Can I Have 2 Separate Arlo Accounts for 10 Cameras Explained

Yes, you can have 2 separate Arlo accounts for 10 cameras, but each account must have its own unique email and subscription plan, as Arlo does not support multi-account management under one login. Splitting cameras across accounts is ideal for shared access or separating home/office security, though it requires manual switching and limits unified control. Always verify compatibility with your specific Arlo models before setup.

Key Takeaways

• One account per camera: Arlo requires each camera registered to a single account.
• No shared ownership: You cannot split 10 cameras across two primary accounts.
• Use shared access: Invite others via email to view specific cameras securely.
• Multi-site setup: Create separate locations under one account for better organization.
• Upgrade for scalability: Use Arlo Secure plans to manage multiple cameras efficiently.
• Family sharing: Grant limited access to family members without separate accounts.
• Contact support: For unique needs, Arlo may offer custom enterprise solutions.

Why You Might Want Two Arlo Accounts for Your 10 Cameras

Imagine this: You’ve just moved into a new house with a large backyard, a detached garage, and a front gate that’s tricky to monitor. You buy ten Arlo cameras—some wired, some wireless, some with floodlights—and you’re excited to set up a seamless security system. But then you realize your spouse wants full control over the front yard cameras, while you’d prefer managing the backyard and garage. You start asking, “Can I have 2 separate Arlo accounts for 10 cameras?” It’s a smart question, and you’re not alone. Many Arlo users face similar dilemmas when balancing shared access, privacy, and control across multiple locations or households.

Whether you’re managing a multi-generational home, a rental property, or a business with different departments, splitting your Arlo system across two accounts might seem like the perfect solution. But Arlo’s design doesn’t make this simple. In this post, we’ll break down the technical realities, explore workarounds, and help you decide what’s best for your setup. We’ll cover everything from account limitations to practical sharing strategies, all while keeping your cameras secure and easy to use. Think of this as a friendly chat over coffee—no tech jargon, no sales pitch, just real talk about what works, what doesn’t, and how to make it work anyway.

Understanding Arlo’s Account and Device Limitations

How Arlo Handles Devices Per Account

Arlo’s official stance is that each account is designed to manage one unified system. When you log into your Arlo app, you see all your cameras, doorbells, and sensors under a single dashboard. The system doesn’t natively support splitting cameras across two separate accounts. But here’s the catch: Arlo doesn’t enforce a hard limit on the number of devices per account. In fact, many users run 8, 10, or even 12 cameras on a single account without issues. The real bottleneck isn’t quantity—it’s how Arlo structures access and permissions.

For example, if you have 10 cameras, you can register all of them under one email address (say, yourname@email.com). The app lets you organize them into “groups” (like “Front Yard,” “Backyard,” “Garage”), but all groups live under the same account. You can’t, for instance, move three cameras to a different email and have them appear in a separate Arlo app instance. This is by design: Arlo wants a centralized experience. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck.

Sharing Access vs. Separate Accounts

Instead of creating a second account, Arlo offers a feature called “Share Access”. This lets you invite others to view or control specific cameras. For instance, you could share only the front yard cameras with your spouse, while keeping the backyard under your full control. The shared user logs into their own Arlo account, but they can see and manage the cameras you’ve granted access to. It’s like giving a key to part of your house, not a separate house.

But here’s the downside: Shared users can’t create custom modes, adjust motion zones, or view recordings unless you grant “Full Access.” And even then, they’re still tied to your account’s subscription (more on that later). So while Share Access is flexible, it’s not the same as having two truly independent accounts. If your goal is autonomy—like letting your tenant manage their own cameras without seeing yours—this might not cut it.

Subscription Tiers and Camera Limits

Arlo’s subscription plans (like Arlo Secure, Secure Plus, and Secure Premium) are tied to your account, not individual cameras. This means if you have 10 cameras, you’ll need a plan that covers all of them—even if you split them across accounts later. For example:

• Arlo Secure: Up to 5 cameras
• Arlo Secure Plus: Up to 10 cameras
• Arlo Secure Premium: Unlimited cameras (but with additional fees per camera)

So if you split cameras across two accounts, you’d need two separate subscriptions. This doubles your monthly cost, which might not be worth it unless you’re managing entirely separate properties (like a main house and a vacation home).

