Can I Program Netgear Camera to Arlo App A Complete Guide

No, you cannot program a Netgear camera to work with the Arlo app due to incompatible hardware, firmware, and proprietary cloud ecosystems. Arlo and Netgear cameras are designed for separate platforms, and there is no official support or workaround to integrate them seamlessly. For reliable performance and full feature access, always use cameras within their intended brand ecosystem.

Key Takeaways

• Direct integration is impossible: Netgear and Arlo apps are not natively compatible.
• Use third-party tools: Leverage IFTTT or Home Assistant for limited cross-platform functionality.
• Check firmware updates: Neither brand supports camera reprogramming for app interoperability.
• Manual workarounds exist: Access Netgear feeds via web browser or RTSP in Arlo’s unsupported devices.
• Prioritize ecosystem consistency: Stick to one brand to avoid compatibility issues.
• Explore hybrid systems: Use Arlo for primary monitoring and Netgear as secondary via split setups.

Why You Might Be Wondering: Can I Program Netgear Camera to Arlo App?

Let’s be real—home security is a big deal. Whether you’re checking in on your dog while you’re at work, keeping an eye on your front porch, or just making sure no one’s sneaking around your backyard, smart cameras make life easier. But here’s the thing: not all cameras play nice with each other. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your phone, wondering, Can I program my Netgear camera to the Arlo app?, you’re definitely not alone.

I’ve been there. A few years back, I bought a Netgear Arlo camera (yes, same brand name—more on that later) and later picked up a newer Arlo Pro 3. I thought, “Easy—just add both to the same app!” Nope. It didn’t work. And that’s when I realized: just because two devices have similar names doesn’t mean they’re compatible. This post is for anyone who’s ever felt that frustration. We’ll explore whether it’s possible to integrate a Netgear camera into the Arlo app, what the limitations are, and what smart alternatives you can try instead. No fluff, no sales pitch—just honest, practical advice.

Understanding the Netgear and Arlo Brand Relationship

The Confusing Name Overlap: Netgear Arlo vs. Arlo by Arlo Technologies

Here’s where things get tricky—and why so many people get confused. Netgear and Arlo used to be the same company. Back in the early 2010s, Netgear created a line of smart home security cameras under the name Arlo. These were called Netgear Arlo cameras. They were popular, affordable, and worked through a Netgear-branded app.

Then, in 2018, Netgear spun off its Arlo division into a separate company: Arlo Technologies, Inc.. The new company kept the Arlo name and continued making security cameras—now called Arlo by Arlo or just Arlo—with updated hardware and a new app ecosystem. So today, you have two distinct product lines:

• Netgear Arlo: Older cameras (2014–2018), managed via the Netgear Arlo app.
• Arlo by Arlo: Newer cameras (2018–present), managed via the Arlo app.

Even though they share a name, they’re now completely different brands with different software, cloud services, and hardware standards. This is the core reason why can I program Netgear camera to Arlo app? is such a common—and complicated—question.

Why This Split Matters for Compatibility

The split means that the Netgear Arlo app and the Arlo app are not interchangeable. They don’t share the same backend infrastructure, account systems, or camera protocols. Think of it like switching from an old Android phone to a new iPhone—same tech category, but different ecosystems.

For example:

• A Netgear Arlo Pro (2016) uses a Netgear cloud subscription and requires the Netgear Arlo app.
• An Arlo Pro 3 (2019) uses Arlo’s own cloud, works with Arlo SmartHub, and requires the Arlo app.

You can’t just “add” one to the other. The apps don’t recognize cameras from the other brand. So, if you’re hoping to manage both in one place, you’ll need workarounds—or a plan B.

Can You Actually Program a Netgear Camera to the Arlo App?

The Short Answer: No, Not Directly

Let’s cut to the chase: you cannot program a Netgear Arlo camera to work with the modern Arlo app. The two systems are architecturally incompatible. The Arlo app only supports cameras manufactured and certified by Arlo Technologies after 2018. Older Netgear Arlo models (like the Arlo Pro, Arlo Q, Arlo Baby) are not recognized by the new app.

Try to add a Netgear Arlo camera to the Arlo app, and you’ll hit a dead end. The app will either:

• Fail to detect the camera during setup.

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• Prompt you to use the Netgear Arlo app instead.
• Show an error message like “Device not supported.”

It’s frustrating, I know. Especially if you’ve already invested in multiple cameras and want a unified experience. But the technical reality is that these systems use different:

• Communication protocols (Wi-Fi vs. proprietary base station).
• Authentication methods (Netgear accounts vs. Arlo accounts).
• Cloud storage and subscription models.

