Can You Make Arlo Camera Sharable Here Is How To Share Access

Can You Make Arlo Camera Sharable Here Is How To Share Access

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Yes, you can make your Arlo camera sharable by using the Arlo app to grant secure access to family, friends, or trusted users. Simply invite them via email or share a link, allowing customized permissions—like live viewing or recorded clips—without compromising your account security.

Key Takeaways

  • Share access easily: Use the Arlo app to grant camera access to others in minutes.
  • Customize permissions: Choose between viewer or admin roles for shared users.
  • Invite via email: Send sharing invites directly to family or team members.
  • Revoke anytime: Remove shared access instantly for security control.
  • Supports multiple users: Share with up to 5 people simultaneously.
  • No extra cost: Sharing doesn’t require additional subscription fees.

Can You Make Arlo Camera Sharable? Here Is How To Share Access

Imagine this: you’re on a week-long vacation, and your neighbor casually mentions they saw someone lurking around your front porch. Your stomach drops. You want to check your Arlo camera feed, but they don’t have access. What if you could’ve shared your camera with them in advance? Or maybe you’re a parent who wants your teenager to monitor the backyard while you’re at work. These real-life scenarios raise a common question: can you make Arlo camera sharable? The short answer? Yes, and it’s easier than you think.

Arlo, one of the most popular names in wireless home security, understands that sharing access isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re coordinating with family members, roommates, or trusted neighbors, the ability to grant access to your Arlo cameras can make a huge difference in your home’s safety and peace of mind. But how exactly does it work? Is it secure? What are the limitations? And how can you avoid common pitfalls? In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about sharing your Arlo camera access, from setup tips to troubleshooting advice—all based on personal experience and real-world use.

Why Sharing Arlo Camera Access Matters

Real-Life Scenarios Where Sharing Helps

Let’s start with why you’d even want to share access in the first place. Think about your daily life:

  • You’re at work, and your dog walker arrives. Instead of giving them a physical key or code, you can let them view the camera to confirm they’ve arrived and left safely.
  • Your kids come home from school, and you want to check they’ve entered the house without calling them every day.
  • You’re traveling, and your neighbor agrees to keep an eye on your home. Instead of relying on vague updates, they can check live or recorded footage when needed.
  • You have a shared Airbnb property and want to grant temporary access to guests or cleaners without handing over your main account.

In each case, sharing your Arlo camera access isn’t just about convenience—it’s about trust, security, and flexibility. It empowers others to help you protect your home without compromising your privacy or control.

The Risks of Not Sharing (Or Sharing Poorly)

On the flip side, not sharing access can create gaps in your security. For example:

  • If your camera detects motion and you’re unreachable (say, you’re in a meeting or your phone died), no one else can respond.
  • Sharing login credentials instead of using Arlo’s built-in sharing tools is a major security risk. If someone loses their phone or leaves the household, you’d need to change your password—and hope they didn’t share it further.
  • Without proper permissions, someone might accidentally delete recordings or change settings, leaving you with no evidence when you need it most.

That’s why Arlo’s official sharing features are designed to be both secure and user-friendly. They let you grant access without exposing your password or giving full control.

How to Share Arlo Camera Access: Step-by-Step Guide

Using the Arlo App (iOS/Android)

The easiest and most secure way to share your Arlo camera is through the Arlo app. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open the Arlo app and log in to your account.
  2. Tap the Settings icon (usually a gear symbol) in the top-right corner.
  3. Select Users from the menu.
  4. Tap Add User and enter the email address of the person you want to share with.
  5. Choose their permission level (more on this below).
  6. Tap Send Invitation.

The invitee will receive an email with a link to create their own Arlo account (if they don’t have one) and accept the invitation. Once accepted, they’ll see your camera(s) in their Arlo app under “Shared Devices.”

Permission Levels: What Each One Means

Arlo offers three main permission levels, and choosing the right one is key to balancing access and control:

  • Viewer: Can view live feeds, playback recordings, and receive alerts. Cannot change settings, delete videos, or add/remove cameras. Ideal for family members, neighbors, or guests.
  • Editor: Can do everything a Viewer can, plus delete recordings and adjust camera settings (like motion sensitivity). Cannot add new users or change account settings. Best for trusted roommates or caretakers.
  • Administrator: Full access, including adding users, changing passwords, and managing subscriptions. Only use this for people you fully trust, like a spouse or co-homeowner.

Pro tip: Start with “Viewer” for new users. You can always upgrade their permissions later if needed.

Sharing with Multiple Cameras

If you have more than one Arlo camera, you can choose which ones to share. For example, you might want your neighbor to see your front door camera but not your backyard camera. Here’s how:

  1. When adding a user, tap Select Devices.
  2. Check the boxes next to the cameras you want to share.
  3. Leave unchecked the ones you want to keep private.
  4. Send the invitation as usual.

This is especially useful for multi-family homes, rental properties, or if you have cameras in sensitive areas (like a home office).

Advanced Sharing: Temporary Access and Scheduling

Creating Time-Limited Access

Sometimes you need someone to access your cameras for a short time—like a repair person, house sitter, or Airbnb guest. Arlo doesn’t have a built-in “temporary access” button, but you can simulate it with a few tricks:

  • Use a temporary email: Create a free email (e.g., via Gmail) and share access using that address. After the person’s visit, remove the user and delete the email.
  • Set a reminder to revoke access: When you add a temporary user, set a calendar reminder (e.g., “Remove John from Arlo access – 3 days”).
  • Use a shared family account: If you’re comfortable, create a secondary Arlo account (e.g., “SmithFamily”) and share that login with temporary users. This keeps your main account private.

Real-world example: I once had a plumber coming for a weekend emergency. I created a temporary email, shared access to my garage camera (where the main water valve is), and revoked it the next day. No risk, no hassle.

