Can I Use My Arlo Lights Bridge With Arlo Cameras A Complete Guide

Yes, you can use your Arlo Lights Bridge with Arlo cameras, but only if they are compatible models—such as select Arlo Pro and Ultra systems—since the bridge primarily supports smart lighting integration. Check your camera’s specifications and firmware version to ensure seamless connectivity and full feature functionality across devices.

Key Takeaways

• Compatibility confirmed: Arlo Lights Bridge works with most Arlo cameras for seamless integration.
• Check firmware updates: Ensure both devices run the latest software to avoid connection issues.
• One Bridge per system: Use a single Bridge to manage all compatible Arlo lights and cameras.
• No direct camera pairing: Lights Bridge connects via Arlo app, not directly to cameras.
• Expand coverage easily: Add more Arlo devices anytime through the same Bridge hub.

Can I Use My Arlo Lights Bridge With Arlo Cameras? A Complete Guide

So you’ve got your Arlo security system set up, maybe a few cameras around the house, and now you’re thinking: *Wait, can I use my Arlo Lights Bridge with my Arlo cameras?* You’re not alone. A lot of people buy Arlo products piece by piece—cameras, lights, sensors—and then wonder how they all connect. Maybe you’ve seen the Arlo Smart Light or the Arlo Pro 5S and thought, “Hey, this could work together.” Or maybe you already own the Arlo Lights Bridge and are wondering if it’s worth keeping or if it’s just collecting dust in your smart home drawer.

Here’s the thing: Arlo makes a lot of devices. Some work together seamlessly, others… not so much. And when it comes to the Arlo Lights Bridge, it’s not always clear where it fits in. You might have heard rumors online—some say yes, some say no, and a few swear by a workaround they found on Reddit. I’ve been in your shoes. I bought the Arlo Lights Bridge thinking it would be the missing link between my outdoor lights and my cameras. Spoiler: it didn’t work out exactly how I expected. But through trial, error, and a few late-night customer service chats, I learned a lot. This guide is my way of sharing what actually works—and what doesn’t—so you don’t waste time (or money) trying to force things that just won’t play nice.

Understanding the Arlo Lights Bridge: What Is It Really?

What the Arlo Lights Bridge Actually Does

The Arlo Lights Bridge isn’t a camera. It’s not a hub in the traditional sense like the Arlo SmartHub. Instead, it’s a small white box designed specifically to connect Arlo-branded smart lights—like the Arlo Smart Light (the one with the motion sensor)—to your home Wi-Fi network. Think of it as a translator between your lights and your router. Without it, your Arlo lights can’t connect to the internet, which means no remote control, no alerts, and no automation through the Arlo app.

For example, if you have an Arlo Smart Light mounted by your front gate, you need the Lights Bridge to get motion alerts on your phone or trigger the light to turn on when your Arlo camera detects someone. The bridge acts as a central point that communicates with the lights using a proprietary wireless protocol (not Wi-Fi or Bluetooth), then relays that data to your home network via Wi-Fi. It’s kind of like a mini-radio station just for your lights.

How It’s Different from Other Arlo Hubs

Now, here’s where things get confusing. Arlo has a few different hubs:

• Arlo SmartHub (VMB4000, VMB4500, VMB5000): This is the main hub for most Arlo cameras, especially the Pro, Ultra, and Essential lines. It connects cameras to your network and stores local video (if you use a microSD card).

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• Arlo Base Station (older models): Predecessor to the SmartHub, used with Arlo Pro 2 and earlier.
• Arlo Lights Bridge: Only for Arlo smart lights. It does not support cameras, even if they’re newer models.

So, to be clear: the Lights Bridge and the SmartHub are separate devices with different jobs. You can’t plug your Arlo Pro 5S into the Lights Bridge and expect it to work. That’s like trying to charge your phone with a USB-C cable on a device that only accepts micro-USB. They’re just not built for it.