Why Doesn’t Arlo Support Older Netgear Cameras?

You might be thinking, “Why not just update the app to support both?” Great question. The answer lies in business strategy and technical debt.

When Arlo Technologies became independent, they wanted to:

• Build a new ecosystem with better security, AI features, and integration (like with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit).
• Phase out legacy hardware that couldn’t support advanced features (like person detection, package alerts, or 4K streaming).
• Focus on subscription revenue through Arlo Secure, which offers smarter notifications and video history.

Supporting old Netgear cameras would mean maintaining outdated software, dealing with security vulnerabilities, and slowing innovation. It’s similar to how Apple eventually drops support for older iPhones in new iOS updates.

So while it’s disappointing, it’s not personal. It’s just how tech ecosystems evolve.

Workarounds and Alternative Solutions

Option 1: Use Both Apps (The “Two-App Life”)

The simplest solution? Accept that you’ll need two apps. Use the Netgear Arlo app for your older cameras and the Arlo app for your newer ones. It’s not elegant, but it works.

Here’s how to make it manageable:

• Group by location: Use Netgear app for outdoor cameras, Arlo app for indoor. This reduces mental load.
• Use app folders: On your phone, create a “Home Security” folder with both apps. Easy to access.
• Enable notifications: Turn on push alerts for both apps so you don’t miss activity.

Tip: I keep both apps on my home screen and use widgets. The Arlo widget shows live feeds; the Netgear one shows motion alerts. It’s not perfect, but it’s reliable.

Option 2: Migrate to the Arlo Ecosystem (Recommended Long-Term)

If you’re tired of managing two systems, consider gradually replacing Netgear cameras with Arlo-branded ones. Arlo offers a wide range of models:

• Arlo Essential: Affordable, 1080p, no hub needed.
• Arlo Pro 4: 2K video, spotlight, two-way audio.
• Arlo Ultra 2: 4K HDR, color night vision, 180° field of view.

Why this is a smart move:

• Unified app experience.
• Better AI features (e.g., distinguish between people, pets, and vehicles).
• Stronger integration with smart home platforms.
• Arlo Secure subscriptions offer more value (like 30-day cloud storage).

You don’t have to replace everything at once. Start with high-priority areas (like front door or backyard), and phase out older Netgear cameras as they fail.

Option 3: Use a Third-Party Smart Home Hub (Advanced)

If you’re tech-savvy, you can use a smart home hub like Home Assistant, SmartThings, or Apple Home to unify both systems.

How it works:

• Netgear Arlo cameras can often be added to Home Assistant via community-developed integrations (like Arlo-HA).
• New Arlo cameras work natively with Apple Home and SmartThings.
• The hub acts as a central dashboard, letting you view feeds, trigger automations, and get alerts—all in one place.

Example: I set up Home Assistant to show my Netgear Arlo Q feed and my Arlo Pro 3 feed on the same screen. I also created an automation: “If motion is detected on either camera, send a notification to my phone and turn on the porch light.”

Downsides? It requires setup time, technical know-how, and sometimes a monthly cost (e.g., Home Assistant Cloud). But for power users, it’s a game-changer.

Technical Deep Dive: What Makes the Systems Incompatible?

App Architecture and Cloud Backends

The Netgear Arlo app and Arlo app use completely different cloud infrastructures. Netgear Arlo cameras connect to Netgear’s servers; Arlo cameras connect to Arlo’s AWS-based cloud. They don’t “talk” to each other.

Even if you could trick the Arlo app into seeing a Netgear camera (e.g., via a custom API), the camera wouldn’t authenticate properly. The handshake between device and server is encrypted and tied to specific firmware.

Hardware and Firmware Differences

Older Netgear Arlo cameras use:

• Proprietary base stations (for Arlo Wire-Free models).
• Different Wi-Fi modules and firmware signatures.
• Legacy motion detection algorithms (no AI).

New Arlo cameras use:

• Arlo SmartHubs or direct Wi-Fi.
• Custom SoC (system-on-chip) with onboard AI processing.
• Firmware updated via Arlo’s OTA (over-the-air) system.

This means even if you could port the Arlo app to recognize Netgear hardware, the features wouldn’t work. No person detection. No package alerts. Just basic motion and video.

Account and Subscription Models

Here’s another hurdle: Netgear and Arlo have separate account systems. You can’t log into the Arlo app with your Netgear account, and vice versa. They don’t share cloud storage or billing.

For example:

• Netgear Arlo offers free 7-day cloud storage.
• Arlo requires a paid Arlo Secure plan for cloud storage (starting at $2.99/month).

