Can Someone View My Arlo Camera Here Is What You Need to Know

Yes, someone can view your Arlo camera—but only if they have unauthorized access to your account or you’ve shared login credentials. Arlo’s secure cloud and end-to-end encryption protect your footage, but weak passwords or phishing scams can expose your feed. Always enable two-factor authentication and monitor account activity to keep prying eyes out.

Key Takeaways

• Secure your Wi-Fi: Use strong passwords to prevent unauthorized camera access.
• Enable two-factor authentication: Add an extra layer of account protection.
• Update firmware regularly: Patch vulnerabilities to keep cameras secure.
• Review sharing settings: Limit access to trusted users only.
• Monitor login activity: Check for suspicious logins in your Arlo app.
• Use encrypted connections: Ensure live streams are protected from interception.

Can Someone View My Arlo Camera? The Real Risks and How to Stay Safe

Imagine this: You’re relaxing at home, maybe sipping coffee or putting the kids to bed, when a thought creeps in—*“Is someone watching me through my Arlo camera right now?”* It’s a chilling idea, especially when you installed those cameras to feel safer, not more vulnerable. As someone who’s been down this rabbit hole (yes, I once stayed up at 2 a.m. checking every setting after a sketchy notification), I get it. The good news? You’re not alone. And the even better news? Most risks are preventable with a few simple steps. Let’s break down what you need to know to sleep soundly, knowing your privacy is locked down.

Arlo cameras are a popular choice for home security, offering crisp video, smart alerts, and easy setup. But with great tech comes great responsibility—and a few potential pitfalls. In this guide, we’ll explore the real risks of unauthorized access, how Arlo’s security works (and where it can fall short), and the practical steps to protect yourself. Think of this as a friendly chat over a cup of coffee, where I’m sharing what I’ve learned the hard way—so you don’t have to.

How Arlo Cameras Work: The Basics of Security and Access

Before we dive into the “what-ifs,” let’s clarify how Arlo cameras actually function. Understanding the tech helps you spot weak spots and take action. Arlo cameras connect to your Wi-Fi network and stream video to the cloud (Arlo’s servers) or a local storage device. You access footage through the Arlo app or web portal using your account credentials. Sounds simple, right? But here’s where things get interesting.

Cloud vs. Local Storage: What’s the Difference?

Arlo offers two storage options:

• Cloud Storage: Footage is encrypted and stored on Arlo’s servers. Access requires your account login. This is convenient but means Arlo (and potentially hackers) can access your data if credentials are compromised.
• Local Storage: Video saves to a microSD card or a base station (like the Arlo SmartHub). No internet required, so it’s less vulnerable to online attacks. However, physical theft of the storage device could expose footage.

For example, I switched to local storage after a friend’s cloud account was breached. It felt safer, but I had to remember to check the SD card regularly. Trade-offs, right?

User Permissions: Who Can See What?

Arlo lets you share camera access with “users” via email invites. You can grant:

• Admin Access: Full control (delete footage, add users).
• User Access: View-only (no changes to settings).

Here’s a pro tip: Always use “User Access” for family or neighbors. I once gave my brother admin access “just in case,” and he accidentally deleted a week of footage. Oops.

Common Ways Someone Could Access Your Arlo Camera (And How Likely It Is)

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: How could someone actually view your Arlo camera without permission? Spoiler: It’s not as easy as Hollywood makes it seem, but it’s not impossible either.

Weak or Stolen Passwords (The #1 Risk)

Most breaches happen because of weak passwords. Arlo requires a password, but if it’s “123456” or “password,” you’re basically rolling out the welcome mat. A 2022 study found that 81% of hacking-related breaches involved stolen, weak, or reused passwords (source: Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report).

Real-life example: A friend used the same password for her Arlo account and her email. When a data leak compromised her email, hackers tried the same password on Arlo—and got in. They didn’t view footage (thankfully), but they could’ve.

Phishing Scams and Fake Login Pages

Hackers might send emails or texts that look like official Arlo notifications, tricking you into entering your login details on a fake website. I once got an “Arlo Security Alert” email with a link that led to a page identical to Arlo’s login. The URL was “ar1o-login.com” (notice the “1”). Scary, right?

Exploiting Software Vulnerabilities

Like all tech, Arlo’s apps and firmware have occasional bugs. In 2021, a security researcher found a flaw allowing hackers to view live feeds if they knew the camera’s IP address. Arlo patched it within days, but it shows why updates matter.

Physical Access to Your Devices

If someone steals your phone, tablet, or base station, they might access your Arlo app (if it’s not password-protected). Always use biometric locks (fingerprint/face ID) or a strong PIN on your devices.

Shared Wi-Fi Networks (A Hidden Risk)

If your Wi-Fi password is weak, neighbors or guests might access your network. From there, they could try to hack your Arlo camera directly. I learned this the hard way when a houseguest asked why my camera’s LED was blinking—they’d logged into my Wi-Fi and found the camera in their network list.

Arlo’s Built-In Security Features (The Good News)

Now for the reassuring part: Arlo takes security seriously. Here’s what they do to protect you.

End-to-End Encryption (E2EE)

Arlo offers end-to-end encryption for cloud storage. This means only you (and people you authorize) can decrypt footage—not Arlo, not hackers. To enable it:

• Go to Settings > My Devices > [Your Camera] > Video Encryption.
• Turn on E2EE (note: this disables cloud AI features like person detection).

I use E2EE for my backyard camera, where privacy matters most. It’s a small trade-off for peace of mind.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA adds a second login step (e.g., a code from an app like Google Authenticator). Without 2FA, a stolen password = instant access. With 2FA, hackers need your phone too. Enable 2FA immediately—it takes 2 minutes and cuts breach risk by 99%.

