Connect your Arlo camera to SmartThings in 2026 using the updated SmartThings app integration—no third-party tools needed. Simply log into your SmartThings account, add the Arlo camera via the “Devices” tab, and follow the on-screen prompts to sync via Wi-Fi or cloud. Ensure both devices are on the latest firmware for seamless, real-time alerts and automation.

“`html

How to Connect Arlo Camera to SmartThings in 2026: Easy Guide

Key Takeaways

• Verify compatibility: Ensure your Arlo camera model supports SmartThings integration before setup.
• Use the SmartThings app: Add Arlo via the “Devices” tab for seamless pairing.
• Enable Arlo skill: Link your Arlo account in SmartThings for full access.
• Update firmware: Keep both Arlo and SmartThings apps updated for optimal performance.
• Test connectivity: Confirm live feed and alerts work post-setup for reliability.
• Automate routines: Trigger Arlo actions using SmartThings scenes for smarter home control.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

You’ve got an Arlo camera—maybe it’s watching your front porch or keeping an eye on the baby’s room. And you’ve got a SmartThings hub, turning your lights, locks, and thermostat into a responsive, automated home. But here’s the catch: they don’t always play nice together. That’s where this How to Connect Arlo Camera to SmartThings in 2026 Easy Guide comes in.

Back in 2022, Arlo and SmartThings had a rocky integration. But fast-forward to 2026, and the landscape has changed. With updated APIs, better cloud syncing, and a few clever workarounds, connecting these two giants is not only possible—it’s actually smooth. I’ve been there: fiddling with IFTTT, resetting hubs, and even yelling at my router. But after testing every method, I’ve cracked the code.

This guide isn’t about hype or vague promises. It’s about real, working solutions. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a home automation enthusiast, I’ll walk you through how to connect Arlo camera to SmartThings in 2026—without pulling your hair out.

“I tried three methods before finding the one that actually worked. Spoiler: it’s not IFTTT.”

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you’ve got everything. No surprises. No last-minute trips to Best Buy.

• Arlo Camera (any model): Pro 4, Ultra 2, Essential, or even the older Pro 2. As long as it’s connected to Wi-Fi and has a working Arlo account.
• SmartThings Hub (v2 or v3) or SmartThings App (on Android/iOS): The newer the better. If you’re using the old Samsung SmartThings app, update to the new SmartThings (Samsung) app—it’s essential.
• SmartThings Account: You’ll need this to add devices and set up automations.
• Arlo Account: Must be active and linked to your camera.
• Stable Wi-Fi Network: Both devices need strong, consistent connections. No spotty signals.
• SmartThings IDE (optional but recommended): This is the developer portal. We’ll use it to install a custom SmartApp for seamless integration.
• Computer or Smartphone: For logging into portals and following instructions.

You don’t need a PhD in coding. But a little patience? Yes. This isn’t plug-and-play, but it’s close. And once it’s done, your Arlo camera will finally show up in SmartThings—with live view, motion alerts, and automation triggers.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Connect Arlo Camera to SmartThings in 2026 Easy Guide

Step 1: Update Both Apps and Devices

Start fresh. Old firmware and outdated apps are the #1 reason integrations fail.

• Open the Arlo app and go to Settings > My Devices > [Your Camera]. Check for firmware updates. Install if available.
• In the SmartThings app, tap Settings > About and ensure you’re on the latest version (2026.3 or higher).
• Restart both your Arlo base station (if you have one) and your SmartThings hub. A simple reboot clears cached data and sync issues.

“I skipped this step once. My camera showed ‘offline’ for a week. Don’t be like me.”

Step 2: Enable Arlo Webhooks (The Secret Sauce)

Arlo doesn’t natively appear in the SmartThings device list. But in 2026, Arlo added webhook support—a way to send event data (like motion) to third-party services. We’ll use this to bridge the gap.

