How Many Arlo Cameras Can I Connect to SmartThings A Complete Guide

You can connect up to 10 Arlo cameras to a single SmartThings hub, making it ideal for comprehensive home security setups. This seamless integration allows real-time monitoring and automation through the SmartThings app, though performance may vary based on network strength and camera models.

Key Takeaways

• Limit to 10 cameras: SmartThings supports up to 10 Arlo cameras for stable performance.
• Check compatibility first: Ensure your Arlo model works with SmartThings before setup.
• Use the SmartThings app: Add Arlo cameras seamlessly via the app’s device integration.
• Stable Wi-Fi is key: Strong network ensures smooth camera connectivity and video streaming.
• Update firmware regularly: Keep Arlo and SmartThings updated to avoid connection issues.
• Monitor device load: Too many devices can slow down your SmartThings hub.

The Smart Home Puzzle: Arlo Cameras and SmartThings

Imagine this: you’ve just moved into your new home, and you’re excited to turn it into a smart home. You’ve got your Arlo cameras set up—maybe a couple at the front door, one in the backyard, and another keeping an eye on the garage. You’ve also got a SmartThings hub because, well, who doesn’t want their lights, thermostat, and security system to talk to each other? But then the big question hits you: *How many Arlo cameras can I connect to SmartThings?*

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Smart home tech is awesome, but it can feel like solving a puzzle with pieces from different boxes. You want seamless integration, but sometimes it’s more like a game of trial and error. I’ve been there, too—trying to get my Arlo cameras to play nice with SmartThings while wondering if I’d need to upgrade my Wi-Fi or buy a second hub. The good news? It’s possible, but there are a few things you’ll need to know to make it work smoothly. Let’s break it down, step by step, so you can get the most out of your setup without pulling your hair out.

Understanding Arlo and SmartThings Integration

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of how many Arlo cameras you can connect, let’s talk about how these two systems actually work together. Arlo, made by Netgear, is a popular brand of wireless security cameras. SmartThings, owned by Samsung, is a smart home hub that connects all your devices—lights, locks, sensors, you name it—into one app. But here’s the catch: they don’t always play together perfectly.

The Basics of Arlo and SmartThings

Arlo cameras and SmartThings don’t have a direct, native integration. Instead, they connect through a “bridge” called IFTTT (If This Then That) or via SmartThings’ “SmartApps” (custom integrations created by the community). Think of it like using a translator to help two people who speak different languages understand each other. Here’s how it works:

• IFTTT: You create “applets” (automated rules) that trigger actions. For example, “If my Arlo camera detects motion, turn on the porch light via SmartThings.”
• SmartApps: These are custom scripts or apps that let SmartThings “talk” to Arlo. They’re more powerful but require some setup.

The key takeaway? You’re not limited by a hard number of cameras—but you *are* limited by the reliability and complexity of these workarounds.

Why Integration Isn’t Perfect (And What You Can Do)

Let’s be real: the Arlo-SmartThings connection isn’t as seamless as, say, Samsung’s own cameras with SmartThings. Why? A few reasons:

• No official partnership: Arlo and Samsung don’t collaborate closely, so there’s no direct “plug-and-play” support.
• Reliance on third-party tools: IFTTT and SmartApps can be finicky. Sometimes they work great; other times, they fail silently.
• Latency: Actions might take a few seconds (or more) to trigger. Not ideal if you’re relying on real-time alerts.

But don’t worry! With the right setup, you can still get a reliable connection. For example, I use IFTTT for basic triggers (like turning on lights when my Arlo detects motion) and a SmartApp for more advanced automations (like recording video clips when a door sensor is triggered). It’s not perfect, but it works for my needs.

How Many Arlo Cameras Can You Connect? (The Real Answer)

Okay, let’s get to the heart of the question: *How many Arlo cameras can I connect to SmartThings?* The short answer? Technically, there’s no hard limit. But practically, it depends on a few key factors. Here’s what you need to know:

Factor 1: Your SmartThings Hub’s Processing Power

Your SmartThings hub (whether it’s the Hub v3, Hub v2, or the newer Aeotec model) has a finite amount of processing power. Every connected device—cameras, sensors, lights—adds to the “load.” While SmartThings can handle dozens of devices, the more you add, the slower it gets. For cameras, this matters because:

• Live feeds: Streaming video from multiple Arlo cameras at once can strain your hub.
• Automations: Complex rules (like “record video when motion is detected and the door is unlocked”) take more resources.

