Can We Put Arlo Pro Camera Inside on a Window Safely

Yes, you can safely mount the Arlo Pro camera indoors on a window to monitor outdoor activity, but ensure the window is clean and free of glare for optimal video clarity. Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to protect the camera’s sensors and maintain reliable performance.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can mount Arlo Pro cameras indoors on windows for clear outdoor views.
• Avoid direct sunlight to prevent glare and overheating of the camera lens.
• Check Wi-Fi signal strength near the window to ensure reliable connectivity.
• Use anti-reflective glass or adjust angles to reduce nighttime reflection issues.
• Secure mounting is essential to prevent falls due to temperature-induced window expansion.
• Monitor battery life closely as cold glass surfaces may reduce performance.

Can We Put Arlo Pro Camera Inside on a Window Safely?

Let’s be honest—security is a top concern for all of us. Whether it’s protecting your home, keeping an eye on your pets, or checking in on a vacation rental, smart cameras like the Arlo Pro have become a go-to solution. I remember when I first got mine, I was so excited to set it up. But then I hit a snag: Where should I place it? The backyard was an obvious choice, but what about the front window? Could I just stick it inside, pointing out? It seemed like a no-brainer, but after some trial, error, and a few frustrating false alarms, I learned that it’s not quite that simple.

You’re probably here because you’ve asked yourself the same question: Can we put Arlo Pro camera inside on a window safely? Maybe you’re renting and can’t drill into walls, or maybe you want a quick, temporary setup. Or perhaps you’re just trying to avoid the hassle of outdoor mounting. Whatever your reason, I’ve been there, done that, and I’m here to share everything I’ve learned—from the pros and cons to the hidden pitfalls and clever workarounds. This isn’t a sales pitch; it’s real talk from someone who’s tried it all.

Why People Want to Place Arlo Pro Cameras on Windows (And the Real Concerns)

The Convenience Factor

Placing an Arlo Pro camera inside on a window sounds incredibly convenient. No drilling, no weatherproofing, no worrying about theft. You just set it on a windowsill, plug it in (or use batteries), and boom—you’re monitoring your front yard, back patio, or even your driveway. For renters, this is a huge win. You can’t modify the property, so indoor placement is often the only option. Plus, if you’re testing a new spot, it’s easy to move the camera around without committing to a permanent setup.

I did this when I first moved into my apartment. I didn’t want to risk losing my security deposit, so I placed the camera on the living room windowsill, pointing out toward the building’s entrance. It worked—sort of. I could see people coming and going, but the image quality wasn’t great, and I kept getting motion alerts from passing cars and shadows. It was better than nothing, but it wasn’t ideal.

The Hidden Downsides

While the convenience is appealing, there are some real concerns with this setup. First, reflections are a major issue. Windows reflect light, especially at night. If you’re using the Arlo Pro’s infrared (IR) night vision, the camera’s IR LEDs can bounce off the glass, creating a hazy, washed-out image or even blinding the camera entirely. I learned this the hard way when I tried to monitor my front walkway at night—the camera kept triggering alerts from its own IR glow, making it useless.

Second, temperature and condensation can be a problem. Windows are prone to temperature swings, and if your camera is right against the glass, it might overheat in direct sunlight or get fogged up when it’s cold outside. The Arlo Pro is designed for outdoor use (it’s weather-resistant, not waterproof), but being trapped between a warm room and cold glass can cause condensation inside the lens, blurring the image. I noticed this during a cold snap—my camera’s view turned foggy until I moved it away from the window.

Lastly, there’s the issue of motion detection accuracy. When the camera is inside, it’s seeing the outside world through a layer of glass. This can distort motion, making small movements (like leaves or bugs) seem bigger or causing the camera to miss real activity. It’s like watching a movie through a dirty screen—you might see the action, but it’s not the full picture.

How to Set Up Your Arlo Pro on a Window (The Right Way)

Step 1: Choose the Right Window

Not all windows are created equal. For the best results, pick a window that’s clean, free of tinting or coatings, and has a clear view of the area you want to monitor. If the glass is tinted or has a UV coating, it can block the camera’s IR night vision, making it useless at night. I once tried using a camera on a tinted kitchen window, and the night footage was so dark I couldn’t see anything. Stick to clear, untreated glass.

Also, avoid windows that get direct sunlight during the day. The Arlo Pro’s lens can overheat if it’s baking in the sun for hours, which might affect image quality or even damage the camera. If you must use a sunny window, consider placing the camera slightly back from the glass or using a shade to block direct sunlight.

