Can You Display Arlo Camera on Google Home Here Is How

Can You Display Arlo Camera on Google Home Here Is How

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Yes, you can display your Arlo camera on Google Home by linking your Arlo account to the Google Home app and using compatible devices like Google Nest Hub or Chromecast. With simple voice commands or the app, stream live footage seamlessly—just ensure both accounts are connected and your camera supports RTSP or cloud streaming for full functionality.

Key Takeaways

  • Yes, you can display Arlo cameras on Google Home with proper setup and compatible devices.
  • Link Arlo to Google Home via the Google Home app for seamless integration.
  • Use voice commands like “Hey Google, show [camera name]” to view feeds instantly.
  • Ensure firmware is updated to avoid compatibility issues with Google Home.
  • Works with Google Nest Hub and Chromecast for live camera streaming.
  • Check permissions to ensure Arlo and Google accounts are properly synced.

Why Connecting Your Arlo Camera to Google Home Makes Life Easier

Imagine this: you’re cooking dinner, hands covered in flour, when the doorbell rings. Instead of wiping your hands and running to the front door, you simply say, “Hey Google, show me the front door camera,” and instantly see who’s there on your Google Nest Hub. That’s the kind of smart home convenience we all dream about—and the good news? It’s not just a fantasy. If you own an Arlo camera and a Google Home device, you’re already halfway there.

Arlo cameras are known for their high-quality video, motion detection, and easy setup. Google Home, on the other hand, is a central hub for voice control, automation, and seamless integration with a wide range of smart devices. But can you display Arlo camera on Google Home? That’s the million-dollar question—and the answer is a resounding yes, with a few caveats and steps to get it working just right. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a smart home enthusiast, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your Arlo cameras talk to your Google Assistant.

Understanding the Basics: Arlo, Google Home, and Compatibility

What Makes Arlo and Google Home Compatible?

At first glance, Arlo and Google Home might seem like they speak different languages. Arlo is a security-focused brand under Netgear, while Google Home is part of Google’s ecosystem, built around voice control and automation. But thanks to the magic of cloud-based APIs and smart home standards, they can work together—if you set them up correctly.

The key to compatibility lies in the Google Assistant integration. Arlo supports Google Assistant through the Google Home app, which means you can use voice commands to view camera feeds on compatible Google smart displays like the Nest Hub, Nest Hub Max, or even a Chromecast with Google TV. This works via a process called “casting,” where your camera feed is streamed from the cloud to your display.

Which Arlo Cameras Work with Google Home?

Not all Arlo models are created equal when it comes to Google integration. Here’s a quick rundown of which Arlo cameras support Google Assistant:

  • Arlo Pro 2 and newer (Pro 3, Pro 4, Pro 5S)
  • Arlo Ultra and Ultra 2
  • Arlo Essential series (Indoor, Outdoor, XL)
  • Arlo Wire-Free (VMC3030, VMC4030, etc.)
  • Arlo Go (LTE model) – with some limitations

Older models like the original Arlo (VMC3030) may have limited or no support, especially if they lack cloud storage or newer firmware updates. Always check your camera’s firmware version in the Arlo app—updates often unlock new integration features.

What You Need Before You Start

Before you can say “Hey Google, show me the backyard,” you’ll need the following:

  • An Arlo account with at least one compatible camera
  • A Google Home account (same Google account used for Gmail, YouTube, etc.)
  • A Google smart display (e.g., Nest Hub, Nest Hub Max) or a Chromecast with Google TV
  • Stable Wi-Fi connection for both your Arlo base station and Google device
  • The latest versions of the Arlo app and Google Home app on your smartphone

Pro tip: If you’re using an Arlo base station (like the Arlo SmartHub), ensure it’s connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Google Home devices for smoother communication.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Display Arlo Camera on Google Home

This is the heart of the setup. Here’s how to link your Arlo account to Google Assistant:

  1. Open the Google Home app on your smartphone or tablet.
  2. Tap the + icon in the top-left corner, then select “Set up device.”
  3. Choose “Works with Google.”
  4. Search for “Arlo” in the list of services.
  5. Tap on Arlo Security (or Arlo Smart Home), then select “Link.”
  6. You’ll be redirected to the Arlo login page. Enter your Arlo email and password.
  7. Grant permission for Google to access your Arlo devices.
  8. Once linked, Google will scan your Arlo account and list all available cameras.

💡 Real-life tip: I once forgot to grant full permissions during this step, and my cameras wouldn’t show up. Double-check that Google has access to “view camera feeds” and “control devices.”

Step 2: Assign Cameras to Rooms (Optional but Helpful)

After linking, Google will automatically detect your Arlo cameras. You can assign each one to a specific room (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard,” “Garage”) for easier voice commands.

