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Yes, you can easily share your Arlo camera video feed with family, friends, or trusted contacts using the Arlo app’s built-in sharing features. Grant secure, customizable access in minutes—choose live view only or full recording access, all protected by your Arlo account’s privacy settings.
Key Takeaways
- Enable sharing via the Arlo app’s “Share Access” feature for trusted users.
- Guest controls let you limit access to live feeds or recordings.
- Multi-user support works with up to 10 shared accounts per camera.
- No public links—share only through verified email addresses for security.
- Revoke anytime to maintain privacy and control over your video feed.
- Two-factor authentication adds a layer of protection for shared feeds.
📑 Table of Contents
- Why Sharing Your Arlo Camera Feed Matters
- How Arlo’s Video Sharing Works (And Why It’s Not Just a Link)
- Sharing Options: Beyond Basic User Access
- Privacy and Security: What You Need to Know
- Advanced Sharing: Integrations and Workarounds
- Common Problems and How to Fix Them
- Data Table: Arlo Sharing Features at a Glance
- Final Thoughts: Sharing Smarter, Not Harder
Why Sharing Your Arlo Camera Feed Matters
Imagine you’re on vacation, sipping a cocktail by the pool, when a notification pops up: your Arlo camera detected motion. You open the app, and there’s a delivery person at your door. You’re not home, but you want to let your neighbor know to grab the package. Or maybe you’ve got a new pet sitter and want to show them how to interact with your dog. Sharing your video feed with Arlo cameras can be a game-changer for these situations—and many others.
But can you share your video feed with Arlo cameras? The short answer is yes, but it’s not always straightforward. Whether you’re looking to grant access to family members, housemates, or even your local neighborhood watch, the process involves more than just sending a link. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about sharing your Arlo camera feed, including how it works, the best methods, privacy considerations, and tips to make it seamless. Think of this as your go-to resource—like a friendly chat with someone who’s been through it all before.
How Arlo’s Video Sharing Works (And Why It’s Not Just a Link)
You might think sharing a video feed is as simple as sending a URL, like sharing a YouTube video. But Arlo cameras are designed for security, so the sharing process is a bit more nuanced. It’s not about public links; it’s about controlled access. Here’s how it really works.
Understanding User Roles in the Arlo App
Arlo’s sharing system revolves around user roles. When you set up your Arlo account, you’re the “Owner” or “Administrator.” Only you can add new users, manage devices, and control permissions. When you share access, you’re inviting someone to join your account with specific privileges. Think of it like giving someone a key to your house—but you can choose whether they can unlock the front door, the garage, or just peek through the windows.
- Owner: Full control. Can add/remove users, change camera settings, and delete footage.
- User: Can view live feeds and recorded clips, but can’t change camera settings or delete content.
- Viewer: Limited to live viewing only. No access to recordings or settings.
For example, if you’re sharing with your spouse, you might give them “User” access so they can review motion alerts. But for a pet sitter, “Viewer” might be safer to prevent accidental changes.
Inviting Users: Step-by-Step Process
Sharing access is done through the Arlo app, not email or text. Here’s how:
- Open the Arlo app and tap your profile icon (top-left).
- Select “Users” and tap “Add User.”
- Enter the person’s email address (they must have an Arlo account or create one).
- Choose their role: Owner, User, or Viewer.
- Send the invite. They’ll get an email with a link to accept.
Pro tip: Make sure the person you’re inviting has a smartphone or tablet. The Arlo app is required for viewing, and there’s no web-only access for shared users.
What Can (And Can’t) Shared Users Do?
Shared users can:
- Watch live video feeds.
- View recorded clips (if they have “User” access).
- Receive motion alerts (if enabled).
- Use two-way audio (if the camera supports it).
But they can’t:
- Change camera settings (e.g., motion zones, sensitivity).
- Delete recordings or format the base station.
- Add new cameras to your account.
