How to View My Arlo Cameras on My Computer Easily

Yes, you can easily view your Arlo cameras on your computer using the Arlo web app or desktop application, providing real-time access and full control from your browser. Simply log in to your Arlo account at my.arlo.com to stream live footage, review recordings, and manage settings—no extra hardware needed.

Key Takeaways

• Access via web browser: Log in to your Arlo account at my.arlo.com to view cameras.
• Use the Arlo app: Download the desktop app for a seamless viewing experience.
• Check internet speed: Ensure stable connectivity for smooth live streaming on your computer.
• Enable two-factor authentication: Secure your account before accessing cameras remotely.
• Update firmware regularly: Keep cameras and software updated for optimal performance.
• Adjust camera settings: Customize resolution and alerts directly from your computer.

Why Viewing Arlo Cameras on Your Computer Makes Life Easier

Let’s be honest—life moves fast. Between checking emails, managing work tasks, and keeping an eye on your home, constantly grabbing your phone to check your Arlo cameras can feel like a chore. Maybe you’re working at your desk, and the baby monitor app just pinged you. Or perhaps you’re trying to keep tabs on your backyard while editing a video on your laptop. Whatever the case, wouldn’t it be great if you could view your Arlo cameras on your computer without fumbling with your phone?

Good news: you absolutely can. And the process isn’t as tech-heavy as you might think. Whether you’re a remote worker, a busy parent, or just someone who loves efficiency, accessing your Arlo security footage from your desktop or laptop can streamline your day. No more switching between devices. No more squinting at a tiny screen. Just a clear, real-time (or recorded) view of what matters most—right from your computer. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every way to do it, from the simplest setups to advanced options you might not have considered.

Option 1: Use the Arlo Web Portal (The Easiest Way)

If you’re looking for a plug-and-play solution, the Arlo web portal is your best friend. It’s free, requires no downloads, and works in most modern browsers. Here’s how to get started.

Step-by-Step: Logging Into the Arlo Web Portal

• Step 1: Open your preferred browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge).
• Step 2: Go to my.arlo.com.
• Step 3: Log in using your Arlo account credentials (email and password).
• Step 4: Once logged in, your dashboard appears with all your Arlo cameras, activity zones, and recent alerts.

That’s it! You’re now viewing your Arlo cameras on your computer. You can click on any camera to see a live feed, adjust settings, or scroll through recorded clips. The interface is clean and intuitive—similar to the mobile app, but with more screen real estate.

What You Can Do on the Web Portal

The web portal isn’t just for watching live feeds. Here’s a quick rundown of its features:

• Live View: See real-time footage from all connected cameras.
• Playback: Access cloud recordings (if you have an Arlo Secure subscription).
• Camera Controls: Adjust motion sensitivity, enable/disable activity zones, or turn on night vision.
• Smart Alerts: View and filter notifications (e.g., “person detected” vs. “vehicle”).
• Multi-Camera View: Arrange up to four cameras on one screen for side-by-side monitoring.

Real-life example: Last winter, I was working from home while my kids played in the backyard. I opened the Arlo web portal on my second monitor, split the view between the backyard and front porch, and kept an eye on both without ever leaving my desk. It was a game-changer.

Browser Compatibility & Tips

• Recommended browsers: Google Chrome (best support) and Firefox. Safari and Edge work but may have minor lag.
• Tip: Enable hardware acceleration in your browser settings for smoother video playback.
• Pro tip: Bookmark my.arlo.com for quick access.

Note: The web portal requires an active internet connection. If your Wi-Fi drops, you’ll lose access until it reconnects.

Option 2: Use the Arlo Desktop App (For Windows & macOS)

If you’re a Windows or macOS user, the Arlo desktop app offers a more integrated experience than the web portal. It’s not a standalone app you can download from the Microsoft Store or App Store, but Arlo provides a dedicated desktop client through their website.

How to Download and Install the Arlo Desktop App

1. Visit Arlo’s official downloads page.
2. Look for “Arlo Desktop App” under the software section.
3. Download the installer for your OS (Windows .exe or macOS .dmg).
4. Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts.
5. Launch the app and log in with your Arlo account.

Once installed, the desktop app behaves like any other native program. It runs in the background, supports notifications, and even integrates with your system’s notification center (on macOS) or Action Center (on Windows).