Step 2: Position the Camera for Minimal Reflection

This is where most people go wrong. If you just set the camera on the windowsill, it’s almost guaranteed to pick up reflections. The trick is to position it so the lens is as close to the glass as possible without touching it. The closer it is, the less room there is for reflections to bounce around. I found that using a small stand or even a stack of books to lift the camera up and tilt it slightly downward (so the lens is flush with the glass) worked best.

Another tip: turn off the IR LEDs if you’re using the camera during the day or if you have outdoor lighting. You can do this in the Arlo app under “Video Settings.” Without the IR glow, reflections are less of an issue. For night use, try placing a piece of black construction paper or a dark cloth around the sides of the camera to block stray IR light from bouncing off the glass.

Step 3: Manage Temperature and Condensation

To prevent fogging and overheating, keep the camera at least a few inches away from the glass. This allows air to circulate and reduces the risk of condensation. If you live in a humid climate or it’s cold outside, consider placing a small dehumidifier or a desiccant pack (like the ones that come in shoeboxes) near the camera. I once left my camera against a window during a rainy week, and the lens got so foggy I had to wipe it down with a microfiber cloth every day.

For overheating, monitor the camera’s temperature in the Arlo app. If it’s consistently running hot, move it to a cooler spot or use a small fan to circulate air. The Arlo Pro can handle temperatures from -4°F to 113°F (-20°C to 45°C), but that’s for outdoor use. Indoors, you want to stay well within that range to avoid long-term damage.

Common Problems (And How to Fix Them)

Problem 1: Glare and Reflections

This is the most common issue, and it’s frustrating. Here’s how to fix it:

• Use a lens hood or cover: A simple rubber lens hood (or even a piece of dark tape) can block stray light from hitting the lens.
• Adjust the angle: Tilt the camera slightly so it’s not directly facing the glass. Even a 5-degree angle can make a big difference.
• Clean the window: A dirty window can scatter light and create glare. Wipe it down with glass cleaner before setting up the camera.
• Use outdoor lighting: If you have a porch light or floodlight, turn it on at night. Natural light reduces reliance on the camera’s IR LEDs, which are the main culprit for reflections.

I once spent an entire weekend trying to fix a reflection issue. I tried everything—black tape, cardboard, even a DIY lens hood made from a toilet paper roll. What finally worked was tilting the camera downward and using a piece of black felt around the lens. The felt absorbed the IR light, and the tilt kept the lens flush with the glass. It wasn’t pretty, but it worked.

Problem 2: False Motion Alerts

When the camera is inside, it’s more prone to false alerts from passing cars, shadows, or even bugs on the window. Here’s how to reduce them:

• Adjust the motion sensitivity: In the Arlo app, lower the sensitivity for the camera. Start at 50% and tweak it until you’re not getting too many alerts.
• Set activity zones: Use the app to define specific areas where motion should trigger an alert. For example, you might only want alerts for the front door, not the entire yard.
• Use a physical barrier: A small piece of cardboard or a plant can block the camera’s view of high-traffic areas (like a busy sidewalk) while still letting it see your front door.

One time, my camera kept alerting me every time a car passed by. I set up an activity zone focused just on the front porch, and the false alerts stopped. It’s not foolproof, but it’s a big improvement.

Problem 3: Poor Night Vision

Night vision through glass is tricky. Here’s what helps:

• Use an external light source: A porch light, floodlight, or even a motion-activated LED bulb can illuminate the area without relying on the camera’s IR.
• Switch to color night vision: If you have the Arlo Pro 4 or newer, it has color night vision. This works better through glass because it uses ambient light instead of IR.
• Place the camera in a shaded area: If the window gets direct sunlight during the day, the glass can retain heat, making the night vision hazy. A shaded spot keeps the glass cooler.

I upgraded to an Arlo Pro 4 specifically for the color night vision. It’s a game-changer—no more grainy black-and-white footage. The camera still struggles with reflections, but the image is much clearer overall.

When Indoor Window Placement Works Best (And When It Doesn’t)

The Best Use Cases

Indoor window placement can be a great solution if you’re:

• Renting: No drilling, no permanent modifications.
• Testing a location: Want to see if a spot is worth mounting permanently? Try it on a window first.
• Monitoring a specific area: Like a front door, driveway, or backyard. A clear, unobstructed window works well.
• Using it temporarily: For events, construction, or short-term surveillance.

I used this setup for my Airbnb. I placed the camera in the living room window to monitor the front door, and it worked perfectly. Guests could see it, which deterred any unwanted behavior, and I could check in remotely. When I moved out, I just packed it up—no damage, no hassle.

