Can You Have Multiple Arlo Accounts for More Cameras A Complete Guide

Yes, you can have multiple Arlo accounts to manage more cameras, but each account requires a separate email and subscription plan, as Arlo does not natively support adding extra cameras beyond plan limits on a single account. This workaround is ideal for large properties or businesses needing expanded coverage, though managing multiple logins and billing cycles may add complexity.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, multiple Arlo accounts: Use separate emails to manage more cameras across accounts.
• Each account needs unique email: No shared logins for adding extra cameras.
• Cameras aren’t shared: Devices stay exclusive to one account unless transferred.
• Use family sharing: Grant access without merging accounts for collaborative monitoring.
• Check subscription limits: Each account requires its own plan for premium features.
• Organize by location: Assign cameras to different accounts for better management.

Why You Might Be Considering Multiple Arlo Accounts

Let’s be real—home security isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. Whether you’re managing a large property, sharing access with family members, or running a small business, your needs for surveillance are as unique as your lifestyle. That’s where Arlo’s ecosystem of smart cameras comes in. They’re sleek, reliable, and packed with features like motion detection, night vision, and two-way audio. But if you’re trying to scale up—say, adding more cameras than a single Arlo account can handle—you might be asking: Can you have multiple Arlo accounts for more cameras?

The short answer? Yes, you *can*, but it’s not always the smoothest or most elegant solution. I’ve been down this road myself—juggling three properties with Arlo cameras, trying to keep everything under one account, only to hit limits and face login confusion. So, in this guide, I’ll walk you through the ins and outs of managing multiple Arlo accounts, when it makes sense, and how to do it without losing your sanity (or your camera feeds). Think of this as your friendly, no-nonsense roadmap to scaling your Arlo setup like a pro.

Understanding Arlo’s Account and Camera Limits

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s tackle the “how much.” Arlo’s account structure isn’t designed for unlimited cameras, and knowing the limits helps you plan smarter.

How Many Cameras Can One Arlo Account Handle?

Arlo doesn’t publish a hard cap on the number of devices per account, but in practice, most users hit practical limits. Here’s what you need to know:

• Free Tier: You can technically add dozens of cameras, but the Arlo Smart cloud storage (which stores recordings) caps at 200GB. This fills up fast with multiple 4K or 2K cameras.
• Arlo Secure Plans: Paid subscriptions (like Arlo Secure or Secure Plus) allow up to 10–20 cameras per account, depending on the plan. For example, the Arlo Secure plan supports 10 cameras, while Secure Plus goes up to 20.
• Local Storage (SD Cards): If you rely on SD cards (no cloud), you can add more cameras, but managing 30+ devices in one app becomes unwieldy. I tried it once—my phone app froze every time I opened it.

Real-world example: I once helped a friend set up 15 cameras for their vacation rental business. We hit a wall when the Arlo app started lagging, and cloud storage costs skyrocketed. That’s when we realized: multiple accounts might be the answer.

Why Arlo Limits Cameras Per Account

Arlo’s limits aren’t arbitrary. They’re tied to:

• Cloud Infrastructure: More cameras = more data = higher costs for Arlo. They pass some of this to users via subscriptions.
• App Performance: The Arlo app isn’t built to handle 50+ live feeds. Too many cameras slow it down or crash.
• Security: Arlo wants to prevent account overload, which could lead to login issues or unauthorized access.

Tip: If you’re using Arlo for a large property (e.g., a farm or multi-unit building), check Arlo’s Business plans. They’re designed for high-camera setups but require a separate subscription.

Pros and Cons of Using Multiple Arlo Accounts

So, is splitting your cameras across multiple accounts worth it? Let’s weigh the good, the bad, and the “wait, really?”

