How Do I Access a Shared Arlo Camera A Complete Guide

To access a shared Arlo camera, open the Arlo app and navigate to the “Shared” tab, where all cameras shared with you appear automatically—no extra logins needed. Ensure the camera owner has granted you permission via email or Arlo Secure subscription, and that you’re logged into the same account used for sharing. This seamless access lets you view live feeds, recordings, and adjust settings just like your own devices.

Key Takeaways

• Use the Arlo app to accept shared camera invitations instantly.
• Ensure both parties have active Arlo accounts for seamless sharing.
• Grant specific permissions like live view or recording access when sharing.
• Check internet connectivity if shared camera access fails unexpectedly.
• Remove access anytime via the app’s sharing settings for security.
• Verify camera compatibility with sharing features before setup.

How Do I Access a Shared Arlo Camera? A Complete Guide

Imagine you’re away on vacation, sipping a cocktail by the pool, when a sudden thought hits you: Did I lock the front door? Instead of panicking, you open your phone, tap the Arlo app, and within seconds, you’re viewing a live feed from your home’s front porch. That peace of mind? That’s the magic of Arlo cameras. But what if you want to share this access with family, roommates, or even a trusted neighbor? How do you let others view your camera without handing over your personal login? That’s where shared Arlo camera access comes in—and it’s easier than you think.

Whether you’re setting up a home security system, managing a rental property, or just want to keep your family in the loop, sharing your Arlo camera is a practical solution. But it’s not always intuitive. Maybe you’ve tried and ended up frustrated with error messages, or worse—someone accidentally deleted your recordings. Don’t worry. This guide walks you through every step, from setup to troubleshooting, with real-world tips to avoid common pitfalls. Think of it as your friendly neighbor (who’s also a tech whiz) explaining it over a cup of coffee.

Understanding Arlo Camera Sharing: What It Is and Why It Matters

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s clarify what sharing an Arlo camera actually means. Unlike simply giving someone your login credentials (which is a security risk), Arlo’s sharing feature lets you grant controlled access to others. They can view live feeds, review recordings, and even receive motion alerts—without seeing your account settings, payment info, or other cameras you don’t want them to see.

Why Share an Arlo Camera?

• Family coordination: Let your spouse check if the kids got home safely from school.
• Roommates/tenants: Share access to common areas in a rental property.
• Pet sitters/dog walkers: Grant temporary access to monitor your pets.
• Neighborhood watch: Share a camera facing the street with trusted neighbors.
• Elderly care: Let a relative check in on an aging parent’s home.

Types of Access Levels

Arlo offers two primary access levels:

• Viewer: Can view live feeds and recordings. Can’t change camera settings or delete footage.
• Administrator: Full control, including adding/removing cameras, adjusting settings, and managing shared access. Use this sparingly—only for trusted individuals.

Real-world tip: When my sister moved in temporarily, I set her up as a Viewer for the backyard camera (to check on her dog) but kept Administrator access for myself. She could see the feed, but couldn’t accidentally turn off motion detection or delete clips.

Step-by-Step: How to Share Your Arlo Camera (App & Web)

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Whether you’re using the Arlo app (iOS/Android) or the web portal, the process is straightforward. Here’s how to share access in under 5 minutes.

Sharing via the Arlo App (Recommended)

1. Open the Arlo app and log in to your account.
2. Tap the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner to open Settings.
3. Select “Share Access” (or “Shared Access” in older app versions).
4. Tap “Add User” and enter the email address of the person you want to share with. Note: They must have an Arlo account. If they don’t, they’ll get an email invitation to create one.
5. Choose their access level: Viewer or Administrator.
6. Select which cameras to share. You can share all cameras or specific ones (e.g., only the front door camera).
7. Tap “Send Invitation.” The recipient will get an email with a link to accept the invite.

Pro tip: Use descriptive names for your cameras (e.g., “Front Door – 24/7 Recording”) so the recipient knows exactly what they’re viewing. This avoids confusion when you have multiple cameras.

