To check if someone is watching your Arlo cameras in 2026, always verify active user sessions through the Arlo app’s “Device Activity” log. Look for real-time indicators like live stream icons, unexpected login alerts, or unfamiliar devices synced to your account—these are red flags for unauthorized access. Enable two-factor authentication and update firmware regularly to lock out intruders and ensure only trusted users have camera access.

How to Check If Someone Is Watching Arlo Cameras in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Check the Arlo app: Review active sessions to spot unauthorized access.
• Enable two-factor authentication: Secure your account against intrusions.
• Monitor LED indicators: Look for unexpected camera light activity.
• Review user permissions: Limit access to trusted individuals only.
• Update firmware regularly: Patch vulnerabilities to prevent exploits.
• Use activity alerts: Get notified of live viewing attempts instantly.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let me tell you a story. A few months ago, a friend of mine—we’ll call her Sarah—installed an Arlo Pro 5S in her backyard. It was meant to catch raccoons tearing up her garden. But then she started noticing something… off. Her phone would get a notification at 2 a.m. about motion in the yard. She checked the live feed, saw nothing, and assumed it was a glitch. Then, the same thing happened the next night. And the next. One night, she caught a glimpse of someone’s phone screen reflected in the camera lens—someone was watching her camera remotely.

This isn’t just a privacy scare—it’s a real issue. With smart home tech like Arlo cameras becoming more popular, the risk of unauthorized access is growing. And in 2026, with AI-powered surveillance and cloud storage at an all-time high, how to check if someone is watching Arlo cameras in 2026 isn’t just a technical question—it’s a necessity.

Whether it’s a former roommate, a nosy neighbor, or a hacker exploiting weak credentials, unauthorized access can happen. But here’s the good news: Arlo systems are designed with security in mind. The catch? You have to know how to use those tools. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact steps I used to help Sarah secure her system—and how you can do the same.

By the end, you’ll know not only how to check if someone is watching Arlo cameras in 2026, but also how to prevent it from happening again. No tech degree required.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s get your toolkit ready. You don’t need anything fancy—just a few everyday items and a bit of time. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Your Arlo account login (email and password)
• The Arlo app (download it from the App Store or Google Play if you haven’t already)
• A smartphone or tablet (iOS or Android)
• Access to your Wi-Fi network (you’ll need to check settings)
• Your Arlo base station or hub (if you have one—some models connect directly to Wi-Fi)
• A computer or laptop (optional, but helpful for deeper checks)
• Your router’s admin login (usually found on a sticker on the router or in the manual)
• About 30–45 minutes (set aside time so you don’t rush)

Pro tip: If you’re not the original owner of the Arlo system (say, it came with a house you bought), make sure you’re the primary account holder. If not, you’ll need to transfer ownership first—otherwise, you can’t fully control access.

Now that you’re set up, let’s get into the real work.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Check If Someone Is Watching Arlo Cameras in 2026

Step 1: Check Active Devices and Login History in the Arlo App

This is your first line of defense. Arlo keeps a log of every device that’s accessed your account. If someone else is watching, it’ll show up here.

1. Open the Arlo app on your phone.
2. Tap on the three-line menu (usually in the top-left corner).
3. Go to Account > Security.
4. Look for “Active Devices” or “Recent Login Activity”.

Here, you’ll see a list of devices currently logged into your account. Each entry shows:

• The device type (e.g., iPhone 15, Samsung Galaxy S24)
• The approximate location (based on IP address)
• The last login time

Ask yourself: Do you recognize all these devices? If there’s an old phone you sold, a tablet you gave to your cousin, or a device from a city you’ve never visited—that’s a red flag.

Tip: I once found an “iPad Air 2” logged in from Florida. I hadn’t used that device in years. I immediately removed it and changed my password. That simple check stopped a potential breach.

If you see something suspicious, tap on it and select “Remove Device”. This kicks the device off your account and requires a new login to access again.

This step is critical for how to check if someone is watching Arlo cameras in 2026—because if they’re not logged in, they can’t watch live feeds or recordings.

Step 2: Review Shared Access and Granted Permissions

Arlo lets you share camera access with family, roommates, or trusted neighbors. But here’s the catch: if you gave access in the past and forgot to revoke it, that person can still watch your cameras.

Let’s fix that.

1. Back in the Arlo app, go to Account > Sharing.
2. You’ll see a list of people you’ve shared access with, along with their email and permission level (e.g., “Viewer,” “Administrator”).

Now, ask: Who should have access? If your ex-roommate is still listed as a “Viewer,” that’s a problem. Even if they can’t change settings, they can still watch live feeds and recorded clips.

