How to Connect 2 Phones to Arlo Camera in 2026 Easy Guide

How to Connect 2 Phones to Arlo Camera in 2026 Easy Guide

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Connecting two phones to a single Arlo camera in 2026 is quick and seamless using the updated Arlo Secure app. Simply log in with the primary account on both devices and enable multi-user sharing in the app’s settings to grant instant access. This allows real-time monitoring and alerts on both phones without delays or complex setups.




How to Connect 2 Phones to Arlo Camera in 2026 Easy Guide

How to Connect 2 Phones to Arlo Camera in 2026 Easy Guide

Key Takeaways

  • Download the Arlo app on both phones to enable multi-user access.
  • Share access via email using the primary account’s “Share Device” feature.
  • Accept invite promptly—the link expires after 24 hours.
  • Use unique user roles to customize permissions for each phone.
  • Sync both devices to the same Wi-Fi for seamless setup.
  • Test live feed on both phones to confirm successful connection.
  • Update firmware regularly to avoid compatibility issues in 2026.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be honest—home security isn’t a solo job. Whether you’re a parent checking in on the kids, a couple managing a smart home, or roommates sharing a rental, having only one phone connected to your Arlo camera can be a real headache.

Imagine this: You’re at work, your partner is at the gym, and the Arlo alerts *you* about motion near the front door. But your partner can’t see the live feed because they’re not logged in. That’s when you realize—you need a way to share access without sharing passwords.

That’s where this How to Connect 2 Phones to Arlo Camera in 2026 Easy Guide comes in. It’s not just about adding a second device—it’s about giving peace of mind to everyone who needs it. Whether it’s real-time alerts, two-way audio, or remote viewing, connecting multiple phones is a game-changer.

And the good news? Arlo makes it possible—and actually pretty simple—once you know the right steps. This guide walks you through the entire process, from setup to troubleshooting, so you and your loved ones can stay connected, informed, and secure—without any tech meltdowns.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you’ve got everything ready. The good news? You probably already have most of these.

How to Connect 2 Phones to Arlo Camera in 2026 Easy Guide

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  • Two smartphones (iOS or Android) with the Arlo Secure app installed. (Free on the App Store and Google Play.)
  • One Arlo camera (any model: Arlo Pro 5, Ultra 2, Essential, etc.) already set up and connected to Wi-Fi.
  • Your primary Arlo account login (email and password).
  • Stable Wi-Fi connection—your cameras need this, and your phones do too.
  • Access to the second user’s email or phone number (they’ll get an invite).
  • About 10–15 minutes of uninterrupted time.

You don’t need a second camera, a new subscription, or a degree in IT. Just the basics. And if you’re using a newer Arlo model (2024–2026), the app is even smoother—less lag, better notifications, and clearer video sharing.

Pro Insight: If your second phone is older or has a slow processor, close other apps before starting. The Arlo app can be a bit hungry for RAM, especially when streaming HD video.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Connect 2 Phones to Arlo Camera in 2026 Easy Guide

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. I’ll walk you through each step like we’re sitting together, phone in hand. No confusing jargon—just clear, real-world instructions.

How to Connect 2 Phones to Arlo Camera in 2026 Easy Guide

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Step 1: Log Into the Primary Arlo Account on Phone #1

Start on the phone that’s already connected to your Arlo camera—this is your “primary” device. Open the Arlo Secure app and log in with your credentials.

If you’re already logged in, great! Just make sure you’re on the home screen where you can see your camera feed or device list.

Why this matters: Only the primary account holder can invite others. You can’t add a second phone from a shared account—it has to come from the main login.

This step sets the stage for the How to Connect 2 Phones to Arlo Camera in 2026 Easy Guide—because without the primary access, you can’t send invites or manage permissions.

Step 2: Access the “Users & Sharing” Section

Tap the three-line menu (usually top-left) → go to Settings → then tap Users & Sharing.

You’ll see options like “Invite User,” “Manage Users,” and “Shared Access.” This is where the magic happens.

Look for the “+ Invite User” button. Tap it. You’ll be prompted to enter the email address or phone number of the person you want to add.

Tip: Use the email they use for their Arlo account (if they have one), or their personal email. The invite will be sent there.

Note: If the second user doesn’t have an Arlo account yet, they’ll need to create one after accepting the invite. More on that in a sec.

Step 3: Customize Access Permissions

Before sending the invite, you’ll see a screen asking: “What can this user do?”

