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Adding someone to your Arlo cameras in 2026 is quick and secure—simply open the Arlo app, navigate to “Settings,” and select “Add User” to share access with family or trusted individuals. Ensure seamless monitoring by customizing permissions, like live viewing or clip downloads, all while keeping your home security under control.
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How to Add Someone to Arlo Cameras in 2026 Easy Guide
Key Takeaways
- Open the Arlo app and tap “Settings” to begin adding users.
- Select “Grant Access” to invite someone via email or username.
- Choose access level—Admin or Viewer—based on their needed permissions.
- Confirm their email to ensure they receive the invite promptly.
- They must accept the invitation to gain camera access.
- Revoke access anytime through the same “Grant Access” menu.
- Use 2FA for security to protect shared camera access.
Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem
Let’s be real: smart home security is only as good as the people who can access it. Maybe you’ve got an Arlo system set up, but your partner, a trusted neighbor, or even your parents can’t check the cameras when you’re away. That’s where knowing how to add someone to Arlo cameras in 2026 easy guide comes in handy.
I remember when my brother moved in temporarily. He kept tripping the motion alerts, and I’d get 15 notifications a day—only to realize he was just walking to the fridge. I needed to give him access, but I didn’t want to hand over full control. That’s when I dove into Arlo’s sharing features, and honestly, it saved my sanity (and my notification log).
Adding someone isn’t just about convenience—it’s about trust, collaboration, and making sure your home stays secure, even when you’re not the one watching. Whether it’s a babysitter, a pet sitter, or a family member, knowing how to add someone to Arlo cameras in 2026 easy guide means you’re not the only line of defense.
What You Need
Before we jump in, let’s make sure you’ve got the essentials. You don’t need anything fancy—just a few things you likely already have:
- Your Arlo account (the admin account, of course)
- The Arlo app (iOS or Android, updated to the latest version)
- The email address of the person you’re adding (they’ll need an Arlo account too)
- A stable Wi-Fi connection (for both you and the invitee)
- The person’s device (optional, but helpful if you’re guiding them through setup)
Pro tip: Make sure your invitee has the Arlo app installed before you send the invite. It’ll save a lot of back-and-forth.
And don’t worry—you don’t need to be a tech whiz. If you can send a text or an email, you can handle this. The how to add someone to Arlo cameras in 2026 easy guide is designed for real people, not IT experts.
Step-by-Step Guide to How to Add Someone to Arlo Cameras in 2026 Easy Guide
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. I’ll walk you through each step like we’re sitting together, phone in hand, getting this done in under 5 minutes.
Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Log In
Grab your phone, open the Arlo app, and log into your admin account. This is the account you used to set up your cameras. If you’re logged out, just enter your email and password.
Once you’re in, tap the “Settings” icon (it looks like a gear) in the top-right corner of the home screen. This is your control center for everything—camera settings, account details, and, yes, sharing.
Tip: If you’ve got multiple Arlo systems (like a base station and standalone cameras), make sure you’re viewing the correct one before sharing. You can switch between them in the top-left dropdown menu.
Step 2: Tap “Grant Access” or “Shared Users”
In Settings, scroll down until you see “Grant Access” or “Shared Users”—the exact wording may vary slightly depending on your app version (Arlo updates frequently, but the core function stays the same).
Tap that option. You’ll now see a list of any people you’ve already added. If it’s empty, no worries—that’s normal.
Look for a “+ Add User” or “Invite” button, usually at the bottom of the screen. Tap it to start the invite process.
Warning: Don’t confuse this with “Family & Guests” or “Emergency Access.” We’re focusing on full camera access here, not emergency alerts.
Step 3: Enter the Person’s Email Address
Now, you’ll see a field asking for the email address of the person you want to add. Type it in carefully—typos are the #1 reason invites fail.
Arlo will check if the email is already linked to an Arlo account. If it is, great! If not, Arlo will prompt them to create one.
