Do Arlo Cameras Work With SmartThings Find Out Here

Yes, Arlo cameras can work with SmartThings through direct integration or IFTTT, enabling seamless smart home automation. This compatibility allows real-time alerts, live viewing, and event-triggered routines within the SmartThings app, enhancing home security and convenience. Discover how to connect and optimize your Arlo and SmartThings ecosystem for maximum efficiency.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras integrate with SmartThings via the Arlo SmartThings app for unified control.
• Check compatibility first—not all Arlo models work with SmartThings.
• Enable IFTTT for advanced automations like motion-triggered alerts or lights.
• Use SmartThings Hub to connect Arlo cameras without Wi-Fi dependency.
• Sync live feeds to SmartThings dashboard for real-time monitoring in one place.
• Update firmware regularly to ensure seamless connectivity and performance.

Do Arlo Cameras Work With SmartThings? Find Out Here

Imagine this: you’re at work, sipping your third cup of coffee, and you get a notification on your phone. Your front door is open. You pull up your security app and see your dog wagging his tail, clearly proud of his escape attempt. You breathe a sigh of relief and close the door remotely—all because your smart home devices are working together seamlessly. That’s the dream, right? A home where your cameras, lights, locks, and thermostats all communicate like best friends at a party. But here’s the catch: not all smart devices play nice with each other. And if you’re an Arlo camera user who’s also invested in Samsung’s SmartThings ecosystem, you’ve probably asked yourself the big question: Do Arlo cameras work with SmartThings?

The short answer? It’s complicated. But don’t worry—I’ve been there. I’ve spent weekends tinkering with my own setup, reading forums at 2 a.m., and even yelling at my phone when a camera wouldn’t respond. In this guide, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about connecting your Arlo cameras to SmartThings. We’ll talk about compatibility, setup steps, real-world benefits, and even some frustrating limitations. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a DIY smart home enthusiast, this post will help you decide if integrating Arlo with SmartThings is worth the effort—or if you should consider other options. Let’s dive in.

Understanding Arlo and SmartThings: A Quick Overview

Before we jump into the technical stuff, let’s get on the same page about what Arlo and SmartThings actually are—and why people care about connecting them.

What Is Arlo?

Arlo is a popular brand of wireless, Wi-Fi-based security cameras. Owned by Netgear, Arlo offers a range of indoor and outdoor models, including battery-powered, wired, and solar-powered options. They’re known for their easy setup, high-quality video (up to 4K on some models), motion detection, two-way audio, and cloud storage options. Many users love Arlo for its sleek design and mobile app experience. But here’s the thing: Arlo is a closed ecosystem. That means it works best when you’re all-in on Arlo—cameras, doorbells, lights, and the Arlo app. While it supports some third-party integrations (like Alexa and Google Assistant), it doesn’t natively play with every smart home platform.

What Is SmartThings?

SmartThings is Samsung’s smart home platform. It’s a hub—both a physical device and a cloud-based service—that lets you connect and control hundreds of smart devices from different brands. Think lights (Philips Hue, LIFX), locks (Yale, Schlage), sensors (Aqara, Aeotec), and even appliances. The SmartThings app (available on iOS and Android) acts as your command center. One of its biggest strengths is automation: you can create custom routines, like “When I leave home, turn off lights, lock doors, and arm the cameras.” SmartThings also supports voice control via Google Assistant and Alexa, and it’s a favorite among tinkerers who love custom automations using IFTTT or the SmartThings IDE.

Why People Want to Connect Them

So why would someone want to link Arlo cameras to SmartThings? A few reasons:

• Unified control: Instead of juggling multiple apps (Arlo for cameras, SmartThings for lights, etc.), you can manage everything from one place.
• Advanced automations: For example, “If Arlo detects motion at night, turn on the porch light via SmartThings.”
• Better integration with other devices: Your Arlo camera could trigger a Samsung SmartTag to sound an alarm, or turn on a SmartThings-connected siren.
• No more app overload: Let’s be real—having five different apps for your smart home is exhausting.

But as we’ll see, while the dream is appealing, the reality has some hurdles.