Sharing via the Arlo Web Portal

1. Go to my.arlo.com and log in.
2. Click “Settings” (gear icon) in the top-right.
3. Select “Shared Access” from the left menu.
4. Click “Add User” and enter the recipient’s email.
5. Set access level and camera permissions (same as the app).
6. Click “Send Invitation.”

What Happens Next?

The recipient will:

• Get an email with a link to accept the invite.
• Need to log in to their Arlo account (or create one).
• See your shared cameras in their app/web portal under a separate “Shared” section.

Example: My neighbor wanted to check if packages were delivered to my porch. I shared the front door camera as a Viewer. She opened her Arlo app, tapped “Shared,” and saw my camera feed instantly. No login sharing, no risk of her changing settings.

Managing Shared Access: Permissions, Revoking, and Troubleshooting

Sharing is great, but what if someone leaves the household, or you want to adjust permissions? Arlo makes it easy to manage shared access—but there are a few nuances to know.

Changing Access Levels

1. Go to Settings > Shared Access in the app or web portal.
2. Find the user in your shared list.
3. Tap/click the dropdown menu next to their name.
4. Select a new access level (Viewer to Administrator, or vice versa).
5. Confirm the change.

Important: If you downgrade from Administrator to Viewer, the user will lose access to settings and recordings they previously had. They’ll keep viewing rights for live feeds.

Revoking Access (When Someone Leaves)

1. Navigate to Shared Access settings.
2. Find the user and tap/click the trash can icon.
3. Confirm removal.

Key point: Revoking access is instant. The user can no longer view your cameras, even if they have the app open. They’ll see a “Shared access revoked” message.

Common Issues & Fixes

• Issue: The recipient says, “I didn’t get the invitation email.”
  • Fix: Check spam/junk folders. Ask them to search for “Arlo” in their inbox. If still missing, resend the invite.
• Issue: The shared camera shows “Offline” to the recipient.
  • Fix: The camera might be disconnected from Wi-Fi or power. Check your end first. If it’s online for you, the issue is likely on the recipient’s side—have them restart the app or check their internet.
• Issue: The recipient can’t see recordings.
  • Fix: Ensure they’re set as a Viewer/Administrator with recording access. Also, verify your Arlo plan includes cloud storage (e.g., Arlo Secure). Free plans have limited recording history.

Real-world tip: When my roommate moved out, I revoked their access but forgot to check if they had downloaded recordings. A month later, they asked for a clip of a package delivery. I had to explain that once access is revoked, they can’t access past recordings—even if they had the app open. Lesson: Always communicate changes to avoid misunderstandings.

Security Best Practices: Protecting Your Privacy When Sharing

Sharing cameras is convenient, but it’s not without risks. A shared camera is a window into your home—so it’s crucial to set boundaries. Here’s how to share safely.

1. Limit Access to Essential Cameras

Don’t share every camera by default. For example:

• Share only the front door with a dog walker.
• Keep bedroom or bathroom cameras private.
• For rentals, share only common areas (e.g., hallway, kitchen).

2. Use Strong Access Levels

• Never share Administrator access unless absolutely necessary (e.g., a family member managing your system).
• Use Viewer access for temporary users (e.g., house sitters).

3. Set Time Limits (If Possible)

Arlo doesn’t have built-in time-based sharing, but you can:

• Create a calendar reminder to revoke access after a trip or event.
• Use the “Remove” button once the need passes (e.g., after a repairman leaves).

4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA adds a layer of security to your Arlo account. Even if someone guesses your password, they can’t log in without your phone. To enable:

1. Go to Settings > Security > Two-Factor Authentication.
2. Follow the prompts to set up SMS or authenticator app verification.

5. Regularly Audit Shared Access

Check your Shared Access list monthly. Ask yourself:

• Does this person still need access?
• Have they changed roles (e.g., a temporary worker who’s now gone)?
• Are there cameras shared that shouldn’t be?

Real-world example: I once shared a camera with a contractor for a home renovation. Two months later, I realized he still had access—even though the work was done. A quick audit saved me from unintentionally giving him a live feed of my home.

