Featured image for can i view arlo camera on google home hub
Yes, you can view your Arlo camera on Google Home Hub by linking your Arlo account to the Google Home app and using a compatible smart display. Ensure your Arlo camera supports Google Assistant and follow simple setup steps to stream live footage directly on your Hub for seamless home monitoring.
Key Takeaways
- Yes, you can view Arlo cameras on Google Home Hub via the Google Home app.
- Link Arlo to Google Home by adding it as a service in the app’s settings.
- Use voice commands like “Show me [camera name]” for quick access.
- Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network for seamless connectivity.
- Check for firmware updates to avoid compatibility issues with your Arlo camera.
- Enable 24/7 streaming only if supported by your Arlo subscription plan.
📑 Table of Contents
- Can I View Arlo Camera on Google Home Hub? Let’s Find Out
- Understanding the Arlo and Google Home Ecosystem
- Step-by-Step: How to Connect Arlo Camera to Google Home Hub
- Using Your Arlo Camera on Google Home Hub: Real-World Tips
- Common Issues and Troubleshooting
- Performance Comparison: Arlo on Google Home Hub vs. Other Devices
- Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Can I View Arlo Camera on Google Home Hub? Let’s Find Out
Imagine this: You’re in the kitchen, hands covered in flour, preparing dinner. The doorbell rings. You don’t want to wipe your hands or stop what you’re doing. Wouldn’t it be great to just glance at your Google Home Hub and see who’s at the door? If you own an Arlo camera, you might be wondering if that’s even possible.
The short answer is yes, you can view your Arlo camera on Google Home Hub—but it’s not always as simple as tapping a screen and getting a live feed. There are a few moving parts, some setup steps, and a few quirks you’ll want to know about before you dive in. Whether you’re a smart home newbie or a tech-savvy enthusiast, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get your Arlo camera streaming on your Google Home Hub. We’ll cover compatibility, setup, voice commands, troubleshooting, and even some real-world tips from people who’ve done it themselves.
Understanding the Arlo and Google Home Ecosystem
Before we jump into setup, let’s take a moment to understand how these two systems work together—and why they sometimes don’t play nice at first.
How Arlo and Google Home Work Together
Arlo, made by Netgear, is a popular brand of wireless, cloud-based security cameras. They’re known for their sleek design, easy installation, and strong mobile app. Google Home Hub (now often referred to as Nest Hub or Nest Hub Max) is Google’s smart display, designed to show visual information from smart home devices, play media, and respond to voice commands via Google Assistant.
The key to connecting them lies in Google’s “Works with Google Assistant” (WwGA) program. If a device like Arlo is certified under this program, it can integrate with Google Home and appear on your Hub. Arlo has been part of this ecosystem for several years, but the level of integration depends on your specific camera model and firmware.
For example, older Arlo models (like Arlo Pro 2) may have limited support compared to newer ones (like Arlo Pro 4 or Arlo Essential). So, before you buy or set up, it’s important to check compatibility.
What You Can (and Can’t) Do
Once connected, you can:
- View live streams from your Arlo camera on the Google Home Hub screen.
- Use voice commands like “Hey Google, show the front door camera.”
- Switch between multiple cameras if you have more than one.
- See motion alerts pop up on the Hub when activity is detected (if enabled).
But there are some limitations:
- You can’t record directly from the Hub (all recording is handled in the Arlo app or cloud).
- No two-way talk via the Hub (though you can use your phone or tablet).
- Some older Arlo models may not support live streaming on the Hub at all.
One user shared: “I tried connecting my Arlo Pro 2 and was frustrated at first—no live feed. But after updating the firmware and re-linking the account, it worked. Patience is key.”
Step-by-Step: How to Connect Arlo Camera to Google Home Hub
Now that you understand the basics, let’s walk through the actual setup. This process is mostly done through the Google Home app on your smartphone or tablet. Don’t worry—it’s not as complicated as it sounds.
Step 1: Check Your Arlo Camera Compatibility
Not all Arlo cameras support Google Home Hub streaming. Here’s a quick guide:
- Supported: Arlo Pro 3, Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Essential (indoor/outdoor), Arlo Ultra, Arlo Video Doorbell (wired and battery).
- Limited or Not Supported: Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Go (LTE), Arlo Baby (discontinued).
You can verify this in the Arlo app under “Device Info” or on Arlo’s official support site. If your camera isn’t listed as compatible, you may need to upgrade or consider using a mobile device as your primary viewer.
Step 2: Update Firmware and Apps
This is crucial. Outdated firmware is one of the top reasons Arlo fails to connect to Google Home.
- Open the Arlo app and go to Settings > My Devices. Select your camera and check for firmware updates.
- Also, make sure your Google Home app is updated to the latest version (check your app store).
One user said: “I skipped the update step and wasted 30 minutes troubleshooting. Once I updated, it connected in two minutes.”