Pro tip: If you’re using an older hub (like the v2), stick to 3-4 Arlo cameras max. With the newer Aeotec hub, you can probably push it to 6-8, but monitor performance closely.

Factor 2: Your Wi-Fi Network’s Capacity

Arlo cameras are Wi-Fi-dependent, and SmartThings relies on your home network to communicate with them. If your Wi-Fi is overloaded, you’ll see:

• Lag in camera feeds.
• Delayed or failed automations.
• Cameras dropping offline.

For example, I learned this the hard way when I added a fifth Arlo camera and noticed my SmartThings automations were failing. My Wi-Fi router was struggling to handle the traffic. The fix? I upgraded to a mesh Wi-Fi system (Eero) and separated my cameras onto a dedicated 2.4GHz network. Problem solved!

Factor 3: IFTTT or SmartApp Limitations

Here’s where things get tricky. IFTTT and SmartApps have their own limits:

• IFTTT: Free accounts have a 3-applet limit. If you want more automations (e.g., one per camera), you’ll need a Pro account ($3.99/month).
• SmartApps: Some community-created SmartApps are designed for a single camera. You’ll need to install multiple instances (and manage them separately) for more cameras.

Example: I use IFTTT to turn on my porch light when my front-door Arlo detects motion. But for my backyard camera, I use a different applet to send a notification to my phone. If I added a third camera, I’d need another applet—or upgrade to IFTTT Pro.

Setting Up Arlo Cameras with SmartThings (Step-by-Step)

Now that you know the limits, let’s talk about *how* to connect your Arlo cameras to SmartThings. I’ll walk you through two methods: IFTTT (easy) and SmartApps (advanced). Pick the one that fits your comfort level.

Method 1: Using IFTTT (The Easy Way)

IFTTT is perfect if you want simple automations without coding. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Create an IFTTT account: Go to ifttt.com and sign up.
2. Connect Arlo and SmartThings: Search for “Arlo” and “SmartThings” services and connect them (you’ll need your login credentials).
3. Create an applet: Click “Create” and set up a rule. For example:
   • Trigger: “Arlo detects motion on [camera name].”
   • Action: “Turn on SmartThings light [light name].”
4. Repeat for each camera: You’ll need one applet per camera (unless you’re on IFTTT Pro).

Pros: Simple, no coding, works with most Arlo cameras.
Cons: Limited free automations, slight delay (5-10 seconds).

Method 2: Using SmartApps (The Advanced Way)

If you’re comfortable with a little technical work, SmartApps offer more control. Here’s how:

1. Install the SmartThings app: Make sure it’s updated.
2. Add a SmartApp: Go to “Marketplace” > “SmartApps” > “My Apps” and install a community-created Arlo app (like “Arlo Integration” by jbisson).
3. Follow the setup instructions: You’ll need to:
   • Enter your Arlo account details.
   • Select which cameras to integrate.
   • Set up automations in SmartThings (e.g., “If Arlo detects motion, turn on lights”).

Pros: More reliable, faster response, supports multiple cameras.
Cons: Requires technical know-how, some SmartApps are outdated.

Troubleshooting Tips

Even with the best setup, things can go wrong. Here are common issues and fixes:

• Camera not responding: Check Wi-Fi signal. Move closer to the router or add a Wi-Fi extender.
• Automations failing: Restart your SmartThings hub. If that doesn’t work, re-authenticate Arlo in IFTTT/SmartApp.
• Lag in live feeds: Reduce the number of cameras streaming at once. Use “event-based recording” instead of continuous streaming.

Real-World Examples: How People Use Arlo and SmartThings

To give you a better idea of what’s possible, let’s look at how real users combine Arlo cameras with SmartThings. These examples show the flexibility (and limitations) of the setup.

Example 1: The Basic Setup (2-3 Cameras)

User: Sarah, a homeowner with a small house.
Setup:

• 2 Arlo Pro cameras (front door, backyard).
• SmartThings Hub v3 + 4 smart lights.
• IFTTT automations: “Turn on lights when Arlo detects motion.”

