How to Share My Arlo Camera with Family

Sharing your Arlo camera with family is simple when you follow the official app steps and set the right permissions. This guide walks you through account preparation, invitation sending, access levels, and ongoing management so everyone stays informed without compromising security.

Sharing a security camera with loved ones feels like handing over a spare key to the front door. You want them to see what’s happening, but you also need to keep the house safe. If you’ve ever wondered how to share my arlo camera with family, you’re in the right place. This guide covers everything from the initial setup to ongoing management, using plain language and real‑world analogies so you can get it done in minutes.

Did you know? According to Arlo’s 2023 user survey, over 70 % of Arlo owners share at least one camera with a family member or trusted friend. That statistic shows how common and valuable shared access has become for modern households.

Key Takeaways

• Use the Arlo app: All sharing actions happen inside the mobile or web app.
• Invite via email: Family members receive a secure link to accept access.
• Choose permission levels: Decide between live view only, recorded video access, or full admin rights.
• Manage devices per user: You can limit each person to specific cameras.
• Enable two‑factor authentication: Adds an extra security layer for every shared account.
• Revoke access anytime: Remove a family member instantly if needed.
• Keep firmware updated: Ensures sharing features work smoothly and securely.

Understanding Arlo Camera Sharing

What Is Camera Sharing?

Camera sharing lets another person view live video, recorded clips, or both from your Arlo devices without giving them your main login credentials. Think of it like a guest pass at a museum: they can see the exhibits you choose, but they can’t change the building’s security system.

Who Can You Share With?

Anyone with an email address can be invited. Typical recipients include spouses, adult children, elderly parents, or a trusted neighbor who watches the house while you travel. The only requirement is that they create a free Arlo account if they don’t already have one.

Where Does Sharing Happen?

All sharing actions are performed inside the Arlo mobile app (iOS or Android) or the Arlo web portal at my.arlo.com. You don’t need any third‑party tools.

When Should You Set It Up?

Ideally, configure sharing right after you install your cameras. That way, family members can start monitoring immediately—whether it’s checking on a sleeping baby, confirming a package delivery, or keeping an eye on a vacation home.

Why Share Your Arlo Camera?

Shared access improves household safety, reduces false alarms, and gives peace of mind. For example, a partner can verify a motion alert while you’re at work, or an adult child can check on an aging parent’s front porch without being physically present.

Preparing Your Arlo Account for Sharing

Update the Arlo App and Firmware

Before inviting anyone, make sure your app is the latest version and each camera runs the newest firmware. Outdated software can cause invitation errors or missing permission options. Open the app, go to Settings → My Devices, and tap “Check for Updates.”

Enable Two‑Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA adds a second verification step—usually a code sent to your phone—every time someone logs in. It’s like a deadbolt on top of a regular lock. Turn it on under Settings → Account → Two‑Factor Authentication.

Organize Your Cameras with Clear Names

Rename each device to something obvious: “Front Door,” “Backyard,” “Nursery.” Clear labels help you assign the right camera to the right family member later, avoiding accidental access to a private area.

Create a “Family” Group (Optional)

If you have many cameras, you can create a device group called “Family” in the app. Grouping lets you share multiple cameras at once instead of sending separate invites for each one.

Step‑by‑Step Guide to Share Your Arlo Camera with Family

Open the Arlo App and Sign In

Launch the app on your phone or log in at my.arlo.com. Use the account that owns the cameras you want to share.

Navigate to the Sharing Menu

Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) → “Settings” → “Grant Access.” On the web portal, click “Settings” in the left sidebar, then “Grant Access.”

Add a New Recipient

Press “Add Person” or the plus sign. Enter the family member’s email address. Double‑check for typos—an incorrect address means they’ll never receive the invitation.

Select Cameras to Share

You’ll see a list of all your devices. Check the boxes next to each camera you want this person to view. If you created a “Family” group, you can select the whole group at once.

Choose Permission Level

Arlo offers three main levels:

• Live View Only: They can watch the real‑time feed but cannot see recordings.
• Live View + Recordings: They can watch live and play back saved clips.
• Admin: Full control, including adding/removing devices and changing settings. Reserve this for a co‑owner only.

Pick the level that matches the trust and responsibility you want to give.

Send the Invitation

Tap “Send Invite.” The recipient receives an email with a secure link. They must click the link, sign in or create an Arlo account, and accept the invitation.

Confirm Acceptance

Back in the “Grant Access” screen, you’ll see the status change from “Pending” to “Accepted.” The shared cameras now appear in their app under “Shared Devices.”

Repeat for Additional Family Members

Follow the same steps for each person. You can assign different cameras and permission levels per individual, giving you granular control.

