solution)

Apps like Home Assistant or SmartThings can act as a “middleman” between Arlo and Nest. These platforms support both brands, letting you view feeds and create automations in one place. For example:

• Use Home Assistant to create a dashboard with all your cameras (Arlo + Nest).
• Set up a rule: When Arlo detects motion, turn on a Nest Thermostat’s “Away” mode.

Pros: Full control, supports advanced automation, works with hundreds of devices.
Cons: Steep learning curve, requires a dedicated device (like a Raspberry Pi) for local hosting.

Real-World Tip: Start Small

Don’t try to automate everything at once. Start with one simple IFTTT applet (e.g., “Send me a Google notification when Arlo sees motion”) and test it for a week. Once you’re comfortable, add more complex automations. Rome wasn’t built in a day—and neither is your smart home.

The Subscription Dilemma: Cloud Plans, Costs, and Hidden Fees

Arlo vs. Nest: What You’re Paying For (And Why It Matters)

Both Arlo and Nest require subscriptions for full functionality, but their plans differ significantly. Here’s a breakdown:

Feature	Arlo Secure (Basic)	Arlo Secure (Premium)	Nest Aware (Basic)	Nest Aware (Plus)
Price (per camera/month)	$2.99	$4.99	$6	$12
Video History	30 days	60 days	30 days	60 days
AI Features	Person/vehicle detection	+ package detection, e911	Person/animal detection	+ facial recognition, sound detection
Multi-Camera Discount	Yes (up to 10 cams)	Yes (up to 20 cams)	Yes (up to 10 cams)	Yes (up to 20 cams)

Key Takeaway: If you’re using both Arlo and Nest, you’re paying for two subscriptions—and they don’t share data. For example, if Arlo detects a person, it won’t trigger a Nest camera to record. This means you might miss important events unless you manually check both apps.

Cost-Saving Tip: Use Local Storage

Arlo cameras (like the Arlo Pro 4) support local storage via a SmartHub, which saves clips to a microSD card instead of the cloud. This lets you skip the Arlo subscription—but you’ll lose features like person detection and 24/7 recording. Nest cameras, unfortunately, don’t offer local storage.

The “Hybrid” Approach: Mix and Match

Some users opt for a hybrid setup: Use Nest for indoor cameras (where cloud features matter) and Arlo with local storage for outdoors (to save on subscriptions). It’s not perfect, but it balances cost and functionality.

Advanced Integrations: For the Tech-Savvy Tinkerers

Home Assistant: The Ultimate Unifier

If you’re comfortable with tech, Home Assistant is the Swiss Army knife of smart homes. It supports Arlo, Nest, and 1,000+ other devices. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Install Home Assistant on a Raspberry Pi or virtual machine.
2. Add Arlo and Nest integrations (via the web interface).
3. Create a dashboard with all your cameras, sensors, and automations.
4. Use scripts to sync alerts (e.g., “When Arlo detects motion, show a pop-up on the Nest Hub”).

Pros: Total control, no subscriptions, offline operation.
Cons: Requires technical skill, can be time-consuming.

Node-RED: Automate Like a Pro

Node-RED is a visual tool for building automations. With it, you can create flows like:

• Arlo detects motion → Send a Google Assistant notification → Turn on a smart light.
• Nest detects sound → Record a clip on Arlo → Save it to Dropbox.

To get started:

1. Install Node-RED (often bundled with Home Assistant).
2. Use the Arlo and Google Assistant nodes.
3. Drag, drop, and connect the nodes to create your flow.

Real-World Example: The “Vacation Mode” Hack

One user set up a Node-RED flow where:

• If Arlo detects motion after 10 PM, Google Assistant announces, “Someone’s at the door!”
• If Nest detects glass breaking, Arlo records a 10-second clip and saves it to Google Drive.

It’s not foolproof, but it’s a great example of how to make Arlo and Nest work together.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Pitfall 1: Wi-Fi Overload

Running multiple cameras can strain your Wi-Fi. Arlo cameras (especially 4K models) use a lot of bandwidth. If your Nest Hub keeps freezing, try:

• Using a Wi-Fi extender.
• Setting cameras to lower resolution (e.g., 1080p instead of 4K).
• Upgrading to a mesh network (like Google Nest Wifi).

Pitfall 2: Notification Overload

Getting alerts from both Arlo and Nest can be overwhelming. Fix it by:

• Using IFTTT to consolidate alerts (e.g., “Only notify me if both cameras detect motion”).
• Turning off redundant alerts (e.g., disable Arlo’s “all motion” alerts if you have person detection).

Pitfall 3: Subscription Fatigue

Two subscriptions add up fast. Save money by:

• Using Arlo’s local storage for outdoor cameras.
• Canceling Nest Aware and relying on event-based recording.
• Sharing a family plan (if available).

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Effort?

So, can you connect Arlo cameras to Nest? Yes—but not easily. The native integration doesn’t exist, but with smart displays, IFTTT, or Home Assistant, you can get these devices to work together. Is it worth it? That depends on your goals:

• For simplicity: Use a Nest Hub to view Arlo feeds. It’s not perfect, but it’s the easiest fix.
• For automation: Try IFTTT or Node-RED. It takes effort, but the payoff is worth it.
• For total control: Go all-in with Home Assistant. It’s a project, but it’s the ultimate solution.

At the end of the day, the smart home isn’t about having one brand—it’s about having a system that works for you. Maybe your Arlo cameras and Nest devices won’t hold hands, but with a little creativity, they can definitely be friends. And hey, if all else fails? Just smile, grab your coffee, and enjoy the chaos. That’s the smart home life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect Arlo cameras to Nest for a unified security system?

Direct integration between Arlo cameras and Nest is not natively supported, as they use different ecosystems (Arlo via Netgear, Nest via Google). However, you can view both systems separately using their respective apps or leverage third-party platforms like IFTTT for limited automation.

Is there a way to sync Arlo cameras with Nest Hub or Nest Doorbell?

While you can’t sync Arlo cameras directly to Nest Hub, you can cast Arlo feeds to Google Nest Hub using the Google Home app (requires Arlo subscription). For Nest Doorbell, the systems remain separate but can coexist under the same Wi-Fi network.

How do I connect Arlo to Google Home to work with Nest devices?

To connect Arlo cameras to Google Home (and indirectly Nest), enable the Arlo skill in the Google Home app and link your Arlo account. This allows voice control and casting to Nest displays, though full Nest integration (like alerts) isn’t supported.

Can I view Arlo and Nest cameras in the same app?

No, Arlo and Nest require separate apps. For a single dashboard, use a compatible smart home platform like Home Assistant or IFTTT, which can pull feeds from both systems but may lack real-time features.

Will Arlo cameras show up on Nest Aware alerts or history?

Arlo cameras won’t appear in Nest Aware’s cloud recording or AI alerts since the systems don’t share data. Nest Aware only processes feeds from Nest-branded devices, leaving Arlo on its own platform.

What’s the best workaround to integrate Arlo and Nest cameras?

Use IFTTT to create automations (e.g., turning on lights when Arlo detects motion) or a universal remote like Logitech Harmony to control both systems. For video management, consider a multi-camera DVR that supports both brands.