Connecting your Arlo camera to the SmartThings Hub in 2026 is seamless using the updated SmartThings app and Arlo’s native integration. Simply log into the SmartThings app, select “Add Device,” and follow the on-screen prompts to link your Arlo account—no third-party tools needed. Once paired, enjoy centralized control, automation, and real-time alerts across your smart home ecosystem.

“`html

How to Connect Arlo Camera to SmartThings Hub in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Verify compatibility first: Ensure your Arlo camera model supports SmartThings integration in 2026.
• Update firmware: Install the latest updates on both Arlo and SmartThings devices before connecting.
• Use the SmartThings app: Add Arlo via the “Add Device” menu and follow in-app prompts.
• Link accounts securely: Authorize Arlo access through SmartThings with two-factor authentication enabled.
• Test automation: Create a test routine to confirm camera triggers and notifications work properly.
• Troubleshoot promptly: Reboot hubs and cameras if connection fails after initial setup.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

You’ve got a smart home setup with lights, locks, and sensors all humming along via SmartThings. But your Arlo camera? It’s still living in its own little world—streaming to the Arlo app, sending notifications there, and missing out on the seamless automation you’ve built. Sound familiar?

That’s why learning how to connect Arlo camera to SmartThings Hub in 2026 is a game-changer. It’s not just about convenience. It’s about control. Imagine your porch light turning on when your Arlo detects motion at night, or your smart doorbell chiming when someone approaches your front yard. That’s the magic of integration.

But here’s the catch: Arlo and SmartThings don’t play together out of the box. No direct pairing button. No plug-and-play magic. It takes a few clever steps—and a bit of patience. I’ve been there. I’ve tried every workaround, hit every dead end, and finally cracked the code. Now, I’m sharing it with you.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you’re not halfway through the process only to realize you’re missing something. Here’s what you’ll need for how to connect Arlo camera to SmartThings Hub in 2026:

• Arlo camera (any model: Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3, Ultra, or Essential)
• SmartThings Hub (v2 or v3, or a compatible SmartThings-enabled device like a Samsung TV or SmartThings Station)
• Arlo app (updated to the latest version)
• SmartThings app (also updated—this is critical in 2026)
• Stable Wi-Fi connection (both devices must be on the same network during setup)
• A computer or tablet (for optional web-based steps)
• SmartThings IDE account (yes, it still exists and is key to this process)
• A little time (30–60 minutes, depending on your tech comfort level)

Pro tip: Make sure your Arlo camera is fully charged or plugged in. A low battery can cause connection drops during setup. And restart both your router and SmartThings hub before starting—this simple step has saved me hours of troubleshooting.

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

Alright, let’s get into the good stuff. This method uses the SmartThings IDE (Integrated Development Environment), which is the backstage pass to advanced integrations. Don’t worry—it’s not as scary as it sounds. I’ve broken it down into simple, no-nonsense steps.

Step 1: Set Up Your Arlo Camera (If You Haven’t Already)

If your Arlo camera is brand new, you’ll need to get it set up in the Arlo app first. Here’s how:

1. Download the Arlo app (iOS or Android).
2. Create an account or log in.
3. Follow the in-app instructions to add your camera to the Arlo base station or directly via Wi-Fi (for newer models).
4. Test the feed—make sure you can see live video and get motion alerts.

Warning: Don’t skip this step. Your Arlo camera must be fully functional in its own ecosystem before you can integrate it with SmartThings. Think of it like learning to walk before you run.

Once your camera is live in the Arlo app, you’re ready for the next phase of how to connect Arlo camera to SmartThings Hub in 2026.

Step 2: Create a SmartThings IDE Account and Access the Dashboard

This is where most people get stuck—but I’ve got your back.

1. Go to graph.api.smartthings.com in your browser.
2. Log in with your Samsung/SmartThings account. If you don’t have one, create it now.
3. You’ll land on the SmartThings IDE Dashboard. This is the command center for advanced automations.

Once inside, click on “My SmartApps” in the top menu. This is where we’ll install a custom integration to bridge Arlo and SmartThings.

Pro tip: Bookmark this page. You’ll need it again if you add more Arlo cameras or troubleshoot later.

