Adding another phone to your Arlo doorbell lets multiple people receive alerts and view live video. This guide walks you through the process step by step, ensuring everyone stays connected and informed. No technical skills required—just follow along for a seamless setup.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple users can access your Arlo doorbell: You can invite family members, roommates, or trusted neighbors to receive motion alerts and view live footage from their own phones.
- Use the Arlo app for invitations: The Arlo mobile app is the primary tool for adding new users—no need to share your login credentials.
- Ensure all devices have the latest app version: Outdated apps may cause syncing issues or prevent new users from connecting properly.
- Check Wi-Fi and power settings: A stable internet connection and proper power supply (battery or wired) are essential for smooth operation across all linked devices.
- Manage permissions carefully: You can control what each user can do—like viewing live video, reviewing recordings, or adjusting settings.
- Troubleshoot common issues quickly: Problems like failed invitations or delayed alerts often stem from network issues or incorrect email addresses.
- Security matters: Only invite people you trust, and regularly review who has access to your doorbell system.
How to Add Another Phone to Arlo Doorbell
If you’ve recently installed an Arlo doorbell or have been using one solo, you might be wondering: *Can other people see who’s at my door?* The answer is yes—and it’s easier than you think. Whether you want your spouse, roommate, caregiver, or even a trusted neighbor to get instant alerts when someone rings the bell or triggers motion detection, Arlo makes it simple to share access securely.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of adding another phone to your Arlo doorbell. You’ll learn how to invite new users via the Arlo app, manage their permissions, troubleshoot common problems, and keep your smart home system safe and efficient. By the end, you’ll feel confident sharing your doorbell experience without compromising security or performance.
Let’s get started!
Why Share Access to Your Arlo Doorbell?
Visual guide about How to Add Another Phone to Arlo Doorbell
Image source: downloads.arlo.com
Before diving into the technical steps, it’s worth understanding why you’d want to add another phone in the first place. Smart doorbells like Arlo aren’t just for solo homeowners—they’re designed for households, shared living spaces, and even small businesses.
Imagine this: You’re at work, but your teenager is home alone. With shared access, they’ll receive a real-time alert if someone approaches the door—and can even speak to visitors using two-way audio. Or maybe you’re on vacation, and you’ve asked a neighbor to keep an eye on your house. Giving them access means they can verify deliveries or spot suspicious activity without needing a key.
Sharing access also helps during emergencies. If you’re unreachable, another family member can respond quickly to a visitor or potential security issue. Plus, it eliminates the need to constantly forward screenshots or videos—everyone sees the same live feed instantly.
Best of all, Arlo handles this securely. You’re not handing out your password; instead, you’re sending a controlled invitation that lets others join your “Arlo account” as authorized users. This keeps your main login safe while extending functionality to those who need it.
What You’ll Need Before Getting Started
Adding another phone to your Arlo doorbell is straightforward, but a few prerequisites will ensure a smooth process:
- A working Arlo doorbell: Your device should be properly installed, powered (either by battery or wired), and connected to your home Wi-Fi network.
- The Arlo app installed on your phone: Make sure you’re using the official Arlo app (available for iOS and Android) and that it’s updated to the latest version.
- An active Arlo account: You must be logged in as the primary account holder (the person who set up the doorbell originally).
- The email address of the person you’re inviting: They’ll need this to accept the invitation and download the app.
- Stable internet connection: Both your phone and the invited user’s phone should have reliable Wi-Fi or cellular data.
If any of these are missing, pause and address them first. For example, if your doorbell keeps going offline, check your Wi-Fi signal strength near the front door or consider using an Arlo SmartHub for better range.
Step-by-Step: How to Add Another Phone to Arlo Doorbell
Now that you’re prepared, let’s walk through the actual process. We’ll cover everything from opening the app to confirming the new user’s access.
Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Log In
Launch the Arlo app on your smartphone. If you’re not already logged in, enter your email and password associated with your Arlo account. This should be the same account you used when setting up your doorbell.
Once logged in, you’ll see your dashboard—a screen showing all your connected Arlo devices, including your doorbell. Tap on the doorbell if it isn’t already selected.
> 💡 Pro Tip: If you have multiple Arlo cameras or doorbells, make sure you’re working with the correct one. Look for the device name (e.g., “Front Door”) to avoid confusion.
Step 2: Navigate to Device Settings
With your doorbell selected, look for a gear icon (⚙️) or “Settings” option—usually located in the top-right corner of the screen. Tap it to open the device settings menu.
Scroll down until you find a section labeled “Users”, “Shared Users”, or “Invite User”. The exact wording may vary slightly depending on your app version, but it’ll be clearly related to managing access.
Step 3: Send an Invitation
Tap on “Invite User” or “Add User.” You’ll be prompted to enter the email address of the person you want to grant access to.
Type in their email carefully—double-check for typos. Arlo will send an invitation link to that address. If the email is incorrect, they won’t receive the invite, and you’ll need to resend it.
After entering the email, you may see options to customize their permissions. We’ll cover that in the next section, but for now, just proceed with the default settings if you’re unsure.
Tap “Send Invitation” or “Invite.” You’ll see a confirmation message saying the invite has been sent.
Step 4: The New User Accepts the Invitation
The person you invited will receive an email from Arlo with a subject line like “You’ve been invited to view [Your Name]’s Arlo devices.”
