How Do I Call Arlo Cameras A Complete Guide to Connecting Your Devices

Calling your Arlo cameras is simple and seamless using the Arlo app, which lets you access live feeds, receive alerts, and manage settings from anywhere. Whether you’re using a smartphone, tablet, or voice assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant, connecting your devices takes just minutes with Wi-Fi or Arlo SmartHub integration—ensuring reliable, real-time communication and home security at your fingertips.

Key Takeaways

• Use the Arlo app to call and manage cameras from anywhere.
• Enable two-way audio for real-time communication via the app.
• Sync cameras to Alexa for voice-controlled calling and monitoring.
• Check Wi-Fi strength to ensure reliable camera connectivity.
• Update firmware regularly to access the latest calling features.
• Use geofencing to trigger camera alerts when you arrive/leave.

How Do I Call Arlo Cameras? A Complete Guide to Connecting Your Devices

Imagine this: You’re at work, and you get a notification on your phone that someone is at your front door. You tap the alert, and within seconds, you’re seeing live footage from your Arlo camera. You speak through your phone, and a friendly voice says, “Hi, I’m home!”—all without leaving your desk. That’s the magic of smart home tech. But for many, the first hurdle is figuring out how do I call Arlo cameras to make this scenario a reality.

Connecting your Arlo cameras to your phone, tablet, or even voice assistants can feel like solving a puzzle. Maybe you’ve tried downloading the app, but the setup process left you scratching your head. Or perhaps you’re not sure if your specific Arlo model supports two-way audio or remote calling. Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Whether you’re setting up your first Arlo camera or adding more to an existing system, this guide walks you through every step. We’ll cover everything from basic setup to advanced integrations, troubleshooting tips, and real-world examples to help you get the most out of your devices. By the end, calling your Arlo cameras will feel as natural as texting a friend.

Understanding Your Arlo Camera Models and Calling Capabilities

Before you dive into setup, it’s important to know that not all Arlo cameras offer the same calling features. Some support two-way audio, others work with voice assistants, and a few even allow direct video calls through third-party apps. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what your device can do.

Which Arlo Models Support Two-Way Audio?

Two-way audio is the foundation of calling your Arlo camera. It lets you both hear what’s happening at the camera location and speak through the built-in microphone. Most modern Arlo cameras include this feature, but older models may not. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Arlo Pro 3/4/5: Full two-way audio with noise cancellation. Great for clear conversations.
• Arlo Ultra: Premium audio with 360-degree sound and echo cancellation. Ideal for large entryways.
• Arlo Essential (Indoor/Outdoor): Two-way audio with decent clarity. Budget-friendly but lacks advanced noise filtering.
• Arlo Go: Works over LTE and supports two-way audio, perfect for remote properties without Wi-Fi.
• Arlo Baby: Designed for nurseries, includes lullabies and two-way talk. A favorite among parents.
• Arlo Pro 2 and older: Limited two-way audio or none. Check your model number in the app if unsure.

Tip: If you’re unsure about your model, open the Arlo app, tap the camera icon, and check the “About” section. It will show your model name and firmware version.

Does Your Arlo Support Direct Video Calls?

Unlike traditional video doorbells (like Ring or Google Nest), Arlo cameras don’t natively support “video calling” in the Zoom or FaceTime sense. But you can achieve something close:

• Live View + Two-Way Audio: This is the standard “call” experience. You tap the live feed in the Arlo app, and you can talk and listen in real time. It’s like a video call without the video on your end—just audio from your phone to the camera.
• Arlo SmartHub + Smart Doorbell: If you have an Arlo Video Doorbell, you can get a full video call experience. When someone presses the button, your phone rings like a real call, and you see them face-to-face. You can then speak through your phone, and they hear you through the doorbell’s speaker.
• Smart Displays (Google Nest Hub, Amazon Echo Show): Pair your Arlo with these devices, and you can say, “Hey Google, show me the front door.” The screen turns on, and if two-way audio is enabled, you can talk to the person—no phone needed.

Example: Sarah, a busy mom, uses her Arlo Video Doorbell and Echo Show 8. When the delivery driver rings, she says, “Hey Alexa, answer the front door.” She sees the driver, says, “Leave the package by the steps,” and hangs up—all from her kitchen. No phone, no app, just voice.

Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Arlo Cameras for Calling

Now that you know what your camera can do, let’s get it connected. The process is straightforward, but small mistakes can cause frustration. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be calling your Arlo in minutes.

1. Download and Install the Arlo App

Start by downloading the Arlo app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). It’s free and essential for setup and control.

• Open the app and create an account (or log in if you already have one).
• Tap “Add Device” and select your camera model.
• Follow the on-screen prompts. Most cameras use QR code scanning for easy setup.

Pro tip: Make sure your phone and camera are on the same Wi-Fi network during setup. If you’re using a SmartHub, plug it in first and connect it to Wi-Fi.

