How High to Hang the Arlo Camera for Best Security Coverage

Mount your Arlo camera 7 to 10 feet high for optimal security coverage, ensuring a clear view of entry points while staying out of easy reach. This height balances wide-angle visibility and facial recognition, minimizing blind spots and deterring tampering. Avoid going too high—above 12 feet reduces detail and weakens motion detection.

Key Takeaways

• Mount at 7–10 feet: Ideal height for clear facial recognition and deterrence.
• Avoid extreme heights: Prevents blind spots and reduces image clarity.
• Angle slightly downward: Enhances motion detection and field of view.
• Prioritize entry points: Focus on doors, windows, and high-traffic zones.
• Test coverage first: Use live view to adjust position and avoid gaps.

Why Camera Height Matters for Home Security

Imagine this: you just installed your brand-new Arlo camera, proud of your DIY security upgrade. You check the app later that day, only to see a blurry, distorted view of your front porch — or worse, a perfect shot of a raccoon’s tail as it scampers away. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. One of the most overlooked aspects of setting up a wireless security camera is how high to hang the Arlo camera. It’s not just about mounting it out of reach — it’s about optimizing the angle, field of view, and coverage to truly protect your home.

When I first installed my Arlo Pro 4, I thought “higher is better.” I climbed a ladder, secured it near the roofline, and patted myself on the back. But when a delivery driver walked right past the camera without triggering motion detection, I realized something was off. After hours of tweaking and testing, I learned that camera height isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It depends on your home’s layout, the camera model, and what you’re trying to monitor. In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned — from ideal mounting heights to common mistakes — so you can get the most out of your Arlo camera without the trial and error.

Understanding the Arlo Camera’s Field of View and Motion Detection

How Arlo Cameras Detect Motion

Before we dive into height, let’s talk about how Arlo cameras “see” the world. Unlike traditional security cameras that rely solely on video motion detection, Arlo uses a combination of passive infrared (PIR) sensors and AI-powered motion detection. The PIR sensor detects body heat and movement, while the AI helps filter out false alerts like swaying trees or passing cars.

Here’s the catch: PIR sensors have a limited range and angle. Most Arlo models (like the Arlo Pro 3, Ultra, and Essential) have a horizontal field of view between 110° and 160°, but the effective motion detection range is narrower — usually around 60° to 80°. If your camera is too high or angled incorrectly, the PIR sensor might miss people walking directly under it or only detect them when they’re already halfway across your yard.

Field of View vs. Detection Zone

Think of your camera’s field of view (FOV) as a flashlight beam. The wider the beam, the more area it covers — but the less focused it is. The PIR sensor, on the other hand, is like a narrow spotlight. It’s great for spotting motion, but only if the person or object enters that zone.

• Too high? The FOV widens, but the PIR detection zone becomes too shallow. People may walk under the camera undetected.
• Too low? The FOV narrows, and you might miss activity on the sides. Also, it’s easier for someone to tamper with or cover the camera.
• Just right? You get a balance: wide coverage, reliable motion detection, and clear facial recognition.

For example, I once had an Arlo Ultra mounted at 12 feet. It captured a delivery person’s face perfectly — but only because they looked up to read the house number. When they walked away, the camera didn’t trigger again because their heat signature was outside the PIR zone. Lowering it to 9 feet fixed the issue.

Recommended Mounting Heights for Different Arlo Models

Arlo Essential (Indoor/Outdoor)

The Arlo Essential is a budget-friendly, compact camera with a 130° FOV and 20-foot PIR range. It’s ideal for doorways, patios, or small yards. For best results, mount it between 7 and 9 feet high.

• 7 feet: Great for front doors or driveways. You’ll capture faces clearly and get reliable motion detection when someone approaches.
• 8 feet: A sweet spot for most homes. Balances coverage and detection.
• 9 feet: Use if you need to monitor a wider area, like a side yard or backyard gate.

Pro tip: If you’re mounting the Essential near a door, angle it slightly downward (5° to 10°) so it captures people as they approach, not just when they’re already at the door.

Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, and Pro 5

The Arlo Pro series (3, 4, and 5) are mid-to-high-end models with 160° FOV, color night vision, and advanced AI. These cameras are designed for outdoor use and work best at 8 to 10 feet.

