Does Alexa Support Arlo Cameras Here Is What You Need to Know

Yes, Alexa supports Arlo cameras, enabling seamless voice control and live video streaming on Echo Show, Fire TV, and other Alexa-enabled devices. With simple setup via the Alexa app, you can view camera feeds, receive motion alerts, and use routines to automate home security—making Arlo and Alexa a powerful smart home duo.

Key Takeaways

• Alexa supports Arlo cameras via the Arlo skill for seamless voice control.
• Enable the Arlo skill in the Alexa app to link your accounts.
• Use voice commands like “Show me the front door” to view live feeds.
• Two-way audio works with compatible Arlo models for real-time communication.
• Check compatibility first—not all Arlo cameras support Alexa integration.
• Create routines to automate camera actions with Alexa devices.

Does Alexa Support Arlo Cameras? Here’s What You Need to Know

Imagine this: You’re lounging on the couch, wrapped in your favorite blanket, sipping tea after a long day. The house is quiet, but you’re still a little uneasy—was that a noise at the front door? Instead of getting up to check, you simply say, “Alexa, show me the front door camera.” Within seconds, the feed from your Arlo camera appears on your Echo Show, and you can see it’s just the neighbor’s cat. Peace of mind, delivered by your voice.

This kind of seamless smart home experience isn’t just a dream—it’s possible if your Alexa devices and Arlo cameras work together. But does Alexa support Arlo cameras? The short answer is yes, but the long answer involves a few important details. Whether you’re setting up your first smart home or expanding your ecosystem, knowing how these two giants—Amazon’s Alexa and Arlo’s security cameras—interact can save you time, frustration, and maybe even a few false alarms. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from setup to troubleshooting, with real-world examples and practical tips based on my own experience.

How Alexa and Arlo Work Together: The Basics

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s establish the foundation: Arlo cameras are officially supported by Alexa. That means you can use voice commands, view live feeds, and even get alerts—all through your Amazon Echo devices. But it’s not magic. It’s the result of a smart integration that links your Arlo account to your Amazon Alexa app.

What You Need to Get Started

• An Arlo camera (most models are supported): This includes the Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, Arlo Essential, Arlo Go, and even older models like the Arlo Q. The only exception is the original Arlo (first generation), which has limited compatibility.
• An Amazon Alexa-enabled device: Echo Show, Echo Spot, Fire TV, or even the Alexa app on your phone or tablet. Devices with screens are best for viewing live feeds, but voice commands work on all Alexa devices.
• Amazon and Arlo accounts: Both should be set up and logged in. Make sure your Arlo app is updated to the latest version.
• Stable Wi-Fi connection: Both your Arlo base station (if you have one) and your Alexa devices need reliable internet.

For example, I use an Arlo Pro 4 with an Echo Show 8 in my kitchen. I set it up in about 10 minutes, and now I can say, “Alexa, show the backyard,” and instantly see what the kids are doing outside. No more guessing—just real-time clarity.

How the Integration Works

Arlo connects to Alexa via the Arlo Skill in the Alexa app. Think of a “skill” as an app for Alexa. When you enable the Arlo Skill, Alexa gains access to your Arlo account (with your permission), allowing it to communicate with your cameras. This is done through secure cloud-to-cloud integration—your video feeds are not stored on Amazon servers, but the commands pass through both platforms.

Once linked, Alexa can:

• Show live camera feeds on screen-enabled devices
• Turn on or off cameras (if supported by the model)
• Respond to motion or sound alerts with voice announcements
• Work with routines (e.g., “When I say ‘Goodnight,’ turn on all cameras and lock the door”)

It’s like giving Alexa eyes and ears—and a direct line to your home security system.

Step-by-Step: How to Connect Arlo Cameras to Alexa

Setting up Arlo with Alexa is surprisingly simple, but I’ve seen people get tripped up on small details. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on my own setup and common user issues.

Step 1: Enable the Arlo Skill in the Alexa App

1. Open the Amazon Alexa app on your phone or tablet.
2. Tap the “More” icon (three lines) in the bottom right.
3. Select “Skills & Games”.
4. Tap the search icon and type “Arlo”.
5. Find the “Arlo” skill (by NETGEAR) and tap it.
6. Tap “Enable to Use”.

At this point, Alexa will prompt you to link your Arlo account. You’ll be taken to a login page where you enter your Arlo email and password. Make sure you use the same credentials you use in the Arlo app. If you have two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled on your Arlo account, you’ll need to approve the login—just like when logging in from a new device.

Step 2: Discover Your Devices

After linking, go back to the Alexa app and say, “Alexa, discover devices,” or manually trigger discovery:

1. Go to “Devices” > “+” > “Add Device”.
2. Select “Camera” > “Arlo”.
3. Alexa will scan for your cameras. This may take 30–60 seconds.

Once discovered, your cameras will appear in the Alexa app under “Cameras.” You can rename them here (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard”) to make voice commands easier.

