How High Should You Place an Arlo Security Camera for Best Results

Mount your Arlo security camera 7 to 10 feet above the ground for the best balance of coverage, clarity, and tamper resistance. This height ensures a clear view of faces and activity while staying out of easy reach, maximizing security without sacrificing video quality or triggering false motion alerts from pets.

Key Takeaways

• Mount at 7–10 feet: Ideal height for clear facial recognition and wide coverage.
• Angle slightly downward: Improves motion detection and reduces false alerts.
• Avoid direct sunlight: Prevents glare and ensures clear night vision performance.
• Keep Wi-Fi in range: Place within 300 feet of base for stable connectivity.
• Use weatherproof mounts: Ensures durability and optimal positioning in harsh conditions.
• Test camera view first: Adjust height based on blind spots and coverage needs.

The Perfect Height for Your Arlo Security Camera: A Balancing Act

Imagine this: you just installed your shiny new Arlo security camera, feeling proud of your smart home upgrade. You’ve set up the app, connected the camera, and now you’re ready to monitor your home like a pro. But wait — where do you actually place it? Too high, and you might miss the details. Too low, and you risk tampering or blind spots. The height of your Arlo camera is a critical decision that can make or break its effectiveness.

After testing Arlo cameras in various setups — from suburban homes to urban apartments — I’ve learned that finding the sweet spot for placement is both an art and a science. It’s not just about avoiding vandals or capturing clear footage; it’s about balancing visibility, coverage, and practicality. Whether you’re protecting your front porch, backyard, or side gate, the right height can mean the difference between a crystal-clear image of a delivery driver and a grainy, unhelpful clip of a shadow. So, let’s break down exactly how high should you place an Arlo security camera for the best results, with real-world tips and examples to guide you.

Why Camera Height Matters for Security

Before we dive into numbers, let’s talk about why height matters. A poorly placed camera might seem like a minor detail, but it can lead to major headaches — like blurry faces, blocked views, or even a camera that’s easily disabled. Here’s what’s at stake:

1. Avoiding Tampering and Vandalism

Cameras placed too low (under 7 feet) are easy targets for mischief. Kids, pets, or even a stray baseball can knock them out of alignment. Worse, someone with ill intent could cover the lens, steal the camera, or spray paint it. I once had a neighbor’s camera knocked down by a rogue basketball — not ideal for security! Placing your Arlo camera higher reduces these risks, especially in high-traffic areas.

2. Capturing Clear Facial Details

The primary goal of a security camera is to identify people. If your camera is too high, it might capture the top of someone’s head or a distant profile. For facial recognition, Arlo recommends a height where the lens is roughly level with an adult’s face — around 5 to 6 feet for most doorways. This ensures you get a clear view of eyes, nose, and mouth, which is crucial for identifying visitors or intruders.

3. Minimizing Glare and Obstructions

Height also affects lighting. A camera pointed directly into the sun (or a bright porch light) can create glare, washing out the image. By adjusting the height, you can angle the camera downward slightly to avoid light sources. For example, if your front porch has a bright overhead light, place the camera 6–7 feet up and angle it 15–30 degrees downward to reduce glare.

4. Coverage Area and Blind Spots

The height of your camera impacts its field of view. Too high, and you might miss activity near the ground (like someone trying to open a window). Too low, and you could miss people approaching from a distance. For most Arlo models, a height of 7–9 feet provides a balanced view of both ground-level activity and approaching visitors.

The Ideal Height Range for Different Locations

Now, let’s get specific. The “perfect” height varies depending on where you’re installing your camera. Here’s a breakdown for common setups:

Front Door or Porch (6–7 Feet)

This is the most common spot for an Arlo camera, and for good reason. A height of 6 to 7 feet is ideal here. Why? It’s high enough to avoid tampering but low enough to capture facial details. For example:

• Standard door height: Most front doors are 6.5–7 feet tall. Placing the camera at 6.5 feet ensures it captures faces of people standing at the door.
• Angle it downward: Tilt the camera 10–20 degrees downward to focus on the doorstep and avoid capturing too much sky.
• Practical tip: If you have a porch light, place the camera slightly below it to avoid glare. A 6.5-foot height with a 15-degree downward tilt is my go-to for porches.

