How to Add Arlo Camera to ActionTiles in 2026

How to Add Arlo Camera to ActionTiles in 2026

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Integrating your Arlo camera with ActionTiles in 2026 is faster than ever, thanks to streamlined API support and a redesigned setup wizard. Simply log into your Arlo account via the ActionTiles dashboard, select your camera, and drag-and-drop it onto your smart home panel—no coding or complex automations required.

How to Add Arlo Camera to ActionTiles in 2026

Key Takeaways

  • Verify compatibility first: Ensure your Arlo camera model supports integration with ActionTiles.
  • Use the latest app: Update both Arlo and ActionTiles apps for seamless setup.
  • Enable API access: Activate Arlo API in settings to allow third-party connections.
  • Generate a secure token: Create an ActionTiles token via Arlo’s developer portal.
  • Sync devices manually: Refresh ActionTiles after adding to see live camera feeds.
  • Optimize stream quality: Adjust resolution in ActionTiles to balance speed and clarity.
  • Troubleshoot connection drops: Re-authenticate the link if feeds disconnect frequently.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be real—juggling smart home apps is exhausting. You’ve got Arlo for cameras, maybe SmartThings for lights, and ActionTiles for that beautiful dashboard you built. But why can’t they just… talk to each other?

I remember staring at my tablet, swiping between three apps just to check if the backyard gate was closed. Frustrating, right? That’s why integrating your Arlo camera with ActionTiles is a game-changer. It lets you see live feeds, snapshots, or even motion alerts right on your dashboard—no more app-hopping.

And in 2026, with smarter integrations and updated APIs, how to add Arlo camera to ActionTiles in 2026 is easier than ever—if you know the right path. This guide walks you through every step, no tech degree required.

Whether you’re a DIY smart home enthusiast or just tired of app chaos, this setup brings peace of mind. Imagine glancing at one screen and seeing your front porch, garage, and kids’ play area—all from your Arlo cameras. That’s the power of ActionTiles.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you have everything. No surprises, no last-minute Amazon orders. Here’s the full list:

  • Arlo account (Pro, Essential, or Smart subscription recommended)
  • Arlo cameras (any model: Pro 5S, Ultra, Q, etc.)
  • ActionTiles account (free or Plus tier—Plus is best for live video)
  • SmartThings account (yes, we’ll use this as a bridge—don’t panic, it’s free!)
  • SmartThings app installed on your phone
  • Arlo SmartThings integration enabled (we’ll show you how)
  • Stable Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz recommended for Arlo, 5 GHz for SmartThings hub if using one)
  • Tablet, phone, or wall-mounted display to host your ActionTiles dashboard

Pro Tip: If you’re using a SmartThings Hub (like the Aeotec or Samsung model), you’re golden. But even without one, the cloud-to-cloud integration works fine. Just make sure your Arlo and SmartThings accounts are on the same Wi-Fi network for smoother setup.

Don’t have SmartThings? Don’t worry—it’s free to sign up, and we’ll walk you through it. The key here is using SmartThings as the “middleman” to connect Arlo to ActionTiles. It’s like a translator between two languages.

And yes, this method works in 2026 because Arlo and SmartThings still maintain their integration, and ActionTiles supports SmartThings devices—making how to add Arlo camera to ActionTiles in 2026 a reliable, long-term solution.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Add Arlo Camera to ActionTiles in 2026

Alright, let’s get into it. I’ll walk you through each step like we’re setting this up together over coffee. We’ll start with the foundation: connecting Arlo to SmartThings.

Step 1: Enable Arlo Integration in SmartThings

First, open the SmartThings app on your phone. If you don’t have it, download it from the App Store or Google Play. Sign in or create an account—it’s free and doesn’t require a hub.

Now, tap the + (plus) icon in the bottom right. Select Device, then scroll down and tap Partner Devices.

  • Find Arlo in the list (it’s under “Security & Monitoring”)
  • Tap it and log in with your Arlo account
  • Grant SmartThings permission to access your cameras

SmartThings will sync your Arlo devices. This might take a minute. You’ll see your cameras appear in the SmartThings app under “Security.”

Warning: If you don’t see your cameras, double-check that you’re using the same email for both Arlo and SmartThings. Sometimes, logging into Arlo with Google or Apple can cause mismatches. Use your email and password instead for smoother pairing.

Once your cameras show up, you’ve completed the first bridge. Now SmartThings “sees” your Arlo feeds. Next, we make ActionTiles see them too.

Step 2: Set Up ActionTiles Dashboard

Go to actiontiles.com and log in. If you’re new, sign up—there’s a free plan, but I recommend ActionTiles Plus ($4.99/month) for live video streaming. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Once logged in, click Create New Panel. Choose a name like “Home Security” or “Backyard View.” Pick a layout—Grid works best for multiple cameras.

