Can You Have Two Accounts for Arlo Camera A Complete Guide

Yes, you can have two accounts for Arlo cameras, but each account must be linked to a separate email address and cannot share the same camera simultaneously. Arlo allows multi-user access via sharing permissions, enabling family or team members to view feeds without creating duplicate accounts—ideal for secure, flexible home monitoring.

Key Takeaways

• One account per email: Arlo requires unique emails for separate accounts.
• Share access easily: Use Arlo’s “Share” feature to grant camera access without multiple accounts.
• Multi-user support: Primary account can invite up to 10 users with customizable permissions.
• Business vs. personal: Create distinct accounts for different locations or purposes if needed.
• Syncing issues: Avoid duplicate cameras by managing all devices under one account.
• App switching: Log out/in to switch accounts—no simultaneous multi-account access.
• Subscription perks: Only one subscription covers all cameras on a single account.

Can You Have Two Accounts for Arlo Camera? Here’s What You Need to Know

So, you’ve got an Arlo camera system set up at home, maybe even a few scattered around your property. It’s working great, you’re getting alerts, and the peace of mind is priceless. But then a thought hits: Can you have two accounts for Arlo camera? Maybe you want to share access with your spouse or a trusted neighbor. Or perhaps you’re running a small business and need a separate account for work. Whatever your reason, this is a common question—and one that deserves a clear, honest answer.

When I first got my Arlo system, I assumed I could just create a second account and log in from another phone. Spoiler alert: it’s not that simple. Arlo’s setup is designed around a single account per system, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t workarounds. Over the past few years, I’ve tested multiple approaches, talked to customer support, and even learned a few hacks from other Arlo users. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about managing multiple Arlo accounts, sharing access, and the pros and cons of each option. No fluff, just real talk.

Understanding Arlo’s Account Structure

How Arlo Accounts Work

Let’s start with the basics. Arlo uses a centralized account system, meaning one account controls all your devices, settings, and subscriptions. When you set up your first Arlo camera, you create an account using your email. That account becomes the “owner” of your devices. Every time you add a new camera or base station, it’s linked to that same account.

Here’s the catch: **you can’t have two separate Arlo accounts controlling the same set of cameras**. For example, if your spouse tries to create a new Arlo account and add your existing cameras, it won’t work. The cameras are already “claimed” by your original account. This is a security feature—it prevents unauthorized access—but it also limits flexibility.

Why Arlo Designed It This Way

Arlo’s single-account model makes sense from a security and simplicity standpoint. Imagine if anyone could create an account and take over your cameras. Not cool. But it also means you can’t easily split responsibilities. For instance, if you’re managing a rental property, you can’t give your tenant a separate account for their unit’s cameras while keeping your own for common areas.

I remember trying this once when my sister moved in. I wanted her to monitor the backyard camera without having full access to my account. I ended up sharing my login details—which felt risky—and later found out she accidentally deleted a week of footage. Lesson learned: sharing passwords isn’t the answer.

The Role of “Owner” vs. “User” Accounts

Arlo does offer a middle ground: adding users to your existing account. This lets you give others access without sharing your password. But there’s a catch. The original account is still the “owner,” meaning only you can:

• Add or remove devices
• Change subscription plans
• Delete the entire account

Users (or “guests”) can view cameras, adjust motion settings, and receive alerts—but they can’t make big changes. This is great for families or small teams, but it’s not a true second account.

Sharing Access Without a Second Account

Adding Users to Your Arlo Account

If you want to share access, Arlo’s built-in **user-sharing feature** is your best bet. Here’s how it works:

1. Open the Arlo app on your phone.
2. Go to Settings > Account > Users.
3. Tap “Add User” and enter their email.
4. Choose their access level (e.g., “Admin” for full control or “Viewer” for just watching).

Once they accept the invite, they’ll see your cameras in their own Arlo app. No password sharing required!

Pro tip: Use the “Custom” permission setting to limit access to specific cameras. For example, I gave my neighbor access only to the front door camera, not the one inside my house. It’s a simple way to keep things private.