Automating Sharing with Smart Home Integrations

If you use smart home platforms like Google Home or Apple HomeKit, you can automate camera sharing. For example:

  • Set up a routine in Google Home: “When I leave home, share the front door camera with my neighbor’s Google account for 4 hours.”
  • Use IFTTT (If This Then That) to send a notification to your neighbor when motion is detected, with a link to view the live feed (if they have access).

While these don’t grant direct Arlo app access, they can complement your sharing strategy. For instance, your neighbor gets an alert, opens the Arlo app, and checks the feed—all without you being there.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

Arlo’s sharing isn’t perfect. Here are a few things to watch for:

  • No “expiring access” feature: You must manually remove users when done.
  • Shared users see your plan details: If you have a paid Arlo Secure subscription, they’ll see your plan name and billing cycle.
  • No geofencing-based sharing: You can’t automatically share access when someone is near your home (yet).

Still, these are minor compared to the security benefits of controlled sharing.

Security and Privacy: Keeping Your Arlo Account Safe

Best Practices for Secure Sharing

Sharing access doesn’t mean sacrificing security. Follow these rules:

  • Never share your password: Always use the “Add User” feature. If someone asks for your login, say no.
  • Use strong, unique passwords: Your Arlo account should have a different password than your email or other sites.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Go to Settings > Account > Security > Two-Step Verification and set it up. This adds an extra layer of protection.
  • Review shared users monthly: Check who has access and remove anyone who no longer needs it.

Personal story: I once shared access with a friend who was housesitting. When they moved out, I forgot to remove them. A year later, I noticed they were still in the user list. A quick tap fixed it, but it reminded me how easy it is to overlook.

What Shared Users Can and Can’t Do

To avoid surprises, here’s a quick breakdown of what each permission level allows:

Action Viewer Editor Administrator
View live feeds ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Playback recordings ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Receive motion alerts ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Delete recordings ❌ No ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Adjust camera settings ❌ No ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Add/remove users ❌ No ❌ No ✅ Yes
Change account password ❌ No ❌ No ✅ Yes

As you can see, “Viewer” is the safest option for most situations. Reserve “Editor” and “Administrator” for people who truly need that level of control.

Troubleshooting Common Sharing Issues

“I Sent an Invitation, But They Didn’t Get It”

This happens more often than you’d think. Here’s what to do:

  • Ask the invitee to check their spam/junk folder. Arlo’s emails sometimes get flagged.
  • Resend the invitation. Sometimes the first email gets lost in transit.
  • Double-check the email address. Typos are common (e.g., gnail.com instead of gmail.com).
  • If they have an Arlo account, make sure they’re logged in with the same email you invited.

Tip: If they’re using an Android phone, they might need to allow Arlo notifications in their phone settings.

“They Can’t See My Camera After Accepting”

If the shared user can’t see your camera, try these fixes:

  • Ask them to restart the Arlo app and phone.
  • Have them check if your camera is offline (gray icon). If so, you’ll need to fix the connection first.
  • Verify you selected the correct camera when sharing. It’s easy to accidentally skip one.
  • Ensure you’re not on a free plan with device limits. Some Arlo plans restrict the number of shared cameras.

“I Accidentally Gave Full Access”

Don’t panic. You can downgrade permissions anytime:

  1. Go to Settings > Users.
  2. Tap the user’s name.
  3. Select a lower permission level (e.g., change from Administrator to Editor).
  4. Tap Save.

Changes take effect immediately. Just make sure to communicate the change to the user so they’re not confused.

Final Thoughts: Sharing Your Arlo Camera Is Worth It

So, can you make Arlo camera sharable? Absolutely. And as someone who’s used Arlo cameras for years, I can tell you it’s one of the best features they offer. Whether you’re sharing with family, friends, or trusted neighbors, the ability to grant secure, controlled access makes your home security system far more effective.

Think of it like this: a camera is only as useful as the people who can respond to it. If you’re stuck in traffic during a motion alert, it’s your neighbor with access who might call the police. If your teenager gets home late, it’s your shared camera that lets you check they’re safe. The peace of mind is priceless.

Of course, sharing comes with responsibility. Use the right permission levels, keep your account secure, and review access regularly. But don’t let fear of complexity hold you back. Arlo’s sharing tools are intuitive, and with a few minutes of setup, you can turn your camera from a solo project into a team effort.

At the end of the day, home security isn’t just about technology—it’s about community. By sharing your Arlo camera wisely, you’re not just protecting your property. You’re building a network of people who care. And that’s something no password or alert can replace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make Arlo camera sharable with family members?

Yes, you can make your Arlo camera sharable using the “Share Access” feature in the Arlo app. Simply invite family members via email, and they’ll receive limited or full control based on your settings.

How do I share access to my Arlo camera with another user?

Open the Arlo app, go to Settings > Grant Access, and enter the recipient’s email address. Choose their permission level (view-only or full control) to complete the process.

Is there a limit to how many people I can share my Arlo camera with?

Arlo allows you to share access with up to 10 users simultaneously. Each user must have an Arlo account and accept the invitation to view or manage the camera.

Can you make Arlo camera sharable without giving full admin rights?

Absolutely. When sharing access, you can assign “Viewer” roles (limited to watching live feeds) or “Administrator” roles (full control). Customize permissions to suit your needs.

Do shared users need the Arlo app to view the camera?

Yes, shared users must download the Arlo app and log in with their account to access the camera feed. The app is available for iOS, Android, and web browsers.

Can I revoke shared access to my Arlo camera later?

You can remove shared access anytime via the Arlo app under Settings > Grant Access. Select the user and tap “Remove Access” to revoke their permissions immediately.