How Does Main User Grant Access to Arlo Camera A Complete Guide

The main user grants access to an Arlo camera by inviting others via the Arlo app using their email address, assigning specific permissions like live viewing or recording access. This secure, user-friendly process ensures trusted individuals can monitor your property while maintaining control over privacy and device settings. Simply navigate to Settings > Grant Access to start sharing with family or caregivers in minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Open Arlo app: Log in to grant camera access securely.
• Use “Settings”: Navigate to manage user permissions efficiently.
• Invite via email: Add users by entering their email address.
• Assign access level: Choose between viewer or admin rights.
• Confirm permissions: Ensure invitees accept the shared access link.
• Revoke anytime: Remove access instantly from the user list.

Understanding Arlo Camera Access: Why It Matters

Imagine this: You’ve just installed your shiny new Arlo camera to keep an eye on your home. It’s sleek, reliable, and gives you peace of mind. But then, your partner or roommate asks, “Hey, can I check the camera feed too?” Suddenly, you realize—you’re not sure how to share access without handing over full control. That’s where the main user’s role becomes crucial. As the primary account holder, you’re the gatekeeper of your Arlo system, and knowing how to grant access properly ensures everyone gets what they need—security, convenience, and privacy.

Arlo cameras are designed to be user-friendly, but sharing access can feel like navigating a maze if you’re unfamiliar with the process. Whether you’re setting up cameras for family members, roommates, or even a trusted neighbor, granting access isn’t just about clicking a few buttons. It’s about understanding who gets access, what they can see, and how to manage it all without compromising security. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process step by step, with practical tips and real-life scenarios to make it feel less like a tech manual and more like a conversation with a friend who’s been there.

Who Can Be a Main User and Why It Matters

The main user (or primary account holder) is the person who initially sets up the Arlo camera and owns the Arlo account. This role comes with full control—adding devices, managing settings, and, most importantly, granting access to others. Think of it like being the landlord of your smart home. You decide who gets a key, and you can change the locks anytime.

What Makes Someone a Main User?

The main user is typically the person who:

• Creates the Arlo account using their email address.
• Links the Arlo cameras to their account during setup.
• Has the login credentials and two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled.

If you’re the one who bought the camera or set it up, you’re likely the main user. But what if you’re not? For example, if your spouse created the account, they’re the main user. That means only they can invite others—you can’t just add a friend without their approval. This is a safety feature, not a limitation.

Why the Main User’s Role Is Critical

Let’s say you have a babysitter who needs to check the camera when they’re at your house. If you’re not the main user, you can’t invite them. The main user has to do it. This ensures accountability and prevents unauthorized access. For instance, my neighbor once tried to add his cousin to his Arlo system, but since his wife was the main user, he had to ask her first. It caused a minor hiccup, but it kept their system secure.

Tip: If you’re not the main user but need to manage access, communicate with the account holder. You might even suggest transferring the account to you if it makes sense long-term (more on that later).

Step-by-Step Guide to Granting Access to Arlo Cameras

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Granting access to your Arlo camera is straightforward, but it’s easy to miss a step if you’re doing it for the first time. Here’s how to do it right—whether you’re sharing with a family member or a neighbor.

Step 1: Log In to Your Arlo Account

Start by opening the Arlo app on your phone or logging into the Arlo web portal (my.arlo.com) on your computer. Make sure you’re using the main user’s credentials. If you’re not the main user, you’ll need their login details (or their help).

Step 2: Navigate to the “Settings” Section

In the Arlo app:

• Tap the three-line menu icon (usually top-left).
• Select Settings > My Devices.
• Choose the camera or system you want to share.

On the web portal, the navigation is similar: click your profile icon, then “Settings,” and find your device.

Step 3: Invite a New User

Look for an option like “Share Access” or “Invite Users.” Tap or click it, and you’ll see a form to enter the new user’s email address. For example, if you’re inviting your partner, enter their email (e.g., partner@email.com).

Tip: Use an email the person actually checks. I once invited my dad using an old email he never uses—he didn’t get the notification for days!

Step 4: Choose the Access Level

This is where it gets interesting. Arlo lets you customize what the new user can do. Here are your options:

• Viewer: Can see live feeds and recorded clips but can’t change settings.
• Standard User: Can view feeds, adjust motion settings, and arm/disarm the system (but can’t delete clips).
• Administrator: Full access, including adding/removing devices and inviting others.

For most cases, Viewer is the safest bet. It’s like giving someone a key to your house but not your safe. For example, if you’re sharing with a pet sitter, Viewer is perfect. If it’s your spouse, you might go with Standard or Administrator.

Step 5: Send the Invitation

Hit “Send,” and Arlo will email the invite. The recipient needs to:

• Open the email and click the link.
• Log in to their Arlo account (or create one if they don’t have one).
• Accept the invitation.

Once accepted, they’ll see your camera(s) in their Arlo app. Pro tip: Remind them to download the Arlo app if they haven’t already!

Managing Shared Access: What You Can and Can’t Control

Granting access is just the beginning. The real magic happens when you learn to manage it. Arlo gives you tools to tweak permissions, revoke access, and even set up temporary sharing—but there are limits to what you can do.

Revoking Access: When and How

Let’s say you shared access with a contractor who’s done working for you. Or maybe a roommate moved out. You’ll want to remove them. Here’s how:

• Go to Settings > My Devices > Shared Access.
• Find the user’s name and tap the trash can icon or “Remove Access.”

Poof! They’re gone. But here’s the catch: they won’t get a notification. It’s a quiet removal, which is good for security but can be awkward if you’re not on good terms. I once had to revoke access from a former employee—it was a relief to know they couldn’t see my cameras anymore.

