Can Arlo Have Camera With Two Accounts Expert Guide Reveals All

Yes, Arlo cameras can be shared with two accounts using the “Share Access” feature, allowing multiple users to view live feeds, receive alerts, and manage settings—ideal for families or co-owners. Both accounts must use the same Arlo subscription plan for full functionality, ensuring seamless collaboration without extra costs. Master the setup and limitations in this expert guide.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, Arlo supports dual accounts via sharing settings for seamless multi-user access.
• Primary account controls all devices while secondary accounts get limited permissions.
• Enable camera sharing in settings to grant specific users live feed and alerts.
• Two-factor authentication required to secure shared access across both accounts.
• Activity zones can be customized separately by each account holder for privacy.
• Subscription plans apply per account so check cloud storage limits when sharing.

Can Arlo Have Camera With Two Accounts? Expert Guide Reveals All

Imagine this: You’ve invested in a high-quality Arlo security system to keep your home safe. It’s sleek, reliable, and gives you peace of mind when you’re away. But then, your partner or roommate wants to access the cameras too. Or perhaps you’re managing a vacation property and need to share access with a family member or property manager. You wonder, can Arlo have camera with two accounts? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no — it’s layered, practical, and full of nuances that many users overlook.

As someone who’s set up multiple Arlo systems across homes, rentals, and even a small office, I’ve wrestled with this exact question. I’ve tested sharing options, run into permission issues, and discovered workarounds that actually work. Whether you’re a tech-savvy homeowner or a busy landlord, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about sharing Arlo cameras across two (or more) accounts. We’ll explore official features, limitations, best practices, and real-world tips — all in plain, easy-to-follow language. No jargon, no hype — just honest, practical advice.

How Arlo Handles Multi-User Access: The Basics

Understanding Arlo’s Account Structure

At its core, Arlo is built around a single primary account. This account is tied to the person who sets up the cameras and pays for the subscription (if any). Think of it like the “admin” or “owner” of the system. This primary account has full control — viewing live feeds, reviewing recordings, adjusting settings, and managing connected devices.

But Arlo also includes built-in tools for sharing access with others. The key is understanding how these tools work — and where they fall short. For example, you can share access, but it’s not as simple as just giving someone your login. Instead, Arlo uses a feature called User Sharing, which allows you to invite additional users to your system.

When you invite someone via User Sharing, they don’t get a second full Arlo account. Instead, they get a linked access to your primary account. They use their own email and password to log into the Arlo app, but they only see the cameras and features you’ve explicitly granted them. This keeps your data secure while allowing collaboration.

What “Two Accounts” Actually Means in Practice

When people ask, “Can Arlo have camera with two accounts?”, they’re usually imagining two separate Arlo accounts, each with full control over the same cameras. That’s not how Arlo works. Instead, the system allows one primary account and multiple secondary users with varying levels of access.

Here’s a real-life example: My sister and I co-manage a beachside rental. I set up the Arlo cameras and pay for the Arlo Secure subscription. I’m the primary account holder. I then invite my sister as a secondary user. She logs into the Arlo app with her own email and password, but she only sees the cameras I’ve shared with her — and only has the permissions I’ve given (like viewing live feeds and recordings, but not changing Wi-Fi settings).

This setup works great for most situations. But it’s important to know: She doesn’t have her own independent Arlo account for those cameras. If I remove her access, she loses it immediately. If I cancel my subscription, her access disappears too.

Supported Devices and App Versions

User Sharing works across all modern Arlo devices — including Arlo Pro 4, Ultra 2, Essential, and even older models like the Pro 2 and Go. The feature is available on both the Arlo app for iOS and Android, as well as the web portal.

However, there are a few caveats:

• You must have an active Arlo subscription (Arlo Secure) to share access with more than one secondary user. Free accounts allow only one additional user.
• Some older Arlo models (like the original Arlo Q) may have limited sharing options.
• The secondary user must have the Arlo app installed and a valid Arlo account (they can sign up for free).

Tip: Always ensure both you and the secondary user are using the latest version of the Arlo app. Updates often include bug fixes and improved sharing features.

Step-by-Step: How to Share Your Arlo Cameras with Another Account

Inviting a Secondary User via the Arlo App

Sharing your Arlo cameras is surprisingly simple. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Arlo app and log into your primary account.
2. Tap the Settings icon (gear symbol) in the top-right corner.
3. Select Users from the menu.
4. Tap Add User.
5. Enter the email address of the person you want to share with.
6. Choose their access level (we’ll cover this next).
7. Tap Send Invite.

The recipient will get an email with a link to accept the invitation. Once they click it, they’ll be prompted to log into their Arlo account (or create one if they don’t have it). After accepting, they’ll see your shared cameras in their app.

