Add a Guest Device

Mylio Photos makes it easy to securely share your photo library with trusted family members, friends, or collaborators using Guest Devices. With a Family Plan or Team Plan, you can invite others to connect their devices, assign personalized access, and configure permissions based on each person’s role.

!WARNING: Mylio Photos cannot restrict access to the underlying file system of a computer. Do not allow physical access to a device by someone you do not trust.

Adding a New Guest Device

1. Go to the Dashboard and select the Devices section.
2. Click the Add Guest Device button at the top of the Devices panel.

3. Enter the following information:
   • Person Name – The name of the person who will use the device.
   • Email – The guest’s email address.
     • If the email or person’s name has been used before, you can select it from the dropdown menu.
   • Device Name – A recognizable name for the device (e.g., Cindy’s Laptop).
     • If the Person’s Name and Email match an existing configuration, you can check the box to Use the Same Configuration for additional devices used by that person.
4. Click Continue to proceed.

5. Choose a User Role Preset for the guest. Role presets define the default permissions and access level for each user type. Choose one that best fits the guest’s needs:
   • Click here to learn more about User Role Presets and their permissions.
   • Optionally, enable Limited Access Mode to simplify the interface and restrict access to additional tools or settings.
6. Click Continue to proceed.

7. Choose a Device Sync Policy for the Guest Device. This controls how much content is synced to the guest’s device, and in what quality. Choose from the following built-in presets:
   • Catalog Only – Syncs metadata only (no images or thumbnails)
   • Everything – Syncs the entire library at original quality
   • Highest Rated – Syncs only photos with high star ratings
   • Photos Only – Excludes videos and documents
   • SpaceSaver – Syncs optimized thumbnails to save storage space; originals are downloaded only when needed (recommended for most devices)
   • Travel Backup – Designed to temporarily store full-quality media while on the go
   • Vault – Makes the device a full backup location that stores everything at original quality
   • You can also choose a custom sync policy if you’ve created one.

8. Select the Categories the guest is allowed to view. This ensures the guest only sees content that is relevant to them, based on how you’ve organized your media with Categories. Click Continue to proceed.

9. Review your selected settings. If everything looks correct, click Looks Good to finalize the invitation.

An invitation email with instructions for installing Mylio Photos and connecting their device will be sent to the guest. Until the invitation is accepted, the device will appear as Pending in the Guest Devices section of the Dashboard.

You can click on any Pending Guest Device to:

• Delete the device invitation.
• Send a New Code if the original invitation was lost or ignored.
• Review configuration details selected during the invitation process.

Once the guest accepts the invitation and connects their device, you’ll be able to view its Device Details, including sync status, linked folders, current Space, and more, just like any other device on your account.

Accepting a Guest Device Invitation

After you’ve sent an invitation to share your Mylio Photos+ account, the guest will receive an email containing a download link for the app and a single-use Invite Code to join your shared library.

To accept the invitation and connect the device:

1. Check email on the guest device. Open the invitation email from Mylio on the same device you plan to connect (e.g., a phone, tablet, or computer).
2. Click the Accept Invite button in the email.
3. Download Mylio Photos. You’ll be directed to your web browser (or the App Store on mobile) to download Mylio Photos. Click the Download button and follow the instructions for your platform.
4. Install Mylio Photos.
   • On desktop: Locate the installer in your Downloads folder, double-click the file, and follow the on-screen instructions.
   • On mobile: Follow your device’s standard app installation process.
5. Launch the application. Open Mylio Photos and click Let’s Go to begin setup.
6. Connect using the Invite Code. On the Connect a Mylio ID screen, choose Join with an Invitation Code, then enter the code included in the invitation email. Click Continue.

You’re now connected! The device will sync based on the settings and permissions configured by the account owner.

User Role Presets

When adding a Guest Device to a Family or Team plan, you can assign a User Role Preset to quickly apply commonly used settings and permissions based on how the device will be used. These presets serve as convenient starting points and can be further customized to suit the specific needs of each person using your Mylio Account.

Each preset includes:

• A predefined combination of permissions
• A default set of visible Categories
• A requirement to enter a passcode when accessing the Space

Click here for a complete breakdown of the permissions and visibility settings associated with each User Role Preset.