Step 3: Install the Arlo-to-SmartThings SmartApp

Now, we’re using a community-created SmartApp—specifically, one developed by SmartThings user “arlo-bridge”, which remains the most reliable method in 2026.

1. In the IDE Dashboard, click “New SmartApp”.
2. Click “From Code” and paste the latest Arlo-SmartThings integration code. (As of 2026, the most up-to-date version is maintained on GitHub—search “arlo-smartthings-2026” or check the SmartThings Community Forum.)
3. Click “Create”.
4. Review the code briefly (don’t worry—it’s safe if from a trusted source), then click “Publish” > “For Me”.

This installs the SmartApp on your account. It acts like a translator between Arlo and SmartThings.

Warning: Never install SmartApps from untrusted sources. Stick to the official SmartThings Community or GitHub repos with high user ratings. I once used a sketchy one—ended up with a camera that wouldn’t turn off for 12 hours. Not fun.

Step 4: Link Your Arlo Account to the SmartApp

Now, the SmartApp needs access to your Arlo account to pull camera data.

1. In the SmartThings app, go to “Automation” > “SmartApps”.
2. Tap “+” > “My Apps” and select the Arlo SmartApp you just installed.
3. Follow the prompts to log in to your Arlo account. Grant permissions when asked.
4. The app will detect your Arlo cameras and list them. Select the one(s) you want to connect.

At this point, the SmartApp creates a virtual “device” in SmartThings for each Arlo camera. This is how SmartThings sees your camera—as a smart device it can control and monitor.

Step 5: Test the Connection and Verify in SmartThings

Don’t skip this step. Testing early saves headaches later.

1. Go to the SmartThings app > Devices.
2. Look for a new device named something like “Arlo Front Door” or “Arlo Camera (via SmartApp)”.
3. Tap it. You should see:
   • Motion status (active/inactive)
   • Last motion event timestamp
   • Option to trigger a snapshot
4. Wave your hand in front of the camera. Check if SmartThings updates the motion status within 5–10 seconds.

Pro tip: If it doesn’t update, wait a minute. The sync isn’t instant. But if it still fails, go back to the SmartApp settings and re-authenticate your Arlo account. Sometimes the token expires.

Step 6: Create Automations (The Fun Part!)

Now that your Arlo camera is in SmartThings, you can automate like a pro.

For example:

• Motion → Light On: When Arlo detects motion after sunset, turn on your porch light.
• Front Door Motion → Chime: When someone approaches, play a chime on your SmartThings speaker.
• Nighttime Motion → Record Video: Trigger Arlo to start recording (if supported) and send a notification to your phone.

To set this up:

1. In the SmartThings app, go to “Automation” > “+” > “Create Automation”.
2. Choose “When something happens” > “Device” > Your Arlo camera > “Motion is detected”.
3. Then, choose “Then do this” and select your desired action (e.g., turn on light, send alert, etc.).
4. Name it (e.g., “Porch Light on Motion”) and save.

This is where how to connect Arlo camera to SmartThings Hub in 2026 truly pays off. Your home becomes responsive, not just reactive.

Step 7: Optimize for Reliability and Speed

Even after setup, a few tweaks ensure smooth performance.

• Check polling frequency: In the SmartApp settings, look for “poll interval.” Set it to 10–15 seconds. Too low, and it drains Arlo’s battery. Too high, and you miss events.
• Enable notifications: In SmartThings, turn on push alerts for motion events. You’ll get them faster than through the Arlo app.
• Use routines: Create a “Night Mode” routine that arms your Arlo cameras and turns off interior lights. One tap, full security.

Pro tip: If your Arlo is battery-powered, avoid frequent polling. Instead, use motion-triggered automations that only activate the SmartApp when needed. This extends battery life.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s talk about what can go wrong—and how to avoid it. I’ve made every one of these mistakes, so you don’t have to.

Common Mistake #1: Using Outdated SmartApp Code

SmartThings and Arlo both update their APIs. If you use an old SmartApp, it might fail silently. Always check the last update date. In 2026, look for versions updated in the last 6 months.

My story: I once used a SmartApp from 2023. Everything worked—until my camera stopped sending motion alerts after a SmartThings update. Took me a week to realize the code was incompatible. Now I check GitHub every time I set up a new camera.

