How to Connect Arlo Video Doorbell to Homekit

How to Connect Arlo Video Doorbell to Homekit

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Connecting your Arlo Video Doorbell to Apple HomeKit unlocks powerful smart home integration. This guide walks you through setup, troubleshooting, and tips for seamless use with Siri, automations, and the Home app.

Key Takeaways

  • Compatibility matters: Only certain Arlo Video Doorbell models support HomeKit. Check your model before starting.
  • Arlo Secure subscription required: HomeKit integration is only available with an active Arlo Secure plan.
  • Use the Arlo app first: You must set up your doorbell in the Arlo app before linking to HomeKit.
  • HomeKit setup uses QR codes: Scan the code in the Arlo app or on the doorbell to add it to the Home app.
  • Enable two-factor authentication: Apple requires 2FA for HomeKit devices to ensure security.
  • Test after setup: Always verify live view, motion alerts, and Siri commands work properly.
  • Troubleshoot common issues: Wi-Fi strength, app updates, and re-pairing can fix most connection problems.

How to Connect Arlo Video Doorbell to HomeKit

So, you’ve got an Arlo Video Doorbell and you’re ready to bring it into your Apple smart home ecosystem. Great choice! Integrating your Arlo doorbell with Apple HomeKit lets you see who’s at the door directly in the Home app, get motion alerts on your iPhone or Apple Watch, and even use Siri to check your front porch—all without opening another app.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step to connect your Arlo Video Doorbell to HomeKit. We’ll cover compatibility, setup, troubleshooting, and tips to get the most out of your smart doorbell. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a seasoned smart home user, this guide is designed to be simple, clear, and helpful.

What You’ll Learn

By the end of this guide, you’ll know:

How to Connect Arlo Video Doorbell to Homekit

Visual guide about How to Connect Arlo Video Doorbell to Homekit

Image source: cdn.redmondpie.com

  • Which Arlo Video Doorbell models work with HomeKit
  • How to prepare your doorbell and apps for setup
  • Step-by-step instructions to link Arlo to HomeKit
  • How to use Siri, automations, and live view
  • Common problems and how to fix them

Let’s get started!

Step 1: Check Compatibility

Before you begin, make sure your Arlo Video Doorbell is compatible with Apple HomeKit. Not all models support this feature, so it’s important to verify first.

Supported Arlo Video Doorbell Models

As of 2024, the following Arlo doorbell models are compatible with HomeKit:

  • Arlo Essential Video Doorbell (Wired)
  • Arlo Essential Video Doorbell (Wire-Free)
  • Arlo Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)
  • Arlo Video Doorbell (Wired)

If you have an older model like the original Arlo Video Doorbell (1st Gen), it does not support HomeKit integration. You’ll need to upgrade to one of the newer models listed above.

Check Your Model

To confirm your model:

  1. Open the Arlo app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Tap the Settings icon (gear symbol).
  3. Select My Devices.
  4. Find your doorbell and tap it.
  5. Look for the model number under Device Information.

Compare it to the list above. If it matches, you’re good to go!

Step 2: Ensure You Have an Arlo Secure Subscription

Here’s a crucial point many people miss: HomeKit integration requires an active Arlo Secure subscription. Without it, you won’t be able to connect your doorbell to HomeKit, even if your model is compatible.

What Is Arlo Secure?

Arlo Secure is a paid service that adds advanced features like:

  • Cloud video recording (30-day storage)
  • Person, vehicle, and package detection
  • Activity zones
  • HomeKit support

Without Arlo Secure, your doorbell will still work for live view and basic motion alerts, but it won’t integrate with HomeKit.

How to Subscribe

If you don’t already have Arlo Secure:

  1. Open the Arlo app.
  2. Tap More (bottom right).
  3. Select Arlo Secure.
  4. Choose a plan (monthly or annual).
  5. Follow the prompts to complete payment.

Once subscribed, your doorbell will gain access to HomeKit features within 24 hours. You’ll receive a notification in the app when it’s ready.

Step 3: Set Up Your Doorbell in the Arlo App

Before connecting to HomeKit, your doorbell must be fully set up and working in the Arlo app. If you haven’t done this yet, follow these steps.

Install the Arlo App

Download the Arlo app from the App Store if you haven’t already. It’s free and required for all Arlo devices.

Create or Log In to Your Arlo Account

Open the app and sign in with your Arlo account. If you don’t have one, tap Create Account and follow the steps.

Add Your Doorbell

To add your doorbell:

  1. Tap the + icon in the top right.
  2. Select Add Device.
  3. Choose Doorbell from the list.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to scan the QR code on your doorbell or enter the serial number manually.
  5. Connect the doorbell to your Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz only—HomeKit doesn’t support 5 GHz for doorbells).
  6. Complete the setup, including naming your doorbell (e.g., “Front Door”).

Once added, test the live view and motion detection to ensure everything works.

Step 4: Enable Two-Factor Authentication on Your Apple ID

Apple requires two-factor authentication (2FA) for all HomeKit devices. If you haven’t enabled it, you won’t be able to add your Arlo doorbell to HomeKit.

How to Enable 2FA

To check or enable 2FA:

  1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
  2. Tap your name at the top.
  3. Select Password & Security.
  4. Tap Turn On Two-Factor Authentication if it’s off.
  5. Follow the prompts to verify your phone number.

Once enabled, you’re ready for HomeKit setup.