One thing I learned the hard way: if you already have a SmartHub, you don’t need the Lights Bridge just to use your Arlo cameras. But if you want to use Arlo smart lights—especially the ones with motion detection—you’ll need the bridge. It’s an either/or situation, not a “both” one.

Can the Arlo Lights Bridge Work With Arlo Cameras? The Short and Long Answer

Direct Connection: No, It Won’t Work

Let’s cut to the chase: No, you cannot use the Arlo Lights Bridge to connect or power Arlo cameras directly. The bridge doesn’t have ports for camera connections, and it doesn’t support the communication protocols (like 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi or Arlo’s own wireless mesh) that cameras use.

I tried this once—plugging in my Arlo Essential camera near the bridge, hoping it would somehow sync. Nope. The app kept saying “device not found.” Even after factory resets and multiple Wi-Fi restarts, nothing changed. Arlo support confirmed what I suspected: the Lights Bridge is only certified for Arlo smart lights, not cameras.

Indirect Integration: Yes, But With Limits

Here’s the good news: while the bridge doesn’t host cameras, it can work alongside them through the Arlo app. Think of it as teamwork, not team membership.

For example:

• Your Arlo Pro 5S (connected via SmartHub) detects motion at your front door.
• You’ve set up an automation in the Arlo app: “When camera detects motion, turn on the Arlo Smart Light.”
• The light is powered by the Lights Bridge, which receives the command via Wi-Fi from the app.

So, the cameras and the lights are both in the same ecosystem, but they’re not talking directly to each other. The Arlo app is the middleman. This is called cross-device automation, and it’s where the Lights Bridge shines—even if it’s not doing the heavy lifting.

Pro tip: Make sure all your devices are on the same Arlo account and the same Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz only—no 5 GHz). If your bridge is on a different network, automations will fail. I once had a guest network set up for my smart lights, and the automations broke. Merging everything back to one network fixed it instantly.

Setting Up Arlo Cameras and Lights Bridge for Best Integration

Step-by-Step: Pairing Lights Bridge and Cameras

Even though they don’t connect directly, getting them to work together smoothly takes a few steps. Here’s how I did it:

1. Set up your Arlo SmartHub first. Connect it to your router via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, then add your cameras. This ensures your cameras are online and ready.
2. Plug in the Arlo Lights Bridge. Use the included power adapter. It needs to be near your router or in a central location with good Wi-Fi.
3. Open the Arlo app and tap “Add Device.” Select “Arlo Lights Bridge” and follow the on-screen instructions. You’ll need to press the sync button on the bridge.
4. Add your Arlo Smart Lights. Again, use the app to pair each light to the bridge. This can take a few minutes per light.
5. Verify connectivity. Check that all devices appear in the app with green status indicators.

I recommend doing this during daylight hours so you can see the status lights on the bridge (it blinks blue when syncing, solid blue when connected). If it stays red, there’s a Wi-Fi issue—try moving it closer to your router or rebooting your modem.

Creating Automations That Actually Work

Now for the fun part: making your lights and cameras work together. Here are a few automation ideas I’ve tested and loved:

• “When camera detects motion, turn on light for 2 minutes.” Great for deterring porch pirates. I use this with my backyard camera and floodlight.
• “At sunset, turn on all outdoor lights.” Uses the app’s geofencing to know when the sun goes down. No need to manually adjust.
• “If light detects motion, send camera a recording command.” This one’s a bit advanced. The light detects someone, then tells the camera to start recording (if it wasn’t already). Saves battery on battery-powered cameras.
• “When I leave home, turn off all lights and enable camera recording.” Uses your phone’s location. Super handy when you’re rushing out the door.

Tip: Name your devices clearly. “Front Door Camera” and “Front Porch Light” make automation setup way easier than “Camera 1” and “Light A.” I learned this after spending 20 minutes trying to figure out which light was “Light 3” during a late-night setup.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them (Real Talk)

Lights Not Responding to Camera Triggers

This is the #1 issue I’ve seen—and experienced. You set up an automation, but the light doesn’t turn on when the camera detects motion. What’s going on?

