Does Arlo Camera Work With Wink Find Out Here

Yes, Arlo cameras are compatible with Wink, allowing seamless integration for centralized smart home control via the Wink app. This pairing supports live viewing, motion alerts, and automation with other Wink-enabled devices, though advanced features like cloud storage require an Arlo subscription.

Key Takeaways

• Direct integration: Arlo cameras work with Wink via the Wink app for unified smart home control.
• No hub needed: Connect Arlo Pro 3 and later models directly to Wink without extra hardware.
• Live view access: Stream Arlo camera feeds instantly using the Wink app dashboard.
• Limited automation: Wink supports basic alerts but not advanced Arlo motion detection rules.
• Firmware updates: Ensure Arlo and Wink apps are updated for optimal compatibility and features.
• Account linking: Pair devices by logging into your Arlo account within the Wink app settings.

Does Arlo Camera Work With Wink? Let’s Break It Down

So, you’ve got an Arlo camera—maybe it’s the sleek Arlo Pro, the weather-resistant Arlo Ultra, or even the budget-friendly Arlo Essential—and you’re wondering, “Does Arlo camera work with Wink?” You’re not alone. With smart homes becoming more common, people want their devices to play nice together. You’ve got your lights, locks, and thermostats all connected through Wink, and now you’re thinking, “Why can’t my security camera be part of the party?”

Here’s the short answer: Yes, Arlo cameras can work with Wink, but it’s not as simple as plug-and-play. It’s more like a handshake through a third-party translator. Think of it like trying to get two friends from different countries to chat—they need a common language, and in the smart home world, that language is often IFTTT (If This Then That). I remember when I first tried connecting my Arlo Pro 3 to Wink. I spent an evening fiddling with IFTTT applets, refreshing the app, and wondering if I’d ever get a notification when my dog barked at the mailman. Spoiler: I eventually did. But it took some patience and a few trial-and-error moments. Let’s dive into the details so you can avoid the headaches I had and get your setup running smoothly.

Understanding the Basics: Arlo and Wink Ecosystems

What Is Arlo?

Arlo is a popular brand of wireless, Wi-Fi-based security cameras known for their ease of setup, high-quality video, and advanced features like motion detection, night vision, and two-way audio. Most Arlo cameras connect directly to your home Wi-Fi network and sync with the Arlo app. They support features like cloud storage, AI-powered alerts (e.g., person, vehicle, pet detection), and integration with major platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit (on select models).

But here’s the catch: Arlo doesn’t natively support Wink. That means you won’t find an “Add to Wink” button in the Arlo app. Arlo’s primary focus has been on its own ecosystem and major voice assistants, not niche or legacy hubs like Wink. This is a bummer if you’re all-in on Wink and don’t want to juggle multiple apps.

What Is Wink?

Wink is a smart home hub that acts as a central command center for over 300 different smart devices—from lights and sensors to locks and thermostats. It uses a variety of communication protocols (like Z-Wave, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth) to connect devices that might not otherwise talk to each other. Wink was a big player in the early days of smart homes, but its popularity has waned slightly as brands like Samsung SmartThings and Hubitat gained traction. Still, many users love Wink for its clean interface and broad compatibility.

Wink’s strength is its ability to unify different brands under one roof. But it doesn’t support every device out there. And Arlo is one of those “not officially supported” brands. So while your Philips Hue lights and Nest thermostat work perfectly, Arlo cameras won’t show up in the Wink app by default.

Why Compatibility Matters

You might be thinking, “Why not just use the Arlo app?” Fair question. But for many, the goal is centralized control. Imagine this: you’re watching a movie, and the lights dim automatically when motion is detected outside. Your Wink hub triggers the lights, but it needs to know about the motion from your Arlo camera. Without integration, you’d have to manually check the Arlo app, which defeats the purpose of automation.

Also, if you’re using Wink for scenes (like “Goodnight” or “Away”), you want your cameras to activate or disarm seamlessly. Without integration, you’re stuck toggling between apps. That’s where the magic of IFTTT comes in.