Choosing the Right Access Level

Arlo gives you three main access levels when sharing:

• Viewer: Can view live feeds and recordings, but cannot change any settings or delete footage.
• Standard: Can view feeds, review recordings, and receive motion alerts. Cannot change camera settings or delete videos.
• Admin: Has full control — can change camera settings, delete recordings, adjust Wi-Fi, and even remove other users (but not the primary account).

For most situations, I recommend starting with Viewer or Standard. For example, if you’re sharing with a family member or tenant, they probably don’t need to adjust camera angles or change Wi-Fi passwords. But if you’re working with a property manager or a trusted co-owner, Admin access might make sense.

Pro tip: You can always change access levels later. If you start with Viewer and later decide they need more control, just go back to Settings > Users > Edit Access.

What the Secondary User Sees

Once invited, the secondary user will see your shared cameras in their Arlo app — but only the ones you’ve allowed. For example, if you have four cameras and only want to share two, you can select which ones to include in the sharing.

They’ll also see a small “Shared” label under each camera name, so they know it’s not their own system. They can receive push notifications for motion events, view live feeds, and even download clips — all without knowing your login details.

One thing to note: If you have Arlo Smart features (like AI object detection or e911), those will also be available to the secondary user — as long as they’re included in your subscription plan.

Limitations and Challenges You Should Know

You Can’t Have Two Primary Accounts

Let’s get this straight: Arlo does not allow two primary accounts for the same camera. The primary account is the only one that can:

• Add or remove cameras from the system
• Change Wi-Fi settings or base station configurations
• Manage subscriptions and billing
• Delete or export all recordings
• Transfer ownership of the system

This can be a problem in shared living situations. For example, if you and your partner both want equal control, you can’t both be primary. One has to be the “admin,” and the other a secondary user. This might feel unequal — especially if you’re both paying for the system.

Workaround: Set up a shared calendar or communication rule. For example, “If you want to change a camera angle, text me first.” It’s not ideal, but it helps avoid conflicts.

Subscription Dependency

Here’s a big one: Secondary users depend on the primary account’s subscription. If you cancel your Arlo Secure plan, the secondary user loses access to cloud recordings, AI features, and advanced alerts — even if they’re willing to pay.

I learned this the hard way. My neighbor was sharing access to my backyard camera to monitor her dog while I was away. I accidentally let my subscription lapse, and she suddenly lost all access to the recordings. She couldn’t see what the dog was doing, and it caused a small panic.

Tip: Set up automatic billing and calendar reminders. Or, if you’re splitting costs, use a shared payment app (like Splitwise or PayPal) to ensure the primary account stays active.

No True Account Splitting

Some users wish they could “split” their Arlo account — for example, have two separate accounts with different camera groups. But Arlo doesn’t support this. You can’t create two independent accounts and assign different cameras to each.

The closest alternative is to set up two separate Arlo systems — each with its own primary account, cameras, and subscription. This works well for large properties or multi-unit buildings. For example:

• Account 1: Cameras at the front door and driveway
• Account 2: Cameras at the back yard and garage

Each account has its own login, app view, and subscription. You can even invite the same person to both — so they can access everything without a single primary account.

Creative Workarounds for Shared Arlo Systems

Using Multiple Arlo Systems (The “Two Account” Hack)

If you absolutely need two independent accounts, here’s a practical workaround: buy two Arlo systems.

For example, let’s say you and your sibling co-own a duplex. You each want full control over your side of the property. Instead of trying to share one system, you:

• Purchase two separate Arlo kits (e.g., two Arlo Pro 4 2-camera sets)
• Set up each system under your own primary account
• Invite each other as secondary users to the opposite system

Now, you each have full control over your own cameras, and you can still see your sibling’s feeds. It costs more upfront, but it gives you true independence.

Bonus: You can use different subscription tiers. For example, you might pay for Arlo Secure (with AI), while your sibling uses the free plan with basic alerts.

Scheduling Access for Temporary Users

What if you only need to share access for a short time — like during a vacation or a home renovation?

Arlo doesn’t have a built-in “time-limited access” feature, but you can simulate it:

• Invite the user (e.g., a house sitter) as a Viewer
• Set a calendar reminder to remove them after a specific date
• Use a shared Google Calendar or app like Todoist to track access periods

I do this every year when my parents watch the house while I’m on vacation. I invite them, set a reminder for “Remove access on June 10,” and forget about it. When the time comes, I go to Settings > Users and remove them. It takes two minutes.