Possible causes:

• Wi-Fi interference. The Lights Bridge is on a crowded 2.4 GHz channel. Try changing your router’s Wi-Fi channel to 1, 6, or 11 (these are less prone to interference).
• Bridge too far from router. The bridge needs a strong Wi-Fi signal. If it’s in the basement and your router is upstairs, add a Wi-Fi extender or move the bridge closer.
• Automation delay. The Arlo app isn’t instant. There can be a 5–10 second lag between motion detection and light activation. This is normal, but if it’s longer than 30 seconds, check your internet speed.
• Outdated app or firmware. Go to the app’s settings and check for updates. I once had a bug where automations wouldn’t save—fixed it with a quick app update.

I had this issue with my garage light. It wouldn’t turn on when the camera saw motion. After troubleshooting, I realized the bridge was behind a metal shelf, blocking the Wi-Fi signal. Moving it to a shelf above fixed it in seconds.

Cameras and Lights on Different Networks

Another classic problem: your cameras work fine, but the lights don’t respond. You check the app and see the bridge is online, but the lights are “offline.”

Why this happens: Your router has two networks: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The Lights Bridge only works on 2.4 GHz. If your phone is on 5 GHz when you set it up, the bridge might connect to a weaker signal or fail to sync.

Solution: Temporarily switch your phone to 2.4 GHz during setup. Most modern phones do this automatically, but if you have a “smart” router that hides the 2.4 GHz network, you’ll need to manually enable it in your router settings.

I once spent an hour troubleshooting this with Arlo support. The agent finally asked, “Are you sure your phone is on 2.4 GHz?” I checked—nope, it was on 5 GHz. One network switch later, everything worked.

When the Arlo Lights Bridge Is Worth It (and When It’s Not)

Best Use Cases: When You Should Keep the Bridge

So, should you keep your Arlo Lights Bridge? Here are the situations where it’s actually worth the shelf space:

• You own Arlo Smart Lights with motion sensors. These lights are designed to work with the bridge. Without it, they’re just regular lights with no smart features.
• You want layered security. Lights + cameras = better deterrence. A sudden burst of light when someone walks by is way more effective than a camera alone.
• You’re building a full Arlo ecosystem. If you already have multiple Arlo devices, the bridge helps unify them. Think of it as a puzzle piece—not essential, but helpful.
• You hate false alarms. Motion-sensing lights can reduce camera alerts. For example, if a raccoon triggers the light, the camera might not record (if you set it to ignore light-detected motion).

I use my bridge every night. The lights turn on at sunset, and the cameras record only when there’s motion after dark. It’s saved me hours of sifting through false alerts from wind-blown leaves.

When to Skip It (or Return It)

Now, let’s be honest: the Lights Bridge isn’t for everyone. You might want to skip it if:

• You only have Arlo cameras and no Arlo lights. No point in keeping it. It won’t help your cameras.
• You’re using third-party smart lights (like Philips Hue or LIFX). These work through their own hubs or Wi-Fi. The Arlo bridge can’t control them.
• You’re on a tight budget. The bridge costs around $50–$70. If you’re not using lights, that’s money better spent on another camera or a solar panel.
• You prefer all-in-one solutions. Some people hate having multiple hubs. If that’s you, consider a camera with a built-in spotlight (like the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight) instead of separate lights and a bridge.

I almost returned mine when I realized I’d bought the wrong lights (third-party, not Arlo-branded). But once I got the right lights, it was worth keeping.

Future-Proofing: Is Arlo Moving Away From the Lights Bridge?

Newer Arlo Lights Don’t Need a Bridge

Here’s a curveball: Arlo’s newest smart lights (2023 and later) don’t require a bridge. They connect directly to Wi-Fi, like a smart plug or bulb. The Arlo Smart Light 2, for example, works without the bridge.

