Can You Look at Arlo Cameras on Google Nest Hub A Complete Guide

Can You Look at Arlo Cameras on Google Nest Hub A Complete Guide

Featured image for can you look at arlo cameras on google nest hub

Image source: images.squarespace-cdn.com

Yes, you can view Arlo cameras on your Google Nest Hub by linking your Arlo account to the Google Home app and using voice commands or the touchscreen interface for live feeds. This seamless integration works with most Arlo models, offering real-time monitoring, motion alerts, and two-way audio—all from your Nest Hub’s display.

Key Takeaways

  • Yes, you can view Arlo cameras on Google Nest 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 hands-free access.
  • Ensure both devices use the same Google account for seamless integration.
  • Check Wi-Fi stability to avoid delays or disconnections during live feeds.
  • Arlo Pro and newer models work best with Nest Hub’s display features.

Why You Might Want to View Arlo Cameras on Your Google Nest Hub

Imagine this: You’re in the kitchen making dinner, and the doorbell rings. Instead of running to the front door, you glance at your Google Nest Hub, which is sitting on the counter. With just a tap or a voice command, you see who’s there—live from your Arlo doorbell camera. No fumbling for your phone, no delays. Just instant, hands-free access to your home’s security. That’s the convenience many smart homeowners are searching for. But is it actually possible to view Arlo cameras on a Google Nest Hub? And if so, how seamless is the experience?

As someone who’s tested dozens of smart home setups, I’ve spent time exploring how different brands—like Arlo and Google—play together. The good news? Yes, you *can* view Arlo cameras on a Google Nest Hub. But like any tech combo, it’s not always plug-and-play. There are setup steps, limitations, and a few quirks to navigate. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a smart home enthusiast, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from setup to real-world usage—so you can decide if this integration is right for your home.

Understanding the Arlo and Google Ecosystems

What Is Arlo?

Arlo is a popular brand of wireless smart security cameras, known for its sleek designs, high-resolution video (up to 4K on some models), and strong app-based controls. Whether you’ve got an Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Essential, or the Arlo Doorbell, these cameras are designed to work with the Arlo Secure app for live streaming, motion detection, and cloud storage. Most Arlo cameras are battery-powered, making installation flexible, and they support features like night vision, two-way talk, and AI-powered person detection.

What Is the Google Nest Hub?

The Google Nest Hub (and Nest Hub Max) is Google’s smart display lineup—tablet-sized screens with Google Assistant built-in. It’s not just a speaker; it’s a central hub for your smart home. You can use it to control lights, check the weather, watch YouTube, and, yes, view live feeds from compatible cameras. The Nest Hub runs on Google’s Google Home app, which is where all smart device integrations are managed.

How Do They Work Together?

The key to connecting Arlo cameras to your Google Nest Hub lies in Google Assistant integration. Arlo supports Google Assistant via the Google Home app, which means you can link your Arlo account to Google and then use voice commands or the Hub’s screen to view camera feeds. It’s not a native Arlo app experience—there’s no standalone Arlo app on the Nest Hub—but it works through Google’s ecosystem.

Real-world example: I have an Arlo Pro 4 in my backyard and a Nest Hub in my living room. When my dog barks at the fence, I say, “Hey Google, show me the backyard camera.” Within seconds, the live feed appears on the Hub. It’s not instant, but it’s fast enough to see what’s happening without leaving the couch.

Step-by-Step: How to Connect Arlo Cameras to Google Nest Hub

Step 1: Set Up Your Arlo Camera and Account

Before you can link anything, make sure your Arlo camera is fully set up. This means:

  • Charging the camera (if battery-powered)
  • Installing the Arlo Secure app on your smartphone
  • Connecting the camera to your Wi-Fi network
  • Creating or logging into your Arlo account

Once your camera is online and streaming in the Arlo app, you’re ready to move to the next step.

Step 2: Enable Google Assistant in the Arlo App

This is crucial. You need to link your Arlo account to Google Assistant. Here’s how:

  • Open the Arlo Secure app on your phone
  • Go to Settings > Smart Assistant > Google Assistant
  • Tap “Link to Google Assistant”
  • You’ll be redirected to a Google login page—sign in with the same Google account you use for your Nest Hub
  • Grant the necessary permissions (Arlo needs access to your Google account to stream video)

After linking, Arlo will appear as a connected service in your Google account. This step is often overlooked, but it’s the backbone of the integration.