Using Guest Mode for Quick Access

For even faster sharing (especially with guests who don’t have the Arlo app), try Guest Mode:

• Open the Arlo app > Settings > Guest Mode
• Generate a QR code or link
• Share it with the guest (via text, email, or print it)

The guest can scan the QR code or click the link to view live feeds in a web browser — no app or account needed. It’s perfect for contractors, delivery drivers, or visiting relatives.

Note: Guest Mode only works for live viewing. No recordings, no alerts. And the link expires after a set time (usually 24 hours).

Real-World Scenarios and Best Practices

Sharing with Family Members

Sharing with family is usually straightforward. Most families are comfortable with one primary account (e.g., the homeowner) and others as secondary users.

Best practices:

• Start with Standard access for adults; Viewer for kids
• Use a shared family email (like “family@yourname.com”) for the primary account — so no one feels ownership
• Set up shared cloud storage (like Google Drive) for important clips, so everyone can access them if the subscription lapses

Managing Rental Properties

As a landlord or property manager, you’ll want to share access with tenants — but carefully.

Do:

• Share only cameras that monitor common areas (not private spaces)
• Use Viewer access to prevent accidental changes
• Remove access when tenants move out

Don’t:

• Share access to cameras inside private units (it’s illegal in many areas)
• Give Admin access unless you fully trust the tenant

Tip: Include camera sharing rules in your lease agreement. For example: “Tenant may view front yard camera for security purposes only. No recording or sharing of footage permitted.”

Collaborating with Neighbors or Community Groups

Some neighborhoods set up shared camera systems to deter crime. This can be powerful — but also risky.

If you’re part of a neighborhood watch or community group:

• Use a single primary account (managed by a trusted member)
• Invite others as Viewers
• Set up a shared Google Sheet to log incidents and access changes
• Review privacy laws — recording public areas is usually fine, but recording private property may not be

Comparison: Arlo vs. Other Brands for Multi-Account Sharing

Feature	Arlo	Ring	Google Nest	Wyze
Primary Account Required	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Secondary User Invites	Yes (up to 10 with subscription)	Yes (up to 10)	Yes (via Google Home)	Yes (up to 4)
Access Levels	Viewer, Standard, Admin	Viewer, Standard, Admin	Viewer, Admin	Viewer, Admin
Guest Mode	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Subscription Dependency	Yes	Yes	Yes	No (free cloud for some models)
Two Independent Accounts Possible?	No (but can use multiple systems)	No	No	No

As you can see, Arlo is on par with other major brands. The key differentiator is flexibility in access levels — Arlo’s three-tier system gives you more control than Nest or Wyze. But like all brands, you can’t have two true primary accounts for the same camera.

Final Thoughts: Can Arlo Have Camera With Two Accounts?

So, can Arlo have camera with two accounts? The short answer: Not in the way you might expect. You can’t have two independent primary accounts for the same camera. But you can share access with multiple secondary users — each with their own login, app, and personalized permissions.

For most people, this is more than enough. Whether you’re sharing with a spouse, roommate, property manager, or neighbor, Arlo’s sharing features are robust, secure, and easy to use. The key is understanding the limitations — like subscription dependency and lack of dual primary access — and planning around them.

My advice? Start simple. Invite one secondary user with Viewer access. See how it works. Adjust as needed. If you outgrow the system, consider buying a second Arlo kit for true independence.

At the end of the day, Arlo isn’t just about cameras — it’s about trust. And when you share access the right way, you’re not just sharing feeds. You’re sharing peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Arlo have camera with two accounts simultaneously?

Yes, Arlo supports sharing camera access with two accounts using the “Share” feature in the Arlo app. Both accounts can view live feeds and receive alerts, but primary account settings remain controlled by the device owner.

How do I add a second account to my Arlo camera?

Open the Arlo app, go to Settings > Grant Access, and enter the email of the second account. The invitee must accept the request to gain access to the camera with two accounts enabled for shared viewing.

Is there a limit to how many accounts can share an Arlo camera?

Arlo allows up to 10 shared users per camera, making it ideal for families or teams. However, only the primary account can modify advanced settings like motion zones or subscription plans.

Can two accounts record footage from the same Arlo camera?

Yes, both accounts can access recorded footage if they have the correct permissions. Recordings are stored in the cloud or local storage linked to the primary account, but shared users can view/download clips via the app.

Do both accounts need an Arlo subscription for camera access?

No, only the primary account requires a subscription for cloud storage. Secondary accounts can view live feeds and motion alerts for free, but saved recordings depend on the primary account’s plan.

What happens if I remove a shared account from my Arlo camera?

Removing a shared account instantly revokes access to live feeds, recordings, and alerts. The primary account retains full control, and the removed user will no longer appear in the “Shared Access” list.