2. Power On and Pair Your Camera

Each Arlo camera has a slightly different power method:

• Battery-powered cameras (Pro 3, Essential, etc.): Insert the rechargeable battery and press the sync button on the camera. The LED will blink blue.
• Wired cameras (Ultra, some Pro models): Plug in the power adapter. The LED turns solid blue when ready.
• Arlo Go (LTE): Insert the SIM card (provided by Arlo) and turn it on. It connects via cellular, not Wi-Fi.

Once powered, the app will detect the camera. Tap “Pair” and wait for confirmation. The camera will chime when connected.

3. Enable Two-Way Audio and Notifications

After pairing, go to the camera settings in the app:

• Tap the camera icon → “Settings” (gear icon) → “Audio”.
• Toggle on “Two-Way Audio”.
• Under “Notifications”, enable “Sound Detection” or “Motion Alerts” so your phone rings when activity is detected.

Important: Test two-way audio by tapping the live feed and holding the microphone button. Say “Testing” and listen for your voice at the camera location. If you don’t hear it, check the volume and ensure no obstructions block the speaker.

4. Set Up Remote Access (Optional but Recommended)

To call your Arlo from anywhere, ensure remote access is enabled:

• In the app, go to “Settings” → “My Account” → “Remote Access”.
• Toggle it on. This lets you view and talk to your camera over cellular data, not just Wi-Fi.

Note: Remote access uses data. If you’re on a limited plan, keep Wi-Fi on at home to reduce usage.

5. Link to Voice Assistants (Bonus)

Want to call your Arlo with your voice? Link it to Alexa or Google Assistant:

• For Alexa: Open the Alexa app → “Devices” → “+” → “Add Device” → “Camera” → “Arlo”. Follow the prompts to log in to your Arlo account.
• For Google: Open Google Home app → “+” → “Set up device” → “Works with Google” → search “Arlo” and link your account.

Once linked, say, “Alexa, show me the backyard,” and your Echo Show will display the live feed. Tap the screen to speak.

Integrating Arlo with Smart Home Ecosystems

Calling your Arlo camera isn’t just about the app. The real power comes from integrating it into your smart home. Whether you use Alexa, Google, or Apple HomeKit (with limitations), these connections make calling seamless and hands-free.

Calling Arlo with Amazon Alexa

Alexa is one of the best platforms for Arlo integration. Here’s how to set it up:

• Link your Arlo account in the Alexa app (as described above).
• Assign each camera to a room (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard”).
• Use voice commands like:
  • “Alexa, show me the front door.”
  • “Alexa, talk to the backyard camera.”
  • “Alexa, turn off the living room camera.”

Real-life example: James, a dog owner, uses an Arlo Pro 3 in his backyard. When his dog barks, he says, “Alexa, check the backyard.” He sees the dog chasing a squirrel, taps the Echo Show screen, and says, “Max, come here!” The dog hears him and stops.

Caveat: Alexa can’t initiate a call without a voice command or motion alert. But once the feed is open, you can speak freely.

Calling Arlo with Google Assistant

Google Assistant offers similar features, especially with Nest Hub devices:

• Link Arlo in the Google Home app.
• Use commands like:
  • “Hey Google, show the front porch on the kitchen display.”
  • “Hey Google, talk to the garage camera.”
• For Nest Doorbell users, Google offers “Call” buttons directly in the app—similar to a phone call.

Tip: Google Assistant works best with Arlo Video Doorbells for full video calling. For regular cameras, it’s audio-only unless using a smart display.

Apple HomeKit Limitations

Arlo has limited HomeKit support. Only select models (like Arlo Ultra and Pro 3) work with HomeKit Secure Video, but:

• Two-way audio is not supported in HomeKit.
• You can view live feeds on Apple TV or iPad, but you can’t speak through the camera.
• To call Arlo, you still need the Arlo app or Siri shortcuts.

Workaround: Create a Siri shortcut: “Hey Siri, call the front door.” This opens the Arlo app to the live feed, where you can tap to speak.

Troubleshooting Common Calling Issues

Even with perfect setup, things can go wrong. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them—fast.

No Audio When Calling

Symptoms: You open the live feed, tap the mic, but no sound comes out at the camera location.

• Check volume: Ensure the camera’s speaker isn’t muted. In the Arlo app, go to “Audio” → “Speaker Volume” and set it to 80-100%.
• Test microphone: Tap the mic button and speak. If you don’t hear yourself, the mic might be blocked or faulty.
• Restart the camera: Power it off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
• Update firmware: Outdated firmware can break audio. In the app, go to “Settings” → “Firmware Update”.

Delayed or Laggy Calls

Symptoms: Audio is choppy, or there’s a 5-10 second delay between speaking and being heard.