Backyard or Side Gate (7–9 Feet)

For backyards, side gates, or driveways, you’ll want a higher vantage point to cover more ground. A height of 7 to 9 feet works well here:

• Wider field of view: Higher placement gives you a broader view of the yard, reducing blind spots.
• Ground coverage: Angle the camera 20–30 degrees downward to capture activity near the ground (like someone trying to scale a fence).
• Example: I installed an Arlo Pro 4 on my backyard fence at 8 feet. The downward tilt let me see both the gate and the area around it — perfect for catching delivery drivers or curious raccoons.

Second-Story Windows or Roofs (9–12 Feet)

If you’re monitoring a second-story window or a rooftop area, go higher — 9 to 12 feet. This height helps:

• Prevent tampering: Most intruders won’t climb to this height, reducing the risk of interference.
• Capture wide areas: A high placement is great for monitoring large spaces like a backyard or alleyway.
• Challenge: At this height, you might need a ladder or professional help for installation. Use a mounting pole or eave for stability.

Garage or Driveway (7–8 Feet)

Garages and driveways need a balance of coverage and detail. A height of 7 to 8 feet works best:

• Car monitoring: This height captures license plates (if the camera is close enough) and people approaching the car.
• Lighting considerations: If your garage has overhead lights, place the camera below them to avoid glare.
• Pro tip: For garages with roll-up doors, place the camera to the side of the door (not directly above) to avoid motion detection triggers from the door itself.

How to Adjust Height for Specific Arlo Models

Not all Arlo cameras are the same, and some have features that affect ideal height. Here’s how to tailor your placement:

Arlo Essential (Indoor/Outdoor) – 5–7 Feet

The Arlo Essential is compact and designed for quick setup. Its fixed lens has a narrower field of view, so it works best at 5 to 7 feet:

• Indoor use: For indoor monitoring (like a hallway), 5 feet is often enough to capture faces.
• Outdoor use: For porches, stick to 6–7 feet to avoid missing details.
• Limitation: Its 110-degree field of view is narrower than other models, so you’ll need to place it closer to the action.

Arlo Pro 4/5 – 6–9 Feet

The Pro series has a wider 160-degree field of view and better low-light performance, allowing for more flexibility:

• Wider coverage: At 8 feet, the Pro 4 can cover a large porch or side yard with minimal blind spots.
• Adjustable mount: Use the magnetic mount to fine-tune the angle. A 20-degree downward tilt is ideal for most outdoor setups.
• Example: I placed a Pro 4 at 7.5 feet on my front porch. The wide view captured the entire door and the sidewalk — no more guessing who’s at the door!

Arlo Ultra 2 – 7–10 Feet

The Ultra 2’s 4K resolution and spotlight allow for higher placement without losing detail:

• Higher is better: At 9–10 feet, you can monitor a large backyard while still capturing faces.
• Spotlight advantage: The built-in spotlight illuminates faces even at a distance, making higher placement more viable.
• Trade-off: Higher placement means you’ll need a strong Wi-Fi signal. Use an Arlo SmartHub for reliable connectivity.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make placement mistakes. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to fix them:

Too High (Over 10 Feet)

Problem: At heights above 10 feet, cameras often miss facial details or ground-level activity.

Solution: If you must go high (like for a second-story window), use a camera with zoom (like the Arlo Pro 5) or add a secondary camera at a lower height.

Too Low (Under 5 Feet)

Problem: Low cameras are easy to tamper with and often miss approaching visitors until they’re right on top of the camera.

Solution: For indoor use, 5 feet is fine, but for outdoor setups, never go below 6 feet. If you’re worried about coverage, add a second camera at a higher vantage point.

