How Do I Grant Access to My Arlo Camera A Complete Guide

Granting access to your Arlo camera is quick and secure through the Arlo app by sending an invitation to another user’s email. Simply navigate to Settings > Grant Access, enter the recipient’s email, and choose their permission level—live view, recording access, or full control. This ensures trusted individuals can monitor your property without compromising your account security.

Key Takeaways

• Use the Arlo app to invite users via email for secure access sharing.
• Assign user roles like Viewer or Administrator to control permissions effectively.
• Verify email addresses to ensure only trusted users gain camera access.
• Revoke access anytime through the app’s Settings menu for security.
• Enable two-factor authentication to protect shared access from unauthorized logins.
• Share access remotely without granting physical device control for convenience.

Why Sharing Access to Your Arlo Camera Matters

Imagine this: You’re out for dinner, and you want to check in on your dog. Or maybe you’ve left your elderly parent at home and want to make sure they’re safe. Or perhaps you’re on vacation and need to let a neighbor check your front door. In all these situations, your Arlo camera is more than a security device—it’s a lifeline. But what if the person who needs to see the footage isn’t you? That’s where granting access becomes essential.

Sharing access to your Arlo camera lets family, friends, or even trusted neighbors view live feeds, receive alerts, or review recorded clips—without giving them full control over your system. It’s a smart way to stay connected and keep everyone safe. But if you’ve ever opened the Arlo app and thought, “How do I grant access to my Arlo camera?”—you’re not alone. Many users find the process confusing at first, especially if they’re new to smart home tech.

Understanding Arlo’s Access Levels and Permissions

Before you start sharing, it helps to know what kind of access you can give. Arlo offers different levels of permissions, so you can decide exactly how much control another person has. This isn’t just about privacy—it’s about peace of mind.

Primary vs. Guest User Roles

The person who sets up the Arlo account is the Primary User. This person owns the account, manages billing, controls all devices, and can add or remove other users. The primary user has full access to settings, recordings, and system configurations.

Then there are Guest Users. These are people you invite to view your cameras. Guests can’t change settings, delete recordings, or remove devices. Their access is limited to viewing and receiving alerts—perfect for family members, babysitters, or pet sitters.

Real-life example: I once shared access with my sister while I was traveling. She could see the front door and backyard cameras, get motion alerts, and even talk through the camera’s speaker to scare off a curious raccoon. But she couldn’t change motion sensitivity or delete any videos. That control stayed with me.

What Guests Can and Can’t Do

• Can do: View live feeds, watch recorded clips, receive motion alerts, and use two-way audio (if the camera supports it).
• Cannot do: Change camera settings, delete videos, adjust motion zones, remove cameras, or access billing info.
• Note: Guests cannot view videos stored in the cloud unless you have an active subscription. Local storage (like an SD card) may still be accessible depending on your setup.

This balance of access and restriction is one of Arlo’s strengths. You’re not giving away the keys to your kingdom—just a key to the front door.

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

Now that you know the roles, let’s walk through the actual process. I’ll use the Arlo Secure app (the current version as of 2024), which is available for iOS and Android. The steps are nearly identical across devices.

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Go to Settings

Launch the Arlo app and log in. From the home screen, tap the gear icon in the top-right corner. This opens the main settings menu. Look for “Users” or “Share Access”—the exact wording may vary slightly depending on your app version.

Tip: Make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi and your phone has a strong signal. I once tried to add a user while in a weak signal area, and the app froze halfway through. Not fun.

Step 2: Tap “Add User” or “Invite Someone”

You’ll see an option like “Add User” or “Invite a Friend or Family Member.” Tap it. The app will prompt you to enter the person’s email address. This must be the email linked to their Arlo account (if they have one) or a new email if they’re new to Arlo.

Important: The person you’re inviting must have the Arlo app installed and a registered account. If they don’t, they’ll need to download the app and sign up first. I learned this the hard way when my dad tried to accept the invite on his old phone without the app—nothing happened.

Step 3: Choose the Cameras to Share

After entering the email, you’ll see a list of your cameras. You can select which ones to share. For example, you might want to share your front door and backyard cameras with a neighbor, but keep your bedroom camera private.