• Wi-Fi signal: Weak signal = poor audio. Move the camera closer to the router or add a Wi-Fi extender.
• Data usage: High-resolution video uses more bandwidth. In the app, lower the video quality (“Settings” → “Video” → “Resolution”).
• Background apps: Close other apps using data. Restart your phone if needed.

Can’t Access Camera Remotely

Symptoms: Works on home Wi-Fi but not on cellular.

• Remote access off: Double-check it’s enabled in your account settings.
• Firewall/router settings: Some routers block Arlo’s ports. Log into your router and ensure ports 443 (HTTPS) and 80 (HTTP) are open.
• Arlo server issues: Check Arlo’s status page (status.arlo.com) for outages.

Voice Assistant Not Responding

Symptoms: Alexa/Google won’t show the camera feed.

• Re-link the account: Unlink Arlo in the Alexa/Google app, then relink it.
• Check camera name: Use simple, unique names (e.g., “Front Door” not “Camera 1”).
• Device compatibility: Not all Echo/Google devices support camera feeds. Stick to Echo Show, Nest Hub, or tablets.

Maximizing Your Arlo Calling Experience

Now that your Arlo is calling-ready, here’s how to get the most value from it—every day.

Customize Alerts for Smarter Calls

Not every motion alert needs a call. Use Arlo’s AI features to filter:

• Activity Zones: In the app, draw zones where you want alerts (e.g., driveway, porch). Ignore the sidewalk.
• Person/Vehicle Detection: Enable in “Settings” → “Smart Alerts”. Only get calls for people, not squirrels.
• Schedule Alerts: Turn off notifications at night if you don’t want calls at 2 AM.

Use Multiple Devices for Flexibility

Install the Arlo app on your tablet, smartwatch, and family members’ phones:

• Tablet: Keep it in the kitchen for quick checks.
• Apple Watch/Android Wear: Get motion alerts and open live feeds with a tap.
• Family Access: Share your account with trusted people. They can call the camera too (with your permission).

Data and Privacy Tips

Calling your Arlo means your voice travels over the internet. Protect yourself:

• Strong Wi-Fi password: Prevent hackers from accessing your camera.
• Two-factor authentication: Enable it in Arlo account settings.
• Review recordings: Regularly check your library for unauthorized access.
• Mute when not in use: In the app, toggle “Microphone” off when you don’t need it.

Data Table: Arlo Calling Features by Model

Model	Two-Way Audio	Video Call (Doorbell)	Alexa Integration	Google Assistant	HomeKit
Arlo Pro 5	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes (no audio)
Arlo Ultra	Yes (premium)	No	Yes	Yes	Yes (no audio)
Arlo Video Doorbell	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Arlo Essential	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No
Arlo Go (LTE)	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No

Final Thoughts: Calling Your Arlo Cameras Made Simple

So, how do I call Arlo cameras? It’s not just one answer—it’s a combination of the right setup, smart integrations, and knowing your camera’s limits. Whether you’re using the Arlo app for a quick check-in, Alexa to talk to a delivery driver, or a smart display for hands-free calls, the goal is the same: peace of mind.

Remember, technology works best when it’s simple. Start with the basics—get your camera paired, test two-way audio, and set up notifications. Then, layer on voice assistants and smart home tricks as you get comfortable. And if something breaks? Don’t panic. Most issues are fixable with a restart, a firmware update, or a quick router check.

Your Arlo camera isn’t just a security device—it’s a communication tool. It lets you say “hello” to family, warn off intruders, or just check if the dog is behaving. With this guide, you’re not just connecting devices. You’re building a smarter, safer home—one call at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I call Arlo cameras using voice commands?

You can “call” or interact with your Arlo cameras using voice commands via Alexa or Google Assistant. Simply enable the Arlo skill in your smart assistant app and use phrases like, “Alexa, show me the front door camera” to view live feeds.

Can I use the Arlo app to check in on my cameras remotely?

Yes, the Arlo app lets you “call” or access your cameras from anywhere with an internet connection. Just log into your Arlo account on your smartphone or tablet to view live streams, receive alerts, and manage settings.

How do I call Arlo cameras to view them on a smart display?

To view Arlo cameras on devices like Echo Show or Google Nest Hub, link your Arlo account to your smart display. Say, “Show me the backyard camera,” and the feed will appear instantly—perfect for quick check-ins.

Is there a way to call Arlo cameras using two-way audio?

Yes, most Arlo cameras support two-way audio through the app. Tap the microphone icon while viewing a live feed to speak and listen, making it easy to interact with visitors or pets remotely.

Do I need a subscription to call or access my Arlo cameras?

Basic live viewing and motion alerts work without a subscription, but features like cloud storage and smart notifications require an Arlo Secure plan. The ability to “call” cameras via app or voice remains free.

How do I call Arlo cameras if I have multiple devices?

In the Arlo app, tap the camera icon or name to switch between devices quickly. For voice commands, assign unique names (e.g., “Living Room Camera”) to avoid confusion when calling specific Arlo cameras.