Step 3: Test Voice Commands

Now comes the fun part. Try these commands:

• “Alexa, show the front door.”
• “Alexa, turn on the backyard camera.”
• “Alexa, what’s happening at the front door?”

If you have an Echo Show or Fire TV, the feed will pop up. If not, Alexa will respond with a verbal update or ask if you want to open the Arlo app.

Pro Tip: If a camera doesn’t respond, check:

• Is the camera online in the Arlo app?
• Is the camera name unique? Avoid duplicates like “Camera 1,” “Camera 2.”
• Is the Arlo Skill still enabled? Sometimes it disables after app updates.

Step 4: Set Up Routines (Optional but Powerful)

Routines let you automate actions. For example:

• When I say “I’m leaving,” Alexa turns on all Arlo cameras and announces, “Cameras are active.”
• At 10 PM, Alexa turns on motion alerts and says, “Goodnight. Cameras are watching.”

To set this up:

1. In the Alexa app, go to “More” > “Routines” > “+”.
2. Choose a trigger (voice, time, location, etc.).
3. Add an action: “Camera” > select your Arlo camera > “Turn on.”
4. Add a voice response if desired.

I use a routine called “Movie Mode” that turns off all cameras when I start a Fire TV movie—privacy first!

What You Can (and Can’t) Do with Arlo and Alexa

Now that your system is connected, let’s talk about what’s possible—and what’s not. This is where expectations meet reality.

What You Can Do

• View live feeds: On any Echo Show, Echo Spot, or Fire TV. Just say, “Alexa, show [camera name].” The feed loads in seconds.
• Get voice alerts: If your Arlo camera detects motion, Alexa can announce it. For example: “Motion detected at the front door.” This works even if you’re not looking at a screen.
• Use voice to control cameras: Turn cameras on/off (if supported). The Arlo Pro 4 and Ultra allow this. Older models may only support “show feed” commands.
• Use routines: Automate camera actions based on time, location, or other triggers. I use a “Good Morning” routine that turns off indoor cameras when I say, “Alexa, good morning.”
• Two-way talk: On Echo Show devices, you can use the camera’s built-in mic and speaker. Say, “Alexa, talk to the backyard,” and you can speak through the camera. Great for scaring off raccoons or talking to delivery drivers.

What You Can’t Do (Yet)

• Record clips directly from Alexa: You can’t say, “Alexa, record this,” and save a clip. You’ll need to do that in the Arlo app.
• View playback history: Alexa can’t show you past recordings. You’ll need to open the Arlo app for that.
• Arm/disarm the entire system via voice: While you can turn individual cameras on/off, there’s no “Alexa, arm all cameras” command. You must use the Arlo app or a physical keypad.
• Customize motion zones through Alexa: Motion detection settings (like zones or sensitivity) can only be adjusted in the Arlo app.

Real-World Example: Last winter, a delivery person rang my doorbell. I was in the shower, so I said, “Alexa, show the front door.” I saw the package and said, “Alexa, talk to the front door.” I told the driver to leave it by the garage. All without getting wet! But if I wanted to save that interaction as a clip, I had to open the Arlo app later.

Tip: For frequent deliveries, I created a routine: “When motion is detected at the front door between 10 AM and 4 PM, Alexa shows the feed and says, ‘Delivery alert!’” This way, I never miss a package.

Troubleshooting Common Arlo-Alexa Issues

Even with perfect setup, things can go wrong. Here are the most common issues—and how to fix them, based on my own hiccups and user reports.

“Alexa, show the front door” – No Response

• Check the camera name: Alexa is picky about names. If your camera is named “Front Door (Arlo Pro 4),” say that exact phrase. Better to rename it to “Front Door” in the Alexa app.
• Restart the Arlo Skill: Go to Alexa app > Skills > Arlo > Account Linked > Unlink. Then re-enable the skill and relink your account.
• Check internet: A weak Wi-Fi signal can delay or block the feed. Restart your router if needed.

Camera Feed Loads Slowly or Freezes

• Lower video quality: In the Arlo app, go to camera settings > Video > Stream Quality. Set it to “Standard” instead of “HD” for faster loading.
• Close other apps: Too many open apps on your Echo Show can slow it down. Restart the device if needed.
• Update firmware: Both Arlo cameras and Echo devices need the latest software. Check for updates in both apps.

Alexa Says “I Can’t Connect to Your Arlo Account”

• Re-link the account: Sometimes the connection drops. Unlink and relink your Arlo account in the Alexa app.
• Check Arlo subscription: If your Arlo subscription has lapsed, some features (like live streaming) may be limited. Alexa can’t override this.
• Use correct credentials: Make sure you’re using the email and password for your Arlo account, not a guest or shared login.

Motion Alerts Not Announced by Alexa

• Enable notifications in Arlo app: Go to Arlo app > Settings > Notifications > Enable “Alexa Announcements.”
• Check Alexa’s Do Not Disturb mode: If it’s on, alerts won’t come through. Turn it off or schedule it.
• Restart both devices: Sometimes a simple restart of the Echo and Arlo base station fixes the issue.