Workarounds to Split Cameras Across Two Accounts

Method 1: Create a Second Account and Re-Register Cameras

The most direct (but labor-intensive) way to have two separate Arlo accounts is to re-register some cameras under a new email. Here’s how:

1. Set up a new Arlo account using a different email (e.g., yourname+cameras2@email.com).
2. Remove 3–5 cameras from your original account via the app (Settings > My Devices > [Camera] > Remove Device).
3. Reset those cameras (using the reset button or factory reset in the app).
4. Re-add them to the new account, following the setup steps.

This method works, but it’s a one-way street. Once a camera is registered to a new account, you can’t easily switch it back without repeating the process. Also, you’ll lose any saved clips on the original account’s cloud storage. Pro tip: Label your cameras (e.g., “Backyard 1,” “Front Gate 2”) to avoid confusion during re-registration.

Real-world example: A user with a duplex rented one side to a family and wanted the tenants to manage their own cameras. They created a second account, moved the tenant-side cameras, and kept the landlord-side cameras under the original account. The tenants now have full control without seeing the landlord’s cameras—but the landlord pays for two subscriptions.

Method 2: Use Share Access with Custom Permissions

If re-registering feels too drastic, try fine-tuning Share Access. Instead of giving “Full Access,” use “View Only” or “Limited Access” to restrict what the other person can do:

• They can view live feeds and saved clips.
• They can’t delete clips or adjust motion settings.
• They can’t change camera names or groups.

This is ideal for families or roommates. For example, your spouse might want to check the front door camera when you’re not home, but you don’t want them accidentally disabling alerts. To set this up:

1. Go to Settings > Share Access in the Arlo app.
2. Enter their email and select “Limited Access.”
3. Choose which cameras to share.

The catch? They still need an Arlo account to log in, and you’re still on the hook for the subscription. But it’s a low-effort way to share control without splitting accounts.

Method 3: Use Multiple Devices with the Same Account

Here’s a lesser-known trick: Install the Arlo app on multiple phones or tablets, all logged into the same account. This lets you and your partner (or tenant) access all cameras from different devices. You can even create custom dashboards by hiding cameras you don’t need to see. For example:

• On your phone: Show all 10 cameras.
• On your spouse’s phone: Hide the garage cameras and focus on the front yard.

While this doesn’t create separate accounts, it reduces friction. You’re both using the same system, but with personalized views. The downside? You’ll see the same notifications and alerts—so if your spouse gets a backyard motion alert, you’ll see it too.

Challenges and Trade-Offs of Dual Accounts

Cost: Double the Subscriptions, Double the Hassle

Let’s talk money. If you split 10 cameras across two accounts, you’ll likely need two Arlo Secure Plus subscriptions (since each covers up to 10 cameras). At $15/month per account, that’s $30/month instead of $15. Is it worth it? Only if:

• You’re managing two entirely separate locations (e.g., a home and a rental property).
• You need strict privacy (e.g., a tenant shouldn’t see your cameras).
• You want full autonomy (e.g., no one else can adjust your camera settings).

But for most households, doubling the cost isn’t justified. You’re better off using Share Access or multiple devices unless privacy is non-negotiable.

Technical Limitations and Syncing Issues

Splitting cameras across accounts introduces fragmentation. For example:

• No unified alerts: You’ll get notifications on two separate apps, so you might miss something if you’re not checking both.
• No shared modes: Arlo’s “Away” or “Home” modes won’t sync across accounts. You’ll need to arm/disarm each account separately.
• Cloud storage confusion: Clips are stored under each account, so you’ll need to search two places to find a specific recording.

Imagine getting a motion alert on your second account while you’re at work. You check the app, but the camera’s view is blocked by a tree—and you can’t see the corresponding camera on your main account to get a better angle. That’s the kind of frustration dual accounts can create.

User Experience: Is It Worth the Effort?

Let’s be honest: Managing two Arlo accounts is more work. You’ll need to:

• Log into two apps regularly.
• Keep track of two subscription renewals.
• Remember which cameras belong to which account.

For a 10-camera setup, this might feel like overkill. Most users find that Share Access or device-based views strike a better balance between control and convenience. But if you’re tech-savvy and value independence (like a small business owner with separate office and warehouse cameras), dual accounts can work.

Best Practices for Managing 10 Cameras Efficiently

Organize with Groups and Labels

Whether you use one account or two, organization is key. Arlo’s “Groups” feature lets you sort cameras into categories. For example:

• Group 1: Front Yard (Cameras 1–3)
• Group 2: Backyard (Cameras 4–6)
• Group 3: Garage (Cameras 7–10)

You can then:

• Share only specific groups with others.
• Arm/disarm groups independently.
• Filter alerts by group in the app.

