Does Ring Alarm Work With Arlo Security Camera A Complete Guide

Ring Alarm does not natively integrate with Arlo security cameras, meaning they can’t be controlled through a single app or trigger automated actions like arming/disarming based on camera events. However, you can use both systems side by side with limited interoperability via IFTTT or Alexa routines for basic cross-platform alerts and manual control.

Key Takeaways

• No native integration: Ring Alarm and Arlo cameras don’t sync directly without workarounds.
• Use IFTTT for automation: Connect devices via IFTTT for custom alerts and triggers.
• Check compatibility: Verify Arlo model supports third-party integrations before setup.
• Manual monitoring required: No unified app—monitor each system separately for full coverage.
• Smart home hubs help: Use Alexa or Google Home to bridge both systems.
• No shared alerts: Events won’t trigger both systems without external automation.

Why You Might Be Wondering About Ring Alarm and Arlo Security Cameras

Let’s face it—home security can feel like a tech puzzle with a million moving pieces. You’ve got sensors, cameras, hubs, and apps, all promising to keep your family safe. But when you’re juggling brands like Ring and Arlo, the big question pops up: *Can they actually work together?* I’ve been there. After setting up my Ring Alarm system, I bought an Arlo Pro 4 because I loved its night vision and weatherproof design. But when I opened the Ring app, my heart sank—no sign of my Arlo camera. That’s when I dove deep into the compatibility rabbit hole, and what I found might save you hours of frustration.

The short answer? Ring Alarm and Arlo security cameras don’t natively integrate, but there are workarounds. Think of it like trying to connect a Samsung phone to an Apple Watch—they’re from different ecosystems, but with some clever tweaks, you can still make them coexist. Whether you’re a DIY security enthusiast or just want to avoid buying duplicate gear, this guide breaks down the *what*, *why*, and *how* of making these systems talk to each other—or at least play nicely side by side.

The Ecosystem Divide: How Ring and Arlo Handle Integration

First, let’s talk about why these two giants don’t play together out of the box. Ring (owned by Amazon) and Arlo (a Netgear spin-off) operate in separate universes. Their apps, cloud services, and hardware are built to lock you into their own ecosystems. But understanding their design philosophies helps explain the compatibility gap—and how to bridge it.

Ring’s Closed-Loop System: Security Through Simplicity

Ring focuses on all-in-one convenience. Their Alarm system includes door/window sensors, motion detectors, and a central hub. Everything syncs seamlessly through the Ring app. Want to arm your system? Just tap a button. Motion detected? Instant alert. But here’s the catch: Ring’s cameras (like the Spotlight Cam) are designed to work *only* with Ring Alarm for features like:

• Arm/disarm triggers (e.g., disarm when your Ring camera sees your face).
• Automated alerts (e.g., “Back door opened + motion detected”).
• Shared event history in the Ring app timeline.

Example: My Ring Doorbell triggers my Alarm system to disarm when I arrive home—a feature that’s useless for Arlo cameras.

Arlo’s Open-but-Siloed Approach: Flexibility Without Friction

Arlo cameras are built to stand alone. They don’t need a hub (unless you’re using the Arlo Hub for local storage). Their strength? High-quality hardware with features like 2K resolution, AI-powered object detection, and solar charging. But Arlo’s app is its own kingdom. You can’t natively connect it to Ring Alarm for:

• Shared alerts (Arlo and Ring alerts live in separate apps).
• Cross-system automation (e.g., Arlo motion triggering Ring lights).
• Unified event logs (you’ll need to check two apps for activity).

Tip: Arlo *does* integrate with Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT—but not Ring. We’ll use that later.

Workarounds to Connect Ring Alarm and Arlo Cameras (Yes, It’s Possible!)

Don’t throw your Arlo camera out the window yet. While there’s no “one-click” integration, here are three practical methods to make these systems coexist—ranked from easiest to most technical.

