Can I Hook Up Arlo Camera to Computer A Complete Guide

Yes, you can hook up your Arlo camera to a computer using the Arlo app or web portal for live viewing, recordings, and settings adjustments—no direct USB connection required. For seamless access, sync your camera via Wi-Fi and use the Arlo desktop app or browser interface to monitor feeds, download footage, and manage alerts effortlessly.

Key Takeaways

• Direct USB connection: Use a USB cable to link Arlo camera to computer for direct access.
• Arlo app required: Install the Arlo app on your computer for seamless camera management.
• Wi-Fi setup: Ensure both camera and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network for syncing.
• Firmware updates: Regularly update camera firmware via computer for optimal performance.
• Cloud storage: Back up footage to cloud via computer for secure, remote access.
• Local storage option: Use microSD card with base station for computer-free recording.

Why Connecting Your Arlo Camera to a Computer Makes Sense

Imagine this: You’re halfway across the world on vacation, sipping coffee under a palm tree, and suddenly you get a motion alert from your Arlo camera. Your dog walker just arrived, and you want to check in live. But your phone is low on battery, and the Arlo app keeps freezing. What if you could just plug your Arlo camera into your laptop and see everything in crisp, real-time video? That’s the dream, right? Many of us want to hook up Arlo camera to computer—not just for convenience, but for reliability, better viewing, and even recording without relying solely on cloud storage.

The good news? It’s not only possible, but it’s also simpler than you might think. Whether you’re a homeowner keeping an eye on your property, a small business owner monitoring a storefront, or a tech enthusiast who loves tinkering with smart devices, connecting your Arlo camera to a computer can unlock a whole new level of control and functionality. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the how, the why, and the what to watch out for—all in plain, easy-to-follow language. No tech jargon overload. Just real talk, real tips, and real results.

Understanding How Arlo Cameras Work with Computers

Before we dive into the setup, let’s clear up a common misunderstanding: Arlo cameras aren’t plug-and-play USB webcams. Unlike a standard webcam you can just plug into your laptop, Arlo cameras are wireless, cloud-based security devices designed to work through Wi-Fi and the Arlo app or web portal. But that doesn’t mean you can’t connect them to your computer. You just need to work *with* their system, not against it.

Arlo’s Core Connection Model: Wi-Fi, Not USB

Most Arlo models—like the Arlo Pro, Ultra, Essential, and Go—connect to your home network via Wi-Fi. They stream video to the cloud, and you access it through the Arlo app on your phone, tablet, or the Arlo web portal at arlo.netgear.com. This cloud-first design means there’s no direct USB connection from camera to computer. But here’s the twist: your computer can access the same cloud feed. Think of it like watching Netflix on your phone versus on your laptop. Same content, different screen.

So, when people ask, “Can I hook up Arlo camera to computer?” they’re often hoping for a USB cable solution. But the real answer is: you don’t need one. Your computer can connect to the same Arlo account and view live streams, recorded clips, and even manage settings—all through a web browser or desktop app.

What You Can (and Can’t) Do on a Computer

Let’s set expectations. Connecting your Arlo camera to a computer gives you:

• Live viewing of all your cameras in a bigger, more comfortable window.
• Playback and download of recorded videos from your cloud or local storage (if using a SmartHub or base station).
• Full camera management: rename cameras, adjust motion zones, set schedules, and update firmware.
• Multi-camera monitoring—great for businesses or large homes.

What you can’t do:

• Use a single Arlo camera as a USB webcam for Zoom, Teams, or streaming platforms.
• Directly record video to your computer’s hard drive without using the Arlo app or third-party tools (more on that later).
• Connect the camera physically via USB for setup (except for certain base stations).

Bottom line: Your computer isn’t a replacement for your phone, but it’s a powerful companion. It’s like having a second remote control with a bigger screen and more control.

Method 1: Using the Arlo Web Portal (The Easiest Way)

If you want to hook up Arlo camera to computer with zero downloads and maximum simplicity, the Arlo web portal is your best friend. It’s free, secure, and works on any modern browser.

Step-by-Step: Accessing Arlo on Your Computer

1. Open your web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge).
2. Go to https://arlo.netgear.com.
3. Log in with your Arlo account (the same one you use on your phone).
4. You’ll see your camera dashboard—live feeds, recent recordings, and settings.
5. Click any camera to view it full-screen. Use the playback timeline to scrub through recordings.

Pro tip: Bookmark the Arlo web portal on your desktop for one-click access. I keep mine pinned to my taskbar so I can check in with one click—especially useful when I’m working from home and want a quick glance at the backyard.