When You Should Avoid It

There are times when indoor window placement just isn’t worth it:

• Wide-area coverage: If you need to monitor a large yard or multiple angles, the camera’s field of view is limited through glass.
• Extreme weather: Heavy rain, snow, or wind can fog up the window or block the view.
• High-security needs: If you’re worried about someone tampering with the camera, indoor placement makes it easier to disable (just cover the window).
• Long-term use: Over time, condensation, glare, and false alerts can wear you down. A properly mounted outdoor camera is more reliable.

I once tried to use a window camera to monitor my entire backyard. It was a disaster. The camera could only see a small section, and every leaf blowing in the wind triggered an alert. I eventually moved it to a pole outside, and the difference was night and day.

Alternatives to Indoor Window Placement

Outdoor Mounting (The Gold Standard)

If you can, mounting the Arlo Pro outdoors is the best option. The camera is designed for it, with weather-resistant housing and a wide field of view. You can use the included mount to attach it to a wall, eave, or pole. For renters, consider using adhesive mounts (like Command strips) or a free-standing tripod—no drilling required.

I mounted mine on a small pole in my backyard. It’s at a perfect height to see the back door and the entire yard. No reflections, no condensation, and the motion detection is spot-on. It’s a little more effort upfront, but it’s worth it.

Window Mounts and Adapters

If you must use a window, look for a dedicated window mount or adapter. These are designed to hold the camera flush with the glass, minimizing reflections and improving stability. Some even have suction cups or clamps to keep it secure. I tried a third-party window mount, and it worked better than my DIY setup—no more sliding or tilting.

Another option is a magnetic mount. You place a metal plate on the outside of the window (using a small suction cup or adhesive), and the camera sticks to it from the inside. It’s a bit of a hack, but it works surprisingly well.

Other Creative Solutions

• Use a birdhouse or planter: Place the camera inside a decorative birdhouse or planter near the window. It’s discreet and weather-protected.
• DIY enclosure: Build a small weatherproof box for the camera and place it outside, but near the window (like on a windowsill ledge).
• Use a secondary camera: Pair a window camera with an outdoor one for full coverage. The window camera handles the immediate area, while the outdoor one covers the perimeter.

I once used a fake rock planter to hide my camera in the backyard. It blended in perfectly, and no one ever noticed it. It’s not as convenient as a window setup, but it’s much more reliable.

Final Thoughts: Is It Safe and Worth It?

So, can we put Arlo Pro camera inside on a window safely? Yes, but with caveats. It’s safe in the sense that you won’t damage the camera (as long as you manage temperature and condensation), and it won’t void your warranty. But it’s not the most reliable setup, especially for long-term or high-security use. You’ll likely deal with reflections, false alerts, and image quality issues.

For me, the window setup is a temporary solution—great for testing, short-term use, or when outdoor mounting isn’t an option. But if you can, invest in a proper outdoor mount. The Arlo Pro is built for it, and you’ll get better performance, fewer headaches, and peace of mind knowing your camera is where it’s meant to be.

At the end of the day, the best setup is the one that works for your needs. If a window camera keeps you safe and gives you the coverage you need, go for it. Just be aware of the trade-offs, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Security is personal, and what works for one person might not work for another. The key is to find what works for you—and keep your home safe, one camera at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we put Arlo Pro camera inside on a window for outdoor monitoring?

Yes, you can place your Arlo Pro camera indoors on a window to monitor the outside, but ensure the window is clean and free of glare to maintain clear video quality. This setup is ideal for discreet surveillance without exposing the camera to weather.

Will the Arlo Pro camera’s night vision work through a window?

The night vision may be less effective through glass due to infrared reflection, which can cause glare or washed-out footage. For optimal results, consider mounting the camera outside or disabling night vision mode when placed behind glass.

Does placing an Arlo Pro camera inside on a window affect motion detection?

Motion detection can work through a window, but reflections or dirt on the glass may trigger false alerts. Test the camera’s sensitivity and adjust the field of view to minimize interference for reliable performance.

Can we put Arlo Pro camera inside on a window without drilling holes?

Absolutely! Using adhesive mounts or window clips, you can securely install the camera without drilling. This temporary solution is perfect for renters or those who prefer non-permanent setups.

Is it safe to leave the Arlo Pro camera on a window in direct sunlight?

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may cause overheating or damage the camera’s internal components. Use a shaded spot or install a protective cover to shield it from harsh sunlight.

Does the Arlo Pro camera’s two-way audio work through a window?

Two-way audio may be muffled or less clear through glass, as the window can dampen sound transmission. For better communication, consider an outdoor-mounted camera or open the window when using the feature.