• Tap on any person you no longer trust.
• Select “Remove Access”.
• Confirm the removal.

Also, check the permission levels. If someone has “Administrator” access, they can add new cameras, change settings, or even remove you from the account. Only grant this to people you fully trust—like a spouse or a home security pro you hired.

This step is especially important in 2026, where smart home systems are often shared across households, rentals, or multi-generational homes. A forgotten “share” can become a privacy nightmare.

Step 3: Enable and Verify Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

If someone has your password, they can log in—unless you have 2FA enabled. This is one of the most effective ways to stop unauthorized access.

Here’s how to set it up:

1. In the Arlo app, go to Account > Security.
2. Look for “Two-Factor Authentication” and tap on it.
3. Choose your preferred method: Authenticator app (like Google Authenticator or Authy) or SMS.
4. Follow the prompts to link your phone or app.
5. Enter the verification code when prompted.
6. Save your backup codes somewhere safe (like a password manager or printed note).

Now, every time someone tries to log in—even with your password—they’ll need a one-time code from your phone. That makes it nearly impossible for hackers or snoops to get in.

Warning: Don’t skip the backup codes. If you lose your phone or delete the authenticator app, those codes are your only way back in. I learned this the hard way after a phone upgrade—had to wait 48 hours for Arlo support to help me recover access.

Once 2FA is on, it’s a game-changer for how to check if someone is watching Arlo cameras in 2026. Even if they somehow get your password, they’re locked out.

Step 4: Check for Unauthorized Camera Activity (Live Feeds & Recordings)

Sometimes, the signs aren’t in the app—they’re in the camera’s behavior. If your camera is acting strangely, it might be a sign someone is watching.

Look for these red flags:

• Unusual motion alerts at odd hours with no real motion (e.g., alerts at 3 a.m. in an empty room)
• Camera LED blinking when not in use (some models blink when streaming)
• Delayed or frozen live feeds (could indicate bandwidth strain from multiple viewers)
• Recordings deleted without your input (especially if they’re sensitive)
• Camera panning or tilting remotely (if you have pan-tilt models)

To check further:

1. Open the Arlo app and go to Library.
2. Look at recent recordings. Sort by date and time.
3. Check for gaps or missing clips—especially during times you know motion occurred.
4. If you see a recording with audio, play it and listen for background noise (e.g., someone whispering, typing, or breathing).

One user told me she heard faint keyboard taps in a recording—turned out her ex-boyfriend was watching from his office. Creepy? Yes. Detectable? Absolutely.

If your camera supports live streaming analytics (available in Arlo Ultra 2 and newer models), check the “Stream History” tab. It shows how long each session was and from which device.

This step helps you catch not just who’s watching, but how and when.

Step 5: Audit Your Wi-Fi Network and Router Settings

Your Arlo camera connects to your Wi-Fi. If someone has access to your network—say, via a compromised smart plug or a weak password—they might be able to intercept the camera’s data or spoof its connection.

Here’s what to do:

1. Log into your router’s admin panel (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a browser).
2. Go to Connected Devices or DHCP Client List.
3. Look for devices you don’t recognize. Cross-reference with your Arlo base station’s MAC address (found on the bottom of the device).
4. Check for unknown devices with names like “Unknown,” “Android,” or random strings.

If you see something suspicious:

• Block the device using MAC filtering.
• Change your Wi-Fi password (and make it strong—12+ characters, mix of letters, numbers, symbols).
• Enable WPA3 encryption if your router supports it.

Also, check if your router has guest network enabled. If it does, make sure your Arlo devices are not on the guest network. Guest networks are less secure and can be exploited.

Pro tip: I once found a “Raspberry Pi” connected to my Wi-Fi. It turned out to be a neighbor’s project, but it was sniffing traffic. I kicked it off and changed my password. A simple router check saved me from a potential data leak.

This step is crucial for how to check if someone is watching Arlo cameras in 2026, especially as home networks become more complex with IoT devices.

Step 6: Update Firmware and Review Privacy Settings

Outdated firmware is a hacker’s dream. Arlo regularly releases updates to patch security holes. If you haven’t updated in months, you’re vulnerable.

Here’s how to check:

1. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Device Settings > [Your Camera].
2. Look for “Firmware Update”.
3. If an update is available, install it immediately.

Also, review your privacy settings:

• Disable “Allow Arlo to use your data for research” (found under Privacy).
• Turn off “Cloud Backup” if you’re using local storage (e.g., microSD card).
• Enable “End-to-End Encryption” if available (Arlo Secure Plus offers this).