You’ll also see a dropdown menu to set their access level. This is crucial—let’s break it down:
- Viewer: Can see live feeds and recordings, but can’t change settings or delete videos.
- Standard: Can view, download, and delete recordings. Can’t change camera settings.
- Admin: Full control—add/remove cameras, change settings, invite others. Only give this to people you fully trust.
For most people, Viewer or Standard is the sweet spot. I usually go with Standard for family members so they can review footage if needed.
Personal insight: I once gave my neighbor Admin access “just in case.” A week later, he changed the motion sensitivity and turned off alerts. We fixed it, but it taught me: only Admins should be true admins.
Step 4: Choose Which Cameras They Can Access
Next, you’ll see a list of all your Arlo cameras. You can select or deselect which ones the person can see.
For example, maybe you want your babysitter to see the living room and nursery, but not the master bedroom. Tap each camera to toggle access on or off.
This is a game-changer for privacy. You don’t have to share everything—just what’s necessary.
Pro tip: If you’ve got a lot of cameras, use the search bar to find specific ones quickly. Or sort by location (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard”).
Step 5: Send the Invitation
Once you’ve set the access level and selected cameras, tap “Send Invite” or “Invite”. That’s it—you’re done on your end.
The person will get an email from Arlo with a link to accept the invite. They’ll need to click it and log into (or create) their Arlo account.
Once they accept, they’ll see your cameras in their app under a new “Shared” tab or section.
Note: The invite expires in 7 days. If they don’t accept by then, you’ll need to resend it.
Step 6: Help the Person Accept (If Needed)
Sometimes, the invite gets buried in spam or the person isn’t tech-savvy. Here’s how to help:
- Ask them to check their inbox and spam folder for an email from “Arlo Security.”
- Tell them to click the “Accept Invitation” button in the email.
- If they don’t have an Arlo account, the link will guide them through creating one.
- Once logged in, they should see your cameras appear in their app.
I once helped my mom accept an invite while on a video call. I shared my screen, walked her through the email, and within 3 minutes, she was watching the backyard camera. No stress, no confusion.
Warning: Don’t share your login with them. That defeats the purpose of secure sharing and can lead to accidental changes.
Step 7: Confirm Access and Test
After they accept, do a quick test:
- Ask them to open the Arlo app and check if they can see the cameras you shared.
- Have them play a recording or watch live feed.
- Verify they can’t access cameras or settings you didn’t grant.
This step is often overlooked, but it’s the best way to ensure everything worked. I once thought I’d added my sister, but she could only see one camera. A quick test saved us from a security gap.
Tip: If they’re having trouble, try having them restart the Arlo app or force-quit and reopen it. Sometimes the app just needs a refresh.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
After helping dozens of friends and family add users, I’ve learned a few things the hard way. Here’s what to keep in mind for a smooth experience with how to add someone to Arlo cameras in 2026 easy guide.
1. Use the Right Access Level
It’s tempting to give full Admin access “just in case,” but that’s risky. A Viewer can’t mess up your settings. A Standard user can review footage without breaking anything. Reserve Admin for people who truly need full control—like co-homeowners.
I learned this when my cousin accidentally deleted a week’s worth of recordings because he had Standard access and didn’t know the delete button was active. Oops.
2. Revoke Access When It’s No Longer Needed
People move, relationships change, or you just don’t need that pet sitter anymore. To remove someone:
- Go to Settings > Shared Users
- Tap their name
- Select “Remove Access”
Do this promptly. I once forgot to remove a former roommate, and he still had access for months. Not a security breach, but definitely a privacy concern.
3. Use Descriptive Camera Names
If your cameras are named “Camera 1,” “Camera 2,” it’s confusing when sharing. Rename them to something clear: “Front Door,” “Garage,” “Nursery.”
You can do this in Settings > Device Settings > [Camera Name]. It makes sharing way easier.
4. Watch Out for App Updates
Arlo updates the app regularly. Sometimes, the “Grant Access” menu moves or the wording changes. If you can’t find it, check Arlo’s support site or just search “share cameras” in the app’s search bar.