Incorrect Angling

Problem: A poorly angled camera can miss critical areas. For example, pointing a porch camera straight out (instead of downward) might capture the sky and miss the doorstep.

Solution: Use the Arlo app’s live view to test the angle before finalizing. Aim for a 15–30 degree downward tilt for most outdoor setups.

Ignoring Lighting

Problem: Backlit scenes (like a camera pointing into the sun) create silhouettes, making faces unrecognizable.

Solution: Place the camera where it’s not directly facing bright lights. Use the app to test lighting conditions at different times of day.

Data Table: Recommended Heights by Location and Arlo Model

Location	Recommended Height	Best Arlo Model	Key Considerations
Front Door/Porch	6–7 feet	Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Essential	Angle downward 10–20 degrees; avoid porch light glare
Backyard/Side Gate	7–9 feet	Arlo Pro 5, Arlo Ultra 2	Wider field of view; downward tilt for ground coverage
Second-Story Window	9–12 feet	Arlo Ultra 2, Arlo Pro 5	Requires ladder; use zoom for facial details
Garage/Driveway	7–8 feet	Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Essential	Place to the side of roll-up doors; avoid overhead light
Indoor Monitoring	5–6 feet	Arlo Essential, Arlo Go	Lower height for facial clarity; avoid pointing at windows

Final Tips for Getting It Right

Finding the perfect height for your Arlo camera isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. It requires a mix of planning, testing, and tweaking. Here are my final tips:

• Test before you finalize: Use the Arlo app’s live view to test different heights and angles. Take a photo or video from each spot to compare.
• Use a ladder or helper: For heights above 7 feet, a ladder is a must. If you’re uncomfortable with heights, consider a professional installer.
• Think about motion detection: Place the camera where its motion zone covers the most important areas (like a door or driveway). Adjust the app’s motion sensitivity to avoid false alarms.
• Don’t forget Wi-Fi: Higher placement means your camera might be farther from your router. Use an Arlo SmartHub or Wi-Fi extender if needed.
• Reassess over time: As seasons change (like leaves on trees), you might need to adjust the height or angle to maintain coverage.

At the end of the day, the best height for your Arlo camera is the one that gives you peace of mind. It’s not about perfection — it’s about practicality. Whether you’re monitoring a busy porch or a quiet backyard, the right height ensures you’re capturing the details that matter. So grab your ladder, open the Arlo app, and find that sweet spot. Your home’s security (and your sanity) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high should you place an Arlo security camera for optimal coverage?

For best results, mount your Arlo security camera 7–10 feet above the ground. This height balances clear facial recognition with a wide field of view while keeping it out of easy reach. Avoid placing it too high (over 12 feet), as this may reduce detail.

Can I install my Arlo camera higher than 10 feet for better security?

While mounting higher than 10 feet can deter tampering, it may compromise image quality and motion detection accuracy. If you must install it higher, angle the camera downward and ensure it’s within the 130° field of view for effective monitoring.

Where should I place an Arlo security camera for front door coverage?

Position your Arlo camera 7–9 feet high, angled slightly downward toward the front door. This height captures faces clearly while covering the entryway and any packages left on the porch. Avoid pointing it directly at bright light sources.

Does the height of my Arlo camera affect its night vision?

Yes, placing your camera too high (over 12 feet) can reduce the effectiveness of infrared night vision. For optimal low-light performance, keep it between 7–10 feet to ensure the IR LEDs illuminate the target area fully.

How high should an Arlo security camera be for driveway monitoring?

For driveways, mount the camera 8–10 feet high to capture license plates and vehicle details. Ensure it’s angled to cover the full length of the driveway without obstructions like trees or poles.

What’s the lowest safe height for an Arlo camera to avoid vandalism?

The lowest recommended height is 7 feet to discourage tampering while maintaining clear footage. If vandalism is a concern, use a protective housing or mount it higher with a downward angle to retain detail.