I recently decided to explore how Arlo security cameras work with Google Home, and I was pleasantly surprised by the level of integration and ease of use.
Arlo is known for its wire-free cameras that play well with various smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and the more complex IFTTT applets.
In this article, I will share my experience and insights about integrating Arlo with Google Home.
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Setting up the Arlo camera with Google Home was a breeze. All I had to do was link my Arlo account to the Google Home app, and then I could easily manage the camera’s features through voice commands or the app itself.
With Google Home, I could view live feeds, access recorded videos, and even control some settings without needing to access the Arlo app separately.
The Arlo and Google Home partnership not only provides an additional layer of convenience but also enhances home security.
By being able to seamlessly control Arlo cameras through Google Home, I found that keeping an eye on my property and ensuring the safety of my loved ones has become easier than ever.
Setting Up Arlo with Google Home
Initial Setup and Requirements
Before setting up Arlo with Google Home, let’s make sure we have everything we need. First, ensure your Arlo camera is compatible with Google Home.
Most Arlo cameras, like the Arlo Pro and Arlo Ultra, work well with Google Home. You’ll need the Arlo app installed on your smartphone, which is available for both Android and iOS devices.
You’ll also need the Google Home app to integrate Arlo with your smart home.
When it comes to device compatibility, check if your smartphone supports the Arlo and Google Home apps. The apps require a stable Wi-Fi connection for smooth functionality and timely updates.
Linking Arlo to Your Google Account
After downloading the Arlo and Google Home apps, it’s time to link your Arlo account to your Google account. First, open the Google Home app and sign in with your Google account.
Next, tap on the “+” icon (Add a Device) to begin the setup process. You will then select “Set up device” and choose “Have something already set up?”
In the list provided, search for Arlo and select it. You’ll need to enter your Arlo account credentials to link your camera. Google may prompt you to verify your device before linking it to your account.
Once the account link is successful, you’ll have the option to choose which Arlo cameras to connect and assign names for easy identification. This helps when using voice commands with Google Assistant.
Using the Correct Apps for Setup
To set up Arlo with Google Home, you need both the Arlo app and the Google Home app. As mentioned earlier, download the apps from your app store.
The Arlo app is essential for keeping your camera’s firmware up-to-date and customizing settings to your preference.
On the other hand, the Google Home app allows you to integrate and control all of your smart home devices, including the Arlo cameras.
Make sure both apps are updated to their latest versions to avoid any compatibility issues or gaps in functionality.
In conclusion, setting up Arlo with Google Home is relatively easy and requires just a few steps.
By linking your Arlo account with Google Home, you can control and monitor your Arlo cameras using voice commands through Google Assistant, enhancing your smart home experience.
Controlling Your Arlo Devices
Voice Commands and Google Assistant
One of the great features of integrating Arlo with Google Home is the ability to control your Arlo devices using your voice.
By connecting your compatible Arlo device to Google Assistant, you can issue simple voice commands to manage your devices. You can ask Google to show your camera feed on any smart display, or arm/disarm your motion detection system.
To get started, you’ll need to connect your Arlo device to Google Assistant and give each camera a unique name.
This makes it easier for Google to identify and control the specific device you’re referring to. After that, you can simply say “Hey Google, show me the live feed from my Arlo Video Doorbell.”
Managing Arlo Cameras via Google Home
Arlo cameras work seamlessly with Google Home, giving you more convenience and ease in managing your security system. Once connected, you can use the Google Home app to view and control your devices.
Some of the actions you can perform include:
- Viewing your live camera feed
- Adjusting motion detection settings
- Arm or disarm your Arlo device
Keep in mind that for certain commands, Google might prompt you to verify your device before proceeding.
Live View and Accessing Camera Feeds
Live View allows you to access the camera feed remotely from your Arlo devices, including your Arlo Video Doorbell.
To view your camera feed using Google Home, just use a voice command like “Hey Google, show me the front door camera” and it will display the live feed on a compatible smart display.
Aside from voice commands, you can also view your live feed directly on your smartphone using the Arlo app or Google Home app.
This feature is particularly useful in a smart home setup, as it lets you monitor different areas of your home simultaneously for safety and peace of mind. Just remember to respect others’ privacy and adjust your camera settings accordingly.
I hope this section helps you understand how Arlo cameras work with Google Home and the various methods for controlling your devices.
With these features, you have an effective and user-friendly way to monitor and manage your smart home security.
Advanced Integration and Troubleshooting
Connecting to Smart Displays and TVs
When integrating Arlo with Google Home, I find that connecting to smart displays and TVs enhances the overall experience.
To do this, the first step is to ensure my Arlo camera is connected to my Google Assistant by following the instructions provided here.
Once connected, I can easily stream the live feed from my Arlo camera to my Google Nest Hub or any Chromecast device, such as a TV with Chromecast built-in.
To stream the live feed on my smart display or Chromecast device, I simply say, “Hey Google, show [camera name].” It’s crucial for me to name my Arlo cameras descriptively, so I can easily identify each one when giving voice commands.
Automating Your Security with Arlo and Google Home
I love having a smart home that automates tasks for me. Integrating Arlo and Google Home adds convenience and security to my home.
With the Google Home app and Arlo’s compatibility with various smart devices, I can create routines to automatically turn on the floodlight when my Arlo camera detects motion, or send a notification to my smartphone or tablet if an intruder is detected.
Here are some basic steps I follow to set up automation routines:
- Open the Google Home app on my smartphone or tablet
- Tap Routines
- Click the “+” icon to create a new routine
- Fill in the details, such as routine name, trigger, and action
- Select the Arlo device and corresponding security features
- Save the routine
Resolving Common Issues
As a tech enthusiast, I understand that issues can arise when dealing with smart home devices. Here are some common issues that I’ve encountered while using Arlo with Google Home and how I resolved them:
- Wi-Fi connectivity: Ensure that both my Arlo camera and Google Home device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If they are on different networks, they might not communicate with each other.
- Permissions: Double-check that I’ve granted the necessary permissions for the Google Home app to access my Arlo camera’s features, like two-way talk or motion detection.
- Not receiving notifications: Make sure that notifications are enabled in both the Arlo app and Google Home app. It’s also vital to check my smartphone’s notification settings to ensure they aren’t blocked.
- Camera feed not displaying on smart devices: I restart my camera, Google Home device, and Wi-Fi router to resolve any connectivity issues. If that doesn’t work, I unlink and relink my Arlo account in the Google Home app.
By following these troubleshooting tips and ensuring seamless integration, I enjoy a secure and automated smart home experience with Arlo and Google Home.
