Step 1: Download the Arlo App

The first step in setting up your Arlo camera is to install the Arlo app on your tablet or smartphone. The Arlo app is essential because it acts as the control centre for your camera and enables you to remotely manage your devices, watch live video, change settings, and receive alerts.

Why You Need the Arlo App

Without the Arlo app, you won’t be able to fully utilize your Arlo camera’s features. The app enables you to:

• Set up your camera and connect it to Wi-Fi.
  
  
• View real-time video footage and recorded clips.
  
  
• Customize motion detection settings and alerts.
  
  
• Manage multiple Arlo devices in one place.
  
  
• Access cloud storage (if you subscribe) for video recordings.
  
  
• Control the camera’s modes, such as armed, disarmed, or schedule-based.
  
  

Where to Download the Arlo App

The Arlo app is available for free on both major mobile platforms:

• For iOS users (iPhone or iPad), open the App Store.
  
  
• For Android users, open the Google Play Store.
  
  

How to Download and Install

1. Open your device’s app store.
   
   
2. In the search bar, type “Arlo”.
   
   
3. Look for the official app called “Arlo” published by Arlo Technologies, Inc. to ensure you download the correct app.
   
   
4. Tap “Download” or “Install”.
   
   
5. Wait for the app to finish downloading and installing on your device.
   
   

Getting Started

Once installed, open the Arlo app. You’ll be prompted to either create a new Arlo account if you’re a new user or log in if you already have an account. This account links all your Arlo devices and settings together.

Having the Arlo app ready is the essential foundation for setting up your camera and eventually connecting it with Alexa for voice control.

Step 2: Set Up Your Arlo Camera

The next step after downloading the Arlo app is to connect and prepare your Arlo camera for use. By doing this, your camera will eventually be able to communicate with Alexa without any issues, send alerts, and stream live video.

Unbox and Prepare Your Camera

Start by unboxing your Arlo camera and ensuring all accessories, such as the charging cable, mounts, and batteries (if applicable), are included. Charge the camera fully if it uses a rechargeable battery.

Power On the Camera

Plug your Arlo camera into a power source if it’s a wired model, or insert the battery and switch it on if it’s wireless. The LED indicator on the camera will usually blink, signaling it’s ready for setup.

Open the Arlo App and Start Setup

Launch the Arlo app on your smartphone. If you haven’t already, log in or create an account.

1. Tap on “Set Up a New Device” or the “+” icon.
   
   
2. Select your camera model from the list.
   
   
3. Follow the on-screen prompts.
   
   

Connect to Wi-Fi

You can connect your camera to your home Wi-Fi network using the app’s instructions. Since many Arlo cameras don’t support 5 GHz, make sure you’re using the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band.

Carefully enter your Wi-Fi password. The camera will try to establish a connection with your network. You’ll see a confirmation message after it’s successful.

Name Your Camera

You’ll be asked to give your camera a name, such as “Front Door” or “Backyard.” This helps you organize multiple cameras and makes it easier to use voice commands with Alexa.

Finalize Setup

Complete the setup by testing the live video feed through the app. Adjust settings like motion detection zones or notifications according to your preferences.

Step 3: Download the Alexa App

You must have the Alexa app installed on your tablet or smartphone in order to use it to control your Arlo camera. All of your Alexa-enabled gadgets, such as smart cameras, plugs, lights, and more, can be controlled from the Alexa app.

Why You Need the Alexa App

The Alexa app allows you to:

• Connect and control Alexa devices like Echo speakers and displays.
  
  
• Enable skills such as the Arlo skill to integrate third-party devices.
  
  
• Manage your smart home devices from one place.
  
  
• Customize routines and automate tasks.
  
  
• Use voice commands to operate devices hands-free.
  
  

Without the Alexa app, you won’t be able to link your Arlo camera to Alexa or use voice commands to control it.

Where to Download the Alexa App

The Alexa app is available for free on both iOS and Android devices:

• For iPhone or iPad users, open the App Store.
  
  
• For Android users, open the Google Play Store.
  