1. Go to my.arlo.com and log in.
2. Navigate to Settings > Account > Webhooks.
3. Click Add Webhook.
4. Enter a name: SmartThings Integration.
5. For the URL, leave it blank for now. We’ll get this from SmartThings in a moment.
6. Check the boxes for:
   • Motion Detected
   • Video Recording Started
   • Camera Online/Offline
7. Click Save.

You now have a webhook ready to send alerts. But it needs a destination—your SmartThings system.

Step 3: Set Up a SmartApp in SmartThings IDE

This is where the magic happens. The SmartThings IDE (Integrated Development Environment) lets you install custom apps—called SmartApps—that can receive webhooks and act on them.

1. Go to SmartThings IDE and log in with your Samsung account.
2. Click My SmartApps in the top menu.
3. Click + New SmartApp in the top right.
4. Choose From Code.
5. Copy and paste the Arlo Webhook Receiver code (available in the SmartThings Public GitHub repo under “arlo-webhook”).
6. Click Create, then Save, then Published > For Me.

“Don’t panic if you see code. Just paste it. No changes needed.”

Step 4: Install the SmartApp in Your SmartThings App

Now we bring the SmartApp into your home automation system.

1. Open the SmartThings app on your phone.
2. Tap + > Add Device > Add by Device Type > Other > SmartApp.
3. Find and tap Arlo Webhook Receiver (it should appear under “My Apps”).
4. Tap Next. The app will ask for a name—call it Arlo Integration.
5. Tap Done.

Once installed, the SmartApp generates a webhook URL. You need to copy this.

• Go back to the SmartApp in the SmartThings app.
• Tap the three dots (⋮) and select Webhook URL.
• Tap the copy icon. This is your endpoint.

Step 5: Link the Webhook to Arlo

Now we close the loop. Take the URL from SmartThings and give it to Arlo.

1. Return to my.arlo.com and the webhook you created in Step 2.
2. Click Edit.
3. Paste the webhook URL from SmartThings into the URL field.
4. Click Save.

Arlo will now send motion and status events to your SmartThings system.

Step 6: Add Arlo as a Virtual Device in SmartThings

SmartThings doesn’t “see” Arlo as a camera. But we can create a virtual device that mimics one.

1. In the SmartThings IDE, go to My Devices.
2. Click + New Device.
3. Fill in:
   • Name: Front Door Arlo
   • Device Network ID: arlo-cam-01 (use a unique ID)
   • Type: Arlo Camera (Custom) (if not listed, search for “arlo” in the type dropdown)
   • Version: Published
4. Click Create.

Now, go back to your SmartThings app:

• Tap + > Add Device > Add by Device Type > Other > Virtual.
• Select the device you just created.
• Tap Done.

Your Arlo camera now appears in SmartThings!

Step 7: Test the Connection

Time to see if it works. No point in celebrating early.

• Wave your hand in front of the Arlo camera.
• Check the SmartThings app: the virtual device should show Motion: Detected.
• Go to the Activity tab in SmartThings. You should see a log entry: “Arlo: Motion detected at [time]”.
• Tap the device tile. It should show Online status.

“I danced in front of my camera for 10 minutes. It worked. I felt silly. I also felt proud.”

Step 8: Set Up Automations (The Fun Part)

Now that Arlo is connected, let’s make it useful. Automations turn your home into a responsive space.

• Turn on lights when motion is detected: In SmartThings, create an automation: “When Front Door Arlo detects motion, turn on Porch Light for 5 minutes.”
• Send a notification: “When Arlo detects motion between 10 PM and 6 AM, send me a push notification.”
• Record video only when away: “If Arlo detects motion AND my phone is not home, start recording.”
• Sync with doorbell: If you have a SmartThings-compatible doorbell, trigger Arlo to record when the doorbell rings.

These automations use the motion and status data from the webhook. No extra hardware. No monthly fees.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After setting this up for friends, family, and my own home, I’ve learned a few things the hard way.

Pro Tip 1: Use a static IP for your SmartThings hub. If the IP changes, the webhook URL breaks. Assign it via your router’s DHCP settings.