• 8 feet: Ideal for front porches, back doors, or garage entrances. You’ll get sharp facial details and reliable motion alerts.
• 9 feet: Perfect for covering a medium-sized yard or driveway. The wide FOV ensures you don’t miss anything.
• 10 feet: Use for larger properties or if you’re mounting on a two-story home. Just make sure to angle it downward slightly to avoid missing people walking directly under.

I mounted my Arlo Pro 4 at 10 feet for a while, but I noticed it kept missing early morning joggers on the sidewalk. Lowering it to 9 feet and angling it 15° downward solved the problem.

Arlo Ultra and Ultra 2

The Arlo Ultra series is the premium lineup with 4K video, 180° FOV, and a 30-foot PIR range. These cameras are built for large yards, long driveways, or commercial properties. Mount them between 9 and 12 feet.

• 9 feet: Use for front doors or patios. The wide FOV means you don’t need to angle it as much.
• 10–11 feet: Best for covering driveways, side yards, or backyards. The extra height helps capture activity across larger areas.
• 12 feet: Only for very large properties or if you’re monitoring from a second story. Make sure to test motion detection after installation.

Note: At 12 feet, the Ultra’s 4K resolution still captures clear facial details — but only if the person is within 20 feet of the camera. Beyond that, faces become harder to recognize.

Arlo Go (LTE Camera)

The Arlo Go is a cellular-powered camera for remote locations (like cabins, construction sites, or farms). Since it’s often used in open areas, mount it between 7 and 10 feet, depending on the terrain.

• 7–8 feet: Use for small perimeters or entry points.
• 9–10 feet: Better for open fields or long driveways. The LTE signal is stronger when mounted higher.

Factors That Influence the Ideal Mounting Height

1. Purpose of the Camera

Ask yourself: What am I trying to monitor? The answer changes everything.

• Front door: Focus on facial recognition. Mount at 7–8 feet to capture faces as people approach.
• Driveway: You need to see license plates and vehicles. Mount at 9–10 feet and angle it to cover the length of the driveway.
• Backyard: Watch for intruders or pets. 8–10 feet works well, depending on the yard size.
• Perimeter (fence line): Use 10–12 feet to cover a wide area and avoid blind spots.

I have an Arlo Pro 5 mounted at 11 feet along my backyard fence. It’s high enough to cover the entire yard, but I had to angle it 20° downward to catch people climbing the fence — something I didn’t think about at first.

2. Camera Angle and Tilt

Height isn’t the only factor — angle matters just as much. A camera mounted at 10 feet but pointed straight ahead will miss activity below it. Most Arlo cameras allow you to adjust the tilt after mounting.

• Front door: Tilt 5°–10° downward to capture faces.
• Driveway: Tilt 10°–15° downward to see license plates and approaching cars.
• Backyard: Tilt 15°–20° downward for wider coverage.

Use the Arlo app’s “Test Motion” feature to fine-tune the angle. Walk around the area while watching the live feed. If the camera doesn’t trigger, adjust the tilt or lower the height slightly.

3. Obstacles and Reflections

Mounting height also affects how well the camera sees through obstacles. For example:

• Bushes or trees: If your camera is too low, foliage can block the view or trigger false alerts from leaves blowing in the wind. Mount high enough to look over or between plants.
• Windows or glass doors: At certain angles, the camera might see its own reflection, especially at night. Mount at least 8 feet high and avoid pointing directly at glass.
• Roof overhangs: These can block the camera’s view or cause glare from rain. Mount just below the overhang, but not so low that it’s exposed to weather.

4. Local Regulations and Privacy

Some neighborhoods or cities have rules about camera placement. For example, you might not be allowed to point a camera at a neighbor’s window or private area. Mounting at the right height helps you stay compliant.

• 7–9 feet: Usually avoids capturing private areas of neighboring properties.
• 10+ feet: May require careful angling to avoid “looking into” windows or backyards.

Common Mistakes When Hanging an Arlo Camera (And How to Fix Them)

Mistake #1: Mounting Too High

“Higher is safer,” right? Not always. If your camera is above 12 feet, you risk:

• Missing people walking directly under it (the “cone of silence” effect).
• Blurry facial recognition, especially in low light.
• Reduced motion detection range due to the PIR sensor’s limited vertical coverage.

How to fix it: Lower the camera to 9–10 feet and angle it downward. Use the Arlo app to test motion detection in different areas.