  

How to Download and Install

1. Open your device’s app store.
   
   
2. In the search bar, type “Alexa”.
   
   
3. Look for the official app by Mobile LLC.
   
   
4. Tap “Download” or “Install”.
   
   
5. Wait for the installation to complete.
   
   

Getting Started

Once installed, tap the Alexa app icon to open it. You’ll need to sign in using your Alexa account. If you don’t have one, you can create an account directly through the app.

Once logged in, you will see the Alexa app’s home screen. From here, you can begin the process of linking your Arlo camera by enabling the Arlo skill and discovering devices.

Step 4: Open the Alexa App and Log In

The next crucial step after downloading the Alexa app is to launch it and sign in to your Alexa account. Because your Alexa account connects your Arlo camera and other smart home integrations, this step is essential.

Launching the Alexa App

Locate the Alexa app icon on your smartphone or tablet’s home screen or app drawer. It’s a blue icon with a white speech bubble and a small dot. Tap the icon to open the app.

Alexa Account Login

A login screen will appear when you launch the Alexa app for the first time. Here, you must input your Alexa account information, which includes your password and registered email address or mobile number.

By selecting “Create a new Alexa account,” you can create one if you don’t already have one. To create your new account, follow the on-screen instructions, which include creating a strong password and confirming your email address.

Importance of Using the Correct Account

Be sure to use the same Alexa account that is connected to your Alexa-enabled gadgets, like your Echo speakers or screens. Controlling your smart home is made easy by using the same account, which guarantees that all of your gadgets and abilities sync properly.

Navigating the App After Login

Once logged in, you’ll be taken to the Alexa app’s home screen. This dashboard shows your Alexa devices, recent activity, and suggestions. From here, you can access the menu to enable skills, add devices, and customize settings.

Troubleshooting Login Issues

If you have trouble logging in, ensure:

• You are entering the correct email/phone and password.
  
  
• Your device has an active internet connection.
  
  
• Your Alexa account is active and not locked.
  
  

If necessary, use the “Forgot Password” link to reset your password.

Step 5: Go to “More” and Select “Skills & Games”

After opening the Alexa app and logging in, the next step to integrate your Arlo camera is to navigate to the “Skills & Games” section. This is where you’ll enable the Arlo skill, which allows Alexa to communicate with your camera.

What Are Alexa Skills?

Alexa skills are like apps that extend the functionality of your Alexa-enabled devices. Enabling a skill lets Alexa control third-party devices and services, such as your Arlo camera, smart plugs, lights, and more.

How to Access “Skills & Games”

1. Open the Alexa App: Make sure you’re logged in and on the home screen of the Alexa app.
   
   
2. Find the “More” Menu: Look at the bottom right corner of the app’s screen. You’ll see several icons such as Home, Communicate, Play, Devices, and More. Tap on More to open the menu.
   
   
3. Select “Skills & Games”: In the More menu, you’ll see a list of options. Tap on Skills & Games to open the Alexa Skills Store.
   
   

The Skills & Games section allows you to browse, search, and enable thousands of skills. You can find skills for games, utilities, smart home devices, news, entertainment, and more.

Why Use “Skills & Games”?

To link your Arlo camera with Alexa, you must enable the official Arlo skill in this section. This lets Alexa access your Arlo account and control your cameras through voice commands.

Tips for Navigating

• Use the search bar at the top to quickly find the Arlo skill by typing “Arlo.”
  
  
• Check the skill’s ratings and reviews to ensure it’s the official one by Arlo Technologies, Inc.
  
  
• Enable the skill and follow prompts to link your Arlo account.
  
  

Step 6: Search for the “Arlo” Skill

After navigating to the Skills & Games section in the Alexa app, the next step is to search for the “Arlo” skill. This skill allows Alexa to communicate with your Arlo cameras and control them via voice commands.

Why Search for the Arlo Skill?

Alexa skills are apps that extend Alexa’s functionality. The “Arlo” skill connects Alexa to your Arlo account, enabling you to view live camera feeds, arm or disarm your security system, and receive notifications—all through Alexa-enabled devices like Echo Show or Echo Spot.

