Arlo and Apple HomeKit: Why Isn't It Supported?
You love the quality and flexibility of your Arlo cameras, and you're invested in the secure and seamless experience of Apple's HomeKit ecosystem. Naturally, you want them to work together. It can be incredibly confusing and frustrating when you discover that your specific Arlo camera model cannot be added to the Apple Home app.
Why does a leading camera brand have such specific and sometimes limited support for a major smart home platform? This guide will explain the reasons behind Arlo's HomeKit compatibility, which models do work, and what potential workarounds exist if your device is not supported.
Understanding Arlo's HomeKit Compatibility
The key thing to understand is that for Arlo, HomeKit compatibility is tied to the Base Station or SmartHub, not the individual cameras.
Apple has strict requirements for HomeKit certification, involving both hardware and software. For a device to be "HomeKit Secure," it needs a specific hardware chip for authentication and must communicate over a specific protocol.
- The Role of the SmartHub: Arlo's solution was to build the HomeKit hardware and software into their central SmartHubs (models like VMB5000, VMB4540, VMB4500, and VMB4000). The SmartHub acts as the bridge. It communicates with your Arlo cameras over Arlo's proprietary low-power wireless signal and then securely exposes them to your HomeKit network.
- Unsupported Devices: This means that Arlo cameras that connect directly to your Wi-Fi (like the Arlo Q, Arlo Go, or some of the Essential series) do not have the necessary hardware built-in and cannot work with HomeKit directly. Similarly, older Base Stations do not have the required certification.
How to Check for and Set Up HomeKit Integration
If you have a compatible system, here's how it works.
1. Identify Your Hardware
- First, check the model number of your Arlo Base Station or SmartHub. It should be one of the models listed above (e.g., VMB4540).
- Look for the HomeKit setup code. This is an 8-digit code in an XXXX-XX-XX format, usually found on a sticker on the bottom or back of the SmartHub. If your hub has this code, it's compatible.
- Next, verify your camera model (e.g., Arlo Pro 3, Ultra 2) is compatible with your hub for HomeKit purposes. You can find this information on the official Arlo support website.
2. The Setup Process
- Ensure your Arlo system is fully set up and working in the Arlo app first.
- Open the Apple Home app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap the '+' icon and select Add Accessory.
- Scan the HomeKit setup code on your Arlo SmartHub with your device's camera.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to add the cameras to a room and configure their settings.
Workarounds for Unsupported Systems
What if your hardware isn't on the compatible list? All is not lost, but the solutions are more technical.
Homebridge: The DIY Bridge
The most popular workaround is Homebridge.
- What it is: Homebridge is a lightweight server you can run on a computer on your network (many people use a low-cost Raspberry Pi for this). It acts as a bridge that can make thousands of unsupported smart devices appear as native HomeKit devices.
- How it works: You install the Homebridge software, then install a specific "plugin" for Arlo. You configure the plugin with your Arlo account credentials. Homebridge then logs into your Arlo account and exposes your cameras to your network in a way that the Apple Home app can understand and control.
- The Catch: This requires a bit of technical comfort to set up and maintain. It's not an "out of the box" solution, but it is incredibly powerful and gives you deep control over your smart home. There are many excellent online guides and videos to walk you through the process.
While native support is always preferable, understanding the technical reasons for the limitations and exploring powerful workarounds like Homebridge can help you bridge the gap between your Arlo security system and your Apple HomeKit setup.