To do this:

  • In the Google Home app, tap on a camera device.
  • Tap the three dots (⋮) > Settings > Room.
  • Select or create a room (e.g., “Living Room”).

This makes voice commands more natural. Instead of saying “Show me Arlo camera 3,” you can say, “Hey Google, show me the backyard.”

Step 3: Test the Voice Command

Now for the fun part—testing!

Say one of these commands to your Google Assistant:

  • “Hey Google, show me the front door.”
  • “Hey Google, show me the backyard camera.”
  • “Hey Google, turn on the living room camera.”

If everything is set up correctly, your Google smart display will wake up and show a live feed from your Arlo camera. The feed usually appears within 2–5 seconds, depending on your internet speed.

Step 4: Use the Google Home App to View Feeds Manually

If you prefer not to use voice commands, you can also view your Arlo feeds manually:

  1. Open the Google Home app.
  2. Tap on the camera icon at the top of the home screen.
  3. Scroll to your Arlo cameras and tap to view live feed.

This is great for when you’re in another room and don’t want to shout across the house.

Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues

Even with the right gear, things can go sideways. Here are some common hiccups and how to fix them:

  • Camera not showing up after linking? Try unlinking and relinking your Arlo account. Also, check that your Arlo cameras are online in the Arlo app.
  • Voice command not working? Make sure your Google device hears you clearly. Try rephrasing: “Show me the front yard camera” instead of “Front yard.”
  • Feed is slow or lagging? Check your Wi-Fi signal. Both your Arlo base station and Google device should have strong connectivity. Consider using a Wi-Fi extender if needed.
  • “Device is not responding” error? Restart your Google device and ensure the Arlo app is updated.

What You Can (and Can’t) Do with Arlo on Google Home

What You *Can* Do

Once connected, your Arlo camera on Google Home becomes a powerful tool. Here’s what you can do:

  • View live feeds on Google smart displays using voice or the app.
  • Use voice commands like “Show me the garage” or “Is someone at the front door?”
  • Switch between cameras without touching your phone.
  • Use in routines—for example, when you say “Goodnight,” Google can turn off lights and show the front door camera for a quick check.
  • View on multiple displays—if you have more than one Nest Hub, you can cast the same feed to different rooms.

One of my favorite use cases: when I’m in the backyard grilling and the doorbell rings. I just say, “Hey Google, show me the front door,” and see if it’s the pizza guy—no need to run inside or wipe off my hands!

What You *Can’t* Do (Yet)

While the integration is solid, there are a few limitations to keep in mind:

  • No two-way audio – Unlike Alexa, Google Assistant doesn’t currently support talking back through the camera from the display. You’d need to use the Arlo app for that.
  • No motion alerts on screen – You won’t see a pop-up on your Nest Hub when motion is detected. You’ll still get phone notifications from the Arlo app, though.
  • No recorded clips playback – You can’t ask Google to “show me yesterday’s front door video.” For playback, you must use the Arlo app.
  • No pan/tilt control – If you have an Arlo camera with pan/tilt (like the Arlo Pro 4), you can’t control it via voice on Google Home.

These are mostly due to Google’s current API restrictions with Arlo. However, Arlo and Google are actively working on improving integration, so some of these features may arrive in future updates.

Workarounds and Smart Tips

Even with the limitations, you can get creative:

  • Use Google Routines to trigger a camera view when you say a custom phrase. For example: “Hey Google, I’m leaving” → turns off lights, locks doors, and shows the driveway camera.
  • Set up motion alerts in the Arlo app to send push notifications to your phone. That way, you’ll know when to ask Google to show the feed.
  • If you have an Arlo Doorbell, you can answer it from your phone or tablet, but not directly from the Nest Hub—yet.

One clever trick: pair your Arlo camera with a Google Nest Doorbell (battery). While they’re different brands, both work with Google Home. You can say, “Hey Google, show me the front door,” and it will display whichever camera you’ve assigned to that room—even if it’s an Arlo.

Comparing Arlo + Google Home to Other Smart Home Setups

Arlo + Google Home vs. Arlo + Alexa

Many Arlo users wonder: should I use Google Home or Amazon Alexa? Let’s compare:

Feature Arlo + Google Home Arlo + Amazon Alexa
Voice Commands Yes (“Show me…”) Yes (“Show me…”)
Two-Way Audio No Yes (on Echo Show devices)
Motion Alerts on Screen No Yes (with Arlo Skill enabled)
Camera Control (PTZ) No No
Routines & Automation Yes (Google Routines) Yes (Alexa Routines)
Multi-Room Viewing Yes (Nest Hub, Chromecast) Yes (Echo Show, Fire TV)

As you can see, Alexa has a slight edge in functionality, especially with two-way audio and motion alerts on screen. But Google Home wins in voice recognition accuracy, privacy controls, and integration with Android devices. If you’re already deep in the Google ecosystem (Gmail, Google Photos, Android phone), Google Home is the smoother choice.