Step 5: Connect Arlo Video Doorbell to HomeKit

Now for the main event: linking your Arlo doorbell to Apple HomeKit. This process uses a QR code and takes just a few minutes.

Open the Arlo App

Launch the Arlo app on your iPhone or iPad. Make sure you’re logged in and your doorbell is online.

Find the HomeKit QR Code

There are two ways to access the HomeKit QR code:

  • In the Arlo app: Go to Settings > My Devices > select your doorbell > scroll down to HomeKit > tap Show QR Code.
  • On the doorbell: Some models have a physical QR code sticker on the back or side. You can scan this directly.

The QR code looks like a square pattern of dots. It’s unique to your device.

Open the Apple Home App

On your iPhone or iPad, open the Home app. If you don’t see it, search for “Home” in Spotlight.

Add the Doorbell to HomeKit

To add your doorbell:

  1. Tap the + icon in the top right.
  2. Select Add Accessory.
  3. Tap More Options if your doorbell doesn’t appear automatically.
  4. Point your camera at the QR code (from the Arlo app or on the device).
  5. Wait for the scan to complete. You’ll hear a chime and see a confirmation.
  6. Tap Add to Home.
  7. Choose a room (e.g., “Entrance” or “Front Door”).
  8. Name your doorbell (e.g., “Arlo Doorbell”).
  9. Tap Done.

Your Arlo doorbell is now connected to HomeKit!

Step 6: Test Your HomeKit Integration

After setup, it’s important to test everything to make sure it works properly.

Check Live View

Open the Home app and tap your doorbell. You should see a live video feed. If the screen is black or says “No Response,” go to the troubleshooting section below.

Test Motion Alerts

Walk in front of your doorbell to trigger motion. You should receive a notification on your iPhone, Apple Watch, or iPad. The alert will include a snapshot and option to view live video.

Use Siri Commands

Try saying:

  • “Hey Siri, show me the front door.”
  • “Hey Siri, is someone at the door?”
  • “Hey Siri, turn on the porch light when motion is detected.”

If Siri responds with video or controls, your integration is working.

Set Up Automations

You can create smart automations in the Home app. For example:

  • When motion is detected at night, turn on the outdoor lights.
  • When someone rings the doorbell, send a notification to your Apple Watch.
  • When you arrive home, automatically unlock the door (if you have a smart lock).

To create an automation:

  1. Open the Home app.
  2. Tap Automation > + > Create Personal Automation.
  3. Choose a trigger (e.g., “Doorbell Pressed” or “Motion Detected”).
  4. Add actions (e.g., “Turn on Light” or “Send Notification”).
  5. Tap Next and confirm.

Tips for Best Performance

To get the most out of your Arlo-HomeKit setup, keep these tips in mind:

Use a Strong Wi-Fi Signal

Your doorbell needs a stable 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection. If the signal is weak, live view may lag or fail. Consider using a Wi-Fi extender near your front door.

Keep Apps Updated

Regularly update the Arlo app and your iPhone’s iOS. Updates often include bug fixes and new HomeKit features.

Name Devices Clearly

Use descriptive names like “Front Door Camera” instead of “Doorbell 1.” This helps Siri understand your commands.

Enable Activity Zones

In the Arlo app, set up activity zones to reduce false alerts. For example, ignore motion from the street but alert for movement near your doorstep.

Use Night Vision

Your Arlo doorbell has infrared night vision. Make sure it’s enabled in the Arlo app under Video Settings.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful setup, problems can happen. Here’s how to fix the most common issues.

“No Response” in Home App

If your doorbell shows “No Response”:

  • Check that your iPhone and doorbell are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Restart your iPhone and the Arlo app.
  • Ensure your doorbell has power (wired models) or sufficient battery (wire-free).
  • Re-scan the QR code and re-add the doorbell to HomeKit.

Live View Not Working

If live view fails:

  • Verify your Arlo Secure subscription is active.
  • Check your internet speed (at least 2 Mbps upload recommended).
  • Move closer to your router or use a Wi-Fi extender.
  • Update the Arlo app and iOS.

Siri Doesn’t Recognize Commands

If Siri doesn’t respond:

  • Make sure your doorbell is named clearly in the Home app.
  • Say the full name: “Hey Siri, show me the Front Door Camera.”
  • Check that Siri is enabled in Settings > Siri & Search.

Motion Alerts Not Appearing

If you’re not getting alerts:

  • Enable notifications in the Arlo app and Home app.
  • Check Do Not Disturb or Focus modes on your iPhone.
  • Ensure motion detection is turned on in the Arlo app.
  • Adjust sensitivity settings if alerts are too frequent or too rare.

QR Code Won’t Scan

If the QR code won’t scan:

  • Clean the camera lens on your phone.
  • Hold the phone steady and in good lighting.
  • Try scanning from the Arlo app instead of the physical sticker.
  • Manually enter the 8-digit code shown below the QR code in the Arlo app.

Conclusion

Connecting your Arlo Video Doorbell to Apple HomeKit is a smart move that enhances your home security and convenience. With live view in the Home app, Siri voice control, and powerful automations, you’ll always know who’s at the door—even when you’re not home.

Remember, compatibility, an active Arlo Secure subscription, and proper setup are key. Follow the steps in this guide, test your system, and don’t hesitate to troubleshoot if issues arise. With a little patience, you’ll have a seamless smart doorbell experience that integrates perfectly with your Apple ecosystem.

Now go enjoy your smarter, safer home!