How Do I Connect My Arlo Doorbell to My Camera A Quick Guide

Connecting your Arlo Doorbell to your camera is quick and seamless using the Arlo app—just ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and linked to your Arlo account. Open the app, navigate to “Device Settings,” and follow the prompts to pair your doorbell with your camera for synchronized alerts and recordings. This integration enhances home security by delivering real-time notifications and unified video history across all devices.

Key Takeaways

• Open the Arlo app to begin pairing your doorbell and camera seamlessly.
• Ensure both devices are charged and within close proximity during setup.
• Follow in-app prompts to sync your doorbell with the camera effortlessly.
• Use 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for stable connection; 5GHz networks may cause issues.
• Test the connection by triggering the doorbell to confirm live feed appears.
• Update firmware regularly to avoid compatibility problems between devices.

Understanding the Arlo Ecosystem: Why Connect Your Doorbell and Camera

Imagine this: You’re at work, and your phone buzzes with a notification—someone’s at your front door. You open the Arlo app, see a delivery person holding a package, but then… nothing. No way to check if they’re still there or if they’ve walked off with your package. That’s where connecting your Arlo doorbell to your outdoor camera can make all the difference.

Arlo devices are designed to work together seamlessly, creating a smart security network that gives you full coverage. When your doorbell and camera are linked, you get a complete picture of what’s happening—whether it’s a friendly neighbor dropping by or an unexpected visitor lingering too long. This connection isn’t just about convenience; it’s about peace of mind. You can see the person at the door, track their movement, and even communicate with them—all from one unified system.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before Connecting Your Devices

Before we dive into the steps, let’s make sure you’re set up for success. Connecting your Arlo doorbell to your camera isn’t complicated, but it does require a few things to be in place. Think of this as your pre-flight checklist—skip it, and you might hit turbulence mid-process.

Compatible Devices and Firmware

First, check that your devices are compatible. Most Arlo doorbells (like the Arlo Essential Wire-Free Video Doorbell or the Arlo Wired Doorbell) work with Arlo Pro, Ultra, and Essential cameras. However, older models (pre-2018) may not support full integration. Here’s what to do:

• Open the Arlo app and tap the device icon in the top-left corner.
• Check the model numbers. Look for “Pro,” “Ultra,” or “Essential” in the name.
• Ensure all devices are running the latest firmware. Go to Settings > Device Info > Firmware Update and tap “Update” if needed.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about compatibility, Arlo’s website has a handy Device Compatibility Tool—just plug in your model numbers, and it’ll tell you what works together.

Stable Wi-Fi and Arlo Account Setup

A weak Wi-Fi signal can turn setup into a frustrating game of “will it sync?” Here’s how to avoid that:

• Place your Arlo SmartHub or Base Station within 30 feet of your router. Use a Wi-Fi extender if needed.
• Ensure your doorbell and camera are within 300 feet of the SmartHub (wireless models) or connected via Ethernet (wired).
• Verify your Arlo account is active. You’ll need a free Arlo account or a paid subscription (like Arlo Secure) for cloud storage and advanced features.

For example, my first attempt failed because my SmartHub was in the basement, far from my router. Once I moved it closer and updated the firmware, everything synced smoothly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Connecting Your Arlo Doorbell to Your Camera

Now, let’s get down to business. Connecting your devices takes about 10–15 minutes, and once it’s done, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. Here’s the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Add Devices to Your Arlo Account

Both your doorbell and camera need to be registered to the same Arlo account. If they’re not already:

1. Open the Arlo app and tap the + icon.
2. Select Add Device and follow the prompts to pair your doorbell and camera.
3. For wireless devices, press the sync button on the SmartHub. For wired doorbells, scan the QR code on the back.

Note: If you’re adding a new camera, make sure it’s charged (wireless) or powered (wired) before starting.

Step 2: Enable “Doorbell to Camera” Integration

This is where the magic happens. Arlo’s integration feature lets your camera automatically record when the doorbell is pressed.

1. In the Arlo app, tap your doorbell’s name.
2. Go to Settings > Doorbell to Camera.
3. Toggle Enable Doorbell to Camera to ON.
4. Select the camera you want to link (e.g., “Front Yard Camera”).
5. Adjust the Recording Duration (default is 30 seconds—ideal for quick visitors).

Example: When my doorbell rings, my outdoor camera starts recording immediately. I once caught a delivery person leaving a package behind a bush—something I’d have missed with just the doorbell’s 10-second clip.

Step 3: Test the Connection

Don’t skip this! A quick test ensures everything works as expected.

• Have someone press the doorbell (or simulate a press in the app).
• Watch the live feed on your linked camera. It should start recording automatically.
• Check your notifications—you’ll get a doorbell alert and a camera recording alert.

If the camera doesn’t activate, double-check your SmartHub’s signal strength and re-pair the devices.

Optimizing Your Setup: Advanced Tips for Seamless Integration

Great! Your devices are connected. But let’s take it up a notch. These tweaks will make your system smarter and more reliable.

Adjust Motion Detection Zones

Arlo cameras use motion detection to start recording. To avoid false alerts (like a passing car or tree branch), customize your zones:

• Tap your camera in the app > Settings > Motion Detection.
• Drag the grid to cover only areas you care about (e.g., the front porch, not the sidewalk).
• Set sensitivity to “Medium” or “Low” for busy streets.

