Can You Share Arlo Pro Camera Footage With Family and Friends

Yes, you can easily share Arlo Pro camera footage with family and friends using the Arlo app’s built-in sharing features, allowing secure access to live views and recorded clips. Customizable permissions let you control who sees what, ensuring privacy while keeping loved ones in the loop—ideal for home monitoring or vacation check-ins.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can share Arlo Pro footage via the app with family and friends.
• Use the “Share” feature in the Arlo app to grant temporary or permanent access.
• Customize permissions to control who views live feeds or recorded clips.
• Invite via email to securely share access without compromising your login details.
• Revoke access anytime to maintain privacy and security as needed.
• Shared users need Arlo app to view footage on their devices seamlessly.

Why Sharing Arlo Pro Camera Footage Matters

Imagine this: you’re on vacation, sipping a cocktail on a beach, when your phone buzzes. It’s your Arlo Pro camera sending a motion alert—someone’s at your front door. You open the app, and there’s your neighbor, holding a package you forgot was arriving. You want to share that clip with your spouse, who’s back home, so they can confirm it’s safe. But how? Can you share Arlo Pro camera footage with family and friends? The short answer is yes, but the *how* and *why* matter just as much.

The Arlo Pro camera system is beloved for its crisp 1080p video, night vision, two-way audio, and easy setup. But its true power shines when you can involve others in your home security. Whether it’s sharing a suspicious activity clip with your partner, letting your parents check in on your kids after school, or giving your dog sitter access to live feeds, sharing capabilities can transform your Arlo from a solo guardian into a team effort. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about sharing Arlo Pro footage—safely, effectively, and without breaking any rules.

How to Share Arlo Pro Camera Footage: Step-by-Step Methods

Using the Arlo App to Share Access

The most straightforward way to share your Arlo Pro camera is through the Arlo app. This method lets you grant access to specific cameras, not just clips, so your family or friends can check live feeds, view recordings, and even receive alerts. Here’s how it works:

• Step 1: Open the Arlo app and tap the “Settings” gear icon (usually in the top-right).
• Step 2: Select “Grant Access” under the “Account” section.
• Step 3: Enter the email address of the person you want to share with. They must have an Arlo account (free or paid).
• Step 4: Choose which cameras they can access. You can select all or just one or two.
• Step 5: Set permissions: “View Only” (they can see but not control) or “Full Access” (they can arm/disarm, change settings, etc.).
• Step 6: Tap “Send.” The invitee gets an email and must accept it to gain access.

Pro Tip: Use “View Only” for kids or elderly relatives who don’t need to tweak settings. Save “Full Access” for trusted partners or roommates. For example, my mom lives nearby and helps with dog walks. I gave her “View Only” access to the backyard camera so she can confirm the pup is safe before heading over. No risk of her accidentally turning off motion detection!

Sharing Individual Clips or Videos

Want to share just one funny or important moment—like your cat knocking over a vase or a delivery driver leaving a package? You can send a clip without giving full camera access.

• Step 1: Open the Arlo app and go to “Library” or “Timeline.”
• Step 2: Tap the video clip you want to share.
• Step 3: Tap the “Share” icon (usually looks like a paper airplane or three dots).
• Step 4: Choose your sharing method: email, text, WhatsApp, etc. The clip will generate a private link (if cloud storage is active) or download as a video file (if using local storage).

Real-Life Example: Last winter, my camera caught a squirrel stealing birdseed. I shared the clip with my neighbor via WhatsApp, and we both laughed. But when a package went missing last month, I shared that clip with the delivery company via email—they found the driver’s mistake and re-delivered it. A simple share saved a headache!

Note: Cloud-stored clips expire after 30 days (Arlo Secure plan). If you want to keep a clip forever, download it first.

Using Arlo SmartHub for Local Storage Sharing

If you use an Arlo SmartHub with a USB drive, your footage is stored locally—not in the cloud. This is great for privacy, but sharing requires extra steps.