Limitations of User Sharing

While user sharing is convenient, it has downsides:

• No billing separation: If you have a paid subscription, the bill goes to the owner’s account. Your user can’t upgrade or downgrade the plan.
• One login per device: If you and your spouse both try to use the same Arlo account on two phones, you’ll get logged out when the other opens the app. Annoying, right?
• No independent settings: Users can’t create custom activity zones or schedules without owner approval.

I learned this the hard way when my wife tried to set up a “sleep mode” for the nursery camera while I was adjusting the backyard motion sensitivity. We kept overriding each other’s settings—frustrating for both of us.

Real-World Example: A Family Setup

Let’s say you have three Arlo cameras: one at the front door, one in the backyard, and one in the garage. You want:

• Your spouse to monitor the front door and backyard
• Your teen to check the garage when walking the dog
• Your parents (who live nearby) to get alerts if the front door is left open

With user sharing, you can:

• Add your spouse as an “Admin” (full access)
• Add your teen as a “Viewer” (only the garage camera)
• Add your parents as “Guests” (front door camera + alerts)

No second account needed—but everyone shares the same subscription and settings. It’s a solid solution for families, but not ideal if you need true separation.

Workarounds for Two Separate Arlo Accounts

Option 1: Use Two Different Arlo Systems

The simplest way to have two accounts is to **buy a second Arlo system**. For example:

• Your main account controls cameras at your house
• A second account (under a different email) controls cameras at your office or rental property

This works great if you’re managing multiple locations. I use this for my vacation home. I set up a separate Arlo account there, so my neighbor (who checks on the place) has full control without touching my main system.

Downsides:

• You’ll need to buy a second base station (if using Arlo Ultra or Pro models)
• Two separate subscriptions (if you have paid plans)
• More devices to manage

But if you need true independence, it’s worth the cost.

Option 2: Transfer Ownership (Temporarily)

Arlo lets you **transfer ownership** of your devices to another account. Here’s how:

1. Log in to the original account.
2. Go to Settings > My Devices > Transfer Ownership.
3. Enter the new account’s email and confirm.

The cameras will disconnect from your account and reconnect to the new one. The new owner can then add users, set up subscriptions, and customize settings.

When to use this:

• Selling your home and giving the cameras to the new owner
• Letting your business partner manage cameras at a shared office
• Testing a new account without buying extra hardware

Warning: Once transferred, you lose access. You can’t “undo” this unless the new owner transfers it back.

Option 3: Use a “Dummy” Account for Testing

Want to test Arlo features without risking your main system? Create a **second account** and set up one or two cameras under it. For example:

• Buy a single Arlo Essential camera ($50-$100)
• Set it up under a new email (e.g., “arlo-test@yourdomain.com”)
• Use this account to experiment with new features or troubleshoot issues

I did this when Arlo rolled out their AI-powered package detection. I didn’t want to risk my main system, so I tested it on a spare camera first. Worked like a charm!

Pros and Cons of Multiple Arlo Accounts

The Good: Why Multiple Accounts Make Sense

Having two Arlo accounts isn’t just about convenience—it can actually improve security and organization. Here’s why:

• Better privacy: No more sharing passwords or risking accidental deletions (like my sister’s mishap).
• Separate billing: If you’re using Arlo for business, you can keep work and personal expenses separate.
• Customized settings: A rental property account can have different activity zones than your home system.
• Fewer conflicts: No more “who changed the motion sensitivity?” arguments.

I’ve found this especially useful for my Airbnb. I have one Arlo account for the guest suite (with a camera in the shared backyard) and another for the main house. Guests get alerts for the backyard but can’t access the front door camera. Perfect balance.

The Bad: Drawbacks to Consider

Of course, multiple accounts come with trade-offs:

• Higher costs: Two subscriptions (e.g., $9.99/month each) add up. You’re paying for features you might not use in both accounts.
• More devices to manage: Each account needs its own base station (for Pro/Ultra models), which means more hardware to set up and maintain.
• No cross-account sharing: If you want to share a camera between accounts, you’re out of luck. Arlo doesn’t allow “device sharing” across accounts.
• Setup complexity: You’ll need to switch between accounts in the app, which can be confusing.

For example, when I first set up my second account, I kept accidentally turning on the wrong siren. Took me a week to realize I was using the “office” account instead of “home.” Oops.