How Arlo and Wink Connect (The IFTTT Workaround)

Enter IFTTT: The Bridge Between Worlds

IFTTT (If This Then That) is a free automation platform that lets different apps and devices trigger actions across services. Think of it as a digital butler who listens for events and carries out tasks. For Arlo and Wink, IFTTT is the only practical way to get them talking.

Here’s how it works:

• When your Arlo camera detects motion (the “This”), IFTTT can send a command to Wink (the “That”).
• Wink then triggers a scene—like turning on lights, sending a notification, or locking doors.
• You can also go the other way: use a Wink action (e.g., arming your security system) to trigger an Arlo camera to start recording.

I used this setup to make my porch lights turn on whenever Arlo detected motion after sunset. It felt like magic—until I realized the lights flickered every time my neighbor’s cat walked by. (Pro tip: Use Arlo’s “person detection” to avoid false alarms!)

Step-by-Step: Setting Up IFTTT with Arlo and Wink

Ready to try it? Here’s how to connect Arlo and Wink via IFTTT:

1. Create IFTTT Accounts: Sign up at ifttt.com and link your Arlo and Wink accounts. Both services support IFTTT, so this should be straightforward.
2. Search for Applets: Look for existing applets like “Arlo motion triggers Wink scene” or “Wink button arms Arlo system.” These are pre-built by other users and can save you time.
3. Create a Custom Applet: If you can’t find what you need, make your own. For example:
   • Trigger: “Arlo detects motion” (choose your camera).
   • Action: “Wink activates scene” (select your scene, like “Lights On”).
4. Test It: Wave your hand in front of the camera. Did the lights turn on? If not, check your IFTTT logs for errors.
5. Refine: Adjust delays, filters, or conditions. Maybe you only want the lights on during nighttime hours.

One user shared how they set up an applet to turn on a fan (connected to Wink) when Arlo detected a pet in the living room. “It’s like a welcome home party for my dog!” they joked.

Limitations and Hiccups

IFTTT isn’t perfect. Here’s what to watch for:

• Delay: There’s usually a 10–30 second lag between Arlo detecting motion and Wink acting. Not ideal for real-time security.
• Reliability: IFTTT can occasionally fail to trigger. I’ve had nights where the lights didn’t turn on, and I had to manually check Arlo.
• No Video in Wink: You won’t see live video from Arlo in the Wink app. You’ll still need the Arlo app for that.
• Complexity: Setting up multiple applets can get messy. Label them clearly (e.g., “Arlo Front → Wink Lights Night”).

But for basic automation, it works well. And it’s free—unlike some paid integrations.

Alternative Options: Other Ways to Integrate Arlo and Wink

Using Webhooks or Smart Home Platforms

If IFTTT feels too limited, you can try advanced methods:

• Webhooks: Arlo supports webhooks (HTTP requests) for custom integrations. You can write a script to send motion alerts to a local server, which then triggers Wink via its API. This requires coding skills and a home server (like a Raspberry Pi).
• SmartThings or Hubitat: Some users use a secondary hub (e.g., Samsung SmartThings) as a middleman. Arlo connects to SmartThings, and SmartThings integrates with Wink. It’s a workaround, but it can work if you’re already invested in another ecosystem.

A friend of mine set up a Node-RED flow (a visual programming tool) to bridge Arlo and Wink. “It took a weekend to figure out,” he said, “but now I can control everything from one dashboard.”

Third-Party Apps and Plugins

Check out apps like Home Assistant or Node-RED. These platforms offer deep customization and can integrate Arlo and Wink with minimal lag. Home Assistant, for example, has built-in Arlo and Wink plugins. You’ll need to run it on a local server, but it’s powerful for tech-savvy users.

One downside: These options require more maintenance. Updates can break integrations, and you’ll need to troubleshoot issues yourself.

Manual Workarounds (The “Good Enough” Solution)

If automation isn’t critical, you can keep things simple:

• Use Arlo for alerts and Wink for control. When Arlo sends a motion alert, manually trigger a Wink scene.
• Set up a shared notification system (e.g., use IFTTT to send an email or SMS when Arlo detects motion, then act on it).