Step 3: Link Arlo to Google Home
Here’s the main event:
- Open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet.
- Tap the “+” icon (Add) in the top left.
- Select “Set up device” > “Works with Google.”
- Search for “Arlo” and tap on the Arlo option.
- Sign in to your Arlo account when prompted. Make sure it’s the same account used in the Arlo app.
- Grant Google permission to access your Arlo devices.
- Once linked, your Arlo cameras should appear in the Google Home app under “Devices.”
Tip: If Arlo doesn’t appear in the search, try searching “Netgear Arlo” or check if there’s a “More” or “All” section in the Works with Google list.
Step 4: Assign Cameras to a Room
This step makes voice commands easier.
- In the Google Home app, tap on your Arlo camera.
- Tap the gear icon (Settings).
- Select “Room” and assign it to a logical location like “Front Door,” “Backyard,” or “Garage.”
Why this matters: Saying “Hey Google, show the front door camera” only works if the camera is in a room labeled “Front Door.” Otherwise, you’ll have to say the camera’s exact name, which can get confusing.
Step 5: Test the Connection
Now, test it out:
- Say, “Hey Google, show the [room name] camera” to your Google Home Hub.
- The live feed should appear within 5–10 seconds.
- You can also tap the camera in the Google Home app and select “View camera.”
If it doesn’t work, don’t panic. We’ll cover troubleshooting in the next section.
Using Your Arlo Camera on Google Home Hub: Real-World Tips
Setting it up is one thing. Using it daily is another. Here’s how to get the most out of your Arlo + Google Home Hub combo—based on real user experiences and practical insights.
Voice Commands That Actually Work
Google Assistant supports several useful voice commands for Arlo:
- “Hey Google, show the front door camera.”
- “Hey Google, show me the backyard.”
- “Hey Google, turn on the garage camera.”
- “Hey Google, what’s happening at the front door?” (This triggers a live view.)
Pro tip: Use natural language. Google Assistant is smart, but it works best with clear, simple phrases. Avoid overly complex sentences like “Hey Google, can you please show me the camera that’s facing the driveway?” Instead, just say “Hey Google, show the driveway camera.”
Using the Hub as a Security Monitor
Many people use the Google Home Hub as a central security dashboard. Here’s how:
- Place your Hub in a high-traffic area (like the kitchen or living room).
- Set it to auto-display motion alerts from Arlo (if enabled in the Arlo app).
- When motion is detected, the Hub will show a pop-up with a live feed and a “View” button.
One user shared: “I keep my Hub on the kitchen counter. When the kids come home from school, I can see them on the screen without pulling out my phone. It’s like having a digital peephole.”
Switching Between Multiple Cameras
If you have multiple Arlo cameras, you can switch between them easily:
- Say, “Hey Google, show the next camera” to cycle through your devices.
- Or say, “Hey Google, show the backyard camera” to jump directly.
- You can also swipe left or right on the Hub screen if it’s showing a live feed.
Bonus: Use the “Camera View” mode in the Google Home app to see all your Arlo feeds in a grid layout. It’s not on the Hub itself, but handy for quick checks.
Night Vision and Low-Light Performance
Arlo cameras with night vision (like Pro 4 or Essential Outdoor) work well on the Hub, but there are a few things to note:
- The Hub screen may appear slightly darker than the Arlo app due to screen brightness and color calibration.
- Motion-activated night vision (infrared) works, but the feed might take a second to adjust.
- For best results, ensure your Hub is in a well-lit room so the screen is visible during the day.
Tip: If night vision seems dim, try adjusting the Hub’s brightness in Settings > Display > Brightness. You can also set it to auto-adjust based on ambient light.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Even with perfect setup, things can go wrong. Here are the most common problems—and how to fix them.
Camera Not Showing Up in Google Home App
If your Arlo camera doesn’t appear after linking:
- Check the Arlo app: Is the camera online? Is it showing as “Connected”?
- Re-link the account: In the Google Home app, go to Settings > Works with Google > Arlo > Remove account. Then re-link it.
- Restart devices: Power cycle your Arlo camera, base station (if applicable), and Google Home Hub.
One user said: “I had to unlink and re-link Arlo three times before it worked. Persistence pays off.”
Live Feed Won’t Load or Freezes
If the camera shows “Connecting…” or freezes:
- Check Wi-Fi: Both your Arlo camera and Google Home Hub need strong, stable connections. Use the Arlo app to check signal strength.
- Reduce bandwidth: If you have many smart devices, consider setting your Arlo camera to a lower resolution (e.g., 720p instead of 1080p) in the Arlo app.
- Restart the Hub: Unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
Note: Streaming video is data-heavy. If your internet is slow, the feed may buffer or fail.
Voice Command Not Recognized
If Google doesn’t understand your command:
- Speak clearly and slowly. Avoid background noise.
