New Camera, Create Account w/ e-mail ; Do Not want to give (my) phone number - will not allow

[Arloessential1]

We just got the Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera; it is basically running on the wife's phone.  I went to set it up on my phone using the App and confirmed my e-mail address, etc.... however, the (APP) wants my telephone number, too.  This I do not want to give out.  My e-mail address is sufficient, wanting my phone number exposes me to spam and security issues as the more info you give out (to the world) the less secure you are, and I am tired of junk mail, spam, and unnecessary text messages.  Please do not tell me you keep my info private and secure - everyone says that, yet banks, credit bureau's and other organizations constantly get hit.  All my info was exposed last year by a hack to a govnt system, and the government did not tell me for 9 months later.

Anyway, I would like to try this but I do not want to give you my phone number, only e-mail.... but the App will not allow me to continue unless I give my number, so I deleted the App.  If this is a requirement and you will not modify your App program then I am more than happy to return this camera and find another.  I have used other system that (do not) require a phone number.  I have a whole house security system but have not had time to re-install in my new home, so the wife got this WIFI Arlo system.  FYI these WIFI cam's can be disabled by using a jammer type transmitter - thieves do this all the time.  My home system I need to reinstall is a wired system and secure.

Anyway, how to I setup without giving you my phone number?  Are you going to update your App to resolve this issue?

[ShayneS · Accepted solution]

HI @Arloessential1 

Thank you for reaching out. To clarify, providing a phone number is not required. Simply select the Push Notification method during account creation, disregard the SMS option, and proceed using your email. When prompted, choose to trust the device, name it, and continue with the setup.

I provided a screenshot of the push notification option.