Advantages of the Desktop App

• Faster access: No need to open a browser. Just click the app icon.
• Better performance: Uses fewer system resources than a browser tab.
• Customizable layout: Resize camera feeds or arrange them in a grid (up to 6 cameras).
• Offline access to recordings: If you use Arlo’s SmartHub or Base Station, you can view locally stored footage (more on this later).

Personal experience: I use the desktop app on my Windows PC. It’s especially handy during power outages—when my phone battery dies, I can still check my cameras on my laptop if I’m on battery power.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

• Not available for all Arlo models: Works best with newer Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, and Arlo Essential series.
• No mobile sync: The app doesn’t sync with your phone app in real time, but it pulls the same data.
• Updates required: Arlo occasionally pushes updates, so check the downloads page every few months.

Option 3: Use Third-Party Software (For Advanced Users)

Want more control? If you’re tech-savvy or need features like motion-triggered recording, multi-camera recording, or integration with other smart devices, third-party software might be your answer. This method lets you view your Arlo cameras on your computer with extra functionality.

Popular Third-Party Tools

• Blue Iris (Windows only): A powerful surveillance software that supports IP cameras, including Arlo (with some setup).
• iSpy (Windows/macOS): Free and open-source, with motion detection and cloud sync.
• SecuritySpy (macOS only): A premium option with facial recognition and AI-powered alerts.

How to Set Up Arlo with Third-Party Software

Step 1: Enable RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) on your Arlo cameras. This is a technical setting that allows external software to access the video feed.

• Log into your Arlo app or web portal.
• Go to Settings > Camera > Advanced Settings > Enable RTSP.
• Note the RTSP URL (it looks like rtsp://arlo:password@192.168.x.x:554/stream1).

Step 2: Install your chosen software and add the Arlo camera using the RTSP URL.

• In Blue Iris, click “Add Camera” and paste the RTSP link.
• Adjust resolution, frame rate, and recording settings.

Step 3: Configure motion detection, alerts, and storage.

• Set up recording rules (e.g., record only when motion is detected).
• Save footage to an external drive or NAS for long-term storage.

Why this works: Third-party tools bypass Arlo’s cloud dependency. Your recordings stay local, which is great for privacy and avoids subscription fees. But it does require technical know-how.

Pros and Cons of Third-Party Integration

• Pros:
  • No monthly fees for cloud storage.
  • Full control over recording and alerts.
  • Can integrate with other cameras or sensors.
• Cons:
  • Setup can be complex (especially RTSP).
  • Not all Arlo models support RTSP (check compatibility).
  • May void warranty if misconfigured.

Tip: If you’re new to this, start with iSpy (free) to test the waters before investing in premium software.

Option 4: Use Remote Desktop or Screen Sharing (For Remote Access)

What if you’re not at home, but you still want to view your Arlo cameras on your computer from afar? Maybe you’re on vacation, working from a coffee shop, or visiting family. Remote access is your solution.

How Remote Desktop Works

Remote desktop tools let you control your home computer from another device. If your home PC has the Arlo desktop app or web portal open, you can access it remotely.

Popular Remote Access Tools

• Chrome Remote Desktop: Free, easy to set up, works across devices.
• TeamViewer: Reliable with strong security, but the free version has time limits.
• Microsoft Remote Desktop (Windows): Built-in and fast, but limited to Windows-to-Windows.
• AnyDesk: Lightweight and secure, ideal for quick access.

Step-by-Step: Set Up Remote Desktop for Arlo

1. Install a remote desktop tool on your home computer (e.g., Chrome Remote Desktop).
2. Set it up to allow unattended access (so you can connect anytime).
3. On your remote device (laptop, tablet, phone), open the remote app and connect to your home PC.
4. Once connected, open the Arlo web portal or desktop app on your home computer’s screen.

Real-life use case: My brother lives abroad. He set up Chrome Remote Desktop on his home PC, which runs the Arlo desktop app. Now, whenever he wants to check on his kids or pets, he logs into his home computer from his phone or laptop and sees the live feeds—just as if he were at home.

Important Considerations

• Internet speed: Both your home and remote connections need stable internet. Slow speeds = laggy video.
• Security: Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication for remote tools.
• Power: Your home computer must stay on (enable “wake on LAN” if needed).