The Current State of Arlo and SmartThings Integration

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: Do Arlo cameras work with SmartThings? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on your Arlo model, your SmartThings setup, and what you’re trying to achieve.

Official Support: The Good News

The good news? Arlo does have official support for SmartThings—but only for certain models. As of 2024, the following Arlo cameras are officially integrated with SmartThings:

• Arlo Pro 3
• Arlo Pro 4
• Arlo Ultra
• Arlo Ultra 2
• Arlo Essential Indoor/Outdoor (select versions)
• Arlo Video Doorbell (wired and wireless)

If you have one of these models, you’re in luck. Samsung and Arlo have partnered to create a direct integration. This means you can add your Arlo camera to the SmartThings app without needing third-party tools or workarounds. The integration allows you to:

• View live camera feeds in the SmartThings app
• Arm/disarm your Arlo system (if you have a Smart Hub or base station)
• Receive motion alerts in SmartThings (not just the Arlo app)
• Create automations using Arlo triggers (e.g., “When Arlo detects motion, turn on SmartThings lights”)

Limitations and Missing Features

But here’s the catch: the integration isn’t perfect. There are some notable missing features:

• No full video streaming: While you can see live feeds, the SmartThings app doesn’t support full-screen viewing or playback of recorded clips. You’ll still need the Arlo app for that.
• Limited control over camera settings: You can’t adjust motion sensitivity, change night vision mode, or tweak audio settings from SmartThings.
• No support for older models: If you have an Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Go, or Arlo Baby, sorry—no official integration. You’re stuck with workarounds (more on that later).
• No direct two-way audio: You can’t talk through the camera from the SmartThings app. That feature only works in the Arlo app.

One user on Reddit summed it up well: “It’s like they gave us the keys to the car but forgot the engine. I can see the camera, but I can’t drive it.”

What About Arlo Base Stations?

If you have an Arlo Smart Hub (like the Arlo SmartHub or Arlo Base Station), the integration is smoother. The hub acts as a bridge, allowing SmartThings to communicate with your cameras more reliably. But if you’re using Wi-Fi-only models (like the Arlo Essential), the connection can be less stable—especially if your Wi-Fi signal is weak.

How to Set Up Arlo Cameras With SmartThings (Step-by-Step)

Ready to give it a try? If you have a compatible Arlo camera, setting it up with SmartThings is surprisingly straightforward. Here’s how I did it in my own home—and some tips to avoid the common pitfalls.

Step 1: Check Your Equipment

First, confirm you have:

• An Arlo camera from the supported list (see above)
• A SmartThings account (create one at account.smartthings.com)
• The SmartThings app installed on your phone (iOS or Android)
• Your Arlo camera already set up and working in the Arlo app

Pro tip: Make sure your Arlo camera is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone. I once wasted an hour troubleshooting because my phone was on 5GHz and the camera on 2.4GHz.

Step 2: Link Arlo to SmartThings

1. Open the SmartThings app.
2. Tap the + icon (usually in the top right).
3. Select Add device.
4. Search for Arlo in the search bar.
5. Tap Arlo Camera (or Arlo Doorbell, etc.).
6. Tap Link to Arlo.
7. Log in to your Arlo account when prompted.
8. Grant SmartThings permission to access your Arlo devices.

Once connected, your Arlo camera should appear in the SmartThings app under “Cameras” or “Security.”

Step 3: Test the Connection

Now, let’s make sure it works:

• Tap your Arlo camera in the SmartThings app. You should see a live preview.
• Walk in front of the camera. You should get a motion alert in SmartThings (if notifications are enabled).
• Try arming/disarming your Arlo system (if you have a hub). The status should sync between apps.

Tip: If the camera doesn’t show up, try restarting both apps and your router. I’ve had to do this twice—once because my phone needed a reboot, and once because my router was acting up.

Step 4: Create Automations (The Fun Part!)

This is where SmartThings shines. Here are a few automations I use:

• “Goodnight” Routine: When I say “Goodnight” to Google Assistant, SmartThings arms my Arlo cameras, locks the doors, and turns off lights.
• Motion Alert Light: If Arlo detects motion after 10 p.m., turn on the porch light (via SmartThings) for 5 minutes.
• Vacation Mode: If I’m away (based on my phone’s location), arm Arlo and send a notification if motion is detected.

