This guide walks you through connecting your Arlo doorbell to Google Home so you can receive instant alerts, view live video, and use voice commands. Whether you’re using Arlo Video Doorbell (wired or wireless), we’ll show you how to sync it with Google Assistant for a smarter home experience.
Key Takeaways
- Prerequisites matter: You’ll need the Arlo app, Google Home app, and a compatible Arlo doorbell model to begin the setup.
- Link accounts via Google Home: Use the Google Home app to link your Arlo account and enable the Arlo Smart service.
- Voice commands work seamlessly: Once connected, say “Hey Google, show me the front door” to view your Arlo feed on a Nest display.
- Notifications are customizable: Set up motion and doorbell press alerts directly through Google Home for real-time updates.
- Troubleshooting is simple: Common issues like failed linking or no video feed can usually be fixed with app updates or re-authentication.
- Works with multiple devices: Connect your Arlo doorbell to multiple Google Nest displays or Chromecast-enabled TVs.
- Keep firmware updated: Regular updates ensure compatibility and improve performance between Arlo and Google Home.
How to Connect Arlo Doorbell to Google Home
Smart home integration makes life easier—imagine getting a doorbell alert on your phone, then saying “Hey Google, show me who’s at the door” and seeing the live feed on your Nest Hub. That’s exactly what happens when you connect your Arlo doorbell to Google Home. This guide will walk you through every step, from checking compatibility to troubleshooting common issues, so you can enjoy hands-free monitoring and instant alerts.
Whether you have the Arlo Video Doorbell (wired), Arlo Essential Video Doorbell, or the Arlo Wire-Free Video Doorbell, this process works across most models. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to view live video, receive notifications, and control your doorbell using voice commands through Google Assistant. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Before diving into the setup, make sure you have everything in place. Skipping this step can lead to frustration later on. Here’s a quick checklist:
Visual guide about How to Connect Arlo Doorbell to Google Home
Image source: doorbellexpert.com
- A compatible Arlo doorbell: Most Arlo doorbells work with Google Home, including the Arlo Video Doorbell (wired), Arlo Essential Video Doorbell (wired and wire-free), and Arlo Pro 3/4 doorbells. Check your model in the Arlo app under “My Devices.”
- The Arlo app installed on your smartphone: Available for iOS and Android. Make sure it’s updated to the latest version.
- The Google Home app: Also available on iOS and Android. This is where you’ll link your Arlo account.
- A Google Account: You’ll need to sign in to both the Google Home app and Arlo app with the same Google account for seamless integration.
- Stable Wi-Fi connection: Your Arlo doorbell needs a strong 2.4GHz Wi-Fi signal. Google Home devices should also be on the same network for best performance.
- Arlo Smart subscription (recommended): While basic features work without it, Arlo Smart unlocks advanced alerts, cloud recording, and better integration with Google Home.
Once you’ve confirmed all these items, you’re ready to begin the connection process.
Step 1: Set Up Your Arlo Doorbell
If your Arlo doorbell isn’t already installed and connected to the Arlo app, do that first. You can’t link it to Google Home until it’s fully set up and online.
Install the Doorbell
Follow the installation guide that came with your Arlo doorbell. For wired models, you’ll need to connect it to your existing doorbell wiring. For wire-free models, mount it using the included bracket and ensure the battery is charged.
Connect to the Arlo App
Open the Arlo app and tap “Add Device.” Follow the on-screen instructions to scan the QR code on your doorbell or enter the serial number manually. The app will guide you through connecting the doorbell to your Wi-Fi network.
Test the Doorbell
Once connected, press the doorbell button or walk in front of it to trigger motion detection. Confirm that you receive a notification in the Arlo app and can view the live feed. This ensures everything is working before integrating with Google Home.
Step 2: Open the Google Home App
Now that your Arlo doorbell is active, it’s time to bring Google Home into the mix.
Launch the Google Home App
Open the Google Home app on your smartphone or tablet. If you don’t have it, download it from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Sign In with Your Google Account
Make sure you’re signed in with the same Google account you use for your Arlo app. This is crucial—using different accounts will prevent the devices from communicating.
Check for Updates
Tap the profile icon in the top-right corner and select “Settings.” Go to “App settings” and check for updates. Keeping the app updated ensures compatibility with the latest Arlo features.
Step 3: Link Arlo to Google Home
This is the core step where you connect your Arlo account to Google Home. Once linked, Google Assistant can access your doorbell’s live feed and send alerts.
Go to the “Add” Menu
In the Google Home app, tap the “+” (plus) icon in the top-left corner, then select “Set up device.”
Choose “Works with Google”
Tap “Works with Google” and then “Have something already set up?” This will show a list of compatible smart home services.
Find and Select “Arlo”
Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find “Arlo.” Tap on it to begin the linking process.
Sign In to Your Arlo Account
You’ll be redirected to the Arlo login page. Enter your Arlo email and password. If you use Google to sign in to Arlo, tap “Sign in with Google” and choose the correct account.
Authorize the Connection
Google will ask for permission to access your Arlo devices. Review the permissions and tap “Allow” or “Authorize.” This grants Google Home access to your Arlo doorbell’s live feed and notifications.
