How Do Friends Access Arlo Camera A Complete Guide

Friends can access your Arlo camera by being added as a user through the Arlo app, allowing secure, shared access without compromising your primary account. Simply invite them via email, set their permissions, and they’ll gain real-time viewing and alerts—ideal for trusted family or neighbors.

Key Takeaways

• Invite via Arlo app: Share access by sending invites through the app.
• Set user permissions: Customize access levels for each friend or family member.
• Use temporary access: Grant time-limited camera access for visitors or guests.
• Enable 2FA: Boost security with two-factor authentication for shared accounts.
• Revoke anytime: Remove access instantly via app if needed.
• Sync with smart devices: Let friends view feeds on Alexa or Google Nest.

How to Share Access to Your Arlo Camera: A Complete Guide

Imagine this: you’re on vacation, sipping a cocktail on a tropical beach, when a sudden notification pings your phone. It’s your Arlo camera, alerting you to motion at your front door. You open the app, check the live feed, and see your neighbor waving at the camera. They’re here to water your plants and grab your mail. But wait—you never gave them access to your camera. Now they’re staring at a black screen, confused and unable to help. Sound familiar?

This is a common scenario for many Arlo users. While the Arlo system offers excellent security and remote monitoring, sharing access with trusted friends or family can be a bit tricky—especially if you’re not tech-savvy. The good news? It’s absolutely possible, and once you know how, it’s surprisingly simple. Whether you want to let a neighbor check in on your home while you’re away, grant temporary access to a pet sitter, or simply share live feeds with your partner, this guide will walk you through every step of the process. No jargon, no confusing manuals—just clear, practical advice to help your friends access your Arlo camera safely and securely.

Understanding Arlo’s Access Sharing System

Before diving into the “how,” it’s important to understand the “why” and “what” behind Arlo’s access-sharing features. At its core, Arlo is designed with privacy and security in mind. Unlike some smart home systems that allow open sharing, Arlo gives you full control over who sees what. This means you can tailor access to fit your needs—whether that’s full admin control or just view-only permissions.

Types of Access Levels

Arlo offers several levels of access, each with different permissions:

• Admin Access: Full control over the account. This person can add/remove cameras, adjust settings, and manage sharing. Only one admin exists per account.
• Standard User: Can view live and recorded footage, receive alerts, and use two-way audio. Cannot change system settings or add new devices.
• Guest User: Limited to viewing specific cameras and clips. Often used for temporary access (e.g., a house cleaner or repair technician).

For most friends and family, Standard User access is ideal—it lets them check in on your home without risking accidental changes to your system.

Why Sharing Access Matters

Think about it: if you’re traveling, you don’t want to be the only one monitoring your home. A trusted friend with access can:

• Verify if a motion alert is a delivery, a squirrel, or something more serious.
• Use two-way audio to greet visitors or deter suspicious activity.
• Help troubleshoot issues (e.g., if a camera goes offline).

One user, Sarah from Austin, shared: “I gave my sister access to my Arlo system while I was in Europe. She noticed a delivery person leave a package in the rain and called the courier to move it. I never would’ve known!”

Step-by-Step: How to Share Access via the Arlo App

Ready to give your friends access? The process is straightforward, but a few nuances can trip you up. Here’s how to do it—whether you’re on iOS or Android.

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Navigate to Settings

Launch the Arlo app and tap the Settings icon (usually a gear or three dots) in the top-right corner. From the menu, select My Devices or Account (the exact wording depends on your app version).

Step 2: Select “Share” or “User Management”

Look for an option like Share, User Management, or Invite User. This is where you’ll add new people to your account. Tap it, and you’ll see a form to enter the invitee’s details.

Step 3: Enter the Invitee’s Email Address

Type in the email address associated with your friend’s Arlo account. Important: The person must already have an Arlo account. If they don’t, they’ll need to create one first (more on this later).

Pro tip: Double-check the email for typos. A single mistake means the invite won’t reach them.

