How to Set Up Granted Access to Arlo Camera

Granting access lets trusted people view your Arlo camera feed without sharing your login. Follow the simple steps in the Arlo app or web portal to invite users, set permission levels, and revoke access anytime.

Sharing your Arlo camera feed with family, a babysitter, or a neighbor is easy when you know the steps. This guide walks you through the entire process from start to finish. You will learn who can be granted access, what permissions are available, where to make changes, when to update settings, and why security matters.

Arlo’s granted access feature works like a digital key. Think of it as handing a spare key to a trusted friend instead of giving them the master key to your house. The friend can open the front door (view the live feed) but cannot change the locks (modify camera settings) unless you allow it.

According to Arlo’s 2023 user survey, 68 percent of customers share at least one camera with another person. Yet only 42 percent enable two‑factor authentication before sharing. Those numbers show a gap between convenience and security that this article helps close.

Key Takeaways

• Invite users via email: Send an invitation from the Arlo app to grant view‑only or admin rights.
• Choose permission levels: Decide between live view only, playback, or full device control.
• Use the web portal for bulk changes: Manage multiple cameras and users faster on a desktop.
• Revoke access instantly: Remove a user with one tap if circumstances change.
• Enable two‑factor authentication: Protect your account before sharing any access.
• Monitor activity logs: See who accessed which camera and when.
• Keep firmware updated: Updates fix security holes that could affect shared access.

Understanding Granted Access on Arlo

What Is Granted Access?

Granted access lets you give another Arlo account permission to view or control your cameras. The person you invite receives an email with a link. Once they accept, the camera appears in their Arlo app under “Shared Devices.”

Who Can Receive Access?

Any user with a valid Arlo account can be invited. You can invite family members, roommates, professional caregivers, or a security monitoring service. You cannot share with someone who does not have an Arlo account.

Where Is the Feature Located?

You manage granted access in two places: the Arlo mobile app (iOS or Android) and the Arlo web portal at my.arlo.com. Both interfaces show the same list of shared users and permission toggles.

When Should You Use It?

Use granted access whenever you need someone else to check on a pet, monitor a delivery, or keep an eye on a vacation home. It is also useful for temporary access, such as a contractor who needs to view a site for a week.

Why Security Matters

Sharing login credentials exposes your entire account, including billing info and other cameras. Granted access limits exposure to only the cameras you choose. It also creates an audit trail so you can see who viewed what and when.

Preparing Your Arlo Account and Devices

Update Firmware First

Before you invite anyone, make sure every camera runs the latest firmware. Open the app, go to Settings > My Devices, select each camera, and tap “Check for Updates.” Updated firmware reduces the risk of vulnerabilities that could be exploited through shared links.

Enable Two‑Factor Authentication

Two‑factor authentication (2FA) adds a second verification step when you sign in. Turn it on under Settings > Account > Two‑Factor Authentication. With 2FA active, even if a shared user’s email is compromised, the attacker cannot log into your Arlo account.

Organize Your Cameras

Give each camera a clear name like “Front Door,” “Backyard,” or “Nursery.” Clear names help you pick the right devices when you set permissions. They also help the invited user identify the feed quickly.

Create a Guest Account If Needed

If the person you want to share with does not have an Arlo account, ask them to create one at arlo.com. The sign‑up process takes less than two minutes and only requires an email address and password.

Step‑by‑Step Guide to Grant Access

Using the Mobile App

1. Open the Arlo app and sign in.
2. Tap the “Settings” gear icon in the top right.
3. Select “Grant Access” from the menu.
4. Tap “Add Person” and enter the invitee’s email address.
5. Choose the camera or cameras you want to share.
6. Pick a permission level: “Live View Only,” “Live View + Playback,” or “Full Control.”
7. Tap “Send Invite.” The invitee receives an email with a link.

Using the Web Portal

1. Go to my.arlo.com and log in.
2. Click “Settings” then “Granted Access.”
3. Click “Add User” and type the email.
4. Check the boxes next to each camera you wish to share.
5. Select the permission dropdown for each camera.
6. Click “Save.” An invitation email is sent automatically.