Common Mistake #2: Not Testing on the Same Network

Your Arlo camera and SmartThings hub must be on the same Wi-Fi network during setup. If they’re on different bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz), the SmartApp can’t communicate with Arlo reliably.

Pro tip: Temporarily connect your phone to the same network as the hub during setup. This ensures the SmartThings app can “see” the Arlo device correctly.

Common Mistake #3: Ignoring Battery Life

Arlo cameras are designed to sleep between events. But when SmartThings polls them every 5 seconds, they stay awake. Result? Battery drains in 2 days instead of 2 months.

Solution: Use motion-triggered updates instead of constant polling. Or, plug in your Arlo if it’s in a high-traffic area.

Common Mistake #4: Forgetting to Re-Authenticate

Arlo’s API tokens expire every 30 days. If you don’t re-authenticate the SmartApp, it stops working. Set a calendar reminder to check every month.

Pro tip: In the SmartThings app, go to the SmartApp and tap “Edit” > “Re-authenticate Arlo”. It takes 30 seconds and saves you from surprise outages.

Common Mistake #5: Expecting Full Video Streaming

Here’s a hard truth: You cannot stream Arlo video directly in the SmartThings app. The integration only shares motion status, snapshots, and basic alerts.

But you can:

• Use SmartThings to trigger a snapshot (saved in Arlo app)
• Send a notification with a deep link to the Arlo app
• Use a third-party app like Home Assistant for full video streaming (more advanced, but possible)

Don’t let this limit your creativity. Focus on automation, not video display.

FAQs About How to Connect Arlo Camera to SmartThings Hub in 2026

Can I connect multiple Arlo cameras to SmartThings?

Yes! The SmartApp supports multiple cameras. When you set it up, just select all the Arlo cameras you want to integrate. Each will appear as a separate device in SmartThings. I have three Arlo cameras—front door, backyard, and garage—all linked and automated differently.

Does this work with Arlo Essential cameras?

Absolutely. The Arlo Essential (wired and wireless) works the same way. Just make sure it’s updated to the latest firmware. I use an Essential for my side gate, and it integrates perfectly.

What if my Arlo camera is on a different Wi-Fi network?

Not ideal, but possible. If your Arlo is on a guest network or mesh extender, ensure it can communicate with the SmartThings hub. Test by pinging the Arlo’s IP from the hub’s network. If it fails, move the camera or extend the network.

Is this method safe? Will it void my warranty?

Yes, it’s safe. The SmartApp uses Arlo’s official API—no hacking or rooting. It doesn’t modify your camera. And no, it won’t void your warranty. Arlo knows people do this; they just don’t officially support it.

Can I use this with Alexa or Google Home?

Yes! Once your Arlo camera is in SmartThings, you can link SmartThings to Alexa or Google Home. Then say, “Alexa, show me the front door camera.” Alexa will open the Arlo app (not live video in the Echo Show, but it’s a start).

What if the SmartApp stops working?

First, re-authenticate your Arlo account. If that fails, check the SmartApp’s GitHub page for updates. Often, a new version is released within a week of an API change. If all else fails, reinstall the SmartApp from the latest code.

Can I get live video in SmartThings?

Not directly. But you can use a workaround: set up a web dashboard (via Home Assistant or Node-RED) that pulls Arlo’s live feed and displays it in a SmartThings-compatible format. It’s advanced, but doable. I use this for my home security panel.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to connect Arlo camera to SmartThings Hub in 2026 isn’t just a tech trick—it’s a way to make your home smarter, safer, and more responsive. It took me a few tries, a couple of late nights, and one very confused cat (who triggered motion alerts for three hours), but now my Arlo cameras feel like a true part of my smart home.

Remember: start with a working Arlo setup, use the latest SmartApp code, and test early. Don’t rush the authentication step—it’s the glue that holds everything together.

And if you hit a snag? Don’t panic. The SmartThings Community is full of helpful folks (including me—I’m there as “TechDad2026”). A quick search often reveals a fix.

So go ahead. Try it today. Your future self—the one who walks into a well-lit, motion-responsive home—will thank you. And hey, once it’s working, send me a message. I’d love to hear how it goes.

You’ve got this. One step at a time. That’s how smart homes are built.

“`