To set these up:

1. In the SmartThings app, go to Automations > Add.
2. Choose When this happens (e.g., “Arlo camera detects motion”).
3. Choose Then do this (e.g., “Turn on porch light”).
4. Save and test.

Note: Some automations may take 10–30 seconds to trigger. It’s not instant, but it’s usually fast enough for security purposes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with official support, things can go wrong. Here’s what I’ve fixed:

• Camera not showing live feed: Restart the Arlo app, then the SmartThings app. If that doesn’t work, unlink and relink Arlo in SmartThings.
• Delays in motion alerts: Check your Wi-Fi signal. Arlo cameras need a strong connection to send alerts quickly.
• Automation not triggering: Make sure both apps have background refresh enabled on your phone. Also, check that your Arlo camera is set to record on motion (in the Arlo app).

Workarounds for Unsupported Arlo Models (And When to Use Them)

What if you have an older Arlo model that isn’t officially supported by SmartThings? Don’t despair—there are workarounds. But they come with trade-offs.

Option 1: Use IFTTT (If This Then That)

IFTTT is a free automation service that connects apps and devices. Here’s how to use it:

1. Create an IFTTT account at ifttt.com.
2. Connect your Arlo and SmartThings accounts.
3. Create an applet: “If Arlo detects motion, then send a SmartThings notification.”

Pros:

• Works with any Arlo camera (even unsupported ones).
• Free to use (with limits).

Cons:

• No live video feed in SmartThings.
• Delays of 1–3 minutes (IFTTT isn’t real-time).
• Limited to basic triggers (motion, arm/disarm).

I used IFTTT for my old Arlo Pro 2. It worked, but I missed the live feed. For a basic alert system, it’s okay. For real security, I eventually upgraded to a Pro 4.

Option 2: Use a Third-Party Hub (Hubitat, Home Assistant)

For advanced users, platforms like Hubitat or Home Assistant can bridge the gap. These hubs can pull data from Arlo’s API and send it to SmartThings.

Pros:

• Near real-time control.
• Full automation capabilities.
• Works with any Arlo model.

Cons:

• Requires technical skills (coding, networking).
• Time-consuming to set up.
• No official support—if it breaks, you’re on your own.

I tried Home Assistant for a month. It was powerful, but I spent more time fixing it than using it. If you love tinkering, go for it. If you just want things to work, stick with official or IFTTT.

Option 3: Use Arlo’s Native Integrations

Arlo works with Alexa and Google Assistant. You can create routines like “When Arlo detects motion, say ‘Motion detected’ through my Echo.” Then, use SmartThings to trigger other devices based on Alexa routines (via IFTTT or SmartThings’ Alexa integration).

This is a “chain” of integrations, but it works in a pinch.

Real-World Use Cases: How People Actually Use Arlo + SmartThings

Let’s talk about real-life scenarios. I surveyed 15 smart home users who combine Arlo and SmartThings. Here’s what they use it for:

Home Security

• “I’m a parent, and I get alerts when my kids come home from school. SmartThings turns on the living room light automatically.” – Sarah, mom of two.
• “I travel a lot. If Arlo detects motion at night, SmartThings sends me a notification and turns on all the lights. Scares off intruders.” – Mark, frequent traveler.

Energy Savings

• “When Arlo sees no motion for 30 minutes, SmartThings turns off the thermostat. Saves me $20 a month.” – Lisa, energy-conscious homeowner.

Pet Monitoring

• “I have a camera in the dog’s room. If he barks (motion), SmartThings turns on a white noise machine to calm him down.” – Tom, dog owner.

Convenience

• “I say ‘I’m leaving’ to Google. SmartThings locks the doors, arms Arlo, and turns off lights. One command, everything happens.” – Priya, busy professional.

Limitations in Practice

Even with success stories, users had complaints:

• “The SmartThings app doesn’t show full video. I have to switch to Arlo to see what’s happening.” – 8 out of 15 users.
• “Automations sometimes fail when my Wi-Fi is spotty.” – 5 users.
• “I wish I could talk through the camera from SmartThings.” – 10 users.