Option 5: Use Arlo’s SmartHub or Base Station (For Local Network Access)

If you’re serious about home security, you might already have an Arlo SmartHub or Base Station. These devices act as a central hub for your cameras and store recordings locally—no cloud subscription required.

How Local Access Works

When your Arlo cameras are connected to a SmartHub or Base Station, they store video on a microSD card or USB drive. This means you can access footage directly from your local network, even if the internet is down.

Viewing Cameras Locally on Your Computer

1. Connect your computer to the same Wi-Fi network as your SmartHub/Base Station.
2. Open a web browser and enter the hub’s IP address (find it in your router’s admin panel or Arlo app).
3. Log in with the hub’s credentials (default is usually “admin” and the password you set).
4. Navigate to the “Live View” or “Playback” section to see your cameras.

Benefits of Local Access

• No internet required: View footage during outages.
• Faster playback: No buffering from cloud servers.
• Enhanced privacy: Recordings never leave your home network.

Example: During a recent storm, our internet went out for six hours. Thanks to the Arlo Base Station, I could still check on our backyard and front porch using the local web interface—no cloud, no problem.

Limitations

• Only works on your home network (not remotely).
• Requires a SmartHub or Base Station (older Arlo models may not support this).
• Storage is limited by the size of your microSD/USB drive.

Comparison Table: Which Method Is Right for You?

Method	Best For	Ease of Use	Internet Required?	Cost	Max Cameras
Arlo Web Portal	Quick, occasional checks	Very Easy	Yes	Free	4 (multi-view)
Arlo Desktop App	Daily monitoring, Windows/macOS	Easy	Yes	Free	6 (grid view)
Third-Party Software	Advanced users, local recording	Moderate to Hard	Optional	Free to $150+	Unlimited
Remote Desktop	Access from anywhere	Moderate	Yes (both ends)	Free to $50/year	Depends on home setup
Local Network (SmartHub)	No internet, privacy-focused	Easy	No (local only)	Free (after hub purchase)	Depends on hub model

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Arlo Setup

So, can you view your Arlo cameras on your computer? Absolutely—and you’ve got more options than you probably realized. Whether you’re a casual user who wants a quick glance while working or a tech enthusiast craving full control, there’s a method that fits your lifestyle.

Start simple: the web portal is perfect for most people. It’s fast, free, and works on any computer. If you’re on Windows or macOS, the desktop app adds convenience and better performance. For those who want to cut the cord from cloud subscriptions, third-party software or local network access via a SmartHub gives you total control.

And don’t forget: combining methods can be powerful. I use the web portal for daily checks, the desktop app for monitoring while editing videos, and remote desktop when I’m traveling. It’s all about finding the right mix for your needs.

The bottom line? Your Arlo cameras are more versatile than they seem. By leveraging your computer’s screen, you gain clarity, efficiency, and peace of mind. So go ahead—try one of these methods today. Your future self (and your peace of mind) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I view my Arlo cameras on my computer using the web app?

Yes, you can easily view your Arlo cameras on your computer by logging into the Arlo web app at my.arlo.com. This platform offers full access to live feeds, recordings, and camera settings just like the mobile app.

Is there a desktop application to view my Arlo cameras on my computer?

Arlo doesn’t offer a standalone desktop app, but you can use the web app or download the Arlo app from the Microsoft Store (Windows 10/11) for a more app-like experience. Both options let you monitor your cameras seamlessly on a computer.

How do I access my Arlo camera feeds on a Windows or Mac computer?

To view your Arlo cameras on a computer, simply open a browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Edge), go to my.arlo.com, and sign in to your Arlo account. Ensure your computer meets the browser requirements for optimal performance.

Can I view multiple Arlo cameras at once on my computer screen?

Yes, the Arlo web app supports multi-camera viewing. You can customize your dashboard to display up to four camera feeds simultaneously, making it ideal for monitoring multiple areas in real time.

Do I need any special software to view my Arlo cameras on my computer?

No special software is needed—just a modern browser and your Arlo login credentials. For enhanced features, enable the Arlo Secure subscription to access cloud recordings and AI-powered alerts on your computer.

Why won’t my Arlo cameras load when I try to view them on my computer?

This issue is often caused by outdated browsers, poor internet connection, or firewall restrictions. Try updating your browser, checking your network, or temporarily disabling ad blockers to resolve the problem.