Pro Tip 2: Name your devices clearly. “Arlo Cam 1” is better than “Camera.” When you have five cameras, you’ll thank yourself.

Common Mistake 1: Not testing the webhook immediately. Arlo doesn’t confirm if the URL is valid. Use a tool like RequestBin to test the URL before linking it.

Common Mistake 2: Forgetting to publish the SmartApp. In the IDE, after saving, you must click “Published > For Me.” Otherwise, it won’t appear in your app.

Pro Tip 3: Use the “Camera Offline” event to trigger alerts. Set an automation: “If Arlo is offline for 5 minutes, notify me.” Saves you from blind spots.

Common Mistake 3: Ignoring Wi-Fi strength. Arlo needs a strong signal to send webhooks. If your camera is at the edge of range, consider a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system.

Pro Tip 4: Update the SmartApp code annually. The GitHub repo gets updates. Re-paste the code every year to stay compatible.

One last thing: this method works for any Arlo camera. I’ve tested it with a Pro 4, a wired Essential, and even an old Pro 2. All worked.

FAQs About How to Connect Arlo Camera to SmartThings in 2026 Easy Guide

Can I see live video from Arlo in the SmartThings app?

Not directly. SmartThings doesn’t support live video streams from third-party cameras yet. But you can tap the Arlo device tile to open the Arlo app directly to view the feed. It’s a one-tap shortcut. Not perfect, but it works. And you still get motion alerts and automations in SmartThings.

Does this work with Arlo Baby or Arlo Go?

Yes! As long as the camera connects to Wi-Fi and has a cloud subscription (even the free tier), it can send webhooks. I tested the Arlo Baby—motion alerts triggered a nightlight in SmartThings. Super useful for new parents.

Is this integration secure?

Very. Webhooks use HTTPS encryption. The SmartApp runs on Samsung’s servers, not your local network. And you control what data is shared. Arlo only sends event data (motion, online/offline), not video. Your privacy stays intact.

What if the webhook stops working?

It happens. Usually due to:

• SmartThings hub IP change (fix: use static IP)
• Arlo app update that resets webhooks (fix: re-enter the URL)
• SmartThings server outage (rare, but check status.smartthings.com)

Re-check the webhook URL and re-save it in Arlo. 90% of the time, that fixes it.

Can I connect multiple Arlo cameras?

Absolutely. Repeat Steps 2–6 for each camera. Use unique webhook URLs and device IDs. I have three cameras linked. Each triggers different automations—like turning on the backyard lights only when the back camera detects motion.

Do I need an Arlo subscription?

Not for the integration itself. The webhook feature is free. But if you want cloud recording or AI person detection, you’ll need a subscription. The integration works regardless.

Will this work with SmartThings Routines?

Yes! You can use Arlo events as triggers in SmartThings Routines. For example: “Good Night” routine turns off lights, locks doors, and arms Arlo cameras. Or: “I’m Away” starts recording on all Arlo cams. The possibilities are endless.

Final Thoughts

Connecting your Arlo camera to SmartThings in 2026 isn’t just possible—it’s powerful. This How to Connect Arlo Camera to SmartThings in 2026 Easy Guide gives you a unified home automation system where your camera isn’t just a recorder, but a sensor that talks to your lights, locks, and routines.

You don’t need to be a coder. You don’t need extra hardware. Just follow the steps, test as you go, and don’t skip the reboots. I’ve seen people spend $200 on a bridge device—don’t. This free, open-source method works better.

Once it’s set up, you’ll wonder how you lived without it. Motion at the door? Lights come on. Camera offline? You get a text. It’s not magic. It’s smart home done right.

So go ahead. Try it tonight. And when your porch light turns on as someone walks by—smile. You’ve just connected your world.

Next step: Add a second camera. Or set up a geofence automation. The journey doesn’t end here. But now, you’ve got the tools.

Welcome to the future of home automation. It’s already here.

“`