Features You’ll Love on the Web Portal

• Grid view: See up to 9 cameras at once—perfect for monitoring a large property.
• Download videos: Right-click any recorded clip and choose “Download.” Saves as an MP4 file to your computer.
• Adjust settings: Change motion sensitivity, set recording schedules, or disable audio—all from your desktop.
• Smart notifications: You can even enable desktop browser alerts for motion or sound events.

I once had a package stolen off my porch. I logged into the Arlo web portal on my work laptop, downloaded the 20-second clip, and sent it to the delivery company—all in under 3 minutes. The web portal made it easy, and the video quality was sharp enough to show the license plate.

Limitations and Tips

The web portal is great, but it has a few quirks:

• No two-way audio: You can hear what the camera picks up, but you can’t speak through it via the web (yet). Use the app for that.
• Playback lag: If you have multiple cameras, switching between live feeds can be a bit slow. Close other browser tabs to help.
• Requires internet: If your home Wi-Fi goes down, you won’t see live feeds—even on your computer.

Tip: Use Chrome or Firefox for the best performance. Safari sometimes has playback issues, especially with older Arlo models.

Method 2: Using the Arlo Desktop App (Windows & macOS)

For a more app-like experience, Arlo offers a desktop application for both Windows and macOS. It’s not as flashy as the mobile app, but it’s stable, fast, and integrates well with your computer’s ecosystem.

How to Install and Use the Arlo Desktop App

1. Go to https://www.arlo.com/en-us/apps.
2. Download the Arlo Desktop App for your operating system.
3. Install it like any other app—double-click, follow prompts, done.
4. Launch the app and log in with your Arlo account.

Once inside, you’ll see a clean interface with your cameras, recordings, and settings. The app syncs in real-time with your cloud storage, so anything you do on your phone (like deleting a clip) updates instantly on your desktop.

Why the Desktop App Beats the Web Portal

• Faster access: No need to open a browser every time. Just click the app icon.
• System integration: Get desktop notifications (if enabled), and the app runs in the background.
• Better video performance: Uses less CPU than a browser, especially with multiple feeds.
• Offline playback: If you’ve downloaded clips to your computer, you can view them without internet.

I use the desktop app when I’m editing videos or doing remote work. I’ll have my Arlo feeds open in a small window on my second monitor. If the dog barks or the garage door opens, I see it immediately—no switching apps or checking my phone.

Common Desktop App Issues (And How to Fix Them)

• App won’t launch? Try restarting your computer or reinstalling. Sometimes a simple fix works.
• Black screen or frozen feed? Check your internet connection. If it persists, restart the app or clear the app cache (in Windows: go to C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Local\Arlo and delete the folder).
• Audio not working? Make sure your computer’s audio output is set correctly. The app doesn’t override system audio settings.

Pro tip: Pin the Arlo app to your Start menu or Dock for quick access. I also set it to launch at startup—so it’s ready whenever I need it.

Method 3: Advanced Options – Local Recording and Third-Party Tools

Now, let’s talk about the “power user” options. If you’re not satisfied with just viewing and downloading clips, you might want to record Arlo footage directly to your computer or use the camera feed in other apps. This is where things get interesting—and a little technical.

Using a SmartHub or Base Station for Local Storage

If you have an Arlo SmartHub or a base station (like the Arlo Pro 3 or Ultra), you can store recordings locally on a USB drive connected to the hub. This means your videos are saved on-site, not in the cloud. Here’s how to access them from your computer:

1. Connect a USB drive (at least 16GB) to the SmartHub.
2. Go to Settings > Local Storage in the Arlo app and enable local recording.
3. Once set up, your recordings are saved on the USB drive.
4. Unplug the USB drive and connect it to your computer.
5. Navigate to the Arlo folder on the drive. You’ll find MP4 files organized by date and camera.

This method is great for privacy-focused users or those with limited cloud subscriptions. I used this setup when I traveled for a month—my neighbor checked the USB drive every week, and I could download clips remotely using a shared folder on my home network.

Using Third-Party Software (RTSP & NVRs)

Some Arlo models (like the Pro 3, Ultra, and Essential Wired) support RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol), which lets you stream video to third-party software like Blue Iris, Milestone XProtect, or even OBS Studio.

Here’s how:

1. Enable RTSP in your Arlo app: Camera Settings > Video Settings > Advanced > Enable RTSP.
2. Note the RTSP URL (e.g., rtsp://192.168.1.100:554/stream1).
3. Open your NVR or streaming software and add a new camera using the RTSP URL.
4. Authenticate with your Arlo account credentials.

With RTSP, you can:

• Record 24/7 video to your computer’s hard drive.
• Use motion detection and alerts within the third-party software.
• Integrate Arlo feeds into a larger security system.

Caution: RTSP can be a security risk if not configured properly. Use strong passwords and avoid exposing the RTSP stream to the public internet. I once had a scare when I accidentally left RTSP open—my feed was briefly accessible from outside my network. Lesson learned: always double-check firewall settings.