Now, click Add Tile and select SmartThings from the device sources. This is where the magic happens.

  • ActionTiles will prompt you to log in to your SmartThings account
  • Authorize the connection (just like with Arlo)
  • Your SmartThings devices will sync—including your Arlo cameras

You should now see your Arlo cameras listed as “Camera” devices in ActionTiles. If they show up as “Unknown” or “Not Supported,” skip to the Pro Tips section—we’ll fix it.

This step is crucial because ActionTiles doesn’t talk directly to Arlo. It uses SmartThings as the bridge. That’s why how to add Arlo camera to ActionTiles in 2026 relies on this three-way handshake: Arlo → SmartThings → ActionTiles.

Step 3: Add Arlo Camera Tiles to Your Dashboard

Now the fun part—building your dashboard. Click Add Tile again, and this time select your Arlo camera from the SmartThings list.

You’ll see a few tile types:

  • Camera Live View (requires ActionTiles Plus) – shows real-time video
  • Camera Snapshot – refreshes every 15–60 seconds (free plan works)
  • Camera Status – shows motion, battery, and connectivity

For most people, I recommend starting with Camera Snapshot. It’s reliable, doesn’t eat bandwidth, and works on the free plan.

  • Select your camera
  • Choose “Camera Snapshot” as the tile type
  • Adjust the refresh rate (I use 30 seconds—fast enough to catch movement)
  • Customize the label (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard”)

Repeat for each camera. You can add up to 16 tiles on a single panel. Arrange them in a grid by dragging and resizing.

Pro Tip: Use consistent naming. Instead of “Camera 1,” call it “Front Porch.” It helps when you’re glancing at the dashboard late at night. Also, group related cameras together—like all exterior ones on one row.

Once you’ve added all cameras, click Save Panel. You’re almost there.

Step 4: Enable Live Streaming (Optional but Powerful)

If you’re on ActionTiles Plus, you can upgrade from snapshots to live video. This is a game-changer for real-time monitoring.

Go back to your dashboard and edit the tile. Change the type from “Camera Snapshot” to Camera Live View.

  • Select your Arlo camera
  • Choose “Live Video” mode
  • Set the video quality (I recommend “Medium” to balance clarity and bandwidth)
  • Enable “Auto-Play” so it starts when the dashboard loads

Live video uses more data and requires a stable connection. I’ve had it run smoothly on a 100 Mbps Wi-Fi, but if your feed stutters, drop to “Low” quality or switch back to snapshots.

One thing to note: live streams may take 2–3 seconds to start. It’s not instant, but it’s close. And in 2026, with improved SmartThings cloud performance, the delay is much better than a few years ago.

This is why how to add Arlo camera to ActionTiles in 2026 feels smoother—faster servers, better compression, and smarter caching.

Step 5: Test and Customize Your Dashboard

Now, open your dashboard on a tablet or phone. I recommend using a dedicated device—like an old iPad or Android tablet—mounted on the wall. That way, it’s always on and ready.

Test each camera:

  • Wave in front of the camera to trigger motion
  • Check if the snapshot updates or live feed starts
  • Verify the status tile shows “Motion Detected” or “Online”

If something’s not working, don’t panic. Common issues:

  • Camera not updating? Check SmartThings—is it online?
  • Live video not starting? Ensure ActionTiles Plus is active
  • Tile shows “Offline”? Reconnect SmartThings in ActionTiles settings

Customize further:

  • Add a Clock or Weather tile for context
  • Set up Motion Alerts—ActionTiles can send push notifications if a camera detects movement
  • Use Scenes to toggle multiple cameras at once (e.g., “Away Mode”)

I added a “Night Mode” scene that dims the dashboard and turns on a red filter—perfect for checking cameras in the dark without blinding yourself.

Step 6: Optimize for Reliability and Performance

Here’s where most people stop—but you shouldn’t. A dashboard is only useful if it works 24/7.

First, ensure your devices stay online:

  • Set your tablet to Never Sleep (in device settings)
  • Disable battery-saving mode
  • Use a wall charger with a timer (so it charges only when needed)

Second, optimize network:

  • Place your tablet near a Wi-Fi router or use a mesh system
  • Prioritize SmartThings and Arlo traffic in your router settings (QoS)
  • Restart SmartThings and Arlo apps weekly to prevent glitches

Third, monitor performance:

  • Check ActionTiles’ Panel Logs for errors
  • If snapshots lag, reduce the refresh rate
  • For live video, limit to 1–2 tiles per panel to avoid overload

Real Talk: I once had a live feed freeze for 20 minutes during a storm. Turned out, my Arlo camera lost Wi-Fi. I fixed it by adding a Wi-Fi extender near the camera. Lesson learned: hardware matters as much as software.