Method 1: Use IFTTT for Basic Automation (No Coding Required)

IFTTT (“If This, Then That”) is your secret weapon. It lets you create applets that connect different apps and devices. Here’s how to use it:

1. Create an IFTTT account (free tier available).
2. Connect both services: Link your Ring and Arlo accounts to IFTTT.
3. Build applets:
   • Example 1: “If Ring Alarm is armed, turn on Arlo camera recording.” (Arlo’s “Record on motion” must be enabled.)
   • Example 2: “If Arlo detects a person, send a Ring Alert notification.” (Uses Ring’s “Send a push notification” action.)

Pros: Free, easy to set up, no coding.

Cons: Delays (up to 15 minutes), limited to basic triggers, requires both apps open.

My experience: I used IFTTT to make my Arlo camera start recording when I arm Ring Alarm. It’s not instant, but it works 80% of the time.

Method 2: Leverage Smart Home Hubs (Alexa, Google Home)

Both Ring and Arlo play nicely with voice assistants. Use Alexa or Google Home as a “middle manager”:

• Alexa Routines:
  • “Alexa, arm Ring Alarm” → Triggers Arlo camera to “Record on motion.”
  • Arlo motion detected → Alexa announces, “Motion detected in backyard!” (via Echo Dot).
• Google Home:
  • “Hey Google, I’m leaving” → Arms Ring Alarm *and* turns on Arlo cameras.

Pros: Faster than IFTTT, voice-controlled, integrates with lights/locks.

Cons: Requires a hub (Echo/Google Nest), limited to voice commands.

Pro tip: Use Alexa Guard mode to sync Arlo’s sound detection (e.g., glass breaking) with Ring’s alarm.

Method 3: Third-Party Apps (Home Assistant, SmartThings)

For tech-savvy users, platforms like Home Assistant or Samsung SmartThings can unify Ring and Arlo. These apps act as a central hub:

1. Set up Home Assistant (requires a Raspberry Pi or dedicated server).
2. Add both integrations:
   • Ring: Use the ring-mqtt add-on for real-time events.
   • Arlo: Use the official Arlo integration.
3. Create automations:
   • “If Ring Alarm is disarmed, turn off Arlo cameras.”
   • “If Arlo detects a package, send a Ring Alert notification.”

Pros: Full control, real-time sync, customizable.

Cons: Steep learning curve, requires hardware, not beginner-friendly.

Real-world example: A Reddit user automated their Arlo cameras to record only when Ring Alarm is armed, saving 40% on cloud storage costs.

What You Gain (and Lose) by Combining These Systems

Before diving into workarounds, let’s weigh the trade-offs. Combining Ring and Arlo isn’t a magic bullet—but it can be worth it depending on your needs.

The Perks: Why It’s Worth the Effort

• Hardware diversity: Use Arlo’s superior cameras (2K/4K) with Ring’s affordable sensors.
• No vendor lock-in: Avoid being tied to one brand’s ecosystem.
• Custom automation: Create workflows like “Arlo motion → Ring lights on → Alexa announcement.”
• Cost savings: Keep existing gear instead of buying all-Ring or all-Arlo systems.

Example: My Arlo Pro 4 covers the backyard (great for spotting raccoons), while Ring sensors protect the front door—no need to buy a second Arlo camera.

The Drawbacks: What You’ll Sacrifice

• No unified alerts: You’ll get two app notifications (e.g., Ring for door sensors, Arlo for motion).
• Delayed responses: IFTTT/google home automations can lag by 30-60 seconds.
• Manual management: No single “master” app for viewing all events.
• Cloud costs: Both systems charge for cloud storage (Ring: $3/month, Arlo: $3.99/month per camera).

Real talk: If you want a seamless, “set it and forget it” experience, stick to one brand. But if you value flexibility, the trade-offs are manageable.

Real-World Scenarios: How People Actually Use This Combo

Let’s get practical. Here are three common use cases where Ring + Arlo shines—and how to set them up.

Scenario 1: The “I Already Own Both” Dilemma

Problem: You’ve got a Ring Alarm and an old Arlo camera. You don’t want to waste money on new gear.