Arlo + Google Home vs. Nest Cameras

Why not just use Google’s own Nest cameras? Great question.

  • Pros of Arlo: Better battery life (wire-free models), wider field of view, more flexible mounting options, and generally better night vision.
  • Pros of Nest: Deeper Google integration (e.g., facial recognition, activity zones, free 3-hour event history), tighter security (end-to-end encryption), and no subscription needed for basic features.

If you want seamless, hands-free Google Assistant integration, Nest cameras are the gold standard. But if you prefer longer battery life, outdoor durability, or don’t want to replace existing cameras, Arlo + Google Home is a fantastic alternative.

Maximizing Your Arlo + Google Home Experience

Create Smart Routines for Daily Use

Routines are where Google Home shines. Here are a few ideas:

  • Morning Routine: Say “Good morning” → lights turn on, weather is read aloud, and the front door camera shows for 10 seconds.
  • Leaving Home: Say “I’m leaving” → lights off, thermostat adjusts, and driveway camera shows.
  • Bedtime: Say “Goodnight” → locks smart locks, turns off TV, and shows the backyard camera for a quick check.

To set this up, go to Google Home > Routines > + Add Routine. Then add actions like “Show camera” and “Turn off lights.”

Optimize for Privacy and Security

Since you’re streaming camera feeds to a display, privacy matters. Here’s how to stay safe:

  • Use strong passwords for both your Arlo and Google accounts.
  • Enable two-factor authentication on both platforms.
  • Review camera placement to avoid capturing neighbors’ property.
  • Disable camera viewing on shared or public Google devices.
  • Check sharing settings in the Google Home app—only trusted people should have access.

Keep Everything Updated

Firmware and app updates often bring new features and bug fixes. Set a monthly reminder to:

  • Update your Arlo app and Google Home app.
  • Check for firmware updates on your Arlo cameras and base station.
  • Reboot your Google smart display occasionally to clear cache and improve performance.

I learned this the hard way when my camera feed froze for a week. A simple reboot fixed it!

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Connecting Arlo to Google Home?

So, can you display Arlo camera on Google Home? Absolutely—and it’s one of the most practical ways to level up your smart home. The integration isn’t perfect (no two-way audio or motion alerts on screen yet), but for quick check-ins, hands-free viewing, and seamless routines, it works beautifully.

Whether you’re checking on a package, seeing who’s at the door, or just keeping an eye on your pets while you’re cooking, having your Arlo feed on a Google smart display adds a layer of convenience that’s hard to beat. It’s not magic, but it sure feels like it.

And the best part? The setup is surprisingly simple. With just a few taps in the Google Home app and a voice command, you’re up and running. No coding, no complicated hubs, no headaches.

If you already own Arlo cameras and Google Home devices, I highly recommend linking them. It’s free, fast, and makes your home feel truly smart. After all, the future of home security isn’t just about recording video—it’s about making it easy to access, share, and act on, right when you need it.

So go ahead—try saying, “Hey Google, show me the backyard.” You might just wonder how you ever lived without it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you display Arlo camera on Google Home?

Yes, you can display your Arlo camera on Google Home by linking your Arlo account to the Google Home app. Once set up, use voice commands like “Hey Google, show me the [camera name]” to view the feed on compatible devices.

How do I connect my Arlo camera to Google Home?

Open the Google Home app, tap “+” > “Set up device” > “Works with Google,” and search for Arlo. Log in to your Arlo account to complete the linking process. Ensure your camera firmware is up-to-date for smooth integration.

Which Arlo cameras work with Google Home?

Most Arlo cameras, including Arlo Pro, Ultra, and Essential series, support Google Home. Check Arlo’s official compatibility list to confirm your specific model works with Google Assistant for live streaming.

Why won’t my Arlo camera show up on Google Home?

This may occur due to incorrect account linking or outdated app versions. Re-link your Arlo account in the Google Home app and ensure both apps are updated. Restart your devices if issues persist.

Can I view multiple Arlo cameras on Google Home at once?

Yes, you can view multiple Arlo cameras on a single screen using a Google Nest Hub or smart display. Say, “Hey Google, show all cameras” to cycle through feeds or create custom routines in the app.

Is there a delay when streaming Arlo on Google Home?

Minor delays (1-3 seconds) are normal due to video processing and network latency. For smoother streaming, ensure strong Wi-Fi connectivity and close background apps on your Google Home device.