• Download clips to your phone or computer first (via the Arlo app).
• Share the downloaded file via email, messaging, or cloud services like Google Drive.

Tip: Label files clearly. “Backyard_Motion_20240415.mp4” is easier to find than “Clip123.”

Who Can You Share Arlo Pro Camera Footage With?

Family Members: Parents, Kids, and Partners

Sharing with family is the most common use case. Here’s how to tailor it:

• Kids (13+): Give “View Only” access to indoor cameras (e.g., playroom). Teach them to check for pets or siblings but not to change settings.
• Partners: “Full Access” is ideal. You can both arm/disarm, review alerts, and troubleshoot.
• Parents: If your parents live nearby, grant access to outdoor cameras (front/backyard). They can watch for deliveries or check if the kids are home from school.

Anecdote: My dad lives two blocks away. I shared access to my driveway camera so he can see if my car is home before visiting. No more surprise knocks when I’m working late!

Friends and Neighbors: Community Watch

Got a tight-knit neighborhood? Sharing footage (carefully) can boost safety.

• Shared Driveway: If you and your neighbor have a shared driveway, share access to your front camera. Both can see delivery drivers or suspicious activity.
• Community Alerts: If a package is stolen, share a clip with the neighborhood group chat. Someone might spot the thief.

Caution: Only share with people you trust. A neighbor might mean well, but you don’t want them seeing private moments.

Service Providers: Dog Walkers, Cleaners, and Delivery Drivers

For service providers, avoid full camera access. Instead:

• Share a clip of the doorbell press to confirm arrival/departure.
• Use two-way audio to talk to them (e.g., “Leave the package by the back gate”).
• For dog walkers, share access to one camera only (e.g., backyard) with “View Only” permission.

Example: My dog walker gets a clip every time she arrives. I can see she’s on time and the pup is happy. But she can’t access the indoor cameras or change settings.

Privacy and Security: What You Need to Know Before Sharing

Understanding Arlo’s Privacy Controls

Arlo takes privacy seriously, but you control the settings. Key features:

• Camera Scheduling: Turn off cameras in private areas (e.g., bedrooms) during certain hours.
• Motion Zones: Customize where the camera detects motion (e.g., ignore the street but watch the porch).
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA in Settings > Account to prevent unauthorized logins.

Tip: Use “Geofencing” to auto-arm/disarm cameras when you (or a trusted person) leaves/returns home. No need to share access if the camera only records when you’re away.

Risks of Over-Sharing (and How to Avoid Them)

Sharing is great, but over-sharing can backfire:

• Accidental Exposure: A clip of your kid in pajamas might be funny to you, but not to a stranger. Always check footage before sharing.
• Account Hacks: If you share “Full Access” with a weak password, hackers could take over. Use strong passwords and 2FA.
• Legal Issues: In some areas, recording audio without consent is illegal. Arlo Pro’s two-way audio records sound—check local laws.

Real-World Scenario: A friend shared a clip of a break-in with her neighborhood group. The thief recognized his own voice (from two-way audio) and sued for invasion of privacy. Oops. Always blur faces and voices if sharing publicly.

Data Retention and Clip Expiration

Arlo Secure (cloud storage) saves clips for 30 days. After that, they’re deleted. If you want to keep a clip forever:

• Download it to your phone/computer.
• Upload it to Google Drive, Dropbox, or a private YouTube playlist.

Note: Local storage (USB) keeps clips until the drive fills up. Back up important footage regularly.

Advanced Sharing Features: Arlo Secure, Geofencing, and Smart Alerts

Arlo Secure Plans: What You Get for Sharing

Arlo offers three paid plans (as of 2024). Here’s how they affect sharing:

Plan	Clip Storage	Sharing Features	Best For
Arlo Secure (1 camera)	30-day cloud storage	Share clips via private links	Single-camera users
Arlo Secure (Unlimited cameras)	30-day cloud storage for all cameras	Share access to all cameras; clip sharing	Multi-camera homes
Arlo Secure Plus	60-day cloud storage; 4K recording	All features + AI object detection (e.g., “person vs. animal”)	High-security needs

Tip: The “Unlimited cameras” plan is worth it if you have 3+ cameras. Sharing access to all is seamless.