They should open the email and tap the “Accept Invitation” button. This will redirect them to either the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) to download the Arlo app—if they don’t already have it.
Once the app is installed, they’ll create their own Arlo account (using the same email) or log in if they already have one. After logging in, they’ll see your doorbell appear in their device list.
> 📱 Note: The new user does NOT need to know your password. They’re joining as a guest under your account, not accessing your main login.
Step 5: Verify Access and Test Alerts
Back on your phone, go back to the “Users” section in your doorbell settings. You should now see the new user listed as “Active” or “Accepted.”
To test everything works, ask the new user to open the Arlo app and check if they can:
– View live video from the doorbell
– Receive motion or ring alerts (you can trigger this by pressing the doorbell button or walking in front of it)
– Use two-way audio (if supported by your model)
If all features work, congratulations—you’ve successfully added another phone to your Arlo doorbell!
Customizing User Permissions
One of Arlo’s best features is granular control over what each user can do. When you send an invitation, you can choose from several permission levels:
- Viewer: Can view live video and recorded clips, receive alerts, and use two-way audio. Cannot change settings or delete recordings.
- User: Includes all Viewer permissions PLUS the ability to arm/disarm modes, adjust motion zones, and manage notifications.
- Admin: Full access—can add/remove users, change system settings, and manage billing (use cautiously!).
For most households, assigning “Viewer” or “User” status to family members is sufficient. Reserve “Admin” for yourself or a highly trusted partner.
To adjust permissions after sending an invite:
1. Go to your doorbell settings → Users
2. Tap on the user’s name
3. Select the desired permission level
4. Save changes
> 🔐 Security Reminder: Regularly review who has access. If someone moves out or no longer needs alerts, remove them promptly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful setup, hiccups can happen. Here are solutions to the most frequent problems when adding another phone to Arlo doorbell.
Issue 1: Invitation Email Not Received
Symptoms: The invited person says they never got the email.
Solutions:
– Ask them to check their spam/junk folder.
– Confirm the email address was entered correctly (typos are common!).
– Resend the invitation from the Arlo app.
– Ensure their email provider isn’t blocking messages from “@arlo.com.”
Issue 2: New User Can’t See the Doorbell
Symptoms: They’ve accepted the invite and logged in, but the doorbell doesn’t appear in their app.
Solutions:
– Have them force-close and reopen the Arlo app.
– Check that they’re logged into the correct Arlo account (the one matching the invited email).
– Restart their phone.
– On your end, verify the user shows as “Active” in your settings. If not, resend the invite.
Issue 3: Delayed or Missing Alerts
Symptoms: The new user gets alerts late—or not at all.
Solutions:
– Ensure their phone has background app refresh enabled for Arlo (check iPhone Settings > General > Background App Refresh or Android Battery Optimization settings).
– Confirm their notification permissions are turned on for the Arlo app.
– Check your doorbell’s motion sensitivity settings—if it’s too low, minor movements won’t trigger alerts for anyone.
Issue 4: App Crashes or Freezes
Symptoms: The Arlo app becomes unresponsive on the new user’s phone.
Solutions:
– Update the Arlo app to the latest version.
– Clear the app cache (Android) or reinstall the app (iOS/Android).
– Ensure their phone meets Arlo’s minimum system requirements (iOS 14+ or Android 8.0+).
Issue 5: Doorbell Goes Offline After Adding User
Symptoms: Your doorbell disconnects from Wi-Fi shortly after inviting someone.
Solutions:
– This is usually unrelated to user access—it’s likely a power or network issue.
– Check if the battery is low (for battery-powered models) or if the wiring is loose (for wired models).
– Reboot your router and the doorbell (remove and reinsert battery or power cycle).
– Move your Wi-Fi router closer or use a range extender if signal is weak at the door.
> 🛠️ Pro Tip: If problems persist, contact Arlo Support through the app (Settings > Help & Support) for personalized assistance.
Best Practices for Managing Multiple Users
Once you’ve added another phone to your Arlo doorbell, a little ongoing management goes a long way:
- Name your devices clearly: If you have multiple Arlo products, label them (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard Camera”) so users know which is which.
- Set quiet hours: Use Arlo’s “Modes” feature to silence alerts during nighttime or naptime—this applies to all users.
- Educate new users: Show them how to view recordings, adjust volume, and respond to visitors. A quick 2-minute demo prevents confusion.
- Monitor usage occasionally: Check the “Activity Log” in your Arlo app to see who’s viewing footage and when (available on some plans).
- Update regularly: Keep both your app and the invited users’ apps updated to avoid compatibility issues.
Remember: Sharing access doesn’t mean losing control. You’re always the gatekeeper.
Conclusion
Adding another phone to your Arlo doorbell is a smart, secure way to keep your household connected and informed. Whether you’re coordinating with family, supporting aging parents, or just want peace of mind when you’re away, Arlo’s user-sharing feature makes it simple—and safe.
By following the steps in this guide, you’ve learned how to invite new users, customize their permissions, troubleshoot common issues, and maintain a secure smart home environment. Best of all, you did it without compromising your privacy or handing out your password.
Now, go ahead and share that front-door view with confidence. Your Arlo doorbell isn’t just watching your home—it’s helping everyone you care about stay in the loop.