Arlo RTSP Setup

Ensure you have an Arlo SmartHub (VMB5000)

Check that you have the Arlo SmartHub model VMB5000 — not the older VMB4000 or VMB4500 base stations. The SmartHub has a USB port on the back and can be identified by checking the model number printed on the label. Plug-in base stations do not support local RTSP streaming. If you have an older base station, you will need to upgrade to the SmartHub to use RTSP.

Enable Local Network Access in the Arlo app

Open the Arlo app on your iPhone or iPad. Go to Settings → My Devices, then select the camera you want to enable local streaming on. Scroll down to find Local Network Access and toggle it on. You will be prompted to set a local access password for this camera — this password is separate from your Arlo account password and is used specifically for RTSP authentication.

Find your Arlo camera's local IP address

Once local streaming is enabled, the Arlo app may display the local IP address in the device settings. Alternatively, check your router's DHCP client list — look for a device with the Arlo camera's MAC address. Assign a static IP (DHCP reservation) in your router to prevent the address from changing. The RTSP stream is served directly by the SmartHub, not the individual camera.

Add to SmartRTSP using the RTSP URL

In SmartRTSP, tap + → Manual and enter your Arlo RTSP URL. Use your Arlo account email as the username and the device-specific local password you set in the Arlo app:

Note: Arlo does not support ONVIF, so ONVIF auto-discovery will not find Arlo cameras. Manual URL entry is required.