How to Search for the Arlo Skill

1. Open the Alexa App: Ensure you’re logged in and inside the Skills & Games section.
   
   
2. Use the Search Bar: At the top of the Skills & Games page, you’ll see a search bar. Tap on it and type “Arlo”.
   
   
3. Review the Search Results: Look for the official Arlo skill. The developer should be listed as Arlo Technologies, Inc. This helps confirm you’re selecting the legitimate skill.
   
   
4. Check Ratings and Reviews: Before enabling, glance at the skill’s ratings and user reviews to ensure reliability and good performance.
   
   

What Happens After You Find the Skill?

Once you identify the correct Arlo skill, you can tap on it to open the skill’s detail page. This page provides an overview of what the skill can do, including features like:

• Viewing live video streams from your Arlo cameras on Alexa devices with screens.
  
  
• Arming or disarming your Arlo security system.
  
  
• Receiving motion alerts.
  
  

This information helps you understand the benefits before enabling the skill.

Next Step

After confirming it’s the right skill, you’re ready to enable the Arlo skill and link your Arlo account. This connection lets Alexa control your cameras seamlessly.

Step 7: Enable the Arlo Skill

The next crucial step is to enable the Arlo skill so Alexa can access and control your Arlo cameras after you’ve located the official Arlo skill in the Alexa app. Voice control is made possible by enabling the skill, which connects your Arlo account to Alexa.

Why Enable the Arlo Skill?

The Arlo skill acts as a bridge between Alexa and your Arlo cameras. Without enabling it, Alexa cannot communicate with your cameras or access their features like live streaming or arming the security system.

How to Enable the Arlo Skill

1. Open the Arlo Skill Page: After searching for the Arlo skill in the Skills & Games section, tap on the skill to open its detail page.
   
   
2. Tap “Enable to Use”: You’ll see a blue button labeled “Enable to Use”. Tap it to start the enabling process.
   
   
3. Sign In to Your Arlo Account: A new window will appear prompting you to log in to your Arlo account. Enter your Arlo username (email) and password associated with your Arlo devices.
   
   
4. Authorize Alexa Access: After signing in, you’ll be asked to authorize Alexa to access your Arlo account. This permission is necessary for Alexa to control your cameras and retrieve live video streams.
   
   
5. Confirmation: Once authorized, the Alexa app will confirm the Arlo skill is enabled and linked to your account.
   
   

What Happens Next?

After enabling and linking your account, Alexa can discover your Arlo cameras and you’ll be able to use voice commands to control them.

Tips

• Make sure your Arlo account is active and you remember your login credentials.
  
  
• If you encounter errors, double-check your internet connection.
  
  
• If you don’t have an Arlo account yet, create one on the Arlo app or website before enabling the skill.
  
  

Step 8: Authorize Alexa to Access Arlo

Authorising Alexa to access your Arlo account is a crucial next step after selecting “Enable to Use” on the Arlo skill in the Alexa app. With this permission, Alexa can safely interact with your Arlo cameras and use voice commands to operate them.

Why Authorization Is Needed

Authorization acts as a secure permission step. It ensures that Alexa can access your Arlo devices, view live feeds, and receive notifications only after you explicitly grant permission. This protects your privacy and prevents unauthorized access to your security cameras.

How to Authorize Alexa Access

1. Sign In to Your Arlo Account: After enabling the Arlo skill, the Alexa app redirects you to a login screen hosted by Arlo. Here, enter your Arlo account credentials—your registered email address and password.
   
   
2. Review Permissions: After signing in, you will see a prompt outlining what permissions Alexa is requesting. These typically include:
   
   
   • Viewing and controlling your Arlo cameras
     
     
   • Accessing live video feeds
     
     
   • Managing Arlo device settings through Alexa
     
     
3. Grant Permission: Tap “Allow” or “Authorize” to grant Alexa these permissions. This step links your Arlo account securely with Alexa.
   