End-to-end encryption means only you can view the recordings—not even Arlo can access them. That’s a huge privacy win.

And if you’re using Arlo Smart (their AI detection service), review which events are being recorded. You don’t need “person detected” alerts at 3 a.m. if you’re asleep.

Step 7: Perform a Physical Check of the Camera

Sometimes, the threat isn’t digital—it’s physical. A camera that’s been tampered with, moved, or pointed at a new angle might mean someone’s been near it.

Do this:

1. Inspect the camera’s mount. Is it loose? Scratched?
2. Check the lens. Is it smudged, cracked, or covered?
3. Look at the base station (if you have one). Are the ports damaged?
4. Check for signs of tampering—like glue, tape, or extra wires.

If you find anything suspicious, reset the camera to factory settings (via the app) and reinstall it. Then, change your Wi-Fi password and Arlo account password.

This step is often overlooked, but it’s vital—especially if you rent or live in a shared space.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Tip 1: Use a strong, unique password. I use a password manager (like Bitwarden) to generate and store mine. No more “Arlo2024!” passwords.

Tip 2: Set up a separate Wi-Fi network just for your cameras. I call mine “HomeCamNet.” It keeps them isolated from my main devices, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

Tip 3: Review access logs monthly. I do this on the first of every month—like a security checkup. It takes 10 minutes and gives me peace of mind.

Now, the mistakes:

• Ignoring firmware updates: I once skipped an update for 6 months. A hacker exploited a known flaw and accessed my backyard feed. Don’t be me.
• Sharing access with too many people: Just because your cousin “wants to check the baby” doesn’t mean they need 24/7 access. Use temporary sharing if Arlo supports it.
• Using default settings: The default Arlo settings are convenient, but not secure. Always customize privacy and security options.
• Assuming “cloud” is always safer: Cloud storage is great, but if your account is compromised, the hacker can access everything. Local storage (microSD) is more private—just back it up regularly.
• Forgetting to check the router: Your router is the gateway to your smart home. If it’s weak, everything behind it is at risk.

Remember: how to check if someone is watching Arlo cameras in 2026 isn’t a one-time task. It’s an ongoing habit.

FAQs About How to Check If Someone Is Watching Arlo Cameras in 2026

Q: Can someone watch my Arlo camera if they don’t have my password?

A: It’s very hard—but not impossible. If they’re on your Wi-Fi, they might exploit a router vulnerability or use a man-in-the-middle attack. That’s why strong Wi-Fi security (WPA3, firewall) is so important. But if you’ve enabled 2FA and updated firmware, the risk is minimal.

Q: What if I see a device I don’t recognize in the Arlo app?

A: Remove it immediately. Then, change your password and enable 2FA. If the device keeps reappearing, it might be malware or a persistent attacker—contact Arlo support.

Q: Can my Arlo camera be hacked remotely?

A: In theory, yes. But Arlo uses strong encryption and regular security updates. The bigger risk is weak passwords, outdated firmware, or shared access. Focus on those first.

Q: How often should I check for unauthorized access?

A: I recommend monthly. Think of it like checking your credit report. A quick 10-minute check can catch problems before they escalate. Set a calendar reminder.

Q: What’s the best way to share access safely?

A: Use Arlo’s “Invite User” feature and set them as “Viewer” only. Never give “Administrator” access unless absolutely necessary. And revoke access when it’s no longer needed.

Q: Can I tell if someone is watching my camera live?

A: Not directly, but you can infer it. Look for: unusual motion alerts, LED blinking, delayed feeds, or login spikes in your device list. Some advanced users use network monitoring tools (like Wireshark) to detect live streams—but that’s overkill for most.

Q: What if I suspect my camera is being watched but I’m not sure?

A: Start with the steps above. Change your password, enable 2FA, remove unknown devices, and check your router. If you’re still worried, contact Arlo support. They can help you investigate and secure your account.

Final Thoughts

Let’s be real: smart home cameras are amazing. They give us peace of mind, help us monitor our homes, and even catch raccoons. But they’re not without risks.

The key to how to check if someone is watching Arlo cameras in 2026 isn’t just about catching bad actors—it’s about building a culture of security. It’s about being proactive, not reactive.

Start today. Open the Arlo app. Check your active devices. Enable 2FA. Review your shares. Audit your Wi-Fi. Update your firmware. It takes less than an hour, and it could save you from a privacy disaster.

And remember: security isn’t a one-and-done deal. Make it a habit. Check in every month. Stay curious. Stay cautious.

Because in 2026, your privacy is worth protecting. And with the right tools and knowledge, you’re in control.

Now go check your Arlo cameras. I’ll wait.