The Pros: Flexibility and Control

• No Cloud Bottlenecks: Each account has its own 200GB cloud limit (or 10–20 cameras on paid plans). This lets you distribute cameras without hitting storage caps. For example, I use one account for my home (8 cameras) and another for my parents’ house (6 cameras).
• Granular Access: Share specific accounts with family or staff. Your neighbor doesn’t need access to your backyard camera—just the front door.
• Isolated Troubleshooting: If one account glitches (e.g., login issues), the others stay unaffected.
• Business Use: Separate accounts for different properties or clients make invoicing and management easier.

The Cons: Hassle and Hidden Costs

• Multiple Logins: Juggling two (or more) accounts means switching between apps or devices. I once forgot which email I used for which account—cue 10 minutes of password resets.
• Subscription Overlap: Each account needs its own Arlo Secure plan. Two 10-camera accounts = two subscriptions. That’s $10–$20/month extra vs. one 20-camera plan.
• No Centralized View: You can’t see all cameras in one dashboard. Need to check the garage (Account A) and the shed (Account B)? Open two apps.
• Syncing Issues: Firmware updates or settings changes must be done manually per account. Forgot to update one? That camera might miss a critical security patch.

Pro tip: Use a password manager (like Bitwarden or 1Password) to track accounts. Label them clearly—e.g., “Arlo – Home” and “Arlo – Office.”

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Multiple Arlo Accounts

Ready to take the plunge? Here’s how to create and manage multiple accounts without a headache.

1. Create a New Arlo Account

Don’t just use your existing email. Arlo ties accounts to email addresses, so you’ll need:

• New Email: Use a secondary email (e.g., “yourname+arlo2@email.com”) or a free Gmail alias. Gmail lets you add “+” tags—e.g., “you+arlo2@gmail.com”—and filters emails to one inbox.
• Unique Password: Never reuse passwords. Use a password generator for strong, unique ones.
• Verify the Email: Arlo sends a confirmation link. Check your inbox (and spam folder).

Example: I use “jane+home@arlo.com” for my primary account and “jane+parents@arlo.com” for my parents’ setup.

2. Add Cameras to the New Account

• Factory Reset Existing Cameras: If you’re reassigning cameras, press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds. The LED will flash amber.
• Pair via Arlo App: Open the app, log into the new account, and follow the setup prompts. Use QR codes or manual pairing.
• Name Cameras Clearly: Use descriptive names (e.g., “Front Door – Parents House”) to avoid confusion.

3. Configure Cloud Storage and Subscriptions

• Free Tier: Each account gets 7-day rolling cloud storage for up to 5 cameras. Beyond that, recordings are deleted.
• Paid Plans: Subscribe to Arlo Secure/Secure Plus per account. I recommend Secure Plus (20 cameras) if you’re adding 10+ cameras to an account.
• Local Storage: Insert SD cards (up to 2TB) for continuous recording. Format them in the Arlo app first.

4. Manage Access and Sharing

• Share Specific Accounts: In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Share Access. Invite users to individual accounts (e.g., give your spouse access to “Home” but not “Office”).
• Use Roles: Assign “Viewer” (watch-only) or “Administrator” (full control) to avoid accidental deletions.
• Revoke Access: Remove users anytime via Share Access.

Smart Workarounds: Alternatives to Multiple Accounts

Before you commit to multiple accounts, consider these less messy options.

Upgrade to Arlo Secure Plus

If you’re under 20 cameras total, a single Secure Plus plan ($14.99/month) might suffice. It supports 20 cameras, 30-day cloud storage, and advanced AI detection (e.g., person vs. package). I switched to this after hitting the 10-camera limit—saved me $5/month vs. two separate plans.

Use Local Storage (SD Cards)

Skip cloud limits entirely. Most Arlo cameras support microSD cards (up to 2TB). Pros:

• No monthly fees.
• Continuous recording (no gaps).

Cons:

• No remote access to recordings unless you’re on the same Wi-Fi.
• Risk of card failure or theft.

Tip: Use high-endurance SD cards (e.g., SanDisk Max Endurance) for 24/7 recording.

