Do Arlo Cameras Work With Apple Home Find Out Here

Yes, Arlo cameras work with Apple Home via HomeKit Secure Video, enabling seamless integration for live streaming, motion alerts, and end-to-end encryption. Compatible models like Arlo Pro 4, Ultra, and Essential Wired/Wireless support automation and Siri voice commands when set up through the Apple Home app—offering privacy-focused smart home convenience without sacrificing performance.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras work with Apple Home: Seamless integration via HomeKit for iOS users.
• Check compatibility first: Only select Arlo models support Apple HomeKit natively.
• Use Home app for control: View live feeds, adjust settings directly in Apple Home.
• No extra hub needed: Direct Wi-Fi connection simplifies setup with Apple devices.
• Enable HomeKit in Arlo app: Pair via QR code for secure, encrypted streaming.

Why Smart Home Integration Matters

You’ve just installed your shiny new Arlo Pro 5S, set it up with the app, and you’re feeling like a tech wizard. The night vision is crisp, motion detection is spot on, and you’re already catching your neighbor’s cat doing acrobatics on your porch. But then it hits you: do Arlo cameras work with Apple Home? If you’re deep into the Apple ecosystem—using an iPhone, iPad, HomePod, or Apple TV—this question isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a make-or-break for your smart home experience.

Imagine this: you’re lounging on the couch, watching a movie on your iPad, and you want to check the backyard without unlocking your phone, opening the Arlo app, and waiting for the stream to load. What if you could just say, “Hey Siri, show me the front door,” and your living room Apple TV pulls up the live feed? That’s the magic of Apple Home integration. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about creating a seamless, unified smart home where your devices feel like they’re part of one big, intelligent family. But does Arlo play nice with Apple’s ecosystem? Let’s dig in and find out.

Arlo and Apple Home: The Current State of Compatibility

Which Arlo Cameras Are Apple HomeKit Compatible?

Not all Arlo cameras are created equal when it comes to Apple HomeKit support. As of 2024, the good news is that Arlo has expanded compatibility with Apple Home, but only for select models. The cameras that officially work with Apple HomeKit include:

• Arlo Pro 5S (2nd Gen)
• Arlo Ultra 2
• Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera (2nd Gen)
• Arlo Essential Indoor Camera (2nd Gen)
• Arlo Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)

These models support Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video (HKSV), which is a big deal. Older models like the original Arlo Ultra, Arlo Pro 3, or Arlo Go are not compatible with HomeKit—even with firmware updates. So if you’re shopping for Arlo gear with Apple Home in mind, stick to the 2nd Gen or newer versions.

What Does “HomeKit Compatible” Actually Mean?

When Arlo says a camera is “HomeKit compatible,” it means it can be added to the Apple Home app, appear on your HomeKit dashboard, and respond to Siri voice commands. But it’s more than just a label. Here’s what you actually get:

• Live video streaming directly in the Home app (no need for the Arlo app).
• Two-way audio through Siri or the Home app—great for talking to delivery people.
• Motion alerts that appear on your iPhone, Apple Watch, or HomePod with custom labels (e.g., “Front Door Motion Detected”).
• HomeKit Secure Video (HKSV) for encrypted, privacy-focused cloud storage.
• Scene integration—trigger lights or cameras based on motion events.

For example, I have my Arlo Video Doorbell set up so that when someone rings the bell, my HomePod announces, “Someone’s at the front door,” and my living room lights pulse gently. It’s not just smart—it’s *thoughtful*.

Limitations You Should Know About

While the integration is solid, it’s not perfect. One of the biggest limitations is that not all Arlo features are available in the Apple Home app. For instance:

• You can’t adjust motion sensitivity or create activity zones through HomeKit.
• Custom alerts (like person, package, or animal detection) require the Arlo app.
• Recording quality settings (1080p vs. 4K) are managed in Arlo, not HomeKit.
• No support for Arlo’s “Smart Hub” features like local storage or AI filtering in HomeKit.

So think of Apple Home as a “view and interact” layer. You get the live feed, alerts, and basic controls—but for fine-tuning, you’ll still need the Arlo app. It’s a bit like having a remote that can turn the TV on and off and change channels, but you need the full remote to adjust color settings.

How to Set Up Arlo Cameras with Apple Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Prerequisites: What You’ll Need

Before you start, make sure you have the following:

• An Arlo camera from the compatible list (see above).
• An iPhone or iPad with the latest version of iOS/iPadOS.
• A HomePod, Apple TV, or iPad set up as a home hub (required for remote access and HKSV).
• The Arlo app installed and the camera already set up.
• An iCloud+ subscription (for HomeKit Secure Video, you’ll need at least 200GB or higher).