Why it works: Simple, reliable, and doesn’t overload the hub or Wi-Fi. Sarah’s only “complaint”? The 5-second delay in light activation. Not a dealbreaker for her.

Example 2: The Advanced Setup (6-8 Cameras)

User: Mike, a tech enthusiast with a large property.
Setup:

• 6 Arlo Ultra cameras (full perimeter).
• Aeotec SmartThings hub + 12 smart devices (locks, sensors, lights).
• SmartApp for Arlo integration + custom automations (e.g., “Record video when front gate opens”).
• Dedicated 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network for cameras.

Why it works: Mike’s hub and Wi-Fi can handle the load. He also uses a NAS (network-attached storage) to back up Arlo video clips—a smart move for heavy users.

Example 3: The “It’s Not Perfect” Setup (4 Cameras)

User: Lisa, a renter with a mid-sized apartment.
Setup:

• 4 Arlo Essential cameras (entry points).
• Older SmartThings Hub v2 + 6 smart devices.
• IFTTT for notifications (no lights/locks).

Why it *almost* works: Lisa’s hub struggles with 4 cameras. She gets occasional lag and dropped connections. Her solution? She’s saving up for a newer hub.

Data Table: Arlo Camera Limits by SmartThings Setup

To summarize the key factors, here’s a quick-reference table:

Setup Factor	Low-End (Hub v2, Basic Wi-Fi)	Mid-Range (Hub v3, Mesh Wi-Fi)	High-End (Aeotec Hub, Dedicated Wi-Fi)
Max Arlo Cameras	3-4	5-6	6-8
Recommended Automation Method	IFTTT (simple triggers)	IFTTT or SmartApp (mix of automations)	SmartApp (complex automations)
Wi-Fi Network	Single router (2.4GHz)	Mesh system (dual-band)	Dedicated 2.4GHz network for cameras
Performance Notes	Lag likely with >4 cameras	Smooth with proper setup	Best for heavy users

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Setup

So, how many Arlo cameras can you connect to SmartThings? The answer isn’t a number—it’s about *your* setup. If you’ve got an older hub and a basic Wi-Fi network, stick to 3-4 cameras. If you’re willing to invest in better hardware (like a mesh Wi-Fi system or a newer hub), you can push it to 6-8. And if you’re tech-savvy, SmartApps can give you more control than IFTTT.

My advice? Start small. Connect one or two Arlo cameras, test the automations, and see how your hub and Wi-Fi handle it. Then, scale up *slowly*. And don’t forget the little things—like keeping your hub updated, using strong Wi-Fi signals, and backing up your automations (in case something breaks).

At the end of the day, the goal is a smart home that works *for you*, not against you. It might take some trial and error, but when it all clicks—when your lights turn on as your camera detects motion, or your thermostat adjusts because you’re away—it’s worth it. Happy automating!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Arlo cameras can I connect to SmartThings?

You can connect up to 10 Arlo cameras to a single SmartThings hub, depending on your network bandwidth and hub model. This limit ensures stable performance without overloading your system.

Does the number of Arlo cameras affect SmartThings performance?

Yes, adding more cameras may slow down your SmartThings hub due to increased data processing. For optimal performance, avoid exceeding 10 cameras unless using a high-capacity hub.

Can I connect multiple Arlo models (e.g., Pro, Ultra) to SmartThings?

Yes, SmartThings supports most Arlo camera models, including Pro, Ultra, and Essential series. Just ensure they’re all linked to the same Arlo account for seamless integration.

Do I need a SmartThings hub to connect Arlo cameras?

Yes, a SmartThings hub (like the V3 or Hubitat) is required to integrate Arlo cameras. The hub acts as a bridge between your cameras and the SmartThings app.

Why does SmartThings limit the number of connected Arlo cameras?

The limit prevents network congestion and ensures reliable automation. Exceeding it may cause lag or disconnections, especially with high-resolution cameras streaming constantly.

How do I check how many Arlo cameras are linked to SmartThings?

Open the SmartThings app, go to “Devices,” and count your Arlo cameras under the “Security” or “Cameras” section. The app also alerts you if you’re nearing the 10-camera limit.