Does Arlo Camera Work With SmartThings Find Out Here

Yes, Arlo cameras work with SmartThings through direct integration via the SmartThings app, enabling seamless control and automation within your smart home ecosystem. You can view live feeds, receive motion alerts, and create routines—though advanced features like two-way talk may require additional setup or IFTTT. This compatibility makes Arlo a solid choice for SmartThings users seeking reliable, expandable security.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras work with SmartThings via direct integration or IFTTT for automation.
• Check compatibility first—not all Arlo models support SmartThings natively.
• Use IFTTT as a bridge if direct integration isn’t available for your model.
• Enable real-time alerts by syncing Arlo motion detection with SmartThings routines.
• Centralize control by adding Arlo feeds to the SmartThings dashboard.
• Update firmware regularly to ensure seamless connectivity and feature access.

Does Arlo Camera Work With SmartThings? The Truth Behind the Integration

Imagine this: You’re at work, sipping your third coffee, when your phone buzzes. A motion alert. You open your Arlo app and see your dog knocking over the trash can. You sigh, smile, and think, “At least the smart home is working.” But then you wonder—what if your Arlo camera could talk to your SmartThings hub? What if that motion alert could trigger your smart lights to turn on, or your robot vacuum to start cleaning? That’s the dream, right?

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Does Arlo camera work with SmartThings?”, you’re not alone. Home automation is all about making devices work together seamlessly. But here’s the catch: not all smart home brands play nice. Some are best friends, others barely acknowledge each other. Arlo and SmartThings fall into a gray area—one that’s confusing, evolving, and full of “it depends” answers. In this post, I’ll break down exactly how these two systems interact (or don’t), share real-world examples, and help you decide if integrating them is worth your time.

Understanding Arlo and SmartThings: A Quick Overview

What Is Arlo?

Arlo is a popular brand of wire-free, Wi-Fi-enabled security cameras. Think of them as the friendly neighborhood watch for your smart home. They’re known for:

• Wire-free installation (no drilling or wiring needed)
• Weather-resistant outdoor models
• High-quality video (up to 4K on newer models)
• AI-powered motion detection (person, vehicle, animal alerts)
• Cloud and local storage options

Popular models include the Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, Arlo Essential, and Arlo Video Doorbell. They’re designed to be standalone systems, but Arlo also offers some smart home integrations.

What Is SmartThings?

SmartThings is Samsung’s smart home platform. It’s a hub (and app) that connects devices from different brands into one ecosystem. Think of it as the “conductor” of your smart home orchestra. SmartThings supports:

• Zigbee and Z-Wave protocols (for low-power devices)
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• Over 200 compatible brands (Philips Hue, Ring, Ecobee, etc.)
• Automation “routines” (e.g., “Goodnight” turns off lights and locks doors)

It’s a powerful tool for creating a unified smart home, but it doesn’t work with every device. That’s where Arlo comes in—or doesn’t.

Why Integration Matters

Imagine your Arlo camera detects motion at your front door. With integration, you could:

• Turn on your Philips Hue porch lights
• Send a notification to your SmartThings dashboard
• Trigger a “Welcome Home” routine (lights on, thermostat adjusts)
• Record the event in your SmartThings activity log

Without integration? You’re stuck opening two apps, checking alerts manually, and missing out on automation magic. That’s why so many people want to know: Can Arlo and SmartThings work together?

Direct Integration: The Official Answer

Does Arlo Officially Support SmartThings?

The short answer: **No, not directly.** Arlo does not appear in the “official” list of SmartThings-compatible devices. If you open the SmartThings app and search for “Arlo,” you won’t find a native integration option. Arlo’s own website lists integrations with:

• Amazon Alexa
• Google Assistant
• Apple HomeKit (on select models)
• IFTTT (more on this later)

SmartThings is **not** on that list. This means you can’t pair your Arlo camera with SmartThings like you would a Philips Hue bulb or a Samsung SmartThings sensor.

Why Isn’t There Official Support?

There are a few theories:

• Business strategy: Arlo and SmartThings are competitors in the smart home space. Arlo wants you to use their ecosystem (Arlo Secure, Arlo app), while SmartThings wants you to use theirs.
• Technical limitations: Arlo cameras use Wi-Fi and cloud-based processing. SmartThings relies heavily on Zigbee/Z-Wave for local control. These protocols don’t easily “talk” to each other.
• Security concerns: Arlo handles sensitive video data. Opening that up to third-party hubs like SmartThings could raise privacy issues.

Whatever the reason, the lack of official support is a real bummer for users who want a unified system.

But Wait—What About the “Arlo” Device Type in SmartThings?

