Can You Turn an Arlo Camera Sideways Here Is How

Yes, you can turn an Arlo camera sideways to capture unique angles or fit tight spaces—ideal for monitoring hallways, ceilings, or outdoor eaves. Most Arlo models support flexible mounting options, allowing 90-degree rotation with compatible mounts or adjustable magnetic bases for seamless installation.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can rotate Arlo cameras sideways for unique mounting angles and coverage.
• Use the Arlo app to adjust the view after physical installation for proper alignment.
• Check camera model compatibility first—not all Arlo cams support horizontal mounting.
• Ensure a stable Wi-Fi connection post-rotation to maintain video streaming and alerts.
• Test night vision and motion detection after repositioning to confirm optimal performance.
• Secure cables and mounts tightly to prevent damage or misalignment over time.

Why Camera Orientation Matters in Home Security

Imagine this: you’ve just installed your new Arlo camera on your porch, eager to keep an eye on deliveries and visitors. You step back, admire your handiwork, and then—uh-oh—the view is sideways. It’s like trying to watch a movie with your head tilted at 90 degrees. Annoying, right? That’s when the question hits: Can you turn an Arlo camera sideways? The short answer is yes—but there’s a little more to it than just twisting the mount. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent more time than you’d like to admit trying to figure out how to get that perfect horizontal shot.

Camera orientation isn’t just about aesthetics. It affects how much area you can monitor, how motion detection works, and even how your footage looks when you review it later. A vertically mounted camera might miss key details on the ground or overhead, while a sideways (or landscape) view gives you the full picture. Whether you’re watching a front yard, a hallway, or a garage, getting the orientation right makes all the difference. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about mounting your Arlo camera sideways—why it’s useful, how to do it, and what to watch out for along the way.

Understanding Arlo Camera Models and Mounting Flexibility

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about the “what.” Not all Arlo cameras are created equal, and their mounting capabilities vary depending on the model. Some are built with more flexibility than others, so knowing your specific camera is key to getting that perfect sideways shot.

Arlo Camera Lineup: What You Need to Know

Arlo offers several popular models, each with its own design quirks. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common ones and their mounting features:

• Arlo Essential (Indoor & Outdoor): These compact cameras have a magnetic base and a ball-and-socket mount, allowing for a wide range of angles. They’re among the easiest to rotate sideways.
• Arlo Pro 3/4/5: These higher-end models come with a more robust magnetic mount and a 3-axis adjustment system. This means you can tilt, pan, and rotate them easily—including turning them sideways.
• Arlo Ultra: Similar to the Pro series, the Ultra has a premium magnetic mount with excellent range of motion. It’s designed for professional-grade installations, so sideways mounting is definitely doable.
• Arlo Video Doorbell: This one’s trickier. The doorbell is built for vertical use, and while it can be slightly angled, full sideways rotation isn’t ideal due to its field of view and mounting plate.
• Arlo Go (LTE): Designed for remote areas, the Go has a fixed mount that’s less flexible. Sideways mounting is possible with third-party brackets, but not out of the box.

So, if you’re using an Essential, Pro, or Ultra model, you’re in luck—they’re built with flexibility in mind. But even if you have a less flexible model, there are still workarounds (more on that later).

The Role of the Mount: Magnetic vs. Fixed

The magic of turning your Arlo camera sideways often lies in the mount. Most Arlo cameras use a magnetic ball-and-socket mount. This design lets you twist the camera almost any direction—up, down, left, right, and yes, even sideways. The magnet holds the camera firmly in place, but it’s easy to adjust with a little force.

For example, I once mounted my Arlo Pro 3 on the side of my garage to monitor the driveway. I simply loosened the magnetic base, rotated the camera 90 degrees, and snapped it back in. The view went from a narrow vertical strip to a full landscape view of the entire driveway. It was a game-changer.

Fixed mounts, like those on some third-party brackets or the Arlo Go, don’t offer this flexibility. But don’t worry—there are solutions, which we’ll cover in the next section.

How to Turn Your Arlo Camera Sideways (Step-by-Step Guide)

Now that you know your camera is capable of sideways mounting, let’s get into the nitty-gritty: how to actually do it. Whether you’re mounting it on a wall, under an eave, or on a pole, the process is straightforward—but a few tips can make it much smoother.

Step 1: Choose the Right Mounting Location

Before you start twisting, think about where you’re placing the camera. A sideways orientation works best when:

• You need to cover a wide horizontal area (like a front yard or hallway).
• The camera is mounted on the side of a building or under a slanted eave.
• You want to avoid capturing the sky or ground in your frame.

