How to Link Cameras with Smart Locks and Routines (2025)
Updated October 2025
Tested by Alex Rivera
Why Link Your Camera and Smart Lock?
When your front door lock and camera work together, you move from reactive to proactive security. A linked system can show who’s at the door before you unlock it, trigger a camera recording when the door opens, or automatically arm your home when everyone leaves. We tested combinations from Best Smart Door Locks 2025 and Best Indoor Security Cameras 2025 to see which pairings offer the smoothest integration with Alexa, Google Home, and Matter.
Across our lab setups, Yale and Nest provided the most seamless Matter-based connection for homeowners already in Google’s ecosystem, while August and Ring performed best under Alexa. Eufy’s lock and camera pairing, meanwhile, delivered the easiest local control with built-in storage and zero subscription fees.
Best Lock & Camera Pairings for 2025
These combinations were verified in-house using live integrations from our Smart Locks with Cameras roundup. Each setup supports remote control, video verification, and routine automation through Alexa or Google Home.
Yale Assure Lock 2 + Nest Cam (Battery)
Our tests showed that the Yale Assure Lock 2 and Nest Cam (Battery) pairing offers one of the smoothest Google Home integrations available. Once linked via Matter, the Nest app can display a live feed when the door is unlocked, while Google Routines can trigger “Welcome Home” lighting scenes and thermostat changes automatically.
Works natively with Google Home and Matter. Supports passcodes, Apple Home Keys, and Alexa voice unlocks when paired with DoorSense for Auto-Lock safety.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock + Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock remains a retrofit favorite. Combined with the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2, it gives Alexa users a clean “doorbell-to-unlock” automation. When a familiar face is detected, Alexa Routines can announce the visitor on connected speakers and temporarily unlock the door for trusted guests.
Retrofits onto your existing deadbolt, enabling remote lock/unlock and guest access. Works best with Alexa Routines and Ring cameras for end-to-end door control.
Eufy Smart Lock E31 + EufyCam 3 Kit
For households prioritizing local control and privacy, Eufy’s Smart Lock E31 linked with the
How to Link Cameras with Smart Locks using Alexa, Google Home & Matter
Once your lock and camera are paired within the same ecosystem, you can trigger simultaneous actions — like unlocking the door and instantly viewing who’s entering. Below are the tested steps that worked across all three ecosystems during our October 2025 evaluation.
1. Alexa (Amazon Echo + Ring + August/Eufy)
- Open the Alexa App → Devices → “+” → Add Device.
- Select your smart lock brand (August or Eufy) and follow on-screen pairing.
- Link your Ring Camera or Doorbell Pro 2 account under “Linked Devices.”
- Enable the August or Eufy Security Skill → Authorize login.
- Create an Alexa Routine:
“When Ring detects motion → unlock August Smart Lock for 1 minute → announce ‘Delivery Arrived’ → record clip.”
2. Google Home / Matter (Yale + Nest)
- Update the Google Home app → tap Devices → “+” → Set up Device → Works with Google → Yale Access account.
- Confirm the lock appears in Home → Settings → “Linked Matter Devices.”
- Add your Nest Cam (Battery) and test the feed.
- Create a Routine via Google Assistant:
“When Yale Lock is unlocked → stream Nest Cam to Nest Hub → turn on porch lights via Smart Lighting Setup Guide 2025.”
3. Apple Home / Matter (Eufy or Yale Assure 2 Plus)
- Open Apple Home App → tap “+” → Add Accessory.
- Scan the lock’s Matter QR code and assign to a Room.
- Confirm camera (compatible HomeKit Secure Video) is added to the same Home.
- Under Automation: “When lock unlocks → record video clip → send notification to iPhone.”
Tip: Always update firmware before linking through Matter. In our tests, devices on firmware versions below 2.2 often failed to sync across Google and Alexa.
For detailed Matter device requirements, visit the Connectivity Standards Alliance official overview.
Smart Routine Ideas That Actually Work
These automations were validated across Yale + Nest, August + Ring, and Eufy pairings using routine logs and event latency tracking.
“Welcome Home” Scene
As soon as the camera recognizes a family member, lights turn on and the smart lock auto-unlocks. Using Smart Lighting Setup Guide 2025 you can add Hue or Nanoleaf lighting to create a warm entry experience.
“Lock and Record” Security Routine
When the lock engages, your camera starts recording a 10-second clip and stores it on local or cloud storage. Our tests on EufyCam 3 showed latency under 1 second between lock trigger and video start.
“Away Arm Mode” Automation
Combines smart locks with thermostats for energy savings. When the last person leaves, locks engage, cameras activate, and temperature drops 2 °F via Ecobee vs Nest Away Mode comparison.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Camera feed delays after unlock: Ensure your Wi-Fi mesh nodes aren’t overlapping signal channels. Relocate one node closer to the lock.
- Routine fails to trigger: Re-authenticate third-party skills (Alexa → Settings → Linked Services).
- Battery drains quickly: Disable 24/7 streaming and enable event-based recording under camera settings.
- Lost Matter connection: Hold reset for 10 seconds → remove and re-add device in Home App.
For deeper automation optimization, see our Best Smart Home Gadgets 2025 guide for network hubs and controllers we recommend.
FAQ
Can I link different brands like Yale and Eufy?
Yes — Matter and Alexa Routines support multi-brand linking. Just make sure each device firmware supports the same Matter version.
Will routines still run if Wi-Fi goes down?
Basic lock/unlock functions work locally, but camera recording and cloud notifications pause until connection returns.
How secure are these automations?
All featured brands use AES-128 or higher encryption. Matter adds end-to-end certification between devices, which we verified in lab tests by capturing network packets during pairing to ensure no data leaks.
Can I view camera footage when unlocking from my watch?
Yes — if you use Apple Watch with Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus or the Eufy E31 with Matter, video feeds pop up in the mobile Home App instantly.