Advanced Features: Scheduling, Notifications, and Third-Party Integrations

Arlo’s sharing isn’t just about viewing feeds. You can customize how shared users interact with your cameras—especially useful for rentals, businesses, or multi-user households.

Scheduling Access (Indirect Workaround)

While Arlo lacks built-in scheduling, you can:

• Use camera modes: Set your camera to “Away” mode during times when you want sharing (e.g., work hours). Switch to “Home” mode to disable motion alerts for the shared user.
• Create a shared calendar: For pet sitters, agree on specific times they can check the camera (e.g., 12 PM and 6 PM).

Customizing Notifications

Shared users get the same notification settings as you by default. To customize:

1. Go to Settings > Notifications.
2. Adjust motion alerts, sound, and activity zones.
3. Note: Changes affect all users. For example, if you disable alerts, the shared user won’t get them either.

Pro tip: Use activity zones to limit alerts to specific areas (e.g., “Only notify me if motion is near the front door, not the street”). This reduces false alarms for everyone.

Third-Party Integrations (Smart Home)

Connect Arlo to platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or IFTTT to:

• Show live feeds on a smart display (e.g., “Alexa, show the front door camera”).
• Trigger actions (e.g., turn on a smart light when motion is detected).
• Share access via voice: Grant a family member access by saying, “Hey Google, share the backyard camera with Mom.” (Note: This requires IFTTT or custom routines.)

Data Table: Arlo Sharing Features Comparison

Feature	Viewer Access	Administrator Access
View live feeds	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
View recordings	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Adjust camera settings	❌ No	✅ Yes
Delete recordings	❌ No	✅ Yes
Receive motion alerts	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Share cameras with others	❌ No	✅ Yes
See account details	❌ No	❌ No (but can change settings)

Conclusion: Sharing Your Arlo Camera with Confidence

Sharing an Arlo camera isn’t just about convenience—it’s about connection. Whether you’re giving your spouse peace of mind, helping a neighbor monitor a package, or letting a pet sitter check on your dog, shared access turns a security tool into a collaborative experience. But like any shared resource, it requires thought. Set clear boundaries, use the right access levels, and audit your settings regularly.

Remember: Sharing ≠ handing over control. With Arlo’s tools, you’re in charge. You decide who sees what, when, and how. And if things go wrong? The steps above—revoking access, troubleshooting, and adjusting permissions—are always there to help you course-correct.

So next time you’re asked, “How do I access a shared Arlo camera?” you’ll know exactly what to do. Open the app, tap a few buttons, and say, “Here’s your window—just don’t touch the settings.” Because when it comes to home security, sharing is caring—but only on your terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access a shared Arlo camera for the first time?

To access a shared Arlo camera, open the Arlo app or log in to your Arlo account on the web. Navigate to “Settings” > “Shared Access” and accept the invite sent by the camera owner. Ensure you have the correct login credentials and permissions.

Can I access a shared Arlo camera remotely using the app?

Yes, you can access a shared Arlo camera remotely using the Arlo mobile app or web portal. Simply log in with your account details, and the shared camera will appear in your device list if permissions are granted by the owner.

What should I do if I can’t access a shared Arlo camera?

If you’re unable to access a shared Arlo camera, verify that the owner has sent a valid invitation and your account is linked correctly. Check your internet connection, restart the app, or re-accept the invite under “Shared Access” in the app settings.

Do I need an Arlo subscription to access a shared camera?

While basic viewing of a shared Arlo camera is free, features like cloud recording and AI detection require an active Arlo Secure subscription. The subscription must be held by the camera owner or shared with your account.

How do I remove or stop accessing a shared Arlo camera?

To stop accessing a shared Arlo camera, go to the Arlo app, select “Settings” > “Shared Access,” and tap “Remove” next to the camera. The owner can also revoke your access at any time through their account settings.

Can multiple users access the same shared Arlo camera simultaneously?

Yes, multiple users can access the same shared Arlo camera at once, depending on the camera model and Arlo’s multi-user streaming limits. All users must have accepted the shared access invitation and be logged into their Arlo accounts.