I learned this the hard way when I tried to add my Arlo Pro 5S without a home hub. The camera showed up in the Home app, but I couldn’t access it remotely or get secure video recordings. A quick trip to the Apple Store for an old iPad (used as a hub) fixed that.

Step 1: Enable HomeKit in the Arlo App

1. Open the Arlo app and go to Settings for your camera.
2. Look for Apple HomeKit or Works with Apple Home.
3. Toggle it on. You’ll see a QR code or 8-digit code appear.
4. Tap “Add to Apple Home”.

Pro tip: If you don’t see the HomeKit option, double-check that your camera firmware is up to date. Arlo occasionally rolls out compatibility via updates.

Step 2: Add the Camera to the Apple Home App

1. Open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap the “+” in the top-right, then “Add Accessory”.
3. Scan the QR code from the Arlo app or manually enter the 8-digit code.
4. Assign the camera to a room (e.g., “Front Yard”) and give it a name (e.g., “Front Door”).
5. Tap “Done”.

Once added, the camera will appear in your Home dashboard. You can tap it to view a live feed, adjust the camera angle (if it’s a pan/tilt model), or start a two-way audio call.

Step 3: Configure HomeKit Secure Video (Optional but Recommended)

If you want encrypted, private recordings, enable HKSV:

1. In the Home app, tap the camera, then “Settings” (gear icon).
2. Tap “Recording Options” and choose “Stream and Allow Recording”.
3. Select your iCloud+ plan (200GB for 1 camera, 2TB for up to 5 cameras).
4. Enable “Person Detection” and “Package Detection” (if supported).

HKSV is a game-changer. Unlike Arlo’s standard cloud storage, HKSV encrypts videos before they leave your device. Even Apple can’t see them. Plus, recordings are stored in iCloud, not Arlo’s servers—so you’re not locked into a subscription just for video history.

Step 4: Set Up Automations and Scenes

Now for the fun part—automations. Here are a few ideas:

• “Good Morning” scene: When you say “Good morning” to Siri, turn on lights and show the front door camera on your HomePod.
• Motion-triggered lights: If motion is detected at night, turn on your porch light for 5 minutes.
• Doorbell announcement: When someone rings the doorbell, announce it on all HomePods in the house.

To set these up, go to Automations in the Home app and create new triggers based on camera events. It’s surprisingly easy—and incredibly satisfying when it works.

Real-World Benefits of Using Arlo with Apple Home

Seamless Voice Control with Siri

One of the biggest wins is voice control. Instead of fumbling with your phone, you can just say:

• “Hey Siri, show me the backyard.”
• “Hey Siri, is the front door camera on?”
• “Hey Siri, who’s at the door?” (triggers the doorbell camera)

I use this daily. When I hear a noise outside, I don’t reach for my phone—I just ask Siri. It’s faster, safer, and feels futuristic. Plus, it works with CarPlay: if you’re driving home, you can check your cameras without taking your eyes off the road.

Unified Smart Home Experience

Apple Home lets you group devices into rooms, zones, and scenes. For example, I have a “Security” scene that:

• Turns on all outdoor lights.
• Activates the front and backyard cameras.
• Locks the smart door lock (via HomeKit).

When I say “Hey Siri, I’m leaving,” it runs the scene automatically. No more checking each device individually. It’s like having a personal security manager.

Enhanced Privacy with HomeKit Secure Video

Privacy is a huge concern with cloud-based cameras. Arlo’s standard service stores videos on their servers, which means they have access to your footage (though they say they don’t view it). With HKSV, your videos are encrypted end-to-end. Only you can see them—and they’re stored in your iCloud account, not a third-party server.

For example, when my dog triggers motion at night, the video is analyzed locally on my Apple TV (home hub). If it detects a person, it sends an alert. The video is encrypted and stored in iCloud. Arlo never sees it. That’s peace of mind you can’t put a price on.

Remote Access Without Arlo Subscription

Here’s a pro tip: you don’t need an Arlo subscription to view live feeds or get motion alerts through Apple Home. As long as you have a home hub (Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad), you can access your cameras remotely—even from another country.

Compare that to Arlo’s own service, which requires a $2.99/month subscription for 7-day cloud storage. With Apple Home, you get free live streaming and basic alerts. You only pay for HKSV if you want recordings (and even then, it’s often cheaper than Arlo’s equivalent).