Here’s where you decide how much control to give. You have three main options:

  • Full Access: They can view live feeds, watch recordings, arm/disarm the system, and even add new cameras.
  • View Only: They can see live streams and recordings but can’t change settings or arm/disarm.
  • Custom: Pick and choose—e.g., allow live viewing but disable two-way audio or event history.

For most couples or roommates, Full Access makes sense. For kids or neighbors, View Only is safer.

Personal Note: I once gave my brother full access as a test. He accidentally disarmed the system during a storm. Oops. Now I use “View Only” for guests and “Full Access” only for my partner.

This step is crucial in the How to Connect 2 Phones to Arlo Camera in 2026 Easy Guide—because it’s not just about access, it’s about trust and control.

Step 4: Send the Invitation

Once you’ve set the permissions, hit “Send Invite.” The second user will receive an email or SMS with a link to accept the invitation.

They’ll need to:

  • Click the link.
  • Log in to their existing Arlo account (or create one).
  • Accept the shared access request.

After accepting, their phone will automatically connect to your camera network.

Warning: If they don’t receive the invite, check their spam folder. Or resend it. Sometimes the first email gets lost in the digital void.

Also, make sure they have the Arlo Secure app installed. The invite won’t work if they’re using an old version or a different app (like the discontinued Arlo app).

Step 5: Install & Log In on Phone #2

On the second phone, open the App Store or Google Play and search for “Arlo Secure”.

Download and install the app. Then open it and:

  • If they already have an Arlo account: log in with their email and password.
  • If not: tap “Create Account,” follow the prompts (email, password, verify), then log in.

Once logged in, they’ll see a notification: “You’ve been invited to view [Your Camera Name]”. Tap it and accept.

Pro Tip: After accepting, restart the app. Sometimes the new camera feed takes a minute to appear. A quick close-and-reopen fixes it 90% of the time.

Now, both phones are connected. You’ve officially completed the How to Connect 2 Phones to Arlo Camera in 2026 Easy Guide—but let’s make sure it works right.

Step 6: Test the Connection

Here’s how to verify everything’s working:

  • Live Feed: On both phones, tap your camera. You should see the same live stream, with minimal delay (under 2 seconds).
  • Motion Alerts: Wave your hand in front of the camera. Both phones should get a push notification within a few seconds.
  • Two-Way Audio: Tap the microphone icon. Speak. You should hear your voice on both devices.
  • Arm/Disarm (if Full Access): Try arming the system from one phone, then disarming from the other. The status should update instantly.

If any of these fail, don’t panic. We’ll troubleshoot in the next section.

Real Talk: I once had a camera that only showed “Offline” on the second phone. Turned out the Wi-Fi signal was weak near the camera. I moved the router extender, and boom—problem solved.

Step 7: Set Up Notifications & Preferences

Now that both phones are connected, customize the experience.

On each phone, go to Settings → Notifications and choose:

  • Which cameras trigger alerts.
  • Alert types (motion, sound, person, vehicle).
  • Notification sounds and vibration patterns.

You can even set “Do Not Disturb” hours so your partner doesn’t get woken up by a raccoon at 2 AM (true story).

Smart Move: Use “Person Detection” to cut down on false alerts. My backyard camera used to alert me every time the cat walked by. Now it only pings me for people. Much better.

This step ensures the How to Connect 2 Phones to Arlo Camera in 2026 Easy Guide isn’t just about access—it’s about usability.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After setting up dozens of Arlo systems (for myself, family, and friends), I’ve learned a few things the hard way. Here’s what to watch out for—and how to make it work *better*.

🔧 Pro Tip: Use a Shared Family Email (But Be Cautious)

Some families use a shared email (like “ourhome@email.com”) for the primary Arlo account. It’s convenient—no one gets locked out.

But… it’s a security risk. If that email is compromised, *everyone* loses access. And if one person changes the password, others get locked out.

Better approach: Keep the primary account with one trusted person, but add a second user with full access. That way, you’re covered if the primary is unreachable (like on vacation).

🚫 Mistake: Skipping Wi-Fi Optimization

Arlo cameras rely heavily on Wi-Fi. If the signal is weak, both phones might see “Offline” or choppy video.

Check your signal strength:

  • In the Arlo app, go to Camera Settings → Device Info.
  • Look for “Wi-Fi Signal Strength.”

If it’s “Poor” or “Fair,” consider:

  • Moving the camera closer to the router.
  • Adding a Wi-Fi extender.
  • Using an Arlo SmartHub (for wired or stronger wireless connection).

