How to Share Arlo Camera

Sharing your Arlo camera is simple: open the Arlo app, select the camera, tap “Grant Access,” enter the recipient’s email, and choose a permission level. You can revoke access anytime, set schedules, and keep your footage private with end‑to‑end encryption.

Sharing a security camera used to mean handing over a physical key or a complicated login. Today, Arlo makes it as easy as sending a text message. Whether you want a neighbor to watch the front porch while you’re on vacation or a property manager to monitor a rental unit, the process is straightforward and secure.

In this guide you’ll learn exactly how to share Arlo camera access, manage permissions, and keep your video feed safe. We’ll cover the basics, advanced options, and a few pro tips that even seasoned Arlo owners sometimes miss.

Key Takeaways

• Easy invitation: Use the Arlo app to send an email invite in seconds.
• Granular permissions: Choose view‑only, live‑stream, or full control for each person.
• Revocation at any time: Remove access instantly from the same menu.
• Scheduling & geofencing: Limit when a guest can view footage.
• Security first: Enable two‑factor authentication and use strong passwords.
• Multiple users supported: Up to 10 people can share a single camera.
• Cross‑platform: Works on iOS, Android, and web browsers.

Why Share Your Arlo Camera?

Convenience for Family and Friends

Imagine you’re at work and a package arrives. A quick glance from your spouse’s phone lets you confirm delivery without you having to check the app yourself. Sharing eliminates the “did you see that?” back‑and‑forth.

Property Management and Rentals

Landlords often need to give tenants or maintenance crews temporary access. With Arlo you can grant view‑only rights for a specific window, then revoke them the moment the job is done.

Peace of Mind While Traveling

Did you know? A 2023 survey of Arlo users found that 68 % share at least one camera with a trusted contact while they’re away. That extra pair of eyes can deter intruders and alert you to issues like water leaks or fire alarms.

Preparing Your Arlo Account for Sharing

Update the App and Firmware

Before you invite anyone, make sure the Arlo app on your phone is the latest version. Open the App Store or Google Play, tap “Update,” and then check each camera’s firmware in Settings → Device → Firmware Update. Updated firmware ensures the sharing feature works smoothly and patches any security holes.

Enable Two‑Factor Authentication (2FA)

Think of 2FA as a deadbolt on top of your regular lock. Go to Account → Security → Two‑Factor Authentication and turn it on. You’ll receive a code via SMS or authenticator app each time you sign in, making it far harder for an unwanted guest to hijack your account.

Organize Your Cameras with Clear Names

Label each device (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard,” “Garage”). When you send an invite, the recipient sees the exact camera name, reducing confusion if you have multiple units.

Step‑by‑Step: How to Share Arlo Camera Access

Open the Arlo App and Select the Camera

Launch the app, tap the “Devices” tab, and choose the camera you want to share. You’ll see a live view thumbnail and a gear icon for settings.

Tap “Grant Access”

In the camera’s settings screen, scroll to the “Shared Users” section and press “Grant Access.” This is the core of how to share Arlo camera functionality.

Enter the Recipient’s Email Address

Type the email of the person you want to invite. If they already have an Arlo account, the system will link the invitation automatically. If not, they’ll receive a prompt to create one.

Choose a Permission Level

• View Only: They can see live video and recorded clips but cannot change settings.
• Live Stream: Same as view only, plus they can start a live stream on demand.
• Full Control: They can adjust motion zones, change video quality, and even delete recordings. Use this sparingly.

Send the Invitation

Hit “Send.” The recipient gets an email with a “Accept Invitation” button. Once they accept, the camera appears in their Arlo app under the “Shared” tab.

Confirm the Share

Back in your app, the shared user’s name will now show under “Shared Users” with a green checkmark. You can tap their name anytime to adjust permissions or revoke access.

Managing Permissions and Revoking Access

Adjusting Permission Levels After the Fact

Life changes. Maybe a house‑sitter only needed view‑only for a week, but now you want them to have live‑stream capability. Open the camera’s settings, tap the user’s name, select “Edit Permissions,” pick the new level, and save. The change takes effect instantly.