Permission Levels Explained

Live View Only – The user sees the real‑time stream but cannot watch recorded clips.

Live View + Playback – The user can watch live video and any saved recordings.

Full Control – The user can change camera settings, adjust motion zones, and even delete recordings. Reserve this for trusted administrators only.

Did You Know?

Arlo logs every invitation sent and accepted. You can view the log under Settings > Granted Access > Activity. This log shows timestamps, IP addresses, and the permission level granted.

Managing Permissions and Revoking Access

Edit Existing Permissions

To change a user’s level, open Granted Access, tap the user’s name, adjust the camera checkboxes or permission dropdown, then save. Changes take effect immediately.

Revoke Access Completely

If a relationship ends or a contractor finishes the job, swipe left on the user’s name (mobile) or click the trash icon (web) and confirm. The user loses access instantly and the camera disappears from their app.

Set Expiration Dates (Pro Tip)

Arlo does not have a built‑in expiration timer, but you can create a calendar reminder to revoke access after a set period. This manual step prevents forgotten long‑term shares.

Monitor Activity Logs

Check the Activity log weekly. Look for unfamiliar IP addresses or unusual access times. If you spot something odd, revoke that user and change your account password.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Invitation Not Received

Ask the invitee to check spam or junk folders. Verify the email address is spelled correctly. Resend the invite from the app or web portal if needed.

Shared Camera Not Appearing

Ensure the invitee has accepted the invitation and is signed into the same Arlo account used for the invite. Ask them to pull down to refresh the device list.

Permission Changes Not Applying

Force close the Arlo app on the invitee’s phone and reopen. On the web, have them log out and back in. Permissions sync within a few seconds after a refresh.

Two‑Factor Authentication Blocks Invite

If you enabled 2FA after sending an invite, the invitee may need to re‑accept. Resend the invitation after 2FA is active.

Firmware Mismatch

Older firmware on a camera can cause sharing errors. Update the camera, then resend the invite.

Best Practices for Secure Sharing

Limit Full Control

Only give Full Control to people you trust completely, such as a spouse or a professional installer. Most guests only need Live View or Playback.

Use Separate Accounts for Services

If a monitoring company needs access, create a dedicated Arlo account for them. This isolates their activity from personal users.

Regularly Audit Shared Users

Set a quarterly reminder to review the Granted Access list. Remove anyone who no longer needs access.

Keep Your Primary Email Secure

Your Arlo account email is the gateway to all shared invitations. Use a strong, unique password and enable 2FA on that email account as well.

Educate Invitees

Send a short note with the invitation explaining what they can and cannot do. Clear expectations reduce accidental setting changes.

Conclusion

Granting access to your Arlo camera is a powerful way to keep loved ones informed while maintaining control over your security system. By following the steps above—updating firmware, enabling two‑factor authentication, choosing the right permission level, and auditing shared users regularly—you ensure that convenience never compromises safety. Remember, the digital key you hand out can be taken back at any moment. Use that power wisely and enjoy peace of mind knowing exactly who sees what.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I invite someone to view my Arlo camera?

Open the Arlo app, go to Settings > Grant Access, tap Add Person, enter their email, select cameras, choose a permission level, and send the invite.

Can I give temporary access that expires automatically?

Arlo does not have an automatic expiration feature. Set a calendar reminder to revoke access manually after the desired period.

What permission levels are available for shared users?

You can choose Live View Only, Live View + Playback, or Full Control for each camera you share.

How do I revoke access for a user?

In the Granted Access list, swipe left on the user (mobile) or click the trash icon (web) and confirm removal.

Why is two‑factor authentication recommended before sharing?

Two‑factor authentication protects your main Arlo account from unauthorized login, keeping all shared invitations secure.

Where can I see who accessed my cameras and when?

Check the Activity log under Settings > Granted Access > Activity. It shows timestamps, IP addresses, and permission levels for each shared user.