Managing Permissions and Privacy Settings

Adjusting Access After the Fact

Life changes—maybe a teenager moves out or a relative no longer needs access. Go to Settings → Grant Access, find the person, and tap “Edit.” You can add or remove cameras, change permission levels, or delete the user entirely.

Setting Camera‑Specific Privacy Zones

Arlo lets you draw privacy masks on the video feed (e.g., covering a neighbor’s window). These masks apply to all viewers, including shared users, ensuring you never accidentally expose private areas.

Scheduling Shared Access

If you only want a caregiver to view the nursery during work hours, use the “Schedule” feature under each camera’s settings. Set start/end times and days. Outside those windows, the shared user sees a “Camera Unavailable” message.

Monitoring Who Viewed What

Arlo’s activity log records every login and video playback. Review it periodically (Settings → Account → Activity Log) to ensure no unexpected access occurs.

Revoking Access Instantly

In an emergency—like a lost phone or a relationship change—open Grant Access, select the user, and hit “Remove.” The change takes effect immediately; they can no longer open any shared camera.

Troubleshooting Common Sharing Issues

Invitation Email Not Received

Ask the recipient to check spam/junk folders. If it’s still missing, resend the invite from the Grant Access screen. Ensure the email address matches exactly the one they use for their Arlo account.

“Unable to Connect” Error on Shared Device

This usually means the camera is offline or the firmware is outdated. Verify the camera’s LED is solid blue (online). If not, power‑cycle the base station and check for firmware updates.

Permission Level Not Applying

If a user sees recordings despite being set to “Live View Only,” log out and back into the app, or have them reinstall the app. A fresh session forces the new permissions to sync.

Two‑Factor Authentication Blocks Acceptance

When a new user tries to accept an invite, they may be prompted for 2FA on the owner’s account. The owner must approve the login request. Once approved, the invite proceeds normally.

Shared User Can’t See Certain Cameras

Double‑check that those cameras are selected in the Grant Access list for that user. Also confirm the cameras aren’t in a different “Home” profile—Arlo supports multiple homes, and sharing is per‑home.

Best Practices for Secure Family Access

Use Unique, Strong Passwords for Each Account

Even though you’re sharing via email invites, each family member should have their own robust password. Encourage a password manager to avoid reuse.

Enable 2FA on Every Shared Account

It’s not enough to protect only the owner’s login. Ask each family member to turn on 2FA in their own Arlo settings. This creates a chain of trust.

Limit Admin Rights to One Person

Only the primary account holder (or a designated co‑owner) should have Admin permission. Everyone else gets Live View or Live View + Recordings.

Regularly Audit Shared Users

Set a calendar reminder every quarter to review the Grant Access list. Remove anyone who no longer needs access.

Keep Firmware and App Updated

Updates often include security patches that protect shared streams. Enable automatic app updates on phones and schedule firmware checks monthly.

Educate Family on Privacy Etiquette

Remind shared users not to record or screenshot video without consent, and to avoid sharing their login with others. A quick family chat can prevent accidental leaks.

Conclusion

Sharing your Arlo camera with family doesn’t have to be a technical headache. By following the steps above—updating firmware, enabling 2FA, sending clear email invites, and assigning the right permission levels—you give loved ones the visibility they need while keeping your home’s digital doors locked tight. Remember, you can always tweak or revoke access in seconds, so the system stays flexible as your household evolves. With a little setup now, you’ll enjoy peace of mind every time a motion alert pops up, knowing the right people are watching.

Did you know? Arlo’s cloud storage plans allow up to 30 days of video history for shared users on the “Live View + Recordings” tier, making it easy to review past events together.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I invite a family member to view my Arlo camera?

Open the Arlo app, go to Settings → Grant Access, tap Add Person, enter their email, select the cameras and permission level, then send the invite. They’ll receive an email link to accept.

Can I share only live view and not recorded videos?

Yes. When adding a person, choose the “Live View Only” permission. They will see the real‑time feed but cannot access any saved clips.

What happens if a shared user loses their phone?

You can instantly revoke their access from the Grant Access screen. Removing them logs them out of all devices and blocks future logins until you send a new invite.

Do shared users need a paid Arlo subscription?

No. Shared users can view live video for free. Access to cloud recordings requires the primary account to have an active Arlo Smart plan; the shared user inherits that access based on the permission you set.

Can I schedule when a family member can view a camera?

Yes. Use the Schedule feature on each camera’s settings to define days and times. Outside those windows, the shared user sees “Camera Unavailable.”

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

Arlo allows up to 10 shared users per account. If you need more, consider creating a second Arlo account for the additional group.