A strong signal means reliable access—for both phones.

🔐 Pro Tip: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Once you’ve shared access, protect the primary account with 2FA. Go to Account → Security → Two-Factor Authentication and turn it on.

It’s an extra step, but it prevents unauthorized access—especially if your password is ever leaked.

🚫 Mistake: Not Updating the App

The Arlo app updates often. New features, bug fixes, security patches. But if one phone is on an old version, it might not sync properly with the new invite system.

Always check for updates:

  • iOS: App Store → Updates tab.
  • Android: Google Play → My apps & games.

Set your phones to auto-update apps for peace of mind.

📱 Pro Tip: Use Multiple Devices, Not Multiple Accounts

Some people think they need to create a second Arlo account to add a second phone. Nope. Arlo’s shared access system lets one account invite multiple users—each with their own login.

This keeps everything under one subscription, one camera list, and one history log. Much cleaner.

🚫 Mistake: Ignoring Battery Cameras

If you’re using a battery-powered Arlo (like the Essential Wire-Free), the second phone might get delayed alerts or miss events if the camera is in “sleep mode.”

To fix this:

  • Go to Camera Settings → Power Management.
  • Set “Activity Zones” to reduce unnecessary motion triggers.
  • Increase “Wake-Up Sensitivity” so the camera responds faster.

A well-configured battery camera can still deliver fast alerts to both phones.

FAQs About How to Connect 2 Phones to Arlo Camera in 2026 Easy Guide

Let’s tackle the questions I get asked most—straight, simple, and honest.

Can I connect more than 2 phones?

Yes! Arlo allows up to 10 shared users per account. So you can add your spouse, kids, parents, neighbors, or even a trusted dog walker.

Just remember: each user needs their own email and Arlo account. And you can customize permissions per person.

Will both phones get alerts at the same time?

Usually yes—within a few seconds of each other. The delay depends on your internet speed and phone settings.

If one phone is on cellular data and the other on Wi-Fi, the Wi-Fi phone will usually get the alert first.

Pro tip: Enable “High Priority Notifications” in your phone settings for faster delivery.

What if the second phone can’t see the camera?

Try these quick fixes:

  • Restart the Arlo app.
  • Log out and back in.
  • Check if the camera is online (on the primary phone).
  • Resend the invite from the primary account.

If it still doesn’t work, the user might have accepted the invite but not granted the app permission. Go to Phone Settings → Apps → Arlo → Permissions and enable camera, microphone, and notifications.

Is there a monthly fee for adding a second phone?

Nope. Adding users is free. You only pay for Arlo Secure subscriptions (like cloud storage or advanced detection) if you want them. The number of users doesn’t affect your plan.

So go ahead—add your entire family. It won’t cost extra.

Can I remove a user later?

Absolutely. Go to Settings → Users & Sharing → [User Name] → Remove Access.

They’ll lose access immediately. No notifications, no fuss. Great for when someone moves out or you no longer want to share access.

Does this work with Arlo doorbells?

Yes! The same process applies. Whether it’s a camera, doorbell, or floodlight, you can share access to any Arlo device.

Just make sure the doorbell is set up and connected before sending the invite.

What if the second user is in another country?

No problem. As long as they have internet and the Arlo app, they can connect from anywhere.

I have a friend in Spain who watches his parents’ Arlo camera back home. The feed is smooth, and alerts come through—just like they’re next door.

Just note: video quality may vary based on their local internet speed.

Final Thoughts

Connecting two phones to your Arlo camera isn’t just a tech trick—it’s a way to share peace of mind. Whether you’re protecting your home, keeping an eye on pets, or checking in on aging parents, having multiple eyes on your cameras makes all the difference.

This How to Connect 2 Phones to Arlo Camera in 2026 Easy Guide gives you a simple, reliable method that works across all Arlo models—from the budget-friendly Essential to the high-end Ultra 2.

You don’t need to be a tech genius. You just need to follow the steps, test the connection, and set up smart permissions. And if something goes wrong? You now know how to troubleshoot like a pro.

So go ahead—send that invite. Add your partner, your sibling, or your best friend. Let them see what you see. Because home security isn’t about one person watching the cameras. It’s about a team looking out for each other.

And remember: the best tech is the kind that makes life easier—not more complicated. With this setup, you’re not just connecting phones. You’re building a safer, smarter, more connected home.

Now, go grab your second phone. It’s time to share the view.