Adding a second phone to your Arlo doorbell lets multiple family members receive alerts and view live video. This guide walks you through the simple process using the Arlo app, ensuring everyone stays connected and secure.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple users can access your Arlo doorbell: Share access with family members or roommates so everyone gets motion alerts and live video.
- Use the Arlo app to invite users: The process is done entirely within the Arlo mobile app—no need for extra hardware or technical skills.
- Each user needs their own Arlo account: The second phone must have the Arlo app installed and a registered account to receive access.
- Permissions can be customized: Choose whether the second user can view live video, receive alerts, or manage device settings.
- Works with all Arlo doorbell models: Whether you have the Arlo Video Doorbell, Wire-Free, or Essential model, the setup process is the same.
- Troubleshooting is simple: If the second phone doesn’t connect, check Wi-Fi, app updates, or re-send the invitation.
- Enhances home security: More eyes on your front door mean faster response to visitors, packages, or suspicious activity.
How to Add Second Phone to Arlo Doorbell
If you’ve installed an Arlo doorbell, you already know how convenient it is to see who’s at your door—even when you’re not home. But what if your partner, roommate, or family member also wants to receive alerts and check the live feed? The good news is, you can easily add a second phone to your Arlo doorbell. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step by step, so everyone in your household can stay informed and secure.
Whether you’re using the Arlo Video Doorbell, Arlo Essential Doorbell, or the wire-free model, the method for adding a second phone is the same. You’ll use the Arlo mobile app to invite another user, and once they accept, they’ll have access to live video, motion alerts, and recorded clips.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
– Why adding a second phone improves home security
– What you’ll need before starting
– How to invite a second user via the Arlo app
– How to customize access permissions
– Tips for troubleshooting common issues
– Best practices for managing multiple users
Let’s get started!
Why Add a Second Phone to Your Arlo Doorbell?
Visual guide about How to Add Second Phone to Arlo Doorbell
Image source: downloads.arlo.com
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about why this is such a smart move. A doorbell camera is only useful if the right people see the alerts. If only one person in the household gets notifications, important events—like a delivery, visitor, or potential intruder—might be missed.
By adding a second phone, you:
– Increase response time: If you’re in the backyard or asleep, your partner can answer the doorbell remotely.
– Improve security: More people monitoring the feed means better awareness of who’s approaching your home.
– Share responsibility: No single person has to be “on duty” all the time.
– Stay connected: Whether you’re at work, traveling, or just in another room, everyone stays in the loop.
Think of it like sharing a key—except instead of a physical key, you’re sharing digital access to your home’s front door. It’s secure, convenient, and gives your family peace of mind.
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Adding a second phone to your Arlo doorbell is quick and easy, but you’ll need a few things ready:
1. The Arlo App Installed on Both Phones
Both you (the primary user) and the person you’re inviting must have the Arlo app downloaded. It’s available for free on the Apple App Store (for iPhone) and Google Play Store (for Android).
2. Active Arlo Accounts
Each user needs their own Arlo account. The second person cannot use your login—they must create their own account with a unique email and password.
3. Stable Wi-Fi Connection
Your Arlo doorbell needs a strong Wi-Fi signal to send alerts and stream video. Make sure your doorbell is connected and working properly before adding a second user.
4. Admin Access to the Doorbell
Only the primary account holder (the person who set up the doorbell) can invite others. If you’re not the admin, ask the account owner to send the invitation.
5. The Second User’s Email Address
You’ll need the email address associated with the second person’s Arlo account to send the invitation.
Once you’ve confirmed these items, you’re ready to proceed.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Add a Second Phone
Now that you’re prepared, let’s walk through the process of adding a second phone to your Arlo doorbell. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth setup.
Step 1: Open the Arlo App on Your Phone
Launch the Arlo app on the primary account holder’s phone. Make sure you’re logged in and that your doorbell is showing as online.
Step 2: Go to Settings
Tap the Settings icon (usually a gear or three-line menu) in the top-right or bottom-right corner of the screen. This will open the main settings menu.
Step 3: Select Your Doorbell Device
In the settings menu, find and tap on your doorbell’s name. It might be listed under “Devices” or “My Devices.” This will open the device-specific settings.
Step 4: Tap “Users” or “Shared Users”
Look for an option labeled Users, Shared Users, or Manage Access. Tap it to view the list of people who currently have access to the doorbell.
Step 5: Invite a New User
Tap the + button or “Invite User” option. You’ll be prompted to enter the email address of the person you want to add.
Step 6: Choose Access Permissions
Before sending the invitation, you can choose what the second user can do. Options typically include:
– View Live Video: Allows them to see the camera feed in real time.
– Receive Motion Alerts: Sends notifications when motion is detected.
– View Recordings: Lets them watch saved clips from the cloud.
– Manage Settings: Allows them to change doorbell settings (use with caution).
For most families, we recommend enabling View Live Video and Receive Motion Alerts, but leave Manage Settings off unless you fully trust the user.
Step 7: Send the Invitation
After selecting permissions, tap Send Invitation. The second user will receive an email with a link to accept the invitation.
