How to Use Arlo with Apple HomeKit: The Ultimate Integration Guide for Smart Homes

If you’re an Apple user who also owns Arlo cameras, integrating them with Apple HomeKit can unlock a world of convenience, automation, and enhanced security control right from your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. From streaming your front door to Siri voice commands, the HomeKit + Arlo combination delivers a seamless smart home experience. This guide walks you through exactly how to set it up, real-world use cases, expert tips, and everything you should know to get the most out of your setup.

For more help with Arlo features and product setup, check out our Arlo Security Cameras guide.

Why Integrate Arlo with Apple HomeKit?

Arlo cameras are among the most popular smart security options available today. And for those deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem, integrating them with HomeKit brings an entirely new level of efficiency:

Control cameras directly through the Apple Home app.
Use Siri voice commands like “Hey Siri, show me the backyard camera.”
Automate actions with other Apple HomeKit-compatible devices like smart lights and locks.
Create secure HomeKit automations for when you’re home or away.
Enjoy Apple’s enhanced privacy features and local control.

In short, it makes your smart home even smarter and more secure.

Which Arlo Cameras Work with Apple HomeKit?

Not all Arlo models are compatible with HomeKit. As of now, the following devices support Apple HomeKit integration:

Arlo Pro 3
Arlo Pro 4
Arlo Pro 5S
Arlo Ultra and Ultra 2
Arlo Essential (some models, check box for HomeKit logo)
Arlo Video Doorbell (wired version only)
Arlo Baby
Arlo Base Station VMB5000, VMB4540, or VMB4500 (required for many models)

Always confirm compatibility on the product page or packaging.

Step-by-Step: How to Connect Arlo with Apple HomeKit

What You’ll Need

A compatible Arlo camera
A supported Arlo SmartHub or Base Station (required for most models)
Apple Home app on iPhone or iPad
An iCloud account with two-factor authentication enabled
Home Wi-Fi connection
The Arlo Secure app (latest version)

Instructions

Set Up Your Arlo Camera First
Use the Arlo Secure app to complete the standard camera setup. Make sure the camera is online and functioning.
Connect the Camera to a Supported SmartHub
If your camera requires a base station, connect it to one that supports HomeKit (VMB5000, VMB4540, or VMB4500).
Open the Arlo Secure App
Go to “Settings” and tap on “SmartHub/Base Station.”
Tap ‘HomeKit’ and Follow the Prompts
Arlo will walk you through linking the device to Apple Home. You may be asked to scan the HomeKit setup code on the base station or packaging.
Add Devices to Rooms in the Apple Home App
After syncing, you’ll see your Arlo cameras in the Home app. Assign them to rooms like “Living Room” or “Garage” for easier voice control and automation.
Test Siri Commands and Automation
Try “Hey Siri, show me the front door camera” or set up automations like recording when a door opens or someone arrives home.

Real-World Use Cases

Front Door Monitoring with Apple TV

Use an Apple TV 4K as a HomeKit hub and view the live camera feed on your TV when someone rings the Arlo doorbell.

Automate Lights Based on Motion

Connect your Arlo with a HomeKit-compatible light like Philips Hue. When motion is detected after 10 PM, the porch light turns on automatically.

Away Mode Security

When everyone leaves the house (as detected by iPhone GPS), HomeKit can arm the Arlo cameras and start recording any motion.

Baby Monitoring

Use Arlo Baby with HomeKit to monitor your baby room and check real-time air quality directly in the Apple Home app.

Instant Siri Access

Just say, “Hey Siri, is the garage camera on?” while cooking or working without having to open an app.

Pre-Integration Checklist

Before beginning setup, double-check the following:

Your Arlo model supports HomeKit.
The camera is connected to a supported base station.
You’ve updated the firmware of both Arlo and the base station.
You’re using the latest versions of the Arlo Secure and Apple Home apps.
You have an Apple device logged in with the same iCloud account enabled for HomeKit.

Common Issues & How to Fix Them

Problem: “HomeKit Option Not Showing in Arlo App”

Fix:
Make sure you’re using a compatible base station. HomeKit does not work without VMB5000, VMB4540, or VMB4500 for most cameras.

