Can I Add Arlo Cameras Shared With Me to Alexa A Quick Guide

Yes, you can add Arlo cameras shared with you to Alexa by linking the Arlo skill in your Alexa app and ensuring the shared camera access is properly set in your Arlo account. This enables voice control and live viewing through Alexa-enabled devices, but only if the camera owner has granted full sharing permissions through the Arlo app.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can add shared Arlo cameras to Alexa if granted access by the owner.
• Enable the Arlo skill in Alexa app before linking your account.
• Shared cameras appear automatically after linking if permissions are set correctly.
• Owner must enable sharing via Arlo app for Alexa access to work.
• Use voice commands like “Show [camera name]” after setup for quick viewing.
• Check device compatibility—only supported Arlo models work with Alexa.

Why You Might Want to Add Shared Arlo Cameras to Alexa

Imagine this: you’re at work, sipping coffee, when a notification pops up on your phone. It’s from your neighbor’s Arlo camera—they’ve shared access with you because they’re out of town and want you to keep an eye on their home. You open the Arlo app, check the feed, and everything looks fine. But wouldn’t it be easier if you could just say, “Alexa, show me the front porch” and see the live stream on your Echo Show? That’s where the question “Can I add Arlo cameras shared with me to Alexa?” comes in.

Smart home ecosystems thrive on convenience, and integrating shared cameras with voice assistants like Alexa can make life simpler. Whether you’re a trusted family member watching a relative’s home, a pet sitter checking in on furry friends, or a neighbor helping with security, connecting shared Arlo cameras to Alexa lets you access feeds hands-free. But it’s not always straightforward. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process, share real-life scenarios, and highlight what works—and what might trip you up.

Understanding How Arlo Camera Sharing Works

How Arlo’s Sharing Feature Operates

Arlo’s camera sharing lets the primary account holder grant access to others. When someone shares a camera with you, you receive an email or app notification. Once you accept, the camera appears in your Arlo app with limited permissions—usually viewing live feeds and recordings, but not changing settings or deleting footage. Think of it like being invited to a friend’s Netflix account: you can watch shows, but you can’t alter their watchlist.

For example, my cousin shares her backyard camera with me so I can check on her dog when she’s at work. I see the camera in my app, but I can’t tweak the motion detection zones or update firmware. This is by design—it protects the owner’s control while letting you help out.

Permissions and Limitations of Shared Access

Not all shared cameras behave the same way. The primary account holder decides your access level:

• View-only: You can see live feeds and recorded clips.
• Limited control: Some owners grant access to arm/disarm cameras or adjust basic settings.
• No admin rights: You can’t add devices, delete cameras, or change Wi-Fi settings.

Here’s a real-world tip: If you’re helping a relative, ask them to grant “view-only” access unless you need more. Too many permissions can be overwhelming, and it’s safer for the owner.

Why Sharing Matters for Alexa Integration

The good news? If you have access to a shared Arlo camera in the Arlo app, you can link it to Alexa—as long as the primary account has enabled the Arlo skill. The catch? You need the camera to appear in your own Arlo account first. If it’s only visible in the owner’s account, Alexa won’t recognize it. I learned this the hard way when my brother shared his camera but forgot to invite me to the app. Once I accepted the invite, Alexa picked it up instantly.

Step-by-Step: Linking Shared Arlo Cameras to Alexa

Prerequisites You’ll Need

Before diving in, make sure you have:

• An active Arlo account (even if it’s just for shared access).
• Acceptance of the shared camera invite (check your email or Arlo app notifications).
• An Alexa-enabled device (Echo Show, Fire TV, etc.) with the Arlo skill enabled.
• Stable Wi-Fi for both the Arlo camera and your Alexa device.

Pro tip: If the owner hasn’t shared the camera with you yet, gently remind them. I once spent 20 minutes troubleshooting Alexa, only to realize my sister hadn’t sent the invite. Oops!