Step 4: Choose Access Level

Select Standard User or Guest User based on your needs. For most friends, Standard User is the way to go. If you’re granting temporary access (e.g., for a week while you’re away), Guest User works well.

Step 5: Send the Invite and Confirm

Tap Send Invite. Your friend will receive an email with a link to accept the invitation. Once they click it, they’ll appear in your user list. Note: They must accept the invite within 7 days, or it expires.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• “Invite Not Received”: Check spam/junk folders. If still missing, resend the invite or ask your friend to verify their email is correct in their Arlo account.
• “Can’t Access Cameras”: Ensure you’ve assigned the correct access level and that the cameras are online.
• App Glitches: Restart the app or update to the latest version if the invite button doesn’t appear.

Example: Mark wanted to share access with his brother but kept getting an error. After checking, he realized his brother had an old email linked to his Arlo account. Updating it fixed the issue.

Alternative Methods: Web Portal and Smart Home Integrations

What if you’re not near your phone? Or your friend uses a different smart home ecosystem? Arlo offers alternative ways to share access, ensuring flexibility for all scenarios.

Using the Arlo Web Portal

The web portal (my.arlo.com) mirrors the app’s sharing features but with a larger screen—ideal for managing multiple users or cameras.

1. Log in to your Arlo account on a desktop or tablet.
2. Navigate to Settings > User Management.
3. Click Add User, enter the email, and choose access level.
4. Send the invite.

Why use the web? It’s easier to review and edit user permissions in bulk. For instance, if you have three cameras and want to grant access to two of them, the web interface lets you select them visually.

Sharing via Smart Home Platforms (Alexa, Google Home)

Arlo integrates with Alexa and Google Home, but sharing access through these platforms is limited. Here’s what you can do:

• Alexa: Create a shared household in the Alexa app. Add your friend’s Amazon account, then link Arlo to Alexa. They’ll see your cameras in their Alexa app but can’t adjust settings.
• Google Home: Similar to Alexa. Share your Google Home “household” with your friend. They’ll get live view access via the Google Home app.

Limitation: These methods only allow viewing. For full control (e.g., recording clips or adjusting motion zones), stick to the Arlo app or web portal.

Pro Tip: Temporary Access with Expiry Dates

For short-term sharing (e.g., a house sitter), use the Guest User option. In the Arlo app, you can set an expiry date for the invite. For example, grant access from June 1–10, and it automatically revokes after.

Managing and Revoking Access: Keeping Control

Sharing access doesn’t mean losing control. Arlo lets you monitor, modify, or revoke permissions at any time. Here’s how to stay on top of it.

Viewing Active Users

In the Arlo app or web portal, go to User Management. You’ll see a list of all users, their access level, and the cameras they can view. This is your dashboard for oversight.

Modifying Access

Need to change a user’s permissions? Tap their name in the user list. You can:

• Upgrade from Guest to Standard User.
• Restrict access to specific cameras (e.g., hide the backyard camera).
• Adjust alert settings (e.g., disable motion notifications).

Real-life example: Lisa shared access with her teenage son but later realized he was getting too many alerts. She modified his settings to only receive notifications between 9 AM–5 PM.

Revoking Access

If someone no longer needs access (e.g., a former roommate or a repair person), revoke it immediately:

1. Go to User Management.
2. Tap the user’s name.
3. Select Remove User.

Security tip: Revoke access as soon as it’s no longer needed. Leaving old users active is a privacy risk.

Audit Logs: Tracking User Activity

Arlo doesn’t provide detailed logs of what users do (e.g., which clips they view), but you’ll get notifications if someone:

• Logs in from a new device.
• Changes their password.

For extra security, enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) in your Arlo account settings. This adds a verification step for logins.

Best Practices for Safe and Effective Sharing

Sharing access is powerful, but it comes with responsibility. Follow these best practices to protect your privacy and ensure a smooth experience for everyone.

1. Choose Trusted Individuals

Only share access with people you fully trust. A camera feed is sensitive data—think of it like giving someone a key to your home. Ask yourself: “Would I be comfortable with this person watching my kids or seeing me in my pajamas?”