Problem: Camera Not Responding in Apple Home App

Fix:
Restart the base station and your iPhone. Try removing and re-adding the camera. Ensure the iPhone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Problem: Siri Can’t Find Camera

Fix:
Assign the camera to a named room. Siri works best with room identifiers like “Garage Camera” or “Front Door.”

Problem: Feed Not Loading

Fix:
Switch to a 5GHz Wi-Fi connection if possible. Check for firmware updates on the Arlo app and reset the HomeKit pairing if needed.

Things to Watch Out For

Limited Camera Features: Some Arlo features like activity zones and advanced motion detection still require using the Arlo Secure app.
Base Station Requirement: For most Arlo models, HomeKit requires a compatible SmartHub/Base Station—not just a direct Wi-Fi connection.
iCloud Storage Not Used: HomeKit integration doesn’t store recordings in iCloud unless you use HomeKit Secure Video, which only works with select cameras.
Multiple User Access: All users must be part of the same iCloud Home for shared HomeKit access.
Network Issues: A weak or overloaded Wi-Fi network may disrupt HomeKit performance. Use wired Ethernet for the base station if possible.

Pro Tips for Smooth Integration

Name Cameras Smartly: Keep names short and unique, like “Driveway” instead of “Main East Side Driveway Entrance.”
Enable Home Hubs: Use an iPad, Apple TV, or HomePod as a HomeKit hub for remote access when away from home.
Secure with Two-Factor Authentication: Always use 2FA on your iCloud account to prevent unauthorized access.
Combine with HomeKit Automations: Pair with smart locks, thermostats, or lights to create powerful routines like “Arrive Home” or “Go to Bed.”
Use HomeKit Secure Video: For supported models, enable HSV to store encrypted recordings in your iCloud plan, respecting privacy and security.

Internal Resource

Looking to expand your Arlo setup or troubleshoot common issues? Visit our complete Arlo Security Cameras page to explore in-depth guides, product comparisons, and automation tutorials.

FAQs

Q1. Can I use Arlo without a base station and still connect it to HomeKit?
Most Arlo cameras require a supported SmartHub for HomeKit. A few newer models with direct-to-Wi-Fi capabilities may work without one.

Q2. Does Arlo support HomeKit Secure Video (HSV)?
Only select models like Arlo Pro 4 and Arlo Pro 5S support HSV. Be sure to confirm before purchasing.

Q3. Can I record to iCloud through HomeKit?
Yes, but only if you have a compatible camera and an iCloud+ subscription (200GB or more). This enables HomeKit Secure Video.

Q4. Do I still need the Arlo app if I use HomeKit?
Yes. The Arlo app provides advanced features like smart notifications, activity zones, and cloud recordings not available in the Home app.

Q5. Can I use Siri voice commands with Arlo?
Absolutely. Siri can show live views, control cameras, and trigger automations once they’re added to HomeKit.

Q6. How secure is the integration?
Very secure. Apple’s HomeKit requires end-to-end encryption, and Arlo also supports 2FA for account protection.

Q7. Is it possible to view Arlo feeds remotely in HomeKit?
Yes, but only if you’ve set up a HomeKit hub like Apple TV, iPad, or HomePod.

Q8. Can multiple users access the HomeKit Arlo cameras?
Yes, but all users must be invited to the same Home in iCloud to access shared devices.

Final Thoughts

Integrating Arlo with Apple HomeKit is one of the best ways to streamline your smart home security—especially if you’re already in the Apple ecosystem. With voice commands, automations, and enhanced privacy controls, it offers both convenience and peace of mind. Whether you’re automating your lights when motion is detected or viewing live feeds on your iPhone, the Arlo + HomeKit combo delivers a smart, responsive home experience.

For more Arlo guides, tutorials, and smart home tips, don’t forget to check out our Arlo Security Cameras page.

Troubleshooting Guides

How to Use Arlo with Apple HomeKit: The Ultimate Integration Guide for Smart Homes