Enabling the Arlo Skill in the Alexa App

Here’s how to link your shared camera:

1. Open the Alexa app on your phone.
2. Tap Devices > + > Add Device.
3. Select Camera, then search for Arlo.
4. Tap Arlo by Netgear and follow the prompts to log in to your Arlo account.
5. When asked, grant Alexa permission to access your Arlo devices.

Note: You’ll use your Arlo login (the one that received the shared camera). The owner’s credentials won’t work here.

Discovering and Naming Shared Cameras

After linking, Alexa scans for devices. If the shared camera appears, you’ll see it listed. Tap it to customize the name—this is crucial for voice commands. For example, rename “Shared Backyard Cam” to “Sarah’s Yard” so you can say, “Alexa, show Sarah’s Yard.”

Real-life example: My neighbor shares her driveway camera, which I renamed “Neighbor Driveway.” Now, when my kids ask, “Is the mail here?” I just say, “Alexa, show Neighbor Driveway,” and we check together. It’s saved me countless trips to the mailbox.

Troubleshooting Common Linking Issues

Sometimes, shared cameras don’t show up. Here’s what to try:

• Refresh device discovery: In the Alexa app, go to Devices > Cameras > Discover.
• Re-link the Arlo skill: Unlink and re-enable the skill in the Alexa app.
• Check the owner’s settings: Ask the primary account holder to ensure the camera is shared correctly.
• Restart your router: Network hiccups can delay device syncing.

I once had a shared camera vanish after a firmware update. Restarting the router and re-linking the skill fixed it in minutes.

Using Alexa to View and Control Shared Arlo Cameras

Voice Commands for Live Feeds

Once linked, you can use natural language. Try these commands:

• “Alexa, show [camera name] on [Echo Show].”
• “Alexa, show me [camera name].”
• “Alexa, play [camera name] on [Fire TV].”
• “Alexa, hide [camera name].”

For multi-camera homes, use location-based names like “Front Door” or “Back Patio.” My mom shares her garage camera, which I named “Mom’s Garage.” Now, when I visit, I say, “Alexa, show Mom’s Garage” to check if her car is parked.

Viewing Recordings and Motion Alerts

Alexa can’t play recorded clips directly, but you can get alerts. If the shared camera detects motion, you’ll get a notification in the Alexa app. Tap it to open the Arlo app and view the recording.

Pro tip: Enable “Announcements” in the Alexa app so your Echo devices chime when motion is detected. My neighbor set this up, and now her Alexa says, “Motion detected at the front door,” which I hear on my Echo Show. It’s like having a live security assistant.

Adjusting Camera Settings via Alexa

Limited, but possible. If the owner granted you control permissions, you can:

• “Alexa, turn on [camera name].”
• “Alexa, turn off [camera name].”
• “Alexa, arm [camera name].”

Note: You can’t adjust motion zones or sensitivity through Alexa. Those settings stay in the Arlo app.

Multi-Camera Scenes and Routines

Create custom routines for efficiency. For example:

• “Alexa, good morning” > Show the front door and backyard cameras on the Echo Show.
• “Alexa, I’m leaving” > Turn on all shared cameras.

My cousin uses a routine called “Check In” that displays her driveway and backyard cameras simultaneously. It’s perfect for when she’s waiting for a delivery.

Limitations and Workarounds for Shared Camera Integration

What Alexa Can’t Do with Shared Cameras

Alexa has some blind spots:

• No recording playback: You can’t say, “Alexa, play yesterday’s footage.”
• No two-way talk: You can’t use Alexa to speak through the camera’s speaker.
• No advanced settings: Adjusting motion zones, night vision, or firmware updates requires the Arlo app.

These limitations exist for security. The primary account holder retains full control, which is fair—but it can be frustrating if you’re used to full Alexa integration.

Workarounds for Common Frustrations

Need to view recordings? Try these hacks:

• Use the Arlo app: Open it directly for clips and settings.
• Enable push notifications: When motion is detected, Alexa alerts you, and you can jump to the Arlo app.
• Create a dashboard: Use the Alexa app’s “Camera Dashboard” to pin shared cameras for quick access.