Leverage Arlo’s “Multi-Camera View”

The Arlo app lets you view up to 4 cameras simultaneously. For more cameras, create custom “Groups” (e.g., “Backyard” or “Garage”) and toggle between them. Not perfect, but better than nothing.

Third-Party NVRs (For Tech-Savvy Users)

Arlo cameras can integrate with some NVRs (Network Video Recorders), like Synology or Blue Iris. This lets you:

• Store recordings locally (no cloud).
• Manage 50+ cameras in one dashboard.

Downsides: Setup is complex, and some features (e.g., Arlo AI) won’t work.

Data Table: Arlo Account Comparison

Feature	Single Account (Max)	Multiple Accounts (2x)	Arlo Secure Plus
Max Cameras	10–20 (plan-dependent)	Unlimited (practical cap: ~20 per account)	20
Cloud Storage	200GB (free) or 30-day (paid)	200GB per account (free) or 30-day per account (paid)	30-day (all cameras)
Cost (Monthly)	$0 (free) or $9.99–$14.99 (paid)	$0 (free) or $19.98–$29.98 (paid for 2 accounts)	$14.99
Centralized View	Yes	No (separate apps)	Yes
Access Sharing	Yes (all cameras)	Yes (per account)	Yes (all cameras)
Best For	Small to medium setups (<20 cameras)	Large properties, shared access, business use	Medium setups (≤20 cameras), budget-conscious

Final Thoughts: Is Multiple Arlo Accounts Right for You?

After testing multiple setups—single accounts, dual accounts, local storage, and even NVRs—I’ve learned that the “best” solution depends on your priorities. Here’s my take:

• Choose multiple accounts if: You have 20+ cameras, need strict access control (e.g., family vs. staff), or manage multiple properties. It’s the only way to avoid hitting cloud limits and keep things organized.
• Stick to one account if: You have ≤20 cameras and want simplicity. Upgrade to Secure Plus for more storage and features.
• Mix strategies: Use multiple accounts for large setups but rely on local storage (SD cards) to cut costs. I do this for my parents’ house—two accounts, all cameras on SD cards. No monthly fees, and they get 24/7 recording.

Remember: Arlo’s ecosystem is flexible, but it’s not magic. Multiple accounts add complexity, so plan carefully. And if you’re ever stuck? Arlo’s customer support is hit-or-miss, but the community forums (like Reddit’s r/arlo) are full of helpful users.

At the end of the day, your security setup should work *for* you, not against you. Whether you go single or multiple, the goal is the same: peace of mind. So take your time, test different approaches, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your future self (and your cameras) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you have multiple Arlo accounts for more cameras?

Yes, you can create multiple Arlo accounts to manage additional cameras, but each account requires a separate email address and subscription plan. This setup is ideal for users managing cameras across different locations or households.

Is it possible to share access to multiple Arlo accounts without separate logins?

Arlo doesn’t support shared access to multiple accounts under one login. However, you can use the “Grant Access” feature to share specific cameras with another Arlo account, simplifying multi-location monitoring.

Do I need a separate subscription for each Arlo account when adding more cameras?

Yes, each Arlo account requires its own subscription plan (e.g., Arlo Secure) to access cloud storage and premium features. Consider upgrading your existing plan instead if all cameras are at one location.

What’s the maximum number of cameras supported per Arlo account?

Most Arlo accounts support up to 200 devices (cameras, doorbells, etc.), but the exact limit depends on your subscription tier. Check Arlo’s official documentation for model-specific details.

Can multiple Arlo accounts be linked to one home security system?

While accounts can’t be merged, you can use Arlo’s “Grant Access” or SmartHub integration to centralize monitoring. This lets you view feeds from multiple accounts in one app interface.

How do I manage multiple Arlo accounts efficiently?

Use distinct email addresses and password managers to streamline logins. For frequent switching, the Arlo app’s “Switch Account” feature (in profile settings) saves time when accessing different accounts.