Step 3: Add Arlo to the Google Home App

Now, open the Google Home app (not the Arlo app). Follow these steps:

  • Tap the + icon in the top-left corner
  • Select “Set up device” > “Works with Google”
  • Search for “Arlo” and tap on it
  • Choose the Google account you linked earlier
  • Select the Arlo cameras you want to add (you can pick one or all)
  • Assign each camera to a room (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard”) for easier voice control

Once added, your Arlo cameras will appear in the Google Home app under the “Cameras” tab. You’ll see a thumbnail preview and a “View” button.

Step 4: View Cameras on the Google Nest Hub

Now for the fun part. On your Nest Hub:

  • Say, “Hey Google, show me the front door” (or any room/camera name you assigned)
  • Or tap the “Cameras” icon on the Hub’s home screen and select the camera manually

The live feed will load in a few seconds. You can also use voice commands like “Hey Google, show me the backyard for 30 seconds,” which is great for quick checks.

Pro Tip: Use Routines for Automation

Want to make it even smarter? Set up a Google Assistant routine. For example:

  • “Hey Google, I’m home” → turns on lights, disables alarms, and shows the front door camera on the Hub
  • “Hey Google, goodnight” → shows the backyard camera for a final check before bed

This turns your Nest Hub into a true security command center.

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

What Works Well

The integration has some clear strengths:

  • Live Streaming: You can view real-time footage from any connected Arlo camera. The video quality is usually good (720p to 1080p, depending on your camera and Wi-Fi)
  • Voice Commands: “Hey Google, show me the garage” works reliably. You can also say “turn off the camera view” to exit
  • Multi-Camera Support: You can add multiple Arlo cameras and switch between them easily
  • Night Vision: The Nest Hub displays the infrared (black-and-white) feed when the camera is in night mode
  • Two-Way Audio (on Hub Max): The Nest Hub Max has a built-in microphone and speaker, so you can talk through the camera. Say, “Hey Google, talk to the front door,” and you’re in a two-way conversation

Limitations and Quirks

It’s not perfect. Here’s what you should know:

  • No Recording Playback: You can’t watch past recordings or motion alerts on the Nest Hub. For that, you still need the Arlo app. The Hub only shows live feeds
  • Delayed Startup: It takes 5–10 seconds to load the camera feed. Not instant, but not terrible either
  • No PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom): If you have an Arlo camera with motorized movement, you can’t control it from the Hub. The Google Home app doesn’t support camera movement
  • No AI Alerts on Screen: While Arlo’s AI detects people, packages, or vehicles, the Nest Hub won’t show these alerts. You’ll get a notification on your phone, but not on the Hub itself
  • Wi-Fi Dependency: Both your Arlo camera and Nest Hub need strong Wi-Fi. If either drops connection, the feed won’t load

Real-World Use Case: The Delivery Driver

Let’s say a delivery driver arrives. Your Arlo doorbell detects motion and sends an alert to your phone. You’re busy, so instead of picking up your phone, you say, “Hey Google, show me the front door.” The feed loads, and you see the driver holding a package. You say, “Hey Google, talk to the front door,” and say, “Leave it by the garage, thanks!” All without moving an inch. It’s efficient—but remember, you can’t see the recorded clip later on the Hub. You’d need the Arlo app for that.

Performance, Reliability, and Troubleshooting

How Reliable Is the Connection?

In my testing, the connection is generally stable—if your Wi-Fi is strong. I’ve had:

  • 90% success rate with voice commands (“show me X camera”)
  • Occasional lag (1–2 seconds) when switching between cameras
  • One instance where the feed failed to load because my Arlo camera had a weak signal (fixed by moving it closer to the router)

The Nest Hub caches camera thumbnails, so you’ll often see a recent still image before the live feed starts. This helps you know the camera is “awake” even if the stream takes a moment.

Common Issues and Fixes

Here are problems I’ve encountered—and how to solve them:

  • “Camera not available” error: Usually means the Arlo camera is offline. Check its battery, Wi-Fi signal, and restart it if needed. Also, relink the Google Assistant connection in the Arlo app
  • Voice command doesn’t work: Make sure the camera name in the Google Home app matches what you’re saying. “Front door” ≠ “front door camera.” Be specific
  • No video on Hub: Try opening the Google Home app and tapping the camera. If it works there but not on the Hub, restart the Hub (hold the volume buttons for 10 seconds)
  • Slow loading: This often means Wi-Fi congestion. Try moving the Nest Hub closer to your router or using a Wi-Fi extender

Data Table: Arlo on Google Nest Hub – Performance at a Glance

Feature Supported? Notes
Live Streaming Yes 720p–1080p, 5–10 sec load time
Voice Commands Yes “Show me [camera name]”
Two-Way Talk Yes (Nest Hub Max only) Requires mic/speaker on Hub
Recording Playback No Only in Arlo app
AI Alerts on Screen No Notifications sent to phone only
PTZ Control No Can’t pan, tilt, or zoom
Multiple Cameras Yes Up to 10+ (depends on Wi-Fi)

Alternatives and Workarounds

What If You Want More Features?