Real-world example: My sister was house-sitting while I was away. I gave her “User” access so she could check on my cats. She could see the live feed and past clips but couldn’t accidentally turn off the motion detection—a relief!
Sharing Options: Beyond Basic User Access
Arlo offers more flexible sharing options than just inviting users. Whether you want to share temporarily, with a group, or even make your camera publicly visible, there’s a method for it.
Temporary Access with Guest Passes
Need to share access for a short time? Arlo’s “Guest Pass” feature is perfect. It lets you grant time-limited access to specific cameras. Here’s how:
- In the Arlo app, go to “Settings” > “Share Camera.”
- Select the camera you want to share.
- Tap “Create Guest Pass” and set the duration (e.g., 1 hour, 1 day).
- Share the pass via email, text, or QR code.
Why use this? Let’s say you’re hosting a party and want the bartender to keep an eye on the backyard. A 4-hour guest pass ensures they can’t access your feed after the event.
Group Sharing for Neighborhoods or Families
For families or community groups, Arlo’s “Family & Guests” feature lets you create a shared group. All members get access to the same cameras with the same permissions. Ideal for:
- Parents sharing with grandparents to watch the kids.
- Neighborhood watch groups monitoring common areas.
- Roommates splitting security duties.
To set it up:
- Create a group in “Users” > “Groups.”
- Add members and assign permissions.
- Link the cameras you want to share.
Caution: Only share with people you trust. Once someone’s in the group, they can see all linked cameras—even if you add new ones later.
Public Sharing: When (And When Not) to Do It
Arlo doesn’t offer a “public link” option like some cloud storage services. But you can share a camera feed publicly by:
- Using screen recording to save clips and share them manually (e.g., via email or social media).
- Streaming live footage to platforms like YouTube or Facebook Live (requires third-party tools).
When might this help? A local business owner might stream their storefront camera to deter theft. But for personal use, public sharing is risky. It exposes your home’s layout, routine, and even faces of family members. Only do this if you’re 100% comfortable with the world seeing it.
Privacy and Security: What You Need to Know
Sharing your Arlo feed isn’t just about convenience—it’s a privacy decision. Before you invite anyone, consider these risks and how to mitigate them.
Data Encryption and Storage
Arlo uses end-to-end encryption for video feeds. This means:
- Only you and your shared users can decrypt and view footage.
- Even Arlo’s servers can’t access your videos without your account credentials.
But there’s a catch: Encryption only applies to videos stored in the cloud (with a subscription). If you’re using local storage (e.g., a microSD card), the footage is only as secure as your physical device. A stolen base station could expose everything.
Permissions: The Fine Print
When you share access, you’re trusting someone with your privacy. Ask yourself:
- Can I trust this person with my home’s security?
- Will they share the feed with others (intentionally or accidentally)?
- What if they lose their phone—could a stranger access my camera?
Mitigation strategies:
- Use two-factor authentication (2FA) for your Arlo account.
- Set shared users to “Viewer” unless they need more access.
- Regularly review user permissions (Arlo’s “Users” tab shows all active invites).
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Sharing footage isn’t always legal. In many places, you must:
- Inform people they’re being recorded. Signs or verbal notice are often required.
- Respect privacy zones. Avoid pointing cameras at neighbors’ windows or public spaces.
- Follow local laws. Some regions ban recording audio without consent.
Example: A friend once shared their front-yard camera with neighbors. When a delivery driver noticed the sign and complained, they had to adjust the camera angle to avoid legal trouble.
Advanced Sharing: Integrations and Workarounds
If Arlo’s built-in sharing options don’t cut it, there are creative ways to share your feed—or automate it.
Smart Home Integrations
Arlo works with smart home platforms like:
- Amazon Alexa: View feeds on Echo Show devices. Just say, “Alexa, show me the front door.”
- Google Assistant: Use voice commands with Nest Hub.
- IFTTT: Create automations (e.g., “If motion is detected, send a clip to my WhatsApp”).
For families, this means grandparents can check in on the kids via their Echo Show without needing the Arlo app.