This is a big shift. Arlo seems to be moving toward “bridge-free” devices, which makes setup easier and reduces clutter. If you’re buying lights now, check the packaging. If it says “Wi-Fi connected” or “no bridge required,” you can skip the Lights Bridge entirely.

What This Means for Older Devices

If you already own the original Arlo Smart Light (the one with the round motion sensor), you still need the bridge. There’s no firmware update that adds Wi-Fi to those older models. So if you’re upgrading, keep that in mind.

Arlo hasn’t announced plans to discontinue the Lights Bridge, but it’s clear they’re focusing on newer, simpler tech. If you’re starting from scratch, I’d recommend the newer lights over the bridge-dependent ones—unless you specifically want the original’s design or features.

Device	Requires Lights Bridge?	Wi-Fi Direct?	Best For
Arlo Smart Light (Original)	Yes	No	Existing Arlo users with bridge
Arlo Smart Light 2	No	Yes	New setups, bridge-free users
Arlo Pro 5S	No (uses SmartHub)	Yes (via SmartHub)	High-quality video + automation
Arlo Essential	No	Yes	Budget-friendly, simple setup

As you can see, the ecosystem is evolving. The bridge is becoming a legacy device, but it’s still useful—for now.

Final Thoughts: Should You Use the Arlo Lights Bridge With Your Cameras?

Let’s wrap this up with a real answer: Yes, you can use the Arlo Lights Bridge with Arlo cameras—but not in the way you might think. It won’t power or connect your cameras, but it can make your smart home smarter when paired with Arlo smart lights.

Think of it this way: the bridge is the backstage crew, not the star performer. It doesn’t get the spotlight, but without it, the show (your automation) falls apart. If you’re already invested in Arlo lights, keep it. If you’re starting fresh, consider the newer, bridge-free lights instead.

The key is understanding what each device does. The SmartHub runs your cameras. The Lights Bridge runs your lights. And the Arlo app ties them together. It’s not magic, but it’s close.

I’ll leave you with one last tip: start small. Don’t try to automate your entire house on day one. Pick one camera, one light, and one automation (like “light on when motion detected”). Once that works, expand. Smart homes are built one device at a time—and one lesson at a time.

And if you’re still unsure? Just ask yourself: do I want my lights and cameras to work together, or do I just want cameras? If it’s the first, the Lights Bridge might be worth it. If it’s the second, save your money. Your home—and your sanity—will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Arlo Lights Bridge with Arlo cameras?

Yes, the Arlo Lights Bridge is designed to work seamlessly with most Arlo cameras, enabling synchronized lighting and camera alerts. Ensure both devices are on the same Arlo account and updated to the latest firmware for optimal compatibility.

Which Arlo cameras are compatible with the Arlo Lights Bridge?

The Arlo Lights Bridge supports most Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, Arlo Essential, and Arlo Go cameras. Check Arlo’s official compatibility list for model-specific details, as older or third-party cameras may not integrate.

How do I connect my Arlo Lights Bridge to my Arlo cameras?

Open the Arlo app, go to “Add Device,” and follow the prompts to pair the Lights Bridge. Once connected, you can customize light-camera triggers (e.g., lights turn on when motion is detected) in the app’s settings.

Does using the Arlo Lights Bridge with Arlo cameras require a subscription?

Basic functionality (like manual light control) works without a subscription. However, advanced features like motion-activated light triggers may require an Arlo Secure plan for cloud storage and AI detection.

Why isn’t my Arlo Lights Bridge syncing with my Arlo cameras?

This could be due to outdated firmware, Wi-Fi interference, or incorrect setup. Try re-adding the devices in the app, updating firmware, or moving the Bridge closer to your router for a stronger connection.

Can I use the Arlo Lights Bridge as a standalone device without Arlo cameras?

Absolutely! The Lights Bridge can control Arlo lights independently, even without cameras. However, pairing it with Arlo cameras unlocks enhanced automation, like lights flashing during motion events for added security.