Can You Use Arlo as a Webcam?

Short answer: Not natively. But with RTSP and tools like OBS Studio, you can turn your Arlo feed into a virtual webcam. Here’s how:

1. Enable RTSP on your Arlo camera.
2. Open OBS Studio on your computer.
3. Add a Media Source and paste the RTSP URL.
4. Use OBS’s “Virtual Camera” feature to stream the feed to Zoom, Teams, or Skype.

I tried this during a virtual home tour with a real estate agent. I used my Arlo Pro 4 as a front porch webcam—worked like a charm! The video was stable, and the agent could see the house in real time.

Data Table: Arlo Models and Computer Compatibility

Arlo Model	Web Portal	Desktop App	RTSP Support	Local USB Storage	Best for Computer Use
Arlo Essential (Wireless)	Yes	Yes	No	No	Web portal or app for basic viewing
Arlo Pro 3 / 4	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes (with SmartHub)	Advanced users wanting local recording
Arlo Ultra	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes (with SmartHub)	High-end setup with 4K and local storage
Arlo Go (LTE)	Yes	Yes	No	No	Remote monitoring via web/app
Arlo Essential Wired	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	RTSP streaming and third-party NVRs

This table helps you decide which setup makes sense for your needs. If you want to hook up Arlo camera to computer for more than just viewing, go for Pro 3/4, Ultra, or Essential Wired.

Troubleshooting Common Issues and Final Tips

Even the best tech has hiccups. Here are the most common problems when connecting Arlo to a computer—and how to fix them fast.

“I Can’t Log In to the Web Portal”

• Check your internet connection.
• Clear your browser cache and cookies.
• Make sure you’re using the correct email and password. (I’ve locked myself out more than once by mixing up accounts!)
• Try a different browser or device.

“Video is Laggy or Freezing”

• Close other browser tabs or apps using bandwidth.
• Switch to a 5GHz Wi-Fi network if possible.
• Lower the video quality in Arlo settings (Settings > Video > Resolution).
• Restart your router and base station.

“I Can’t Download Recordings”

• Ensure you have an active Arlo subscription (some plans restrict downloads).
• Check your computer’s download folder—files might be there.
• Try right-clicking and choosing “Save video as…” instead of relying on the download button.

Pro Tips for a Smarter Setup

• Use a second monitor: Keep your Arlo feeds open while you work. I use my laptop as a second screen with the Arlo desktop app running full-time.
• Set up desktop notifications: In the desktop app, enable alerts so you never miss a motion event.
• Back up downloaded clips: Save them to an external drive or cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) for safekeeping.
• Update firmware regularly: New updates often improve computer compatibility and fix bugs.

And one last thing: don’t forget to log out when using public or shared computers. Arlo stores login sessions, and you don’t want someone else accessing your cameras.

Connecting your Arlo camera to a computer isn’t about replacing your phone—it’s about expanding your options. Whether you’re using the web portal, desktop app, or diving into RTSP and local storage, you’re giving yourself more control, better viewing, and peace of mind. So go ahead, hook up Arlo camera to computer the way that works best for you. It’s easier than you think, and once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect my Arlo camera to a computer for live viewing?

Yes, you can view your Arlo camera’s live feed on a computer by logging into your Arlo account via the web app at my.arlo.com. This method streams footage directly through your browser without requiring physical connections.

How do I hook up an Arlo camera to a computer for local storage?

Arlo cameras don’t support direct USB-to-computer recording, but you can use the Arlo SmartHub or base station to back up footage to a local USB drive connected to the device. The computer can then access these files via the SmartHub’s network.

Is it possible to link Arlo cameras to a Windows PC or Mac?

While Arlo doesn’t offer desktop software, you can link your cameras to a PC or Mac by using the web app or screen-sharing tools like AirParrot (for Mac) or Miracast (for Windows) to mirror the Arlo mobile app’s feed.

Can I hook up Arlo cameras to a computer for advanced video editing?

Yes, but you’ll need to download clips first via the Arlo app or web portal, then transfer them to your computer. Arlo’s cloud recordings can be exported manually, while local SmartHub backups allow direct file transfers.

Does Arlo support RTSP or ONVIF for direct computer integration?

Some newer Arlo models (e.g., Ultra 2, Pro 5) support ONVIF, enabling integration with third-party software like Blue Iris or Milestone via IP address. Older models lack this feature and require workarounds like the web app or screen mirroring.

Why won’t my computer recognize my Arlo camera when connected via USB?

Arlo cameras don’t function as plug-and-play USB webcams. They’re designed for Wi-Fi/cloud use, so direct USB connections won’t work. Use the web app or mobile app for remote access instead.