For instance, I once tried mounting my Arlo Essential vertically on the side of my house to watch my backyard gate. It worked, but the camera kept detecting motion from passing cars on the street because it was capturing too much horizontal space. When I rotated it sideways, the field of view narrowed vertically and focused exactly on the gate—problem solved.

Step 2: Loosen the Magnetic Mount

This is where the flexibility of Arlo’s design shines. Most Arlo mounts have a small screw or tension knob that holds the magnetic base in place. Here’s what to do:

1. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to slightly loosen the screw at the base of the mount (don’t remove it completely).
2. Gently twist the camera until it’s in a sideways position. The magnetic ball will stay in place, but you’ll feel some resistance.
3. Once you’ve got the angle you want, tighten the screw back down to secure the position.

Pro tip: Don’t overtighten! The magnet is strong, and you want to be able to make small adjustments later without stripping the screw.

Step 3: Test the View in the Arlo App

After rotating the camera, open the Arlo app and check the live feed. You’ll notice that the image might still appear sideways on your phone. Don’t panic—this is normal. The app doesn’t automatically rotate the video feed based on how the camera is mounted.

But here’s the good news: Arlo cameras have a built-in gyroscope that detects orientation. In most models, the app will automatically adjust the image to display correctly (i.e., upright) even if the camera is sideways. You should see the feed rotate within a few seconds.

If it doesn’t rotate automatically, go to the camera settings in the app and look for an option like “Rotate Video” or “Flip Image.” Toggle it on, and your sideways feed should now appear correctly.

Step 4: Fine-Tune and Secure

Once the view looks good, double-check that the camera is stable. Give it a gentle wiggle to make sure it won’t shift over time. If you’re mounting outdoors, consider adding a small bead of outdoor-rated silicone around the base to protect against moisture (but don’t cover the screw—you’ll want to adjust it later if needed).

I learned this the hard way when a heavy rainstorm loosened my mount and sent my camera pointing at the sky. A little weatherproofing goes a long way.

When Sideways Mounting Isn’t the Best Idea (And What to Do Instead)

While turning your Arlo camera sideways is often a smart move, it’s not always the best choice. There are situations where a vertical orientation makes more sense—or where sideways mounting could actually cause problems.

Vertical Scenarios: When Upright is Better

Some areas are better suited to a vertical (portrait) view:

• Front doors: Most doorways are taller than they are wide. A vertical view captures the person’s full height and any packages left at the door.
• Stairwells or narrow hallways: A vertical orientation avoids capturing unnecessary side space and focuses on people moving up and down.
• Garage doors: If you’re watching for vehicles, a vertical view lets you see the full height of a car or truck.

For example, I once tried mounting my Arlo Pro 4 sideways to watch my front door. It worked, but I kept missing the lower half of delivery packages because the camera was capturing too much of the yard. When I switched back to vertical, I could see both the person and the package clearly.

Field of View and Motion Detection

Arlo cameras use motion detection zones to alert you to activity. If you turn your camera sideways, you might unintentionally expand the motion detection area into unwanted zones—like a busy street or a neighbor’s yard.

To avoid false alerts, always adjust your motion zones in the Arlo app after changing the orientation. For a sideways mount, you’ll likely want to shrink the zone to focus only on the area you care about.

Another thing to watch: some Arlo models have a wide-angle lens (like 130° or 160°). In a sideways orientation, this can cause distortion at the edges of the frame. If you’re monitoring a long driveway or hallway, this might stretch faces or make objects look curved. Test the feed carefully before finalizing the position.

Weather and Durability Concerns

Sideways mounting can sometimes expose parts of the camera to more weather. For example, if you mount it under an eave and rotate it sideways, the lens might stick out further and collect more rain or snow.

To protect your camera, consider using an Arlo weather shield or installing it under a deeper overhang. Also, avoid mounting it where it might collect debris (like under a tree branch).

Creative Mounting Hacks for Challenging Spaces

What if your Arlo camera doesn’t have a flexible mount? Or what if you need to mount it in a tricky spot, like on a curved surface or inside a shed? Don’t worry—there are plenty of creative (and affordable) ways to get that sideways view.