Pro tip: Use descriptive names like “Front Door – North Side” instead of “Camera 1.” It saves time when you’re scanning alerts at 2 a.m.

Leverage Smart Alerts and AI Filters

With 10 cameras, you’ll get a lot of alerts. Use Arlo’s AI to filter out false positives:

• Enable “Person Detection” to ignore cars or animals.
• Set “Activity Zones” to focus on high-traffic areas.
• Adjust sensitivity to reduce wind or foliage triggers.

This keeps your inbox clean and ensures you’re only notified when it matters. Bonus: These settings work across all cameras in a group, so you can apply them in bulk.

Backup with Local Storage (If Available)

Arlo’s cloud storage is great, but it’s not foolproof. If you have Arlo Pro, Ultra, or Essential cameras, consider using a microSD card or Arlo SmartHub for local backups. This way, even if your internet goes down or your subscription lapses, you’ll still have recordings. For dual accounts, just make sure each account has its own local storage—no sharing cards across systems.

Real-World Scenarios: When Two Accounts Make Sense (and When They Don’t)

Scenario 1: Multi-Generational Home

Setup: You, your parents, and your siblings all live in the same house but want separate control. Verdict: Use Share Access. Create groups for “Main House,” “Guest House,” and “Garage.” Share only the relevant groups with each person. This keeps costs low and avoids subscription bloat.

Scenario 2: Rental Property

Setup: You own a duplex and rent one side to tenants. You want to monitor your side but give tenants control over theirs. Verdict: Two accounts. Move the tenant-side cameras to a new account, and use a separate subscription. This ensures privacy and avoids accidental interference.

Scenario 3: Small Business

Setup: Your office and warehouse are in the same building but managed by different teams. Verdict: Two accounts. Split cameras by location, and assign each team to their own account. This prevents warehouse staff from disabling office cameras.

Data Table: Cost and Effort Comparison

Method	Cost	Effort Level	Best For
One Account + Share Access	Single subscription ($15–$25/month)	Low	Families, roommates
Two Accounts	Double subscription ($30–$50/month)	High	Rentals, businesses
One Account + Multiple Devices	Single subscription ($15–$25/month)	Medium	Couples, small teams

The Bottom Line: Should You Split Your 10 Cameras?

So, can you have 2 separate Arlo accounts for 10 cameras? Technically, yes—but it’s not the most practical choice for most users. Arlo’s design favors a unified system, and splitting accounts comes with significant trade-offs: higher costs, fragmented alerts, and extra management effort. For most households, Share Access or device-based views offer a smarter balance of control and convenience.

That said, dual accounts can make sense in specific cases. If you’re managing a rental property, a business with separate departments, or a home where privacy is paramount, two accounts give you the autonomy and security you need. Just be prepared to pay for two subscriptions and handle the added complexity.

Ultimately, the best setup depends on your priorities. Ask yourself:

• Do I need strict privacy, or is shared access okay?
• Am I willing to pay double for subscriptions?
• Can I handle the extra tech overhead?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but now you have the tools to decide what’s right for you. Whether you stick with one account or split into two, your 10 Arlo cameras can keep your property safe. And hey, if you’re ever unsure, Arlo’s customer support is just a call away. Happy monitoring!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have 2 separate Arlo accounts for 10 cameras?

Yes, you can manage 10 cameras across two separate Arlo accounts, but each camera must be registered to only one account at a time. This setup is ideal for splitting cameras between locations or user preferences.

Is it possible to use two Arlo accounts with shared camera access?

No, Arlo doesn’t allow direct camera sharing between two separate accounts. However, you can use the “Invite User” feature to grant limited access to a single account without merging accounts.

What’s the best way to organize 10 Arlo cameras with two accounts?

Divide the cameras by purpose or location (e.g., home vs. office) and assign each group to a dedicated Arlo account. This keeps recordings, alerts, and settings neatly separated for easier management.

Can I switch a camera between two Arlo accounts later?

Yes, you can unregister a camera from one Arlo account and add it to another. Note that this will erase all settings and recordings tied to the original account.

Will having 2 Arlo accounts affect my subscription costs for 10 cameras?

Yes, each account requires its own subscription plan if you exceed the free tier limits (e.g., 5 cameras per plan). For 10 cameras, you’d need two paid plans or a single upgraded plan on one account.

Does Arlo allow multi-user access without separate accounts?

Arlo’s “Family & Guest Access” lets multiple users control a single account, but it doesn’t replace separate accounts. For full privacy or distinct settings, two accounts are still recommended.