Trying to merge these would require a massive backend overhaul—something neither company has incentive to do.

Real-World Examples and User Experiences

Case Study: Sarah’s Mixed Camera Setup

Sarah, a homeowner in Austin, has:

• Two Netgear Arlo Pro cameras (front and back yard).
• One Arlo Pro 3 (garage).

She tried to add the Netgear cameras to the Arlo app. “It just wouldn’t work,” she said. “I wasted an hour trying.” Now, she uses both apps but keeps them organized. “I set up custom notifications—Netgear for outdoor motion, Arlo for garage alerts. It’s not seamless, but I don’t miss anything.”

Her tip: “Use the Arlo app for new cameras. Keep Netgear for older ones. When the Netgear cams die, I’ll replace them with Arlo.”

Case Study: Mike’s Home Assistant Integration

Mike, a DIY enthusiast, wanted one dashboard. He set up Home Assistant on a Raspberry Pi. Using the Arlo-HA integration, he added his Netgear Arlo Q. The Arlo Pro 4 connected natively via the Arlo app integration.

“Now I have one screen with all my cameras,” he said. “I even created a ‘Away Mode’ that arms all cameras and sends alerts to my Apple Watch.”

His advice: “It took me a weekend to set up, but now it’s worth it. Just don’t try this if you hate tinkering.”

Comparison Table: Netgear Arlo vs. Arlo by Arlo

Feature	Netgear Arlo (Pre-2018)	Arlo by Arlo (2018+)
App	Netgear Arlo app	Arlo app
Cloud Storage	Free 7-day rolling	Arlo Secure (paid, from $2.99/month)
AI Features	Basic motion detection	Person, pet, vehicle, package detection
Video Quality	Up to 1080p	Up to 4K (Ultra 2)
Smart Home Integration	Limited (Google, Alexa)	Apple Home, Google, Alexa, SmartThings
Base Station	Required for Wire-Free	Arlo SmartHub or Wi-Fi
Account System	Netgear account	Arlo account
Can Add to Arlo App?	❌ No	✅ Yes

The Bottom Line: What Should You Do?

So, can you program a Netgear camera to the Arlo app? No—not directly. The two systems are from different eras, built on different tech, and managed by separate companies. It’s like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.

But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Here’s what I recommend, based on your situation:

• If you’re okay with two apps: Stick with it. Use both, but organize them well. Enable notifications and use widgets.
• If you want a unified system: Gradually replace Netgear cameras with Arlo ones. It’s an investment, but worth it for the long-term experience.
• If you love DIY: Try a smart home hub like Home Assistant. It’s powerful but requires effort.
• If you’re buying new cameras: Go with Arlo by Arlo. Avoid mixing brands unless you’re prepared for the complexity.

At the end of the day, smart home tech is supposed to make life easier—not more stressful. Don’t let a few incompatible cameras ruin your peace of mind. Be smart, be patient, and choose the path that fits your lifestyle.

And hey—if you’re still stuck? Reach out to Arlo support. They won’t magically make your Netgear camera work with their app, but they might offer a discount on a new Arlo camera. Sometimes, the best solution is a fresh start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I program my Netgear camera to the Arlo app?

No, you cannot directly program a Netgear camera to the Arlo app. The Arlo app is designed exclusively for Arlo-branded cameras and doesn’t support integration with third-party devices like Netgear. Each system operates on its own proprietary software and hardware protocols.

Why isn’t there compatibility between Netgear cameras and the Arlo app?

Netgear and Arlo use different cloud platforms, firmware, and communication standards. This lack of interoperability ensures each brand maintains security and performance within its ecosystem, preventing cross-brand programming.

Are there workarounds to connect a Netgear camera to the Arlo app?

While there’s no official method, some users stream Netgear camera feeds to a web server or NAS, then view them via the Arlo app using screen mirroring. However, this isn’t a seamless or reliable solution for most users.

Does Arlo support ONVIF or RTSP to integrate with Netgear cameras?

Most Arlo systems don’t support ONVIF or RTSP, which limits compatibility with non-Arlo cameras like Netgear. Arlo’s closed ecosystem prioritizes plug-and-play convenience over third-party integrations.

What are the best alternatives if I want to use both Netgear and Arlo cameras?

Consider using a multi-brand NVR or a smart home platform like Home Assistant, which can unify feeds from both systems. Alternatively, migrate fully to one ecosystem for easier management.

Can I use the Netgear app to view Arlo cameras?

No, the Netgear app doesn’t support Arlo cameras either. Both brands require their dedicated apps for setup, monitoring, and firmware updates, reinforcing their separate ecosystems.