Grant secure, temporary access to your Arlo camera in 2026 by using the Arlo app’s “Share Access” feature—no need to hand over your login. Simply invite your friend via email, set permissions (view-only or full control), and choose an expiration time for peace of mind. This encrypted, user-friendly method ensures real-time monitoring without compromising your home security.

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How to Let a Friend Look at Arlo Camera in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Share via Arlo app: Use the app’s “Share Access” feature for quick, secure guest viewing.
• Set temporary access: Limit viewing time to protect privacy and avoid permanent access.
• Verify friend’s email: Ensure their Arlo account email matches for seamless setup.
• Enable two-factor authentication: Boost security before sharing camera access with others.
• Review access logs: Monitor who viewed footage and when via the app’s activity history.
• Revoke access anytime: Remove permissions instantly if no longer needed or suspicious.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine this: you’re at work, and your friend texts you, “Hey, can you check if my dog is still on the couch?” You want to help, but you’re stuck between privacy and convenience. That’s where knowing how to let a friend look at Arlo camera comes in.

In 2026, smart security cameras like Arlo are everywhere—but sharing access isn’t always intuitive. Many people end up sending screenshots or live-streaming through third-party apps, which feels clunky and risky. You want to give your friend temporary, secure access to your Arlo feed without handing over your password or compromising your privacy.

This guide walks you through the how to let a friend look at Arlo camera in 2026—the right way. No tech overwhelm, no guesswork. Just simple, secure steps so you can help your friend (and your pup) without stress.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s gather what you’ll need. Don’t worry—this isn’t a hardware overhaul. Most of it’s already on your phone or tablet.

• Arlo account (with admin access)
• Arlo app (latest version on iOS or Android)
• Your friend’s email address (the one they’ll use to log in)
• A stable Wi-Fi connection (for smooth setup)
• Arlo subscription (optional) – only needed if you want your friend to access cloud recordings or AI features

Pro tip: Make sure your Arlo app is updated. Older versions may not support guest access or have limited sharing options. Check your app store for updates before starting.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Let a Friend Look at Arlo Camera in 2026

Sharing access doesn’t mean giving up control. Arlo’s guest sharing features are designed with privacy in mind. Here’s how to do it smoothly, securely, and without overcomplicating things.

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Log In

Grab your phone and launch the Arlo app. Log in with your admin credentials. You’ll land on the home screen, where all your cameras are displayed as thumbnails.

If you have multiple devices, make sure the camera you want to share is online and showing a clear feed. You can’t share access to a camera that’s offline or disconnected.

Why this matters: Only the primary account holder (you) can invite guests. If you’re using a shared account, ensure you’re logged in as the admin. Guest access won’t appear otherwise.

Step 2: Navigate to “Settings” and Select “Users & Access”

Tap the Settings icon (usually a gear in the top-right). Scroll down to “Users & Access” or “Manage Users”—the exact wording may vary slightly depending on your app version.

This is where you control who sees what. Think of it as your security dashboard. You’ll see options to add a new user, assign permissions, and even set time limits.

Common mistake: Don’t confuse “Users & Access” with “Device Sharing.” The former lets people log into your account; the latter is for sharing a single camera via a link (more on that later).

Step 3: Tap “Add User” and Enter Your Friend’s Email

Hit the “+ Add User” button. A pop-up will ask for your friend’s email address. Double-check it—typos here mean your friend won’t get the invite.

Arlo will send an invitation to that email. Your friend doesn’t need an Arlo account yet—they’ll create one when they accept the invite. This keeps things simple for them.

Pro tip: Use their personal email, not a work or shared account. This ensures they get the invite and can manage access independently.

Step 4: Choose Access Level: Viewer or Guest

Now, pick the right permission level. Arlo offers two main options:

• Viewer: Can see live feeds, recordings, and motion alerts. Can’t change settings or delete footage.
• Guest (limited): Can only view live feeds for specific cameras. No access to recordings or settings.

For most friends, Guest is the safer choice. It limits their access to just live viewing—perfect for checking in on pets, kids, or deliveries.

You can also select which cameras they can see. Tap the camera names to enable or disable access. For example, you might let them see the backyard cam but not the front porch.

Why this matters: This step is key to how to let a friend look at Arlo camera in 2026 without exposing your full system. Granular control = better privacy.

Step 5: Set Optional Time Limits (For Temporary Access)

Need your friend to check in only while you’re on vacation? Arlo lets you set an expiration date for guest access.

After selecting permissions, look for “Access Expires” or “Set Duration.” Choose a date—say, two weeks from now. After that, their access automatically stops.

This is a game-changer for short-term needs. No need to remember to revoke access later.

Real-life example: I used this when my sister watched my apartment. I gave her access for 10 days. Once I returned, her login stopped working—no extra steps needed.

Step 6: Send the Invitation and Confirm

Tap “Send Invite” or “Confirm.” Arlo will email your friend with a link to accept the invitation.

They’ll need to click the link, create an Arlo account (or log in if they already have one), and then they’ll see the shared camera in their app.

Once accepted, you’ll get a notification in your Arlo app. Your friend can now view the camera—live only, if you chose Guest access.

Warning: The invite expires in 7 days. If your friend doesn’t accept it, you’ll need to resend it. A gentle nudge via text can help!

Step 7: Test the Connection Together

Don’t assume it’s working. Call or message your friend and ask them to open the Arlo app. Have them confirm:

• Can they see the live feed?
• Is the video smooth? (No lag or freezing)
• Can they hear audio, if enabled? (Only if you’ve shared audio access)

If they see a “No Access” message, double-check your settings. Sometimes, camera sharing is toggled off at the device level.

Pro tip: If they’re on mobile data, suggest they switch to Wi-Fi. Live streaming uses more data, and weak signals can cause buffering.