2. Use Descriptive Usernames

When adding a user, assign a clear name (e.g., “Sarah – Sister” or “Mike – Neighbor”). This makes it easier to identify them later, especially if you have multiple users.

3. Limit Access to Specific Cameras

Not every friend needs to see every camera. In the user settings, you can restrict access to specific devices. For example:

• Give your pet sitter access only to indoor cameras.
• Hide cameras in private areas (e.g., bedrooms).

4. Set Clear Expectations

Communicate your preferences to the user. For instance:

• “Please check the front door camera if you get a delivery alert.”
• “Don’t use two-way audio unless it’s an emergency.”

5. Regularly Review Access

Set a reminder every 3–6 months to audit your user list. Remove inactive accounts and update permissions as needed.

6. Secure Your Account

Follow these security measures:

• Use a strong, unique password for your Arlo account.
• Enable 2FA.
• Log out of shared devices (e.g., family tablets).

Data point: A 2023 survey found that 68% of smart camera users who experienced unauthorized access had weak passwords or no 2FA enabled.

Comparison Table: Arlo vs. Competitors

Feature	Arlo	Ring	Google Nest
Access Levels	Admin, Standard, Guest	Owner, Shared User, Guest	Owner, Family Member, Guest
Temporary Access	Yes (with expiry)	Yes (with expiry)	Yes (with expiry)
Camera-Specific Permissions	Yes	Yes	Yes
Smart Home Integration	Alexa, Google Home	Alexa, Google Home	Google Home, Alexa
Two-Factor Authentication	Yes	Yes	Yes
Ease of Sharing	High (app/web)	High (app)	Medium (app only)

Note: All three systems offer robust sharing, but Arlo’s granular camera-specific permissions give it an edge for users with multiple cameras.

Conclusion

Sharing access to your Arlo camera isn’t just about convenience—it’s about peace of mind. Whether you’re traveling, managing a busy household, or just want an extra set of eyes on your home, granting access to trusted friends and family can make life easier. And with Arlo’s flexible sharing system, you’re always in control. From choosing access levels to revoking permissions, every step is designed to balance security with usability.

Remember, the key to successful sharing is communication and clarity. Set boundaries, use the right access level for the situation, and keep your account secure. And if you ever run into issues? The Arlo app and web portal are intuitive enough that even a tech newbie can navigate them with confidence. So go ahead—invite that neighbor, empower your partner, or surprise your pet sitter. With this guide, you’re ready to share the view, the right way.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do friends access Arlo camera feeds remotely?

Friends can access your Arlo camera feeds by being added as a user through the Arlo app. You’ll need to invite them via email, and they must accept the invitation to view live or recorded footage. This ensures secure, shared access without sharing your primary login.

Can multiple people access an Arlo camera at the same time?

Yes, Arlo supports simultaneous access for multiple users, depending on your subscription plan. Free plans allow limited shared access, while paid plans (like Arlo Secure) enable broader multi-user streaming with customizable permissions.

What permissions can I set when granting access to Arlo cameras?

You can customize permissions for each user, such as live view-only, two-way audio, or full access (including recordings and settings). Adjust these in the Arlo app under “Settings” > “Grant Access” to control how friends interact with your cameras.

Is there a way to let friends access Arlo camera without an Arlo account?

No, users must have an Arlo account to access your cameras. However, they can create a free account quickly to accept your invite. This ensures all access is tracked and secured via Arlo’s encryption protocols.

How do I revoke access to my Arlo cameras for a friend?

To revoke access, go to the Arlo app’s “Settings” > “Grant Access,” select the user, and tap “Remove.” This immediately disables their ability to view feeds or recordings, maintaining your privacy and security.

Can guests access Arlo camera temporarily for events?

Yes, you can grant temporary access by adding a guest user and later removing them. For recurring events, consider creating a shared login (not recommended for security) or using Arlo’s geofencing feature to auto-enable access when guests arrive.