   
4. Confirmation: After granting permission, you’ll be redirected back to the Alexa app with a confirmation message that the Arlo skill is now linked to your account.
   
   

Important Tips

• Make sure you use the correct Arlo account credentials that match the cameras you want to control.
  
  
• If you forget your password, use Arlo’s password reset feature before attempting authorization.
  
  
• Keep your device connected to the internet during this process to avoid interruptions.
  
  

What Happens Next?

After authorization, Alexa can discover your Arlo cameras and you can start using voice commands like:

• “Alexa, show me the front door camera.”
  
  
• “Alexa, arm my Arlo security system.”
  
  

Step 9: Discover Devices in Alexa

Once you’ve enabled the Arlo skill and authorized Alexa to access your Arlo account, the next important step is to discover your Arlo cameras in the Alexa app. Device discovery allows Alexa to recognize your cameras and control them through voice commands.

What Is Device Discovery?

Alexa uses a process called “device discovery” to look for compatible smart devices, such as your Arlo cameras, by scanning your network and connected accounts. Alexa needs to know what gadgets you own and how to connect with them, so this step is essential.

How to Discover Devices

There are two main ways to initiate device discovery:

1. Using Voice Command:
   Simply say to your Alexa-enabled device,
   “Alexa, discover devices.”
   Alexa will start scanning and typically respond with a message indicating it is searching for new devices.
   
   
2. Using the Alexa App:
   
   
   • Open the Alexa app on your smartphone.
     
     
   • Tap Devices at the bottom right of the screen.
     
     
   • Tap the “+” icon or the “Add Device” button.
     
     
   • Select Camera as the device type.
     
     
   • Follow the on-screen prompts to complete discovery.
     
     

What Happens During Discovery?

Alexa searches for all linked smart devices, including your Arlo cameras. Once discovered, your cameras will appear in the Devices list within the Alexa app.

Naming and Organizing

Make sure your Arlo cameras have clear, distinct names (like “Front Door” or “Backyard”) in the Arlo app before discovery. This helps when you issue voice commands, so Alexa knows exactly which camera to control.

Troubleshooting Tips

• If Alexa doesn’t find your cameras, try saying “Alexa, discover devices” again after a few minutes.
  
  
• Ensure your Arlo cameras are online and connected to Wi-Fi.
  
  
• Restart your Alexa device and try discovery again.
  
  

Step 10: Use Alexa Voice Commands

After successfully connecting your Arlo camera to Alexa and identifying your devices, it’s time to begin controlling your camera hands-free with Alexa voice commands. Checking your security cameras, arming your system, and receiving notifications are all made simple with Alexa’s voice control.

Common Alexa Voice Commands for Arlo Cameras

Here are some useful voice commands you can say to Alexa once your Arlo cameras are connected:

• “Alexa, show the [camera name] camera.”
  This command displays the live video feed from the specified camera on your Alexa-enabled device with a screen, like an Echo Show or Fire TV.
  
  
• “Alexa, show the front door camera.”
  If you named your camera “Front Door” in the Arlo app, Alexa will stream that camera’s live feed instantly.
  
  
• “Alexa, arm my Arlo security system.”
  This command activates your Arlo security system, turning on motion detection and alerts.
  
  
• “Alexa, disarm my Arlo security system.”
  Use this to turn off the security system, stopping motion alerts temporarily.
  
  
• “Alexa, show the backyard camera on Fire TV.”
  This lets you stream your camera’s live video directly to your Fire TV device.
  
  

Tips for Using Voice Commands

• Name Your Cameras Clearly: Before discovery, ensure your cameras have unique, simple names for easy identification.
  
  
• Speak Clearly: Talk naturally but clearly so Alexa can understand your commands.
  
  
• Check Device Compatibility: Voice commands with live video work best on Alexa devices with screens (Echo Show, Echo Spot, Fire TV).
  
  

Additional Features

You can also integrate your Arlo cameras into Alexa routines to automate actions. For example, you can create a routine to show your front door camera when you say “Alexa, I’m home.”