Geofencing for Automatic Sharing

Geofencing uses your phone’s location to arm/disarm cameras. For sharing:

• When you leave home, cameras arm automatically.
• When a trusted person (e.g., your spouse) arrives, cameras disarm.

Example: My wife has geofencing enabled. When she pulls into the driveway, the front camera turns off. No need to share access—privacy is automatic!

Smart Alerts and Shared Notifications

With Arlo Secure, you can get alerts for specific events (e.g., “person detected” vs. “car”). Share these with family:

• Set up “Person Alerts” for the front door. Your partner gets notified only when a person arrives (not the mail truck).
• Use “Activity Zones” to ignore the street but alert for the porch.

Troubleshooting Common Sharing Issues

Invite Not Received or Expired

Problem: You sent an invite, but the person says they didn’t get it.

• Check the email: It might be in spam or a typo (e.g., “gmaill.com”).
• Resend the invite: Go to Settings > Grant Access > “Resend Invitation.”
• Check expiration: Invites expire after 24 hours.

Can’t Share Clips (No “Share” Button)

Problem: The “Share” icon is missing.

• Storage issue: If using local storage, clips must be downloaded first.
• Plan restriction: Free accounts can’t share cloud clips. Upgrade to Arlo Secure.

Shared User Can’t See Cameras

Problem: Your friend accepted the invite but sees no cameras.

• Log out and back in: The app sometimes needs a refresh.
• Check permissions: Ensure you selected “View” or “Full Access” when granting.
• Re-invite: Delete the user and send a new invite.

Final Thoughts: Sharing Arlo Pro Camera Footage Responsibly

Sharing Arlo Pro camera footage isn’t just about convenience—it’s about building a safer, more connected home. Whether you’re sending a clip of your dog’s antics to a friend or giving your parents access to check on the kids, the right sharing settings can make your life easier. But remember: with great power comes great responsibility.

Always prioritize privacy. Use “View Only” for most people, enable 2FA, and blur sensitive details before sharing clips publicly. And if you’re ever unsure, ask: “Would I be comfortable if this footage ended up on social media?” If the answer is no, hit delete.

At the end of the day, Arlo Pro’s sharing features are a tool—not a toy. Use them wisely, and your home security system becomes a family effort, not just a solo mission. So go ahead: share that clip of your cat chasing a leaf, grant access to your trusted neighbor, and breathe easier knowing you’re not alone in keeping your home safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you share Arlo Pro camera footage with other users?

Yes, you can share Arlo Pro camera access or footage with family and friends using the “Share” feature in the Arlo app. Simply invite them via email or link, and they’ll get real-time alerts and video access based on your permissions.

How do I share my Arlo Pro camera without giving full account access?

The Arlo app lets you share specific cameras with limited permissions, such as viewing only or receiving motion alerts. This way, you can share Arlo Pro camera access while keeping your account settings private.

Can multiple people view an Arlo Pro camera at the same time?

Yes, multiple users can view live streams and recordings from the same Arlo Pro camera simultaneously. Each person needs their own Arlo account and must be added as a shared user.

Is it secure to share Arlo Pro camera footage with family?

Arlo uses end-to-end encryption and secure sharing protocols, making it safe to share your camera with trusted contacts. Just ensure you only invite people you know and set appropriate permissions.

Can you share Arlo Pro camera clips via text or social media?

You can manually download and share video clips from your Arlo library through text, email, or social media. However, direct sharing links from the app are limited to Arlo users for privacy reasons.

Does sharing Arlo Pro camera access require a subscription?

Basic live viewing and motion alerts can be shared for free, but advanced features like cloud recordings or AI detection require an Arlo Secure subscription. Shared users inherit access based on your plan.