- Use the exact room name. If you named the camera “Front Porch,” don’t say “front door.”
- Check microphone: Tap the microphone icon in the Google Home app and say “Hey Google, what did I say?” to test.
Pro tip: Train Google Assistant by saying “Hey Google, that’s not what I meant” when it mishears you. It learns over time.
Arlo Account Linking Failed
If you can’t sign in to Arlo during setup:
- Ensure you’re using the correct email and password.
- Reset your Arlo password if needed.
- Check if Arlo’s servers are down (visit status.arlo.com).
One user shared: “I kept getting ‘invalid credentials.’ Turns out I was using an old password. A quick reset fixed it.”
Performance Comparison: Arlo on Google Home Hub vs. Other Devices
How does the Google Home Hub stack up compared to other ways to view your Arlo camera? Let’s break it down.
Google Home Hub vs. Arlo App
The Arlo app (on phone or tablet) offers more features:
- Full recording controls (start/stop, download clips).
- Two-way audio.
- Advanced motion zones and AI detection (e.g., person, package, vehicle).
- Better video quality and faster loading.
But the Hub wins for:
- Hands-free, voice-activated viewing.
- Centralized location (no need to pull out your phone).
- Motion alert pop-ups on screen.
Best use case: Use the Hub for quick checks and the app for detailed monitoring.
Google Home Hub vs. Amazon Echo Show
Echo Show also supports Arlo, but with some differences:
- Google Home: Simpler interface, better voice recognition, faster Arlo integration.
- Echo Show: Offers more customization (e.g., camera rotation, screen timeout), but Alexa can be slower to respond.
One user said: “I have both. Google is faster for ‘Hey, show the door,’ but Alexa gives me more control over how long the feed stays on screen.”
Data Table: Arlo on Google Home Hub – Key Features
| Feature | Supported? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Live Stream Viewing | Yes | Works on Hub, Hub Max, and newer models |
| Voice Commands | Yes | Requires room assignment for best results |
| Two-Way Audio | No | Only available via Arlo app or tablet |
| Motion Alerts on Screen | Yes | Configurable in Arlo app |
| Night Vision Support | Yes | Feed may appear darker on Hub |
| Multiple Camera Switching | Yes | Use voice or swipe on screen |
| Recording via Hub | No | All recording handled by Arlo cloud |
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
So, can you view your Arlo camera on Google Home Hub? Absolutely—and for many people, it’s a game-changer. The ability to glance at your front door, check on your backyard, or see who’s at the gate—all without touching a phone—is incredibly convenient.
That said, it’s not perfect. There are setup hurdles, occasional glitches, and some features (like two-way talk) are missing. But if you’re already invested in the Google Home ecosystem, the integration adds real value to your smart home.
Think of it this way: The Google Home Hub becomes your smart security dashboard. It’s not a replacement for the Arlo app, but a powerful companion. It’s great for quick checks, voice commands, and family sharing. Kids can ask to see the backyard; guests can be monitored from the kitchen; and you can keep an eye on things while cooking, working, or relaxing.
My advice? Try it. Follow the steps in this guide, be patient with the setup, and don’t be afraid to restart devices or re-link accounts. Once it’s working, you’ll wonder how you lived without it. And remember: technology works best when it fades into the background. With Arlo on your Google Home Hub, it finally does.
So go ahead—ask Google to show you the front door. See who’s there. Smile. And enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a truly connected home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I view my Arlo camera on Google Home Hub?
Yes, you can view your Arlo camera on Google Home Hub by linking your Arlo account to the Google Home app. Ensure your Arlo camera is compatible with Google Assistant and set up through the app’s device integration settings.
How do I connect my Arlo camera to Google Home Hub?
To connect your Arlo camera to Google Home Hub, open the Google Home app, tap “Add” > “Set up device” > “Works with Google,” and search for Arlo. Follow the prompts to link your accounts and sync your cameras.
Which Arlo cameras work with Google Home Hub?
Most Arlo cameras, including Arlo Pro, Ultra, and Arlo Q series, are compatible with Google Home Hub. Check the Arlo website or Google’s supported devices list to confirm your specific model works with the Arlo Google Home Hub integration.
Why can’t I see my Arlo camera feed on Google Home Hub?
If your Arlo camera feed isn’t showing, ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and the Arlo skill is enabled in the Google Home app. Restarting the hub and re-linking the Arlo account can often resolve syncing issues.
Can I use voice commands to view Arlo cameras on Google Home Hub?
Yes, once linked, say, “Hey Google, show me [camera name]” to display your Arlo feed on the Google Home Hub. This feature works seamlessly if your Arlo camera Google Home Hub setup is complete.
Do I need a subscription to view Arlo cameras on Google Home Hub?
No, a subscription isn’t required to view live feeds on Google Home Hub. However, cloud storage and advanced features like activity zones may require an Arlo Secure plan.