Setting Time‑Limited Access

Arlo lets you schedule when a shared user can view the camera. Under the user’s profile, choose “Schedule” and set start/end dates and times. This is perfect for contractors who only need access during business hours.

Revoking Access Completely

If a relationship ends or a tenant moves out, go to the same “Shared Users” list, swipe left on the name (iOS) or long‑press (Android), and tap “Remove.” The user loses all access immediately, and any scheduled sessions are cancelled.

Monitoring Who Has Access

Periodically review the shared‑user list. A quick audit every month ensures no stale accounts linger. Did you know? Arlo logs every permission change in the “Activity” feed, so you can see exactly when access was granted or revoked.

Advanced Sharing Options

Geofencing‑Based Sharing

Geofencing lets you automate sharing based on location. For example, you can grant your neighbor view‑only access only when your phone leaves a 500‑meter radius around home. Set this up in Settings → Geofencing → Add Rule → Share Camera.

Multi‑User Household Management

Arlo supports up to 10 shared users per camera. Create a “Family” group in the app to manage them together. You can apply the same schedule or permission set to the whole group with one tap.

Sharing via the Web Portal

Prefer a desktop? Log in at my.arlo.com, navigate to Devices → Select Camera → Shared Users, and follow the same steps. The web interface is handy for property managers who handle dozens of cameras at once.

Integrating with Smart Home Platforms

If you use Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit, you can share camera streams through those ecosystems as well. In the Arlo app, go to Settings → Smart Home, enable the desired platform, and then use the platform’s own sharing controls. This adds a layer of voice‑activated convenience.

Security Best Practices When Sharing

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Even with 2FA, a weak password is a vulnerability. Generate a 12‑character random string (mix of upper, lower, numbers, symbols) and store it in a password manager.

Limit Full‑Control Permissions

Only the primary account holder should have “Full Control.” Treat it like giving someone a master key to your house—reserve it for trusted family members.

Regularly Audit Shared Users

Set a calendar reminder every quarter to review the shared‑user list. Remove anyone who no longer needs access. This habit reduces the attack surface dramatically.

Enable End‑to‑End Encryption (E2EE)

Arlo’s E2EE encrypts video on the device before it leaves your home network. Turn it on in Settings → Privacy → End‑to‑End Encryption. Even if someone intercepts the stream, they’ll see only scrambled data.

Watch for Phishing Attempts

Invitation emails come from “no‑[email protected].” If you or a guest receives a request from a different address asking for login credentials, it’s a scam. Never share your Arlo password.

Conclusion

Sharing an Arlo camera is a powerful way to extend security visibility without sacrificing control. By following the steps above—updating firmware, enabling 2FA, sending clear invites, and regularly auditing permissions—you’ll keep your footage safe while giving the right people the right access at the right time. Remember, the best security setup is one that’s both convenient for you and impenetrable to strangers. Take a few minutes today to set up sharing correctly, and you’ll enjoy peace of mind whether you’re across the street or across the globe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I invite someone to view my Arlo camera?

Open the Arlo app, select the camera, tap “Grant Access,” enter the person’s email, choose a permission level, and send the invitation. They accept via the email link and the camera appears in their app.

Can I limit the time a guest can access my camera?

Yes. After adding a shared user, edit their profile and set a schedule with start and end dates or recurring windows. Access outside those times is automatically blocked.

What permission levels are available when sharing an Arlo camera?

Arlo offers three levels: View Only (watch live and recorded video), Live Stream (view plus start streams on demand), and Full Control (change settings, delete clips, manage users). Choose the lowest level that meets the guest’s needs.

How do I revoke someone’s access to my Arlo camera?

Go to the camera’s settings, open “Shared Users,” swipe or long‑press the user’s name, and select “Remove.” Access is cut off instantly and any schedules are cancelled.

Is sharing an Arlo camera secure?

Sharing is secure when you enable two‑factor authentication, use strong passwords, limit full‑control permissions, and turn on end‑to‑end encryption. Regular audits of shared users further reduce risk.

Can I share my Arlo camera through a web browser instead of the app?

Absolutely. Log in at my.arlo.com, navigate to Devices → Select Camera → Shared Users, and follow the same invitation steps. The web portal is especially useful for managing many cameras at once.