Mistake #2: Ignoring the Angle

A perfectly mounted camera at the right height can still fail if it’s pointed in the wrong direction. I once had an Arlo Ultra aimed straight ahead at my backyard fence. It captured the fence perfectly — but missed the gate where people actually entered.

How to fix it: Use the app to adjust the tilt. Aim for a 10°–20° downward angle, depending on the height. Test with a friend walking through the area.

Mistake #3: Placing It Too Close to the Ground

Mounting below 6 feet makes your camera vulnerable to tampering, vandalism, or accidental damage (like a lawnmower). It also narrows the FOV, so you miss activity on the sides.

How to fix it: Never mount below 7 feet. If you need a low camera (e.g., for a pet area), use the Arlo Essential Indoor model and place it on a shelf or wall mount.

Mistake #4: Forgetting About Lighting

Arlo cameras have night vision, but if you mount them too high, the infrared (IR) lights might not illuminate the ground properly. This leads to dark, grainy footage at night.

How to fix it: Mount between 7 and 10 feet for best night vision. If you must go higher, consider adding a separate IR illuminator or using a model with color night vision (like the Pro 5 or Ultra).

Data Table: Recommended Heights and Angles for Arlo Cameras

Camera Model	Best Height Range	Recommended Downward Angle	Ideal Use Case	Max Effective Distance
Arlo Essential	7–9 ft	5°–10°	Front door, patio	20 ft
Arlo Pro 3/4/5	8–10 ft	10°–15°	Driveway, backyard	25 ft
Arlo Ultra/Ultra 2	9–12 ft	15°–20°	Large yard, perimeter	30 ft
Arlo Go	7–10 ft	10°–15°	Remote locations	25 ft
Arlo Essential Indoor	6–8 ft (on wall/shelf)	0°–5°	Indoor monitoring	15 ft

Note: “Max Effective Distance” refers to the distance at which you can reliably detect motion and recognize faces. Beyond this, footage becomes less useful for identification.

Final Tips for Perfect Arlo Camera Placement

After years of trial and error (and a few raccoon encounters), here are my top tips for getting the most out of your Arlo camera:

• Test before you secure: Use the Arlo app’s live view and motion test mode to check coverage before drilling holes.
• Use the right mount: Arlo offers adjustable mounts for walls, ceilings, and poles. Use them to fine-tune the angle.
• Check weather exposure: If mounting outdoors, ensure the camera is under an eave or awning to protect it from rain and direct sunlight.
• Group cameras strategically: For large properties, use multiple cameras at different heights to cover blind spots.
• Update firmware regularly: Arlo releases updates that improve motion detection and night vision. Keep your cameras up to date.

Remember, how high to hang the Arlo camera isn’t about a magic number — it’s about finding the sweet spot where height, angle, and purpose align. Whether you’re protecting your front door or monitoring a remote cabin, the right placement makes all the difference.

Take your time, test often, and don’t be afraid to adjust. After all, the goal isn’t just to have a camera — it’s to have a camera that actually works when you need it most. Happy mounting!

Frequently Asked Questions

How high should I hang my Arlo camera for optimal security coverage?

For best security coverage, mount your Arlo camera 7-10 feet above the ground. This height provides a clear view of faces and activity while deterring tampering.

Can I install my Arlo camera too high for effective surveillance?

Yes, mounting above 12 feet can reduce image clarity and facial recognition accuracy. Staying within the recommended 7-10 foot range ensures optimal Arlo camera performance.

What’s the ideal height to prevent tampering with an Arlo camera?

Mounting your Arlo camera 8-10 feet high discourages most tampering while remaining accessible for maintenance. Pair this with a protective casing for added security.

Does the Arlo camera’s field of view change with mounting height?

Yes, higher mounting angles widen the field of view but reduce detail. For best results, angle the camera slightly downward when installed at 7-10 feet.

How high should I hang an Arlo camera for driveway or backyard coverage?

For driveways or backyards, 7-9 feet is ideal to capture license plates or package deliveries. Ensure the camera covers entry points without obstructions.

Should I adjust the Arlo camera height differently for indoor vs. outdoor use?

For indoor use, 6-8 feet works well to monitor activity without ceiling interference. Outdoors, stick to 7-10 feet to account for weather and vandalism risks.