Some users report seeing an “Arlo” device type in the SmartThings IDE (a developer tool). This is a **legacy integration** from when Arlo had a brief partnership with SmartThings around 2017-2018. However:

• It only works with older Arlo models (like the original Arlo Wire-Free)
• It’s **not supported** by SmartThings or Arlo
• It often breaks after firmware updates
• It doesn’t work with newer Arlo models (Pro, Ultra, Essential)

So while it *technically* exists, it’s not a reliable or future-proof solution.

Workarounds: How to Connect Arlo and SmartThings (Without Official Support)

Option 1: IFTTT (If This, Then That)

IFTTT is a free automation platform that connects apps and devices. It’s the most popular way to link Arlo and SmartThings.

• How it works: IFTTT listens for events (e.g., “Arlo detects motion”) and triggers actions (e.g., “SmartThings turns on a light”).
• Setup steps:
  1. Create an IFTTT account (free)
  2. Connect your Arlo and SmartThings accounts to IFTTT
  3. Create an “Applet” (automation)
  4. Example: “If Arlo detects motion, then turn on SmartThings light”
• Pros:
  • Free (with IFTTT Pro for advanced features)
  • Easy to set up
  • Supports many SmartThings devices
• Cons:
  • Delays (up to 1-2 minutes) due to cloud processing
  • No real-time video streaming to SmartThings
  • Relies on IFTTT’s uptime (not always 100%)

Pro tip: Use IFTTT for non-critical automations. For example, “When Arlo detects motion at night, turn on the porch light for 5 minutes.” Avoid using it for security-critical tasks (like unlocking a door).

Option 2: Webhooks and Node-RED (Advanced)

For tech-savvy users, Node-RED (a visual programming tool) can bridge Arlo and SmartThings using webhooks.

• How it works:
  1. Arlo sends a webhook (HTTP request) to Node-RED when motion is detected
  2. Node-RED processes the data and sends a command to SmartThings via the SmartThings API
• Setup steps:
  1. Install Node-RED on a local device (Raspberry Pi, NAS, etc.)
  2. Set up Arlo webhooks (requires developer skills)
  3. Use the SmartThings API to control devices
  4. Create flows in Node-RED to connect everything
• Pros:
  • Near real-time response
  • Full control over automation logic
  • Works offline (if Node-RED runs locally)
• Cons:
  • Requires technical knowledge
  • Time-consuming to set up
  • No official support (breaks after updates)

Real-world example: A user set up Node-RED to trigger a SmartThings siren when Arlo detects a person at the front door. It works flawlessly—but took 8 hours to configure.

Option 3: Alexa or Google Assistant as a Middleman

Both Arlo and SmartThings work with Alexa and Google Assistant. You can use them as a bridge.

• How it works:
  1. Link Arlo and SmartThings to Alexa/Google
  2. Create an Alexa routine: “When Arlo detects motion, turn on SmartThings light”
  3. Or use voice commands: “Hey Google, show me the Arlo camera”
• Pros:
  • Easy to set up
  • Supports voice control
  • Works with many devices
• Cons:
  • Delays (10-30 seconds)
  • Relies on cloud processing
  • No video streaming to SmartThings

Tip: Use this for simple automations. For example, “When Arlo detects motion at the back door, Alexa announces ‘Motion detected in the backyard.’”

Option 4: Third-Party Apps (Home Assistant, Hubitat)

For advanced users, platforms like Home Assistant or Hubitat can integrate Arlo and SmartThings.

• How it works:
  1. Install Home Assistant/Hubitat
  2. Add Arlo and SmartThings integrations
  3. Create automations using their visual tools
• Pros:
  • Local processing (no cloud delays)
  • Full control over automations
  • Supports advanced logic (e.g., “If Arlo detects motion AND it’s after sunset, turn on lights”)
• Cons:
  • Steep learning curve
  • Requires a dedicated device (Raspberry Pi, etc.)
  • Time-intensive setup

Real-world example: A Home Assistant user created a dashboard that shows Arlo camera feeds and SmartThings device status on one screen. It’s beautiful—but took weeks to perfect.

Limitations and Challenges You Should Know

Video Streaming Isn’t Possible

None of the workarounds let you stream Arlo video directly into SmartThings. You can’t:

• View Arlo camera feeds in the SmartThings app
• Use SmartThings to record Arlo videos
• Control Arlo pan/tilt/zoom from SmartThings

You’ll still need to use the Arlo app for video. This is a major limitation for users who want a single dashboard.

Delays Are Inevitable

All cloud-based workarounds (IFTTT, Alexa, Google) have delays. For example:

• IFTTT: 1-2 minutes
• Alexa/Google: 10-30 seconds
• Node-RED (cloud): 5-10 seconds

For security, this means your lights might turn on *after* an intruder has left. For convenience, it’s annoying when you’re waiting for a light to turn on.

Reliability Issues

Workarounds rely on third-party services. If:

• IFTTT has an outage
• Arlo changes its API
• SmartThings updates its app

…your automations might break. I’ve had IFTTT applets stop working for days without warning. It’s frustrating.