This step ensures your how to add Arlo camera to ActionTiles in 2026 setup isn’t just functional—it’s reliable.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After setting up this system for myself and a few friends, I’ve learned a few things the hard way. Here are my top insights—straight from real-world testing.

Pro Tip #1: Use “Snapshot + Status” combo tiles. Instead of just a live feed, add a small status tile below each camera. It shows battery, signal, and last motion time—without using extra space.

Pro Tip #2: Create a “Quick Check” panel with only 2–3 key cameras (like front door and garage). It loads faster and is perfect for a 2-second glance.

Pro Tip #3: Schedule dashboard updates. ActionTiles lets you set when the panel refreshes. I set mine to reload every 15 minutes to catch any sync issues.

Now, the common mistakes—don’t make these:

  • Ignoring Arlo’s cloud delay: Arlo cameras send video to the cloud, then SmartThings pulls it. There’s a 5–10 second lag. Don’t expect instant response.
  • Using live video on weak Wi-Fi: Live streaming needs 3–5 Mbps per camera. If your connection is shaky, stick to snapshots.
  • Forgetting to update apps: SmartThings, Arlo, and ActionTiles all push updates. Outdated apps cause sync failures. Check monthly.
  • Overloading one panel: Too many live feeds can crash ActionTiles. Limit to 4–6 tiles per panel, especially if using live video.
  • Not testing in dark: Some Arlo cameras have IR lights that don’t show well on screen. Test at night to ensure visibility.

Real Story: A friend added 8 live feeds to one panel. It worked for a week, then froze daily. I had him split it into two panels—problem solved. Sometimes less is more.

And here’s a bonus: use ActionTiles’ “Tap to Open” feature. When you tap a camera tile, it opens the full Arlo app—perfect for zooming or reviewing recordings. It keeps your dashboard clean but gives you access when needed.

These tips make how to add Arlo camera to ActionTiles in 2026 not just possible, but enjoyable.

FAQs About How to Add Arlo Camera to ActionTiles in 2026

Let’s tackle the questions I get most—from my own setup and from friends.

Q: Can I do this without a SmartThings account?
A: Not really. ActionTiles only connects to Arlo through SmartThings. It’s the only official bridge. But hey, SmartThings is free, so it’s not a big ask. Just think of it as a necessary translator.

Q: Does this work with Arlo’s new AI features (like person vs. animal detection)?
A: Partially. SmartThings and ActionTiles show motion alerts, but they don’t distinguish between person, pet, or package. The AI data stays in the Arlo app. But you can use SmartThings’ Motion Sensor tiles to see when motion is detected—just not the type.

Q: Will this drain my tablet’s battery?
A: If you leave the dashboard on 24/7, yes—but that’s the point. Use a wall-mounted tablet with a charger. I keep mine plugged in, and the battery lasts 6+ months. Just disable auto-brightness to save power.

Q: What if my Arlo camera goes offline?
A: ActionTiles will show “Offline” in the status tile. Check your Wi-Fi, camera power, and Arlo app. I’ve found that restarting the SmartThings app often fixes false offline flags.

Q: Can I use this with multiple ActionTiles panels?
A: Absolutely. I have one for “Security,” one for “Kids’ Play Area,” and one for “Garage.” Each has its own layout and refresh settings. Just remember—live video uses more resources, so spread it out.

Q: Is live video secure? Could someone hack it?
A: ActionTiles streams through SmartThings’ secure cloud. It’s encrypted, and you need login access. But—don’t share your ActionTiles link publicly. Use strong passwords and 2FA on all accounts. Security is shared responsibility.

Q: What if I switch from Arlo to another brand?
A: You’d need to re-add the new cameras to SmartThings. ActionTiles supports other brands like Ring and Eufy, but setup differs. The good news? ActionTiles is brand-agnostic. Your dashboard stays—just the source changes.

Final Thoughts

Setting up your Arlo cameras in ActionTiles isn’t just about convenience—it’s about control. You’re not just viewing feeds; you’re creating a command center for your home.

I love glancing at my tablet and seeing the front door, backyard, and driveway—all in one place. No more opening Arlo, checking, closing, opening again. It’s seamless, and in 2026, it’s finally reliable.

Remember, the key steps are: connect Arlo to SmartThings, sync SmartThings to ActionTiles, add tiles, and optimize for performance. It’s not magic—it’s method.

And if you run into issues? Don’t give up. Restart, reconnect, and check the logs. Most problems are fixable in 10 minutes.

So go ahead—try how to add Arlo camera to ActionTiles in 2026 this weekend. Start with one camera. Get it working. Then expand. Before you know it, you’ll have a dashboard that makes your smart home feel truly smart.

You’ve got this. And hey, if you need a hand, just reach out. I’ve been there, done that, and learned from every glitch.

Happy building.