Pro Tip: Use “People Detection” (requires an Arlo Secure subscription) to filter out animals and shadows.

Sync Alerts and Notifications

Don’t miss a thing by customizing alerts:

• Go to Settings > Notifications.
• Enable “Doorbell Press” and “Camera Motion” alerts.
• Use “Smart Alerts” to get only human or vehicle notifications (saves you from 50 alerts a day from squirrels).

For instance, I set my system to notify me only if someone lingers at the door for more than 5 seconds—perfect for spotting suspicious activity.

Use Activity Zones for Dual Coverage

Place your camera where it can “see” the doorbell’s blind spots. For example:

• Mount the camera slightly higher, angled downward to cover the entire porch.
• Use the doorbell’s wide-angle view to catch the person’s face, while the camera tracks their hands (e.g., holding a package).

This dual-coverage approach helped me once when a visitor tried to peek through my side window—my camera caught it, even though the doorbell didn’t.

Troubleshooting Common Issues (And How to Fix Them Fast)

Even with careful setup, hiccups happen. Here’s how to solve the most common problems—fast.

Issue 1: Camera Doesn’t Activate When Doorbell Rings

Causes: Weak Wi-Fi, outdated firmware, or incorrect settings.

Solutions:

• Restart your SmartHub: Unplug it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in.
• Update firmware: Go to Settings > Device Info and check for updates.
• Re-pair the devices: Remove the camera from the doorbell’s settings and re-add it.

Example: My camera stopped syncing after a power outage. Restarting the SmartHub fixed it in 2 minutes.

Issue 2: Delayed Notifications or Recordings

Causes: Slow internet, high network traffic, or low camera battery.

Solutions:

• Check your internet speed: Run a test. Arlo recommends at least 2 Mbps upload speed.
• Reduce camera resolution: Lower to 720p if you’re on a slow connection.
• Charge wireless cameras: A low battery can cause lag.

I once missed a delivery because my camera’s battery was at 10%. Now I charge it every 6 weeks (it lasts about 8 weeks on average).

Issue 3: False Alarms from Camera

Causes: Overly sensitive motion detection or poor placement.

Solutions:

• Adjust motion zones (see “Optimizing Your Setup”).
• Reposition the camera: Avoid pointing it at reflective surfaces (windows, shiny mailboxes).
• Enable “Smart Alerts” to filter out non-human motion.

My camera used to alert me every time a leaf blew by. After tweaking the zones, it only notifies me for actual visitors.

Data Table: Arlo Doorbell and Camera Compatibility Overview

Doorbell Model	Compatible Cameras	Key Features	Wi-Fi Range (SmartHub)
Arlo Essential Wire-Free Doorbell	Pro 3, Ultra, Essential, Pro 2	1080p HD, 160° FOV, Night Vision	300 ft
Arlo Wired Doorbell	Pro 4, Ultra 2, Essential	1536p HD, 180° FOV, HDR	300 ft
Arlo Video Doorbell (2018)	Pro, Pro 2, Essential	720p HD, 130° FOV	250 ft

Note: All doorbells require a SmartHub or Base Station for integration. Older models (pre-2018) may not support “Doorbell to Camera” features.

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Connected Arlo System

Connecting your Arlo doorbell to your camera isn’t just a tech upgrade—it’s a game-changer for home security. You’ll go from reacting to events (like missed deliveries) to proactively monitoring your space. But remember, the key is consistency. Check your devices monthly, update firmware, and tweak settings as needed.

For example, after connecting my devices, I set a recurring calendar reminder to “Test Arlo Integration” every 3 months. It takes 2 minutes, but it’s saved me from blind spots more than once. And when I travel, I use the “Away Mode” feature to get instant alerts if anything happens—my neighbors joke that my house is “smarter than me.”

So, take the time to set it up right, and you’ll have a system that feels like it’s always got your back. Because let’s be honest: In a world where porch pirates and unexpected visitors are a reality, a little extra peace of mind goes a long way.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I connect my Arlo doorbell to my camera for seamless monitoring?

To connect your Arlo doorbell to your camera, open the Arlo app, go to “Devices,” and select “Add New Device.” Follow the prompts to pair both devices to the same Arlo SmartHub or base station for synchronized alerts and recordings.

Can I link my Arlo doorbell and camera to the same account?

Yes, all Arlo devices, including doorbells and cameras, can be linked to a single Arlo account. Just ensure both devices are set up under the same login in the Arlo app for unified control.

Why won’t my Arlo doorbell connect to my existing camera system?

This issue often occurs due to mismatched firmware or connectivity problems. Update both devices to the latest firmware via the Arlo app and ensure they’re within range of your Wi-Fi or SmartHub.

Do I need a SmartHub to connect my Arlo doorbell to my camera?

While not always required, a SmartHub improves connectivity and reliability, especially for wired doorbells. For battery-powered models, Wi-Fi suffices, but a SmartHub ensures stable communication between devices.

How do I enable two-way audio between my Arlo doorbell and camera?

Once both devices are connected to the same account, enable “Two-Way Audio” in the Arlo app under each device’s settings. This allows you to communicate through either device during a live view.

Can I view my Arlo doorbell and camera feeds simultaneously?

Yes, in the Arlo app, create a “Group” or use the “Multi-Camera View” feature to monitor your doorbell and camera feeds side by side. This is ideal for tracking activity across multiple entry points.