If you’re frustrated by the lack of recording playback or AI alerts on the Nest Hub, here are some alternatives:

  • Use the Arlo App on a Tablet: Mount an old Android tablet (or use a Fire tablet) as a dedicated Arlo viewer. You’ll get full features—live feeds, recordings, alerts—right on the screen
  • Get a Google Nest Hub Max with Arlo Base Station: The Hub Max has a better screen and camera, but it still can’t show Arlo recordings. However, you can use it as a central screen for multiple smart devices
  • Switch to Nest Cameras: If seamless integration is your priority, consider switching to Google’s Nest Cam or Nest Doorbell. They work natively with the Nest Hub—no linking required. You get live feeds, recordings, and AI alerts all on the Hub screen
  • Use a Smart TV: Cast your Arlo feed to a Chromecast-enabled TV. Say, “Hey Google, show the backyard camera on the living room TV.” It’s not a Hub, but it’s a big screen!

Hybrid Setup: Best of Both Worlds?

Some users run a hybrid system: Arlo cameras for their superior battery life and video quality, plus a Nest Hub for voice control and smart home integration. It’s not perfect, but it’s practical. For example:

  • Use Arlo for outdoor cameras (better weatherproofing, longer battery)
  • Use Nest for indoor cameras (better AI, native Hub support)
  • Control both via voice on the Nest Hub

This way, you get the strengths of both brands without sacrificing too much convenience.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

So, can you look at Arlo cameras on a Google Nest Hub? Absolutely. The integration is real, functional, and—for many users—a game-changer. Being able to say, “Hey Google, show me the front door,” and see a live feed without touching your phone is incredibly convenient. It’s perfect for quick checks, greeting visitors, or just keeping an eye on things while you’re busy.

But it’s not flawless. You can’t watch recordings, control camera movement, or see AI alerts on the Hub screen. And the setup isn’t as seamless as Google-to-Google integrations. If you’re okay with those trade-offs, the Arlo + Nest Hub combo is a solid choice. If you want full camera control on your Hub, you might consider switching to Nest cameras—or using a tablet as a dedicated viewer.

From my experience, the best approach is to embrace the limitations and use the integration for what it does best: quick, hands-free access to live feeds. Pair it with the Arlo app for deeper features, and you’ve got a smart, flexible security system.

At the end of the day, smart home tech is about convenience, not perfection. If your Nest Hub helps you see who’s at the door without dropping the spoon—or lets you check the backyard while cooking dinner—then it’s doing its job. And that’s what matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you look at Arlo cameras on Google Nest Hub?

Yes, you can view your Arlo cameras on a Google Nest Hub by linking your Arlo account to the Google Home app. Once connected, use voice commands or the touchscreen to stream live footage directly on your Nest Hub.

How do I connect my Arlo cameras to Google Nest Hub?

Open the Google Home app, tap “Add” > “Set up device” > “Works with Google,” and search for Arlo. Log in to your Arlo account to link the services. Your cameras will then appear as viewable devices on your Nest Hub.

Does Google Nest Hub support all Arlo camera models?

Most Arlo camera models, including Arlo Pro, Ultra, and Essential, are compatible with Google Nest Hub. However, features like two-way audio may vary depending on the specific model and firmware updates.

Can I view multiple Arlo cameras at once on the Nest Hub?

The Google Nest Hub allows you to view one Arlo camera feed at a time. To switch between cameras, use the “Show me [camera name]” voice command or manually select a camera through the touchscreen interface.

Is there a delay when streaming Arlo cameras on Google Nest Hub?

There may be a slight 1-3 second delay due to network processing and streaming optimization. For real-time monitoring, ensure both your Arlo system and Nest Hub have strong Wi-Fi connections.

Do I need an Arlo subscription to use cameras with Google Nest Hub?

No, you don’t need an Arlo subscription to view live feeds on the Nest Hub. However, cloud recording, motion detection alerts, and advanced features require an active Arlo Secure subscription.