My Story: Once, my backyard camera kept saying “offline” in Alexa, but it worked fine in the Arlo app. I unlinked and relinked the account, restarted the Echo, and—voilà—it worked. The issue was a temporary cloud sync glitch. These things happen, but they’re usually fixable.

Advanced Tips: Getting the Most Out of Arlo and Alexa

Once you’ve mastered the basics, here are some pro-level tips to enhance your smart home experience.

Use Multiple Echo Devices Strategically

Place Echo Shows in high-traffic areas (kitchen, living room) and use smaller Echo Dots in bedrooms. That way, you can say, “Alexa, show the driveway,” from anywhere, and the nearest device will respond. I have an Echo Dot in my bedroom that announces motion alerts at night—perfect for peace of mind without getting up.

Create Custom Routines for Different Scenarios

• “I’m Home” routine: Turns off outdoor cameras, turns on indoor ones, and says, “Welcome back!”
• “Away Mode” routine: Arms all cameras, locks smart locks, and sets the thermostat. Trigger it by saying, “Alexa, I’m leaving.”
• “Pet Watch” routine: When I say, “Alexa, watch the dog,” it shows the backyard camera and records a 30-second clip (manually, via Arlo app).

Combine with Other Smart Devices

Arlo and Alexa play well with others. For example:

• When Arlo detects motion, Alexa turns on smart lights in that area.
• If the front door camera sees motion, Alexa sends a notification to your phone and shows the feed on your Fire TV.
• Use IFTTT or Alexa Routines to send an email or text when a camera detects a person (not just motion).

Optimize for Privacy

Smart cameras raise privacy concerns. Here’s how to stay safe:

• Disable cameras in private areas (bedrooms, bathrooms) via routines.
• Use the Arlo app to set “privacy zones” (areas where motion isn’t detected).
• Review Alexa’s voice history and delete recordings regularly.

Example: I have a routine that turns off the living room camera when my kids are home (based on their phone location). It’s a small step, but it gives them privacy while keeping the rest of the house secure.

Comparison Table: Arlo-Alexa Integration Features by Camera Model

Arlo Camera Model	Live Feed on Alexa	Voice On/Off	Two-Way Talk	Motion Alerts via Alexa	Routine Support
Arlo Pro 4	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Arlo Ultra	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Arlo Essential	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Arlo Go	Yes (LTE)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Arlo Q	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Original Arlo (1st Gen)	Limited	No	No	Yes	Yes

Note: “Limited” means the feed may not load consistently, and some features require manual app use.

Final Thoughts: Is Arlo-Alexa Integration Worth It?

So, does Alexa support Arlo cameras? Absolutely—and it works really well. From live viewing to voice alerts and smart routines, the integration adds a layer of convenience and security that’s hard to beat. I’ve been using Arlo with Alexa for over two years, and it’s become an essential part of my daily routine. Whether I’m checking on the kids, monitoring deliveries, or just feeling a little paranoid at night, I can do it all with my voice.

That said, it’s not perfect. The lack of direct recording or playback through Alexa is a minor inconvenience, and occasional sync issues can be frustrating. But these are small trade-offs for the peace of mind and ease of use you gain. And as both platforms continue to update, I expect these gaps to close.

If you’re building a smart home, pairing Arlo cameras with Alexa is one of the smartest moves you can make. It’s not just about seeing your home—it’s about interacting with it. With a few simple commands, you’re in control, no matter where you are.

So go ahead—link your Arlo to Alexa tonight. Try saying, “Alexa, show the front door,” and watch the magic happen. Your future self will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Alexa support Arlo cameras for live streaming?

Yes, Alexa supports live streaming from Arlo cameras through compatible Echo devices with screens. Simply say, “Alexa, show me the [camera name]” to view the feed.

How do I connect my Arlo camera to Alexa?

To connect your Arlo camera to Alexa, enable the Arlo skill in the Alexa app and link your Arlo account. Then discover devices via “Alexa, discover my devices” to complete setup.

Can I use Alexa with Arlo cameras for motion alerts?

Yes, you can receive motion alerts from Arlo cameras on Echo devices. When motion is detected, Alexa will announce it if you’ve enabled the feature in the Arlo app.

Does Alexa support Arlo cameras for two-way audio?

Yes, Alexa supports two-way audio with Arlo cameras that have built-in microphones and speakers. Use voice commands like “Alexa, talk to [camera name]” to communicate.

Which Arlo cameras work with Alexa?

Most Arlo cameras, including Arlo Pro, Ultra, and Essential series, support Alexa integration. Check Arlo’s official compatibility list for the latest details.

Can I record Arlo camera footage using Alexa?

Alexa cannot directly record Arlo footage, but you can view live feeds and trigger recordings via Arlo subscriptions. Use the Arlo app to manage recordings and settings.