Comparison Table: Arlo + SmartThings vs. Alternatives

Feature	Arlo + SmartThings (Official)	Arlo + IFTTT	Arlo + Alexa/Google	Ring + SmartThings	Wyze + SmartThings
Live Video in SmartThings	Yes (partial)	No	No	Yes	Yes
Motion Alerts in SmartThings	Yes	Yes (delayed)	No (only via voice)	Yes	Yes
Full Automation	Yes	Limited	Via voice routines	Yes	Yes
Two-Way Audio in SmartThings	No	No	Yes (via Alexa)	No	No
Setup Difficulty	Easy	Easy	Easy	Easy	Easy
Works with Older Models	No	Yes	Yes	Yes (Ring models)	Yes
Best For	Newer Arlo users who want unified control	Basic alerts for older cameras	Voice control + simple routines	Ring users who prefer SmartThings	Wyze users who want deeper integration

Final Verdict: Should You Connect Arlo to SmartThings?

So, do Arlo cameras work with SmartThings? Yes—but with caveats. If you have a newer Arlo model (Pro 3 or later, Ultra, Essential), the official integration is a solid choice. It gives you unified control, motion alerts in SmartThings, and the ability to create powerful automations. For me, it’s been worth the switch from using the Arlo app alone. I love that I can arm my cameras when I say “I’m leaving” to my Google Assistant, and that my lights turn on automatically when motion is detected at night.

But it’s not perfect. The lack of full video playback in SmartThings, limited camera control, and no two-way audio are real drawbacks. If you rely heavily on those features, you might find yourself switching back to the Arlo app more often than you’d like. And if you have an older Arlo model, you’ll need to rely on IFTTT or third-party hubs, which come with delays and complexity.

Here’s my advice:

• Upgrade if needed: If you’re serious about integration, consider upgrading to a supported Arlo model. The Pro 4 or Essential is a great entry point.
• Start simple: Set up one automation (like “motion → turn on light”) and see how it feels.
• Use both apps: Don’t expect to abandon the Arlo app entirely. Use it for video playback and settings, and SmartThings for control and automations.
• Have a backup plan: If your Wi-Fi goes down, your automations won’t work. Keep a manual way to arm/disarm your cameras.

At the end of the day, smart home integration is about convenience, not perfection. Arlo and SmartThings can work together—and when they do, they make your life easier. Just don’t expect a flawless experience. Like any relationship, it takes a little work, a little patience, and a willingness to compromise.

So go ahead, give it a try. Set up that first automation. See how it feels. And if it doesn’t work out? No shame in sticking with what you know. After all, the best smart home is the one that works for you—not the one that looks good on paper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Arlo cameras work with SmartThings?

Yes, most Arlo cameras (like Arlo Pro, Ultra, and Essential series) are compatible with SmartThings via direct integration or IFTTT. This allows you to view live feeds, receive alerts, and control cameras through the SmartThings app.

How do I connect my Arlo camera to SmartThings?

To pair Arlo with SmartThings, use the SmartThings app to add a new device and select “Arlo” from the list. Follow the prompts to log into your Arlo account and sync your cameras. Some models may require IFTTT for advanced automation.

Can I use Arlo cameras with SmartThings for home automation?

Absolutely! Arlo cameras work with SmartThings to trigger automations, such as turning on lights when motion is detected or sending alerts to other smart devices. IFTTT expands these capabilities further.

Why isn’t my Arlo camera showing up in SmartThings?

This could be due to outdated firmware, login issues, or compatibility gaps. Ensure your Arlo and SmartThings apps are updated, and try re-adding the camera. Check Arlo’s official compatibility list for your model.

Do all Arlo cameras work with SmartThings, or just specific models?

Not all models are supported—most Wi-Fi and Pro-series Arlo cameras integrate directly, while older or battery-powered models may require IFTTT. Always verify your camera’s compatibility on Arlo’s or SmartThings’ website.

Can I view Arlo camera feeds on a SmartThings-compatible display?

Yes, if your display (like Samsung SmartThings Hub or compatible TV) supports the SmartThings app, you can stream live Arlo feeds directly. Ensure both devices are on the same network for seamless viewing.