Data Table: Cost Comparison

Setup Type	Upfront Cost	Monthly Cost (2 Cameras)	Best For
Single Account + Users	$200 (2 cameras)	$9.99 (Arlo Secure)	Families, small households
Two Separate Accounts	$400 (4 cameras + 2 base stations)	$19.98 (2x Arlo Secure)	Businesses, rentals, multiple properties
Single Account + Transfer Ownership	$200 (2 cameras)	$9.99 (after transfer)	Short-term projects, testing

Advanced Tips for Managing Multiple Arlo Accounts

Use Unique Email Addresses

Don’t use your personal email for both accounts. Instead:

• Create a new Gmail (e.g., “arlo-business@gmail.com”)
• Use an email alias (e.g., “you+business@yourdomain.com”)
• Set up a work email (e.g., “security@yourcompany.com”)

This keeps your accounts separate and avoids login conflicts. I use a separate Gmail for my rental property account—makes it easy to filter notifications.

Label Your Cameras Clearly

When you have two systems, it’s easy to mix them up. I learned this when I accidentally deleted a week of footage from my office account because I thought it was the home system. Now, I:

• Name cameras by location (e.g., “Office – Back Door”)
• Use color-coded stickers on base stations
• Add a “Test” tag to cameras in the dummy account

Leverage Arlo’s Web Portal

The Arlo app is great, but the web portal (arlo.com) is better for managing multiple accounts. You can:

• Switch between accounts without logging out
• View multiple cameras on one screen
• Download footage in bulk

I use this when checking both my home and office systems. Just log in, click the account switcher, and boom—instant access.

Automate Alerts with IFTTT

If you’re tech-savvy, use IFTTT to send alerts from one account to another. For example:

• When the “home” account detects motion, send a notification to the “office” account
• Log all events from both accounts into a Google Sheet
• Turn on smart lights when either account detects activity

I set this up to sync alerts between my Airbnb and home systems. Now, if a guest triggers a motion alert, I get a text even if I’m not checking the app.

Final Thoughts: Is Two Arlo Accounts Right for You?

So, can you have two accounts for Arlo camera? Technically, yes—but it depends on your needs. If you want to share access with family or neighbors, stick with Arlo’s built-in user-sharing feature. It’s secure, simple, and doesn’t cost extra. But if you’re managing multiple properties, running a business, or need true independence, two separate accounts might be worth the investment.

Here’s my advice: Start with user sharing. If it doesn’t work for you, try the “dummy account” trick with one extra camera. If that’s still not enough, go all-in with a second system. And whatever you do, avoid sharing passwords—it’s just not worth the risk.

At the end of the day, Arlo’s flexibility is what makes it great. Whether you’re a homeowner, a landlord, or a small business owner, there’s a setup that works for you. Just remember: more accounts mean more management, but also more control. And in my book, that’s a fair trade-off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you have two accounts for Arlo camera systems?

Yes, you can have two Arlo accounts, but each account must use a unique email address and cannot share the same subscription plan. This allows separate management of cameras, users, and settings for different households or properties.

Is it possible to share Arlo camera access without merging accounts?

Absolutely. Arlo’s “Share” feature lets you grant access to specific cameras or locations to another Arlo user without merging accounts. Each account retains its own billing, devices, and login credentials.

Can I use two Arlo accounts on the same mobile device?

Yes, you can switch between two Arlo accounts in the Arlo app by logging out and back in. However, you’ll receive notifications only for the currently active account unless you use the Arlo web portal.

Do I need separate subscriptions for two Arlo accounts?

Yes, each Arlo account requires its own subscription plan if you want cloud storage or advanced features. Free accounts offer basic functionality, but paid plans (like Arlo Secure) are account-specific.

How do I manage multiple Arlo accounts for different locations?

Use unique email addresses for each account and organize cameras into separate locations in the Arlo app. This keeps recordings, alerts, and user permissions distinct for each property or household.

Can family members have their own Arlo accounts with shared camera access?

Yes, the primary account owner can share specific cameras with family members via the “Share” feature. Each member keeps their own Arlo account while accessing only the permitted cameras and features.