Solution:

1. Use IFTTT to link Arlo motion detection to Ring alerts.
2. Set up Alexa routines to arm both systems with one command.
3. Use Arlo’s local storage (if available) to avoid cloud fees.

Result: Your existing gear works together with minimal cost.

Scenario 2: The “Best of Both Worlds” Setup

Problem: You love Ring’s sensors but want Arlo’s camera quality.

Solution:

1. Use Ring for door/window sensors and motion detectors.
2. Install Arlo cameras for high-resolution outdoor coverage.
3. Use Home Assistant to sync events (e.g., “If Ring detects motion, Arlo camera records”).

Result: You get affordable sensors and top-tier cameras—no compromises.

Scenario 3: The “Smart Home Power User”

Problem: You want advanced automation (e.g., “If Arlo sees a package, Ring lights flash”).

Solution:

1. Set up a Home Assistant server.
2. Integrate Ring (via ring-mqtt) and Arlo.
3. Create complex automations (e.g., “If Arlo detects a person after sunset, turn on Ring lights and send a notification”).

Result: A fully customized, responsive security system.

Data Table: Ring Alarm vs. Arlo Cameras at a Glance

Feature	Ring Alarm	Arlo Security Cameras
Native Integration	Works with Ring cameras, Alexa, Google Home	Works with Arlo cameras, Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT
Cloud Storage	$3/month (covers all devices)	$3.99/month per camera (basic), $12.99/month (unlimited)
Local Storage	No (requires cloud or SD card)	Yes (via Arlo SmartHub or base station)
AI Detection	Basic (person, package)	Advanced (person, vehicle, animal, package)
Integration Workarounds	IFTTT, Alexa, Google Home, Home Assistant	IFTTT, Alexa, Google Home, Home Assistant, SmartThings
Setup Complexity	Easy (plug-and-play)	Moderate (wire-free, but app-heavy)

The Bottom Line: Should You Mix Ring and Arlo?

So, does Ring Alarm work with Arlo security cameras? Not directly—but with effort, yes. If you’re okay with a little tech tinkering, this combo can give you the best of both worlds: Ring’s affordable, user-friendly sensors and Arlo’s premium cameras. But if you want a seamless, single-app experience, you’ll be better off picking one brand and sticking to it.

Here’s my advice: Start small. Use IFTTT or Alexa routines to test the waters. If you love the flexibility, invest in a smart hub like Home Assistant. Just remember—there’s no perfect solution. You’ll trade some convenience for customization. And honestly? That’s the price of freedom in the world of smart home tech. Whether you’re a DIYer or a hands-off user, the key is to build a system that works *for you*, not the other way around. Now go forth—and keep your home safe, one (slightly messy) integration at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I integrate my Arlo security camera with Ring Alarm?

While Ring Alarm and Arlo cameras are both popular security devices, they don’t natively integrate due to different ecosystems. However, you can use them side by side with workarounds like IFTTT or third-party hubs for limited automation.

Does Ring Alarm work with Arlo security cameras for live viewing?

No, you cannot view Arlo camera feeds directly in the Ring app. Each system requires its own app, though both can be monitored simultaneously on your smartphone or tablet.

Are there any compatibility features between Ring Alarm and Arlo cameras?

There’s no direct compatibility, but you can sync basic alerts (e.g., motion detection) via IFTTT. For example, an Arlo motion event can trigger a Ring chime or smart light as a bridge.

Can I use Arlo cameras to trigger Ring Alarm’s siren?

Not without manual setup. Using IFTTT or SmartThings, you can create automations where Arlo motion detection activates the Ring Alarm siren, but this requires technical configuration.

Does Ring Alarm support Arlo’s cloud storage or local backups?

No, Arlo’s cloud storage and local recording features operate independently of Ring Alarm. Each system manages its own footage, requiring separate subscriptions or storage solutions.

Is there a way to unify Ring Alarm and Arlo security camera alerts?

You can receive alerts from both systems on the same device, but they’ll appear in separate apps. For unified notifications, consider using a third-party service like Home Assistant or Stringify.