If you pair the Google Home and Arlo cameras, you no longer need to get up to see what the kid is doing or what's going on in the yard. A simple Google Assistant command allows you to view a live view. In addition, there is an option to access Arlo by tapping on the camera name in the Google Home app.
But before you keep an eye on your property and loved ones, you need to set up Arlo and connect it to Google Home. This article guides you through the installation process at each stage of the journey, with a quick information overview of compatible equipment.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
The following sections assume that you have already created the Arlo and Google Home accounts. Security cameras work with enabled Google Home Hub and Chromecast devices, as well as with the Google Home / Assistant app. Here is the list of compatible cameras.
- Arlo Ultra
- Arlo Pro 2 and 3
- Arlo wireless
- Arlo Baby
- Arlo Go
- Arlo Q and Q Plus
Google Home gives you the ability to pair multiple cameras. In addition, you can also use third-party smart speakers that work with Google Assistant.
CONNECTING ARLO TO GOOGLE HOME
Installation is quite simple and the Google Home app has an intuitive interface. But you should take some time to assign a specific name to each camera so that you can easily access it using voice commands. However, these are the necessary steps.
1. Start by launching the Google Home app on your smartphone. It comes preloaded on most Android phones. All you have to do is touch your Google account to sign in. iPhone users must first install the app. Once inside, press the large plus icon in the center of the screen to start adding devices.
2. The following window takes you to the "Add and manage" menu and select "Configure a device" in "Add to home".
The next menu offers two options: "Configure new devices" and "Have you already configured something?" If you have not already installed and configured Arlo cameras, select the previous option. For the purpose of this article, we will go with "Having something already set up".
Note: the wizard and actions for both options are quite similar. Therefore, this step-by-step guide can help you if you choose "Set up new devices".
3. In the "Add devices" menu, touch the magnifying glass icon and type Arlo to search for your devices. Touch the Arlo app that opens in the results and log in with your credentials. This action pairs cameras with Google Home and allows you to control Arlo within the Google environment.
4. Once logged in, a security window appears asking you to authorize Google Assistant. Press "Allow" and proceed with the installation of the cameras. Next, you get to the "Choose device" menu and it should display all the Arlo cameras installed.
5. Touch a camera to view the configuration menu for that specific device. Choose the location of your device: courtyard, bedroom, office, etc.
Actions must be repeated for all cameras. As a result, they are grouped together. At this point, your Arlo camera should appear in the main window of the Google Home app. You can touch one to preview the live feed.
RENAME YOUR ARLO CAMERA
As indicated, the camera names should be very specific, so it's easy for AI to view the correct feed. Here's how to rename them.
1. Tap the camera from the main Google Home window and press the gear icon in the upper right corner of the screen.
2. Press the Name section of the menu and type in the name you want to use. Tap Save when done and repeat the process for each camera. There are no rules for naming cameras, but the easiest way to do this is to add Arlo in front of Office, for example.
Note: the Arlo camera settings menu also allows you to disconnect that specific device from the Google ecosystem. Tap "Disconnect Arlo" and proceed with the on-screen wizard.
THINGS TO KNOW
Unless you change camera names, Google Assistant may be confused and upload a YouTube video instead of the camera feed. The camera feed is not loaded instantly; it takes a few seconds for the app to preview. But this may depend on the speed of your internet connection.
The voice commands are simple: say: "Google shows the name of the Arlo + camera" and you will be able to see the view live. The same commands apply to all Google devices: Home Hub, Chromecast, etc.
Sometimes the system gets confused when you change its name. This shouldn't bother you because the more you use it, the more you learn. And in the end, it should always provide the correct preview.
CONCLUSION
There is no need to stress the benefits of having an integrated IoT security system. However, it may raise some privacy and Google questions that could potentially snoop around your home. However, the positives still outweigh the potential abuses.