Arlo Pro VMS4430 mode changes via Amazon Alexa/IFTTT or Google Home

[oillogger]

I was wondering if it was possible to change the Arlo Pro modes via Amazon Alexa or Google Home and/or the IFTTT applets?  I would want to be able to designate the mode by way of voice commands.  Also is this a real stupid idea due to any security reasons?  If possible then please indicate how or if there is another alternate solution path available. 

Alexa, my first choice, will also serve primarily as a nearby laptop external speaker in addition to all the other available functions Alexa offers so not being able to make verbal Arlo Pro mode changes will not be a deal breaker.

[JamesC]

oillogger,

While there is no official integration for Alexa and Arlo, IFTTT may provide a solution. Take a look at the Arlo IFTTT channel for recipes.

You can find a list of partner integrations here as well: www.arlo.com (toward the bottom of the page)

There will be more added to this list as integrations take place in the future.

JamesC

[oillogger]

Thanks, I will look as you suggested at the Arlo IFTTT channel for recipes.  I will also look some more into Google Home and IFTTT as well.

[MarkC]

At the moment it is pretty useless tbh. What we are waiting for is the ability to change the mode, that would make it so easy to automate etc. 

Stringify is the app that currently offers the most control but you really cannot do much of benefit, the only useful type is to start recording. We really need the ability to change modes. 

James, I thought these were official integrations? Thanks. 

[oillogger]

I figure there maybe security reasons for not being able to change modes but the bad guy would have to be in your home already to provide the Amazon Echo the command.  Too bad there are not commands available that require a security word.

[MarkC]

I agree however you are already able to arm and disarm so the damage can be done as it is as the important one 'disarm' already works. The problem is that I most people never arm/disarm all the cameras unless away so it is always either schedule, outside, outside & downstairs etc...

Well I say those 2 words work, they work on the basis that you select any camera and then select the option "Disarm this Cameras Base Station" This works with Stringify and a few others from memory as such can then easily be linked to Alaexa. Even if you could simply turn specific cameras off then on again that would be great if you wanted to pop downstairs and they were armed etc. You sort of can do this using Smartthings but then the whole Arlo system sets the Mode to Smartthings and you obviously have no way to change the mode after this. 

It just seems that each solution has a few little bits and where there is functionality to do certain things in each the smart apps will not actually talk to each other properly.

To me an ideal solution would be to have Arlo run the system as it should with the ability to change Modes, turn each camera ON/OFF at will, and manually start to record with any camera and all of this to be available in one solution rather than having to use 3 different apps to get to the desired outcome.  Hopefully one day we will get there 🙂 

[oillogger]

After digging into IFTTT and Stringifly a bit more I did find where competitor security systems could be armed or disarmed by way of Amazon Echo or similar devices.  Maybe the Arlo family security systems will also soon have this capability.