For two-way talk, I use my phone. If I see a delivery person, I grab my phone, open the Arlo app, and say, “Leave the package by the door.” It’s not hands-free, but it works.

When to Ask the Owner for Help

Sometimes, you’ll hit a wall. For example:

• If the camera disconnects frequently, ask the owner to check their Wi-Fi.
• If Alexa doesn’t recognize the camera, the owner may need to re-share it.
• If recordings are missing, the owner might need to renew their subscription.

Be polite! I once asked my neighbor to re-share her camera, and she was happy to help—but she reminded me to check the app first next time. Good communication keeps shared systems running smoothly.

Real-World Scenarios: How People Use This Feature

Family Members Watching a Parent’s Home

My friend Lisa shares her parents’ cameras with her siblings. They’ve set up Alexa routines to check the front door and backyard daily. When her dad fell last month, Lisa saw it on her Echo Show and called 911 immediately. “Alexa saved us 10 minutes,” she said.

Pet Sitters and Caregivers

Pet sitters often get shared access to monitor pets. One sitter I know uses Alexa to check the living room camera when the dog barks. “I can see if he’s just excited or if something’s wrong,” she told me.

Neighbors Helping Each Other

In my neighborhood, three families share cameras. We use Alexa to monitor each other’s driveways. Last winter, a snowstorm knocked over a trash can, and I saw it on my Echo Show. I texted my neighbor, and we cleaned it up before it blew away. “It’s like having a neighborhood watch 2.0,” one said.

Data Table: Shared Camera Use Cases

Scenario	Alexa Command Example	Benefit
Family monitoring	“Alexa, show Dad’s Front Door”	Quick check-ins for elderly relatives
Pet care	“Alexa, show the living room”	Monitor pets while away
Neighbor security	“Alexa, show Neighbor’s Yard”	Community safety
Vacation watch	“Alexa, show the backyard”	Peace of mind while traveling

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

So, can you add Arlo cameras shared with you to Alexa? Yes—but with caveats. The integration works seamlessly if the camera is properly shared and linked. You’ll get hands-free access to live feeds, motion alerts, and basic controls. But remember, you’re a guest in the system. Advanced features stay with the owner.

For most people, the convenience outweighs the limitations. Whether you’re checking on a loved one, a pet, or a neighbor, Alexa turns your shared cameras into a proactive tool. Just keep communication open with the owner, stay patient during setup, and don’t expect Alexa to replace the Arlo app entirely.

At the end of the day, this feature is about trust and teamwork. When my neighbor says, “I shared my camera with you,” it’s not just about technology—it’s about saying, “I’ve got your back.” And with Alexa, you’ve got theirs, too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add Arlo cameras shared with me to Alexa?

Yes, you can add Arlo cameras shared with your account to Alexa, provided you have access to the camera in the Arlo app. Use the Alexa app to discover devices, and the shared camera should appear alongside your own.

How do I link shared Arlo cameras to my Alexa account?

First, ensure the camera is shared with your Arlo account. Then, open the Alexa app, go to Devices > + > Add Device > Camera > Arlo, and follow the setup steps to discover all linked cameras, including shared ones.

Why don’t shared Arlo cameras show up when I try to add them to Alexa?

Shared cameras may not appear if the sharing permissions aren’t fully configured or if the Arlo skill in Alexa hasn’t been refreshed. Re-link the Arlo skill in the Alexa app or check the sharing settings in the Arlo app.

Do I need the owner’s permission to add a shared Arlo camera to Alexa?

Yes, the camera must first be shared with your Arlo account by the primary owner. Once shared, you can link it to Alexa without further approval, as long as it appears in your Arlo device list.

Can I use Alexa to view live feeds from Arlo cameras shared with me?

Absolutely! After linking the shared Arlo camera to Alexa, you can say, “Alexa, show me [camera name]” to view the live feed on an Echo Show or Fire TV device.

Is there a limit to how many shared Arlo cameras I can add to Alexa?

There’s no official limit, but performance may depend on your network and Alexa device capabilities. Ensure all shared cameras are properly linked to your Arlo account for seamless integration with Alexa.