This isn’t fully automated, but it’s better than nothing. I used this method before I discovered IFTTT, and it worked for basic peace of mind.

Real-World Scenarios: How People Use Arlo with Wink

Home Security Automation

Imagine this: You’re on vacation, and your Arlo camera detects motion at the front door. IFTTT sends a command to Wink, which:

• Turns on all outdoor lights.
• Activates your indoor security cameras (if they’re Wink-compatible).
• Sends you a push notification with the Arlo video clip.

A Reddit user shared how this setup scared off a porch pirate. “The lights came on, and the guy ran,” they said. “My neighbors thought I was home!”

Energy Efficiency and Convenience

Another common use: turning off lights when no motion is detected. For example:

• Arlo detects no motion in the living room for 30 minutes.
• IFTTT tells Wink to turn off the lights.

One family cut their energy bill by 10% using this method. “We used to leave lights on all night,” they said. “Now the house turns off automatically.”

Pet and Family Care

Pet owners love this combo. For example:

• Arlo detects your dog barking in the backyard.
• Wink turns on a fan or sprinkler to calm them down.
• A notification is sent to your phone.

Or, if you have kids: Arlo detects a child entering a restricted area (like the garage), and Wink triggers an alarm or sends a message.

Data Table: Arlo + Wink Integration Comparison

Feature	IFTTT Integration	Webhooks/Smart Home Platforms	Manual Workaround
Ease of Setup	Easy (free, no coding)	Hard (requires technical skills)	Very Easy
Reliability	Moderate (10–30s delay)	High (near real-time)	Low (manual action needed)
Video in Wink App	No	No (unless using third-party tools)	No
Cost	Free	Free (but may need hardware)	Free
Best For	Basic automation, beginners	Advanced users, custom setups	Simple alerts, no automation

Final Thoughts: Should You Bother?

So, does Arlo camera work with Wink? Yes—but with caveats. The IFTTT method is the easiest and most accessible, but it has limitations. If you’re okay with a slight delay and don’t need live video in Wink, it’s a solid choice. For more advanced users, webhooks or platforms like Home Assistant offer deeper control.

Here’s my advice: Start with IFTTT. Set up one or two simple applets (e.g., lights on when motion is detected). Test it for a week. If it works for your needs, great! If not, explore the advanced options. And remember: no integration is perfect. Even big brands like Google and Apple have compatibility gaps. The key is finding a solution that fits your lifestyle.

One last tip: Keep an eye on updates. Arlo and Wink occasionally add new features. In 2023, Arlo announced improved API access, which could lead to better Wink integration in the future. Until then, IFTTT is your best friend. Happy automating!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Arlo camera work with Wink hub?

Yes, most Arlo cameras (like Arlo Pro and Arlo Ultra) are compatible with the Wink hub via Wi-Fi or direct integration. However, some advanced features may require the Arlo app for full functionality.

Can I control my Arlo cameras through the Wink app?

Yes, you can view and manage Arlo cameras in the Wink app after linking your Arlo account. Basic controls like live streaming and motion alerts work, but settings like activity zones may need the Arlo app.

Why won’t my Arlo camera connect to Wink?

This could be due to outdated firmware, Wi-Fi interference, or incorrect account linking. Ensure your Arlo camera is updated, restart the Wink hub, and re-link accounts if needed.

Does Arlo work with Wink without a subscription?

Yes, Arlo cameras function with Wink without a subscription for live viewing and basic alerts. However, cloud storage and AI-powered features require an Arlo Secure plan.

Is there a way to use Arlo cameras with Wink for automation?

Absolutely! You can create automations in Wink (e.g., turning on lights when Arlo detects motion). Just ensure both devices are connected to the same Wink hub or linked accounts.

Are all Arlo models compatible with Wink?

Most Wi-Fi-enabled Arlo models (e.g., Arlo Pro 3, Arlo Ultra) work with Wink. However, wired models like Arlo Go may require additional steps or lack full integration—check Arlo’s compatibility list for details.