You can also name the person (like “Mom” or “Dog Walker”) for easier identification later. This is optional but helpful if you’re sharing with multiple people.

Step 4: Send the Invitation

Tap “Send Invite” or “Share Access.” The app will send an email to the person you invited. They’ll receive a link to accept the invitation. Once they tap the link and log in to their Arlo account, they’ll be added to your system.

Pro tip: Follow up with a quick text or call. Sometimes the email lands in spam, or the person doesn’t notice it. A gentle nudge helps.

Step 5: Confirm Access (Optional)

Once the person accepts, you’ll get a notification. You can go back to the “Users” section to confirm they’re now listed as a guest. You can also edit their access later if needed—more on that below.

Managing and Editing Shared Access

What if you want to change someone’s access? Maybe your dog walker no longer needs to see the backyard camera, or your sister moved out and you want to remove her access. Arlo makes it easy to manage permissions after the fact.

Editing Camera Access for a Guest

Go to Settings > Users, then tap the person’s name. You’ll see a list of cameras they currently have access to. Toggle off any cameras you want to hide. For example, if you uncheck the “Garage” camera, they can no longer view it—even if they try.

This is great for temporary access. I once gave my house cleaner access to the front door and kitchen cameras for a week. After she finished, I just toggled them off. No need to delete her entirely—she might come back next month.

Removing a Guest User Entirely

If you no longer want someone to access your system, tap their name and select “Remove User” or “Revoke Access.” This removes them from all cameras and stops any alerts they were receiving.

Note: Removing a user doesn’t delete their account. They’ll still have their own Arlo login, but they won’t be able to see your cameras anymore.

Changing Notification Settings

You can also control which alerts a guest receives. For example, maybe you don’t want your neighbor getting alerts every time your cat triggers the backyard motion sensor. In the guest’s access settings, you can disable specific alert types—like “Person Detected” or “Motion in Zone 2.”

Real-world use: My neighbor used to get alerts every time my sprinklers turned on. After I disabled motion alerts for her, she only gets notifications when a person is detected—much more useful.

Using Family Sharing with Apple and Google

If you’re in an Apple or Google household, you might not need to manually invite each person. Arlo supports integration with Apple Family Sharing and Google Family Link, which can simplify access for family members.

Apple Family Sharing (iOS)

On iOS, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Family Sharing. Add family members here. Then, in the Arlo app, go to Settings > Family Sharing and enable it. Once activated, any family member in your Apple Family group can automatically access your Arlo cameras—no email invite needed.

Benefits:

• Automatic access for up to 6 people
• No need to manage individual invites
• Great for kids or elderly parents who aren’t tech-savvy

Caveat: All family members must have iPhones and be signed in with the same Apple ID. If you’re in a mixed-device household (like me, with Android and iPhone users), this won’t work for everyone.

Google Family Link (Android)

On Android, use Google Family Link to manage access. Add family members in the Google Family Link app, then link your Arlo account. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Family Link and follow the prompts.

Like Apple, this gives automatic access to approved family members. It’s especially useful if you’re using Arlo with other Google Home devices.

Tip: Both systems still follow Arlo’s permission rules. Family members are treated as guests—they can view but not change settings.

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Even with clear instructions, things can go wrong. Here are the most common problems users face—and how to solve them.

“I sent an invite, but the person never received it.”

First, check your spam folder. Arlo invites often land there. Ask the person to look for an email from “Arlo by Netgear” or “noreply@arlo.com.”

If it’s not there, resend the invite. Sometimes the first one gets lost in cyberspace. Also, double-check the email address. A typo is a common culprit.

“The person accepted the invite, but they still can’t see the cameras.”

This usually happens if:

• The person is logged into the wrong Arlo account (e.g., their old one)
• The app needs to be updated
• They’re using an outdated version of the app

Solution: Have them log out and back in with the correct account. Then, update the Arlo app from the App Store or Google Play. Restarting their phone can also help.

“I can’t find the ‘Share Access’ option in the app.”

The Arlo app has gone through several redesigns. If you don’t see “Share Access,” try:

• Going to Settings > Account > Users
• Looking under “My Devices” > [Camera Name] > Sharing
• Checking if you’re on the latest app version (older versions have different layouts)

Personal tip: I once spent 20 minutes looking for the share button—only to realize I was in a demo mode. Logging out and back in fixed it.