Complete the Setup
Once authorized, you’ll return to the Google Home app. Your Arlo doorbell should now appear in the list of connected devices. Tap it to rename it (e.g., “Front Door”) and assign it to a room if desired.
Step 4: Test the Connection
Now that everything is linked, it’s time to test the integration.
Use Voice Commands
Say, “Hey Google, show me the front door” to a Google Nest Hub, Nest Display, or Chromecast-enabled TV. The live feed from your Arlo doorbell should appear within a few seconds.
Check Notifications
Press the doorbell button or walk in front of it. You should receive a notification on your phone through the Google Home app, and if you have a Nest device with a screen, it may show a pop-up alert.
Try Other Commands
Test additional voice commands like:
- “Hey Google, is someone at the door?”
- “Hey Google, show me the front door camera.”
- “Hey Google, stop showing the camera.”
These should work smoothly if the connection is successful.
Step 5: Customize Your Experience
Once connected, you can fine-tune how your Arlo doorbell works with Google Home.
Set Up Routines
In the Google Home app, go to “Routines” and create custom actions. For example, you can set a routine where saying “Goodnight” turns off indoor lights and shows the front door camera on your bedroom Nest Hub.
Adjust Notification Settings
Go to “Settings” > “Notifications” in the Google Home app. Choose which devices receive doorbell alerts and how they’re delivered (sound, banner, or silent).
Enable Doorbell Chime on Google Devices
If you have a Nest Mini or Google Home speaker, you can set it to chime when the doorbell is pressed. In the Google Home app, go to your doorbell device settings and enable “Doorbell chime.”
Use Multiple Displays
You can view your Arlo doorbell feed on any Google Nest display or Chromecast-enabled screen. Just say, “Hey Google, show the front door on the living room TV.”
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful setup, things don’t always go perfectly. Here are solutions to the most common problems.
Arlo Not Showing Up in Google Home
If your doorbell doesn’t appear after linking:
- Make sure you’re signed into the same Google account in both apps.
- Check that your Arlo doorbell is online in the Arlo app.
- Restart the Google Home app and try linking again.
- Ensure your Arlo app is updated—older versions may not support Google integration.
Live Feed Not Loading
If you say “Show me the front door” but nothing happens:
- Verify your Wi-Fi signal is strong at the doorbell location.
- Restart your Google Nest device or Chromecast.
- Unlink and relink Arlo in the Google Home app.
- Check if your Arlo Smart subscription is active—some features require it.
No Notifications from Google Home
If you’re not getting alerts:
- Go to Google Home app > Settings > Notifications and ensure doorbell alerts are enabled.
- Check Do Not Disturb settings on your phone or Nest device.
- Make sure motion and doorbell press alerts are turned on in the Arlo app.
Voice Commands Not Working
If Google Assistant doesn’t respond:
- Say “Hey Google, sync my devices” to refresh the connection.
- Ensure your microphone is working and the device can hear you.
- Try rephrasing the command: “Show the front door camera” instead of “Show me who’s there.”
Firmware or App Out of Date
Outdated software can break integrations:
- Update the Arlo app and check for doorbell firmware updates in the app under “Device Settings.”
- Update the Google Home app and ensure your Nest devices have the latest software.
Tips for the Best Experience
To get the most out of your Arlo and Google Home setup, keep these tips in mind:
- Use a strong Wi-Fi extender: Doorbell cameras often struggle with weak signals. Place a Wi-Fi extender near your front door if needed.
- Name your devices clearly: Rename your doorbell to something simple like “Front Door” to avoid confusion with voice commands.
- Enable two-way audio: If your Arlo doorbell supports it, use Google Assistant to talk to visitors. Say, “Hey Google, talk to the front door.”
- Schedule quiet hours: In the Arlo app, set quiet hours to avoid nighttime alerts from motion detection.
- Regularly check battery levels: For wire-free models, monitor battery life in the Arlo app and recharge before it dies.
Why Connect Arlo to Google Home?
Integrating your Arlo doorbell with Google Home isn’t just about convenience—it adds layers of security and control. Here’s why it’s worth the effort:
- Instant visual alerts: See who’s at your door without pulling out your phone.
- Hands-free monitoring: Perfect when you’re cooking, working, or relaxing—just ask Google to show the feed.
- Enhanced security: Combine with other Google Home devices like smart locks or lights to create a comprehensive security system.
- Family-friendly: Kids or elderly family members can easily check the door with simple voice commands.
- Remote access: Even when you’re away, you can monitor your home through Google Home on your phone.
Conclusion
Connecting your Arlo doorbell to Google Home is a smart move for anyone looking to upgrade their home security and convenience. With just a few steps—installing the doorbell, linking accounts, and testing voice commands—you can transform how you interact with your front door. Whether you’re answering the door from the couch or checking on a delivery while at work, this integration puts control at your fingertips—or rather, in your voice.
Remember to keep your apps and firmware updated, use strong Wi-Fi, and customize notifications to suit your lifestyle. And if you run into issues, the troubleshooting tips above will help you get back on track quickly. Now go ahead—say “Hey Google, show me the front door” and enjoy the future of smart home living.