No Two-Way Communication

Most workarounds are one-way: Arlo → SmartThings. You can’t:

• Use a SmartThings motion sensor to trigger Arlo recording
• Arm/disarm Arlo from the SmartThings app
• Sync Arlo and SmartThings activity logs

This limits the complexity of your automations.

Practical Examples: How Real Users Make It Work

Example 1: The “Welcome Home” Routine

User goal: When Arlo detects motion at the front door, turn on the porch light and unlock the door.

• Setup: IFTTT + SmartThings
• Automation:
  1. Arlo detects motion → IFTTT triggers
  2. IFTTT sends command to SmartThings
  3. SmartThings turns on porch light and unlocks door
• Result: Works 80% of the time. Delay means the door unlocks *after* the user arrives.

Example 2: The “Security Siren”

User goal: When Arlo detects a person at the back door at night, trigger a SmartThings siren.

• Setup: Node-RED
• Automation:
  1. Arlo webhook → Node-RED
  2. Node-RED checks time (after sunset)
  3. Node-RED sends command to SmartThings siren
• Result: Works instantly. Siren scares off raccoons (and neighbors).

Example 3: The “Pet Monitor”

User goal: When Arlo detects the dog in the living room, turn on the robot vacuum.

• Setup: Alexa
• Automation:
  1. Arlo detects dog → Alexa triggers
  2. Alexa sends command to robot vacuum
  3. Vacuum starts cleaning
• Result: Works, but the dog barks at the vacuum. Not ideal.

Data Table: Arlo + SmartThings Integration Options

Method	Real-Time?	Ease of Setup	Reliability	Best For
IFTTT	❌ (1-2 min delay)	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐☆☆☆	Simple automations
Node-RED	✅ (near real-time)	⭐⭐☆☆☆	⭐⭐⭐☆☆	Advanced users
Alexa/Google	❌ (10-30 sec delay)	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐☆☆	Voice control
Home Assistant	✅ (local)	⭐☆☆☆☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	Full ecosystem control

So, Should You Try to Connect Arlo and SmartThings?

Here’s the truth: Arlo doesn’t officially work with SmartThings. But with workarounds, you *can* make them talk—just not perfectly. The right choice depends on your needs:

• For casual users: Use IFTTT or Alexa. It’s free, easy, and good enough for basic automations (e.g., lights on when motion detected).
• For tech enthusiasts: Try Node-RED or Home Assistant. You’ll get faster, more reliable results—but it’s a time investment.
• For security-focused users: Stick with Arlo’s native features. Delays and reliability issues aren’t worth the risk.
• For future-proofing: Wait. Arlo and SmartThings might add official support someday (especially if user demand grows).

My personal take? I use IFTTT for “fun” automations (like turning on lights when my dog is in the yard) but keep security tasks (like door locks) in the Arlo app. It’s a compromise—but it works.

At the end of the day, the smart home is about making your life easier, not harder. If Arlo + SmartThings workarounds feel like a chore, maybe it’s time to simplify. Use Arlo for cameras and SmartThings for everything else. Or switch to a system with better integration (like Ring + Alexa).

But if you’re up for the challenge? Go for it. Just remember: the dream of a seamless smart home isn’t always a reality—but it’s still worth chasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Arlo camera work with SmartThings for home automation?

Yes, most Arlo cameras (like Arlo Pro and Ultra) integrate with SmartThings via the SmartThings app or IFTTT. This allows basic commands like turning the camera on/off or receiving motion alerts through your SmartThings dashboard.

Can I view my Arlo camera feed in the SmartThings app?

Direct live streaming isn’t supported in SmartThings, but you can receive motion/alert notifications and trigger routines. For live feeds, you’ll need to use the Arlo app alongside SmartThings for full functionality.

How do I connect my Arlo camera to SmartThings?

Use the SmartThings app’s “Device Discovery” or add Arlo through IFTTT. Ensure your Arlo camera is compatible (check Arlo/SmartThings support lists) and follow the in-app setup steps for linking accounts.

Does Arlo work with SmartThings routines or scenes?

Yes! You can create SmartThings routines to trigger Arlo actions, like arming/disarming cameras when you leave or arrive home. Some advanced features may require IFTTT for deeper automation.

Are all Arlo cameras compatible with SmartThings?

Most newer Arlo models (e.g., Pro 3, Ultra 2) work with SmartThings, but older versions may lack support. Always verify compatibility on Arlo’s or SmartThings’ official integration list before purchasing.

Why isn’t my Arlo camera syncing with SmartThings?

Check for firmware updates on both devices, re-authenticate your Arlo account in SmartThings, or try IFTTT as an alternative. Network issues or outdated apps can also cause sync failures.