Step 8: Revoke Access When Needed (Optional but Smart)

When your friend no longer needs access, revoke it quickly. Go back to “Users & Access,” find their name, and tap “Remove User” or “Revoke Access.”

This immediately stops their ability to view any shared cameras. It’s instant and irreversible—great for peace of mind.

You can also edit permissions later. For example, if your friend helped during a storm but now needs to see recordings, upgrade them to “Viewer” temporarily.

Why this matters: Just because you shared access once doesn’t mean it has to last forever. How to let a friend look at Arlo camera in 2026 includes knowing how to undo it.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with clear steps, things can go sideways. Here’s what I’ve learned after setting this up for family, friends, and even neighbors.

✅ Use “Guest” for Short-Term, “Viewer” for Ongoing

I once gave a friend “Viewer” access for a weekend. A week later, they were still logging in—out of habit. That’s why I now default to Guest access with time limits for temporary needs.

Use “Viewer” only for trusted people who need long-term access—like a parent helping with childcare or a neighbor watching your home while you’re abroad.

✅ Avoid Sharing Your Login

Some people send their username and password. Don’t do this. If your friend’s phone is lost or hacked, your entire system is exposed.

Arlo’s guest sharing is designed to avoid this risk. Use it. It’s safer, cleaner, and respects your privacy.

✅ Check Your Subscription Tier

Free Arlo accounts let you share live feeds, but your friend won’t see cloud recordings unless you have an Arlo Secure subscription.

If you want your friend to review past footage (like a delivery or visitor), you’ll need at least the Arlo Secure (Basic) plan. It’s $2.99/month per camera—worth it for peace of mind.

✅ Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Before sharing, enable 2FA on your Arlo account. It adds a second layer of security. Even if someone guesses your password, they can’t log in without a code from your phone.

Go to Settings > Security > Two-Factor Authentication and follow the prompts. It takes two minutes and could prevent a major breach.

❌ Don’t Overlook Camera-Specific Sharing

Arlo lets you share individual cameras, not your whole system. I once shared access to all cameras by mistake. My friend could see inside my home—not just the backyard.

Always double-check which cameras are selected in the sharing menu. Uncheck any you don’t want them to see.

❌ Avoid Public or Shared Wi-Fi During Setup

If you’re setting this up at a coffee shop or airport, wait until you’re on a secure network. Public Wi-Fi can expose your login details, making it easier for someone to hijack your account.

Stick to your home or mobile hotspot for setup. It’s faster and safer.

✅ Test in Real Conditions

Try this: have your friend check the feed at night, during rain, or when motion is detected. Does it still work? Are notifications coming through?

I learned this the hard way when my brother couldn’t see the front door at night because the night vision wasn’t enabled on his end. A quick fix in his app settings solved it.

FAQs About How to Let a Friend Look at Arlo Camera in 2026

You’ve got questions—I’ve got answers. Here are the most common ones I hear from friends and family.

Can my friend see recorded videos?

Only if you have an Arlo Secure subscription and you’ve given them “Viewer” access. Guest users can only see live feeds, no recordings. So if your friend wants to review footage from yesterday, you’ll need to upgrade your plan and adjust their permissions.

What if my friend doesn’t have a smartphone?

No problem. They can access the shared camera through the Arlo web portal on a computer or tablet. Just have them go to my.arlo.com, log in with their Arlo account (created after accepting the invite), and they’ll see the shared camera.

It’s not as smooth as the app, but it works—great for older relatives or those who prefer desktops.

Can I share multiple cameras with different people?

Absolutely. You can invite multiple guests and assign different cameras to each. For example:

• Friend A: backyard and garage cam
• Friend B: front door only

Each gets a custom invite with only the cameras you allow. This is perfect for neighborhood watch groups or family members helping with different areas.

What happens if I remove my friend’s access?

They lose all access immediately. They can’t see live feeds, recordings, or receive alerts. Their account stays active, but the shared camera disappears from their app.

You can re-invite them later if needed. It’s like a digital “on/off” switch for access.

Is there a limit to how many people I can share with?

Yes. Most Arlo accounts allow up to 5 guest users at a time. If you need more, you’ll have to remove someone first. This keeps things manageable and secure.

For large groups (like a community), consider using Arlo’s “Community” feature (if available in your region), which lets multiple people view a single camera under shared moderation.

Can I see when my friend logs in?

Yes! Arlo sends you a notification when a guest user logs in or views a camera. You’ll see it in the app’s activity feed.

This helps you know when they’re checking in—useful if you’re coordinating care for a pet or elderly relative.

What if the camera feed is blurry or slow for my friend?

This is usually a bandwidth or signal issue. Ask them to:

• Close other apps using data
• Switch to Wi-Fi (not mobile data)
• Move closer to their router
• Restart the Arlo app

If it persists, check your home network. A weak Wi-Fi signal can affect streaming quality, even for remote viewers.

Final Thoughts

Letting a friend look at your Arlo camera doesn’t have to be awkward or risky. With the right steps, it’s a simple way to share peace of mind—whether you’re checking on a pet, a package, or just giving a loved one a quick update.

The key to how to let a friend look at Arlo camera in 2026 is balance: give them just enough access to help, but not so much that you compromise your privacy. Use guest access with time limits, enable 2FA, and always test the connection.

Remember: you’re in control. You decide who sees what, when, and for how long. That’s the beauty of modern smart security—it’s not just about watching your home, but sharing care with others, safely and on your terms.

So next time your friend asks, “Can you check the backyard?”—you can say, “Sure, I’ll set you up in two minutes.” And now, you know exactly how.

Last tip: Bookmark this guide. When your sister, neighbor, or coworker asks for help, you’ve got a trusted resource ready. Because in 2026, sharing access shouldn’t mean losing control.

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