Using Third-Party Brackets and Adapters

Arlo’s official mounts are great, but they’re not the only option. There are dozens of third-party brackets designed specifically for Arlo cameras. Some of the most useful for sideways mounting include:

• L-shaped brackets: These let you mount the camera on the side of a wall while keeping the lens facing forward. Perfect for corners or tight spaces.
• Swivel mounts: These add an extra pivot point, giving you even more control over the angle.
• Flexible gooseneck mounts: Ideal for indoor use or mounting on poles, these can be bent into almost any shape.

I once used a flexible gooseneck mount to install my Arlo Essential inside my garage, pointed sideways at the workbench. It was perfect for catching tool theft or monitoring my kids’ projects. The gooseneck let me position it exactly where I wanted, and it stayed put even with the garage door opening and closing.

DIY Mounting Tips

For the handy DIYers out there, here are a few tricks:

• Use a small piece of wood or plastic as a spacer: If your mount isn’t rotating enough, add a spacer to give it more clearance.
• Repurpose a tripod mount: Many Arlo cameras have a standard 1/4” tripod thread on the bottom. You can use this to attach them to tripods, clamps, or even car mounts for temporary sideways views.
• 3D print a custom bracket: If you have access to a 3D printer, you can design a bracket tailored to your space. There are free designs available online for Arlo mounts.

One of my favorite tricks? Using a magnetic car mount to temporarily position an Arlo camera in my backyard. It’s not permanent, but it’s perfect for monitoring a garden or pool area for a few weeks.

Arlo Sideways Mounting: A Quick Reference Table

To help you decide if sideways mounting is right for your setup, here’s a handy comparison of Arlo models and their mounting capabilities:

Arlo Model	Built-in Sideways Support?	Mount Type	Best For	Notes
Arlo Essential	Yes	Magnetic ball-and-socket	Indoor/outdoor wide areas	Easiest to rotate; lightweight
Arlo Pro 3/4/5	Yes	Magnetic with 3-axis adjustment	Driveways, garages, yards	Premium build; excellent range
Arlo Ultra	Yes	Magnetic with 3-axis adjustment	Large properties, professional use	Best image quality; weather-resistant
Arlo Video Doorbell	Limited	Fixed vertical mount	Front doors, porches	Not ideal for sideways; use angled mount
Arlo Go (LTE)	With third-party mount	Fixed	Remote areas, sheds	Requires adapter for sideways

Final Thoughts: Make the Most of Your Arlo’s View

So, can you turn an Arlo camera sideways? Absolutely. And in many cases, you should. Whether you’re covering a wide driveway, monitoring a hallway, or just want a better view of your property, a sideways orientation can dramatically improve your camera’s effectiveness.

But remember: it’s not just about twisting the mount. It’s about thinking through the field of view, motion detection, weather exposure, and even how the footage will look in the app. A little planning goes a long way.

I’ve learned over the years that the best camera setup is the one that fits your space—not the one that follows a one-size-fits-all rule. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try a sideways mount, test it for a few days, and adjust as needed. And if something doesn’t work? That’s okay. You can always rotate it back.

At the end of the day, your Arlo camera is a tool—and like any tool, it works best when you use it the right way. So go ahead, give that sideways mount a try. You might just find it’s the perfect angle you’ve been looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you turn an Arlo camera sideways for a different viewing angle?

Yes, you can turn an Arlo camera sideways, but it depends on the model. Some Arlo cameras, like the Arlo Pro series, have magnetic mounts that allow easy rotation to adjust the viewing angle, including sideways positioning.

Which Arlo cameras can be mounted sideways?

Most Arlo cameras with magnetic or adjustable mounts, such as the Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, and Ultra, support sideways mounting. Check your camera’s manual to confirm compatibility and optimal mounting options.

Does turning an Arlo camera sideways affect its motion detection?

Turning your Arlo camera sideways may alter the motion detection zone, as the field of view changes. You’ll need to adjust the detection settings in the Arlo app to align with the new orientation.

Can you turn an Arlo camera sideways without drilling holes?

Yes, many Arlo cameras come with adhesive mounts or magnetic bases, allowing you to mount them sideways without drilling. Ensure the surface is clean and dry for secure adhesion.

How do you adjust Arlo camera settings after mounting it sideways?

After turning your Arlo camera sideways, open the Arlo app and recalibrate the motion detection zone under the camera’s settings. You may also need to adjust the image orientation if it appears rotated.

Is it safe to mount an Arlo camera sideways in outdoor conditions?

Yes, as long as the camera is designed for outdoor use (e.g., Arlo Pro 4 or Ultra) and mounted securely. Ensure the sideways position doesn’t expose the camera to excessive moisture or direct rain.