Step 8: Second User Accepts the Invitation
The person you invited must:
1. Open the email on their phone or computer.
2. Tap the link to accept the invitation.
3. Log in to their Arlo account (or create one if they don’t have one).
4. Confirm access to the doorbell.
Once accepted, the doorbell will appear in their Arlo app under “Shared Devices.”
Step 9: Test the Connection
Have the second user open the Arlo app and tap on the shared doorbell. They should be able to:
– View the live video feed
– Receive motion alerts (if enabled)
– Watch recorded clips (if enabled)
If everything works, congratulations—you’ve successfully added a second phone!
Customizing Access Permissions
One of the best features of Arlo’s sharing system is the ability to control what each user can do. This is especially useful if you’re sharing access with a teenager, guest, or temporary helper.
Here’s how to adjust permissions after inviting someone:
Go Back to the Users Section
In the Arlo app, return to the doorbell’s settings and tap Users or Shared Users.
Select the User
Tap on the name of the person whose permissions you want to change.
Toggle Permissions On or Off
You’ll see a list of options like “View Live Video,” “Receive Alerts,” and “Manage Settings.” Simply toggle the switches to enable or disable each feature.
Save Changes
Tap Save or Done to apply the new settings. The changes take effect immediately.
Pro Tip: If you’re sharing access with a child, consider disabling “Manage Settings” to prevent accidental changes. For trusted adults, you might allow full access.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best setup, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
Issue 1: Second Phone Doesn’t Receive Alerts
Possible Causes:
– The user didn’t enable notifications in the Arlo app.
– Their phone’s Do Not Disturb mode is on.
– The doorbell isn’t detecting motion properly.
Solutions:
– Open the Arlo app on the second phone, go to Settings > Notifications, and make sure alerts are enabled.
– Check the phone’s notification settings and allow Arlo to send alerts.
– Test the doorbell by walking in front of it to confirm motion detection is working.
Issue 2: Invitation Email Not Received
Possible Causes:
– The email was sent to spam or junk folder.
– The wrong email address was entered.
– The user already has an Arlo account with a different email.
Solutions:
– Ask the user to check their spam folder.
– Double-check the email address and resend the invitation if needed.
– If the user has multiple emails, make sure they’re using the one you invited.
Issue 3: Second User Can’t View Live Video
Possible Causes:
– Poor Wi-Fi signal at the doorbell.
– The user’s phone has a weak internet connection.
– Permissions weren’t set correctly.
Solutions:
– Check the doorbell’s signal strength in the Arlo app (look for a Wi-Fi icon).
– Move closer to the doorbell or restart your router.
– Re-check the user’s permissions and ensure “View Live Video” is enabled.
Issue 4: Doorbell Doesn’t Appear in Shared Devices
Possible Causes:
– The invitation wasn’t accepted.
– The user is logged into the wrong Arlo account.
– The app needs to be refreshed.
Solutions:
– Confirm the invitation was accepted via email.
– Log out and back into the correct Arlo account.
– Close and reopen the Arlo app, or pull down to refresh the device list.
Issue 5: App Crashes or Freezes
Possible Causes:
– Outdated app version.
– Phone storage is full.
– Temporary glitch.
Solutions:
– Update the Arlo app from the App Store or Google Play.
– Free up space on the phone.
– Restart the phone and reopen the app.
If problems persist, contact Arlo Support through the app or visit their support website.
Best Practices for Managing Multiple Users
Once you’ve added a second phone, here are some tips to keep everything running smoothly:
1. Name Your Users Clearly
In the Arlo app, you can assign nicknames to shared users (e.g., “Sarah – Living Room”). This makes it easier to identify who’s who, especially if you have multiple family members.
2. Regularly Review Access
If someone moves out or no longer needs access (like a babysitter), remove them from the user list. Go to Users, tap the person’s name, and select Remove Access.
3. Keep the App Updated
Arlo frequently releases updates with bug fixes and new features. Make sure both phones have the latest version of the app.
4. Use Strong Passwords
Encourage all users to create strong, unique passwords for their Arlo accounts. This prevents unauthorized access.
5. Monitor Activity (Optional)
Some Arlo plans allow you to view login activity. If you’re concerned about security, check who’s accessing the doorbell and when.
6. Test Alerts Weekly
Have each user test the doorbell once a week by pressing the button or walking in front of it. This ensures alerts are working for everyone.
Conclusion
Adding a second phone to your Arlo doorbell is a simple yet powerful way to enhance your home’s security and convenience. With just a few taps in the Arlo app, you can share access with family members, roommates, or trusted friends—ensuring that no important visitor or alert goes unnoticed.
The process is straightforward: invite the user via email, set their permissions, and let them accept the invitation. Once connected, both phones will receive live video, motion alerts, and recorded clips, giving your household greater awareness and control.
Remember to customize permissions based on trust and need, troubleshoot any issues promptly, and keep your app updated for the best experience. Whether you’re sharing access with a spouse, teen, or caregiver, this feature makes your Arlo doorbell even more valuable.
Now that you know how to add a second phone to your Arlo doorbell, take a few minutes to set it up today. Your future self—and your family—will thank you the next time the doorbell rings while you’re away.