Common Challenges and How to Fix Them

“My Arlo Camera Won’t Add to Apple Home”

This is the #1 complaint. If you’re stuck, try these fixes:

• Update firmware: Go to the Arlo app > Settings > My Devices > Check for updates.
• Restart the camera: Unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
• Reset HomeKit pairing: In the Arlo app, turn off HomeKit, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
• Check your home hub: Make sure your Apple TV or iPad is on and connected to Wi-Fi.

I once spent an hour troubleshooting only to realize my HomePod was unplugged. Lesson learned: always check the basics first.

“I Can’t See My Camera in the Home App”

If the camera appears in the Arlo app but not in Home:

• Make sure the camera is assigned to a room in the Home app.
• Check that your iPhone and camera are on the same Wi-Fi network.
• Restart the Home app and force-quit it (swipe up and hold, then swipe the app away).
• Sign out of iCloud and back in (Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out).

“HKSV Recordings Are Missing”

If you’re not getting video recordings:

• Verify you’ve enabled HKSV in the Home app (see Step 3 above).
• Check your iCloud storage—if you’re out of space, recordings won’t save.
• Ensure your home hub is online. HKSV requires a constant connection.
• Wait 24 hours—HKSV can take time to activate fully.

One time, my recordings stopped working after an iOS update. A quick reboot of my Apple TV fixed it. Updates can sometimes break integrations, so don’t panic—just restart.

Arlo vs. Apple Ecosystem: A Feature Comparison

Feature	Arlo App	Apple Home + HKSV
Live Streaming	Yes (with subscription for remote access)	Yes (free with home hub)
Video Recording	Yes (cloud or local, with subscription)	Yes (encrypted cloud, iCloud+ required)
Motion Detection	Custom zones, AI filtering	Person, package, animal detection
Voice Control	Alexa, Google Assistant	Siri, HomePod, CarPlay
Two-Way Audio	Yes	Yes
Local Storage	Yes (with Smart Hub)	No (requires iCloud)
Privacy	Standard encryption	End-to-end encryption (HKSV)
Cost	$2.99+/month (cloud storage)	$2.99+/month (iCloud+ for HKSV)

This table shows the trade-offs. Arlo gives you more granular control (like activity zones), while Apple Home offers better privacy and integration. For most Apple users, the ecosystem benefits outweigh the missing features.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

So, do Arlo cameras work with Apple Home? Yes—but with caveats. If you’re using a compatible model (Pro 5S, Ultra 2, or 2nd Gen Essentials), the integration is smooth, reliable, and genuinely useful. You’ll get Siri voice control, unified scenes, and top-tier privacy with HomeKit Secure Video.

But it’s not a full replacement for the Arlo app. You’ll still need it for advanced settings, custom alerts, and local storage (if you have a Smart Hub). Think of Apple Home as the “front door” to your Arlo cameras—convenient, secure, and smart—while the Arlo app is the “back door” for power users who want every feature.

For Apple loyalists, this combo is a no-brainer. It turns your Arlo cameras into true members of your smart home family. No more juggling apps. No more subscription lock-in for basic features. Just seamless, private, and voice-controlled security.

So if you’re building an Apple-centric home, go for it. Buy a compatible Arlo camera, set it up with HomeKit, and enjoy the best of both worlds. And the next time your neighbor’s cat shows up, you can say, “Hey Siri, show me the porch,” and watch the chaos unfold—without ever touching your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Arlo cameras work with Apple HomeKit?

Yes, select Arlo cameras (like Ultra, Pro 3, Pro 4, and Essential models) support Apple HomeKit when paired with an Arlo SmartHub. This enables basic viewing and motion alerts in the Apple Home app.

Can I use Arlo cameras with Apple Home for live viewing?

Absolutely. With HomeKit compatibility, you can stream live footage from your Arlo cameras directly in the Apple Home app or via Siri commands like “Show me the front door.”

Do all Arlo cameras integrate with Apple Home?

No, only newer models with HomeKit support work with Apple Home. Older Arlo cameras or those without a SmartHub won’t connect to Apple’s ecosystem.

How do I set up Arlo cameras with Apple Home?

First, ensure your camera is HomeKit-compatible. Then, scan the setup code in the Apple Home app or use the Arlo app to enable HomeKit integration via the SmartHub.

Does Arlo work with Apple Home for automation?

Yes! You can create automations (e.g., turn on lights when motion is detected) using Arlo cameras in the Apple Home app, though advanced features may require the Arlo app.

Can I use Siri with Arlo cameras on Apple Home?

Yes, Siri works with Arlo cameras for voice commands like “Show me the backyard” or “Turn on camera recording” if the camera is linked to Apple HomeKit.