# Arlo Smart MCP for AI Agents MCP

> Arlo Smart MCP lets your AI client manage your entire network of Arlo security cameras. You can view recorded videos, change automation modes (like arming or disarming), and keep your cloud storage clean by deleting old footage—all through natural language commands.

## Overview
- **Category:** the-unthinkable
- **Price:** Free
- **Tags:** video-surveillance, home-security, motion-detection, device-management, cloud-storage

## Description

This connector gives your AI agent direct control over your Arlo smart home system. Instead of logging into the Arlo app to check status or download clips, you just ask your AI client. It handles everything from listing all connected cameras and basestations to checking which modes they are currently set to.

Need footage? You can request recordings for specific date ranges, getting presigned URLs ready for immediate download. Want to save space? Just tell the agent to delete old files.

Managing a whole house or property doesn't have to mean juggling multiple apps and dashboards. By connecting through Vinkius, your AI client becomes an instant security assistant, letting you manage device modes, monitor activity, and keep your home secure right from where you are.

## Tools

### arm_arlo_device
This tool enables security monitoring and motion detection for a specified Arlo device.

### delete_arlo_recordings
Permanently removes specific recorded videos from your cloud library to save space.

### disarm_arlo_device
This tool disables motion detection and security monitoring for a specified Arlo device.

### get_arlo_device_modes
Retrieves the current automation mode (armed, disarmed, or custom) for any Arlo device.

### get_recent_arlo_recordings
Provides a quick summary of security events and recordings from the last 24 hours across your system.

### get_arlo_recording_metadata
Fetches detailed information, like duration and timestamps, about a specific Arlo recording.

### get_arlo_recordings
Retrieves secure links for downloading videos and metadata covering a custom date range from your cameras.

### list_arlo_basestations
Lists only the central hub or base station devices connected to your Arlo network.

### list_arlo_cameras
List Arlo camera devices only

### list_arlo_devices
Each device includes deviceId, deviceName, deviceType, state, and connection status.

USE WHEN:
- User wants to see all their Arlo security devices
- User needs to find device IDs for other commands
- User is exploring their Arlo security setup
- User asks "what Arlo devices do I have"

EXAMPLES:
- "List all my Arlo devices" → call with no params
- "Show my Arlo security devices" → call with no params
- "What Arlo cameras and basestations do I have?" → call with no params

List all Arlo devices (basestations and cameras)

### set_arlo_device_mode
Sets a specific automation mode (like armed or disarmed) for any individual Arlo device.

## Prompt Examples

**Prompt:** 
```
What's the status of my cameras right now, and how much storage do I have left?
```

**Response:** 
```
**Current System Status:**
*   Front Door: Armed (Mode 1)
*   Backyard Camera: Disarmed (Mode 0)
*   Garage Camera: Armed (Mode 2 - Motion Detection)
**Storage Usage:** You've used 65% of your available cloud storage. We recommend running a cleanup to delete recordings older than two years.
```

**Prompt:** 
```
I need footage from the backyard camera last Friday, and I want to make sure all devices are armed when I leave tomorrow.
```

**Response:** 
```
Got it. **Step 1: Footage Retrieval**
*   Found 3 clips for Backyard Camera (2026-04-17).
    *   Clip A: Incident at 9:15 AM (Motion Detected)
    *   Clip B: Person detected at 4:00 PM (Duration: 30s)
**Step 2: Security Setup**
I've scheduled a reminder for tomorrow to run `set_arlo_device_mode` on all primary units, ensuring they are armed and ready when you walk out the door.
```

**Prompt:** 
```
List every device I have in my system so I can see what needs attention.
```

**Response:** 
```
Here is your current Arlo inventory:

| Device Name | Type | Status |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Front Door Hub | Basestation | Connected |
| Backyard Camera | Pro 4 | Connected |
| Garage Camera | Essential | Connected |
| Side Door Camera | Pro 3 | Needs Attention (Low Battery) |

*Note: The system suggests checking the battery status on the side door camera.*
```

## Capabilities

### List all connected Arlo devices
View a full inventory of every Arlo camera, doorbell, and hub attached to your system.

### Change security modes
Switch the entire network between armed, disarmed, or custom automation settings.

### Retrieve specific recordings
Fetch video clips and metadata for defined date ranges, providing secure links for download.

### Manage device status
Get the current armed/disarmed mode or detailed operational state of an individual camera or basestation.

### Clear old storage data
Permanently delete unwanted recordings from your cloud library to free up space.

## Use Cases

### Investigating a suspected break-in
A property manager asks the agent to 'Show me all activity from last Tuesday between 10 AM and noon.' The agent uses `get_arlo_recordings` and presents organized download links for every relevant video clip.

### Preparing to leave for vacation
The homeowner asks, 'Set the whole system to away mode.' The agent automatically calls `set_arlo_device_mode` on all primary devices and confirms they are active and armed.

### Quarterly storage cleanup
A security contractor tells their AI client, 'Delete all recordings older than six months.' The agent handles the complex data fetching and calls `delete_arlo_recordings` safely.

### Checking device connectivity
The user asks, 'What devices do I have right now?' The agent uses `list_arlo_devices` to provide a complete, real-time inventory of basestations and cameras needing attention.

## Benefits

- Keep your property secure by issuing simple commands like 'Arm the front door camera' using the `arm_arlo_device` tool, eliminating manual app interaction.
- Save time reviewing footage. Instead of browsing day-by-day, use the agent to check recent activity across all cameras with `get_recent_arlo_recordings`.
- Take control of your cloud storage. If you need to free up space, simply call `delete_arlo_recordings` to wipe out old footage in one go.
- Manage device settings without fuss. You can get the current status using `get_arlo_device_modes` or change it with `set_arlo_device_mode`, all via natural speech.
- Download video clips instantly. The `get_arlo_recordings` tool fetches presigned URLs for any date range, letting you share evidence without hassle.

## How It Works

The bottom line is, you tell your AI client what security action to take, and it executes that command directly against your Arlo system.

1. First, subscribe to this MCP on Vinkius and provide your unique Arlo authentication token.
2. Your AI client uses the provided credentials to connect to the Arlo API and validates your access permissions.
3. You can then issue natural language commands—like 'Arm the garage camera' or 'Show me recordings from last week'—and get actionable results back.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**How do I use Arlo Smart MCP to check my security cameras' current armed status?**
You simply ask your AI agent, 'What is the operational mode of the backyard camera?' It checks the device status instantly and tells you if it’s armed or disarmed, saving you from manually checking the app.

**Can I use Arlo Smart MCP to download old recordings for an insurance claim?**
Yes. You can request recordings by specifying a start and end date range. The agent retrieves the necessary data and provides secure, downloadable links directly in your chat.

**If I'm leaving town, how do I make sure all my Arlo cameras are armed?**
You tell your agent, 'Arm all my devices.' It handles the command across every camera and basestation needed to put the entire system into secure monitoring mode.

**What should I do if I need to free up cloud storage space on Arlo?**
You ask your AI agent to delete recordings. It guides you through selecting old footage and runs the necessary deletion command, ensuring your account stays running smoothly.

**Is Arlo Smart MCP better than just using the native Arlo app for daily checks?**
It's faster because you don't have to open an app. You keep all security actions—checking status, viewing clips, arming up—in one conversation with your agent.