“A guest can see all my cameras, not just the ones I shared.”

This is rare, but it happens. It usually means the person was added as a co-owner (which gives full access) instead of a guest. Go to Settings > Users, tap their name, and make sure their role is set to “Guest”—not “Owner” or “Admin.”

“I want to share access, but I don’t want the person to know my camera names.”

You can rename cameras before sharing. In the Arlo app, tap a camera, go to Settings > Camera Name, and change it to something generic like “Front View” or “Back Area.” This keeps your personal labels private.

Best Practices for Secure and Smart Sharing

Sharing access is convenient, but it’s also a privacy decision. Here are tips to share smartly—without compromising security.

Only Share What’s Necessary

Don’t give full access to everyone. A neighbor only needs to see the front door. A babysitter might need the living room and kids’ room. The less they see, the safer you are.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Make sure the person you’re sharing with uses a strong Arlo password. If their account is hacked, your cameras could be exposed. Encourage them to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) in their Arlo account settings.

Review Access Regularly

Set a reminder every 3–6 months to review who has access. Remove people who no longer need it. I do this when I clean out my email—it’s a good habit.

Use Motion Zones to Limit Sensitivity

If you’re sharing a camera with a pet sitter, create a motion zone that only covers the front door. That way, they won’t get alerts every time your dog runs through the yard.

Educate Your Guests

Tell them how to use the app. Show them how to mute alerts, view recordings, and use two-way audio. A quick 5-minute tutorial can prevent confusion—and false alarm calls.

Example: My mom thought she had to press and hold the talk button for 10 seconds. She didn’t know it was a simple tap. Once I showed her, she stopped accidentally yelling at the mailman.

Sharing Scenario	Recommended Access Level	Cameras to Share	Alert Preferences
Family Member	Guest	All except private areas (bedrooms)	All motion and person alerts
Neighbor (checks mail)	Guest	Front door only	Person detected only
Pet Sitter	Guest	Backyard, living room	Motion in specific zones
House Cleaner	Guest (temporary)	Common areas (kitchen, living room)	None (view-only)

Final Thoughts: Sharing Access the Right Way

So, how do I grant access to my Arlo camera? It’s simpler than it seems—once you know the steps. Whether you’re helping a family member check in on a loved one or letting a neighbor keep an eye on your home, sharing access turns your Arlo system into a community tool.

Remember: start small. Share one camera with one person first. See how it goes. Then expand. Use the permission levels wisely, manage access regularly, and always keep privacy in mind.

And don’t forget—technology should make life easier, not more stressful. If you ever feel unsure, Arlo’s support site and customer service are there to help. I’ve called them a few times, and they’ve always been patient and clear.

At the end of the day, your Arlo camera is more than a security device. It’s a way to stay connected, even when you’re apart. And with the right sharing settings, that connection can be safe, simple, and smart.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I grant access to my Arlo camera for family members?

To grant access, open the Arlo app, go to “Settings,” select “Grant Access,” and follow the prompts to invite users via email. The recipient will receive an invitation to view or manage your Arlo camera based on permissions you set.

Can I grant access to my Arlo camera without sharing my login?

Yes, Arlo’s “Grant Access” feature lets you share camera access without revealing your account credentials. Simply assign roles (viewer or admin) to maintain privacy while allowing others to monitor your camera feed.

How do I grant access to my Arlo camera on the web app?

On the Arlo web app, navigate to “Settings,” choose “Grant Access,” and enter the email of the person you want to invite. Adjust permissions (live view, recordings, or settings) before sending the invite.

What permissions can I set when granting access to my Arlo camera?

You can customize access by assigning “Viewer” (watch live/recordings) or “Admin” (full control, including settings). This ensures others use your Arlo camera as intended without overstepping boundaries.

Why can’t I grant access to my Arlo camera to a specific user?

This issue may occur if the recipient already has an Arlo account linked to another email or if your subscription plan limits shared users. Verify their email or upgrade your plan if needed.

How do I revoke access to my Arlo camera after granting it?

To revoke access, go to “Settings” > “Grant Access” in the Arlo app, select the user, and tap “Remove Access.” This instantly revokes their permissions to view or manage your camera.