Third-Party Tools (With Caution)
Some tools claim to “enhance” Arlo’s sharing, like:
- Screen-sharing apps: Share your phone’s screen during a video call (e.g., Zoom, FaceTime).
- Cloud storage sync: Automatically save clips to Google Drive or Dropbox.
But beware: These tools often require your Arlo login, which is a major security risk. Only use trusted services, and never share your password.
Custom Alerts and Notifications
You can customize what shared users see:
- Motion alerts: Choose which cameras trigger notifications.
- Activity zones: Limit alerts to specific areas (e.g., only the driveway, not the street).
- Smart notifications: Use Arlo’s AI to ignore pets or cars (if you have a subscription).
Tip: My neighbor’s dog kept triggering false alerts. I set an activity zone to ignore the sidewalk, and the problem was solved.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Sharing your Arlo feed isn’t always smooth. Here are frequent issues and solutions.
“I Can’t Accept the Invite”
If a user can’t join:
- Ensure they’re using the correct email (the one linked to their Arlo account).
- Check if they’ve already accepted another invite from you (only one active invite allowed).
- Have them check spam folders for the email.
Quick fix: Resend the invite after 24 hours if it’s expired.
Lag or Buffering in Shared Feeds
Shared users might experience delays due to:
- Internet speed: Both your home network and their device need strong Wi-Fi.
- Camera resolution: High-quality feeds (e.g., 4K) require more bandwidth.
Solution: Lower the camera’s resolution in settings or use “Auto” mode, which adjusts based on connection strength.
“I Can’t See the Camera in the App”
If a shared user can’t find your camera:
- Confirm they’ve accepted the invite and logged in.
- Check if the camera is offline (e.g., power outage).
- Restart their Arlo app and device.
Pro tip: Have them tap “Refresh” in the app’s home screen to reload the camera list.
Data Table: Arlo Sharing Features at a Glance
| Feature | Owner | User | Viewer | Guest Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| View live feed | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Access recordings | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Change settings | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Delete footage | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Time-limited access | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Group sharing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
Final Thoughts: Sharing Smarter, Not Harder
Sharing your Arlo camera feed isn’t just about convenience—it’s about trust, privacy, and control. Whether you’re granting access to a family member, a neighbor, or a temporary guest, Arlo gives you the tools to do it securely. From user roles and guest passes to smart integrations and activity zones, the options are flexible enough for almost any scenario.
But remember: Every share is a risk. Always use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and review permissions regularly. Think of it like lending a car—you wouldn’t hand the keys to just anyone. With the right approach, you can enjoy the benefits of shared access without compromising your peace of mind. So go ahead, invite that trusted friend or relative. Just make sure you’re in control of who sees what—and when.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my video feed with Arlo camera with family members?
Yes, you can share your Arlo camera video feed with family or trusted individuals using the Arlo app. Simply invite them via email or share a unique link, granting access to live and recorded footage.
How do I securely share my Arlo camera feed with others?
To securely share your Arlo video feed, use the “Share Access” feature in the Arlo app and assign permissions (view-only or full control). Always enable two-factor authentication for added security.
Can I share my Arlo camera feed with neighbors or community groups?
Yes, you can share your Arlo camera feed with neighbors or groups by creating a shared access link. This is ideal for neighborhood watch programs, but ensure you comply with local privacy laws.
Does sharing my Arlo video feed require a subscription?
No, sharing your Arlo video feed is free, but accessing cloud recordings or advanced features may require an Arlo Secure subscription. Basic live viewing is available to all users.
Can I limit what someone sees when I share my Arlo camera feed?
Yes, you can customize permissions when sharing your Arlo camera feed. Choose between “Viewer” (live only) or “Administrator” (full access) to control what others see and do.
Is it possible to revoke access to my shared Arlo video feed?
Absolutely. You can revoke shared access anytime via the Arlo app under “Settings > Share Access.” This immediately blocks the person or link from viewing your camera feed.