Editing Access Levels: A Balancing Act

Maybe you gave your kid “Standard User” access, but now you realize they keep turning off motion alerts. No problem! You can downgrade them to “Viewer”:

• In the Shared Access section, tap the user’s name.
• Select a new access level and save.

This flexibility is great, but remember: you can’t give someone more access than you have. If you’re a Viewer on someone else’s account, you can’t invite others or change their settings.

Temporary Access: A Hidden Gem

Arlo doesn’t have a built-in “temporary access” feature, but you can simulate it. For example:

• Invite the person with a clear end date (e.g., “I’ll revoke access after the house sitter leaves”).
• Use a shared calendar or reminder app to track when to remove them.

Alternatively, some users create a second Arlo account just for short-term sharing (e.g., a vacation rental). It’s a bit clunky, but it works.

Troubleshooting Common Access Issues (And How to Fix Them)

Even with the best intentions, things go wrong. Here are the most common access problems—and how to solve them without pulling your hair out.

“I Sent the Invite, But They Didn’t Get It”

First, check if the email went to their spam folder. If it did, they can mark it as “not spam” and resend the invite. If it’s not in spam:

• Double-check the email address for typos (e.g., gamil.com instead of gmail.com).
• Ask the recipient to search their inbox for “Arlo” or “invite.”
• Resend the invite after 24 hours—sometimes Arlo’s email system has delays.

My cousin once missed an invite because it landed in her “Promotions” tab. A quick check solved it!

“They Accepted the Invite, But Can’t See the Cameras”

This usually happens if:

• The recipient doesn’t have the Arlo app installed.
• They’re logged into the wrong Arlo account.
• The main user hasn’t synced the changes (rare, but possible).

Ask them to:

1. Install the Arlo app (if needed).
2. Log out and log back in with the email they used to accept the invite.
3. Restart the app or wait a few minutes.

“I’m the Main User, But I Can’t Add Anyone”

This is often a permissions issue. Make sure:

• You’re logged in as the main user (not a secondary account).
• Your Arlo subscription is active (some features are locked on free plans).
• Your internet connection is stable.

If none of these work, contact Arlo support. They can check if there’s an account-level restriction.

Advanced Tips for Power Users: Going Beyond Basic Sharing

If you’ve mastered the basics, here are some advanced tricks to get the most out of Arlo’s sharing features.

Creating User Groups for Families or Teams

Arlo doesn’t have “user groups” (like Google Workspace), but you can mimic the idea:

• Create a shared email (e.g., family@yourdomain.com) and invite it as a Viewer.
• Use a password manager (like LastPass) to share login details securely.

This is great for families or small teams. Just remember: anyone with the password can log in, so keep it secure!

Using Smart Alerts to Limit What Others See

If you’re sharing with a neighbor but don’t want them to see every motion alert:

• Set up Smart Alerts (in the Arlo app) to filter out false triggers (e.g., trees, pets).
• Share only the camera(s) you want them to monitor (e.g., front door, not backyard).

For example, I share my front-yard camera with a neighbor, but I keep the backyard camera private. It’s a win-win: they get peace of mind, and I keep some privacy.

Transferring Account Ownership: When to Do It

If you’re not the main user but need full control (e.g., you moved in with a partner who set up the cameras), consider transferring the account:

1. Have the main user log in and go to Settings > Account.
2. Look for “Transfer Account” or “Change Owner.”
3. Enter your email and follow the prompts.

This is a big step—it’s like giving someone your house key. Make sure you trust them!

Data Table: Arlo Access Levels at a Glance

Access Level	Live Feed	Recorded Clips	Adjust Settings	Invite Others	Best For
Viewer	Yes	Yes	No	No	Babysitters, pet sitters, neighbors
Standard User	Yes	Yes	Yes (motion, arm/disarm)	No	Roommates, family members
Administrator	Yes	Yes	Yes (all settings)	Yes	Spouses, trusted co-owners

Final Thoughts: Sharing Access Without Sacrificing Security

Sharing access to your Arlo camera doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right steps, you can keep your home secure while giving others the access they need. Remember: the main user is the gatekeeper, and Arlo’s tools make it easy to control who sees what and for how long. Whether you’re sharing with a family member, a neighbor, or a contractor, always start with the least access needed (usually “Viewer”) and adjust as necessary.

Here’s my final piece of advice: check your shared access settings regularly. People come and go, and permissions should too. A quick monthly review can prevent awkward situations—like realizing your ex-roommate still has access to your cameras. (Yes, that happened to a friend of mine.) With a little attention, your Arlo system will stay secure, functional, and stress-free. Happy sharing!

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the main user grant access to Arlo camera for family members?

The main user can grant access to Arlo cameras by inviting family members via the Arlo app. Navigate to “Settings” > “Grant Access,” enter the invitee’s email, and select their permission level (viewer or administrator).

Can the primary account holder share Arlo camera access with non-family members?

Yes, the main user can grant Arlo camera access to anyone by sending an invite through the app. The recipient must create an Arlo account to accept the invitation and view the camera feed.

How do you manage permissions when granting Arlo camera access?

During the invite process, the main user selects between “Viewer” (watch-only) or “Administrator” (full control) permissions. These can be adjusted later under “Grant Access” settings in the Arlo app.

Is it possible to revoke Arlo camera access after granting it?

Yes, the main user can revoke access anytime via the Arlo app. Go to “Settings” > “Grant Access,” select the user, and tap “Remove Access” to disable their permissions immediately.

Why can’t the invitee access the Arlo camera after accepting the invitation?

This usually happens if the invitee hasn’t verified their email or hasn’t logged in to the Arlo app. Ensure they complete registration and check spam folders for the invite email.

How does the main user grant access to Arlo camera for multiple devices?

Each user needs a unique invite, but the main user can send bulk invites via email. All recipients will access the cameras through their personal Arlo accounts on any device.