I once spent 10 minutes looking for the invite button because it had moved to a new tab. Now I just search—saves time.
5. Sync Time Zones (For Travelers)
If you’re sharing with someone in a different time zone, remind them to check the time zone settings in the Arlo app. Otherwise, recordings might appear at odd hours, causing confusion.
My sister lives in Europe, and she kept wondering why the “night” footage was showing daylight. A quick time zone check fixed it.
6. Avoid Sharing During High-Traffic Times
If your internet is slow or your router is overloaded, the invite might fail or the app might crash. Try sending invites during off-peak hours (like mid-morning on a weekday).
Also, make sure your invitee has a strong Wi-Fi signal when accepting. A weak connection can cause the invite to time out.
FAQs About How to Add Someone to Arlo Cameras in 2026 Easy Guide
Let’s tackle the questions I get asked most—answered honestly, like I’m sitting across from you with a cup of coffee.
Q: Can I add someone who doesn’t have an Arlo account?
Yes! When you send the invite, Arlo will guide them through creating a free account. They don’t need to buy anything—just sign up with their email and set a password. Easy as pie.
Q: How many people can I add to my Arlo cameras?
Arlo allows up to 10 shared users on most plans. If you’re on the free tier, you might be limited to 3–5, depending on your subscription. Check your plan details in the app under “Billing” if you’re unsure.
I’ve hit the limit before when hosting a big family gathering. Had to remove an old invite to make room for a new one.
Q: Can I limit what time of day they can access the cameras?
Unfortunately, no. Arlo doesn’t currently offer time-based access restrictions. If they have access, they can view 24/7. If this is a concern, stick with the Viewer level and trust that they won’t abuse it.
Some third-party automation tools (like IFTTT) offer workarounds, but they’re not official and can be unreliable. I wouldn’t recommend them for security purposes.
Q: What if the person doesn’t receive the invite email?
First, check your sent folder to confirm you typed the email correctly. Then, ask them to check spam, promotions, or even the “All Mail” folder in Gmail.
If it’s still missing, resend the invite. Sometimes emails get lost in cyberspace. You can resend from the Shared Users menu by tapping their name and selecting “Resend Invite.”
Q: Can I share specific recordings or just live feeds?
When you share a camera, they get access to both live feeds and past recordings (as long as they’re within your cloud storage period). You can’t share individual videos—only the whole camera.
But they can download or save specific clips to their device. Just be aware: if you delete a recording, it’s gone for them too.
Q: Is it safe to share my Arlo cameras?
Yes, if you use the built-in sharing feature. Arlo encrypts all data and doesn’t store passwords in plain text. Never share your login—that’s a major security risk.
I always tell people: sharing is safe. Giving your password is not. Stick to the official method, and you’re golden.
Q: What happens if I change my mind after adding someone?
You can remove them anytime. Go to Settings > Shared Users, tap their name, and select “Remove Access.” It takes effect immediately.
They won’t be notified, and they’ll lose access to all shared cameras. No drama, no hassle.
Final Thoughts
Adding someone to your Arlo cameras isn’t just a technical task—it’s about trust, convenience, and making your smart home work for everyone in it. Whether it’s your spouse checking the front door while you’re at work or a neighbor keeping an eye on your house while you’re on vacation, knowing how to add someone to Arlo cameras in 2026 easy guide makes life easier.
Remember: start with the right access level, name your cameras clearly, and test after sharing. Don’t forget to remove access when it’s no longer needed—privacy matters.
And if you ever get stuck? The Arlo app is surprisingly intuitive, and their support team is actually helpful (I’ve called them twice—both times, the issue was fixed in under 10 minutes).
So go ahead—share the peace of mind. Your home’s security shouldn’t rest on just one person’s shoulders. With this guide, you’ve got the tools to make it a team effort.
Now, grab your phone, open the Arlo app, and add that first person. You’ve got this.
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