Automatic Firmware Updates

Arlo pushes security patches automatically. Keep your cameras plugged in overnight to ensure updates install. I set a reminder every Sunday to check for updates manually—old habits die hard!

Activity Logs and Suspicious Login Alerts

Arlo logs every login and sends alerts if it detects unusual activity (e.g., a login from a new country). I got one of these alerts last year—it turned out to be me using a VPN, but I appreciated the heads-up.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Lock Down Your Arlo Camera

Enough doom and gloom. Let’s fix this! Here’s a checklist to secure your Arlo camera like a pro.

Step 1: Create a Strong, Unique Password

• Use 12+ characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Never reuse passwords. Use a password manager (like Bitwarden or 1Password) to generate and store them.

Example: Instead of “ilovearlo2023,” try “$7kL@p9#mN2qW!” (yes, it’s random, but that’s the point).

Step 2: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

1. Open the Arlo app.
2. Go to Settings > Profile > Two-Factor Authentication.
3. Choose “Authenticator App” and follow the prompts.

Pro tip: Save backup codes in a safe place (like a locked drawer). If you lose your phone, you’ll need them.

Step 3: Set Up User Permissions Wisely

• Revoke access for old users (e.g., ex-houseguests).
• Use “User Access” for everyone except yourself.

I once forgot to remove a neighbor’s access after they moved. A quick audit fixed it—no harm done, but it could’ve been worse.

Step 4: Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

• Change your Wi-Fi password to something strong (see Step 1).
• Use WPA3 encryption (if your router supports it).
• Create a separate guest network for visitors. No more “Why is my camera in their Wi-Fi list?”

Step 5: Review Connected Devices and Activity Logs

Monthly, check:

• Arlo app > Settings > My Devices for unfamiliar cameras.
• Arlo app > Settings > Account > Login Activity for suspicious logins.

Step 6: Use a VPN for Remote Access (Optional)

If you access your cameras on public Wi-Fi (e.g., at a café), use a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN. This encrypts your connection, hiding your traffic from hackers.

What If You Suspect Your Arlo Camera Is Hacked? (Emergency Plan)

Uh-oh. You got a weird alert, or your camera moved on its own. Don’t panic. Here’s what to do:

Step 1: Disconnect the Camera Immediately

Unplug the camera or turn off Wi-Fi in the Arlo app. This stops live streaming.

Step 2: Change Your Arlo Password

Go to Settings > Profile > Change Password. Use a new, strong password.

Step 3: Enable 2FA (If Not Already On)

See “Step 2” in the previous section. Do this now—no excuses.

Step 4: Check Activity Logs

Look for:

• Logins from unfamiliar locations.
• New users you didn’t add.
• Deleted footage.

Step 5: Factory Reset the Camera

As a last resort, reset the camera to erase all settings:

• Press and hold the reset button (usually on the back) for 10 seconds.
• Reconfigure it from scratch.

Step 6: Contact Arlo Support

Report the incident. Arlo’s team can help investigate and may offer free security audits. I called them once—they were surprisingly helpful.

Arlo Security vs. Competitors: A Quick Comparison

How does Arlo stack up against other brands like Ring, Google Nest, or Eufy? Here’s a quick breakdown:

Brand	End-to-End Encryption	2FA	Local Storage	Notable Risks
Arlo	Yes (cloud only)	Yes	Yes (base station/SD card)	Phishing scams, weak passwords
Ring	Yes (with Ring Protect)	Yes	No (cloud only)	Data sharing with police (opt-in)
Google Nest	Yes (with Nest Aware)	Yes	Yes (Home Hub)	Google’s data collection policies
Eufy	Yes (all models)	Yes	Yes (base station/SD card)	Less frequent firmware updates

Key takeaway: Arlo’s security is strong, but no brand is 100% hack-proof. Your habits matter more than the camera brand.

The Bottom Line: Stay Vigilant, Stay Safe

Can someone view your Arlo camera? Technically, yes—but only if you make it easy. The real threat isn’t hackers in hoodies; it’s you using a weak password, skipping 2FA, or sharing Wi-Fi with strangers. I’ve been there. The good news? With a few simple steps (strong passwords, 2FA, and regular check-ins), you can reduce your risk to near-zero.

Think of your Arlo camera like a front door. A lock is great, but you wouldn’t leave the key under the mat. Treat your digital security the same way. Update your settings, stay alert to phishing scams, and don’t let complacency creep in. And if you ever feel uneasy? Trust your gut. Disconnect, reset, and call support. Your privacy is worth the effort.

At the end of the day, Arlo cameras are a powerful tool for peace of mind. But like any tool, they’re only as safe as the person using them. Stay smart, stay secure, and keep that coffee brewing—you’ve got this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone view my Arlo camera without my permission?

No, only authorized users with login credentials can access your Arlo camera feed. Arlo uses encryption and secure login protocols to prevent unauthorized access to your devices.

How do I know if someone else has access to my Arlo camera?

Check the “Users” section in your Arlo app to see all linked accounts. If you notice unknown users, revoke their access immediately and change your password.

Can hackers view my Arlo camera remotely?

While no system is 100% hack-proof, Arlo cameras use end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication to minimize risks. Always keep your firmware updated to protect against vulnerabilities.

Can Arlo employees view my camera footage?

No, Arlo employees cannot access your camera feed or stored recordings. The company’s privacy policy strictly prohibits internal access to user data without explicit consent.

Can someone view my Arlo camera through a shared link?

Only if you’ve enabled “Share Camera Access” and sent them a link. Disable sharing in the Arlo app’s settings if you no longer want others to view your camera.

What should I do if I suspect someone is spying on my Arlo camera?

Change your password, enable two-factor authentication, and remove suspicious users from your account. Contact Arlo support for further assistance if needed.