How High to Mount 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 visibility and deterrence, minimizing blind spots and reducing the risk of tampering. Avoid mounting too high, as it can limit facial recognition and motion detection accuracy.

Key Takeaways

• Mount at 7–9 feet: Ideal height to deter tampering while capturing clear facial details.
• Angle downward slightly: Tilt 15–30° to cover entry points and reduce blind spots.
• Avoid extreme heights: Above 10 feet reduces image quality and motion detection accuracy.
• Prioritize coverage zones: Focus on doors, driveways, and high-traffic areas for maximum security.
• Test camera view first: Use Arlo app to adjust positioning before permanent installation.
• Consider lighting conditions: Mount under eaves to reduce glare and backlighting issues.

How High to Mount Arlo Camera for Best Security Coverage

Imagine this: You’ve just installed your brand-new Arlo camera, feeling proud of your newfound home security. You step back to admire your work, only to realize a week later that a package thief walked right under the lens, completely undetected. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. One of the most common mistakes people make with security cameras is getting the mounting height wrong.

Mounting your Arlo camera at the right height isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about maximizing visibility, minimizing blind spots, and deterring potential intruders. Too high, and you’ll miss facial details or small movements. Too low, and you risk tampering, vandalism, or even accidental damage. The sweet spot? It’s not one-size-fits-all, but with a few key principles, you can find the perfect height for your home, whether you’re securing a front porch, backyard, or garage.

Why Mounting Height Matters More Than You Think

Let’s start with the basics: Why does height even matter? After all, your Arlo camera has a wide field of view and night vision, right? True, but those features only work if the camera is positioned correctly. Think of it like placing a spotlight—angle and height determine what’s illuminated and what’s left in the shadows.

Balancing Coverage and Detail

Your Arlo camera’s field of view (FOV) typically ranges from 110° to 160°, depending on the model. At 7 to 10 feet high, you’ll capture a broad area—like your entire front yard—while still getting clear facial recognition for people walking up to your door. If you go higher, say 15 feet, you’ll see more ground, but faces become blurry. Go lower than 6 feet, and you risk someone reaching up and disabling the camera.

For example, my neighbor mounted his Arlo Ultra at 12 feet to cover his driveway. It looked great from a distance, but when I checked the footage, I could barely make out the license plate of a suspicious car that passed by. After lowering it to 9 feet, the details were sharp. Lesson learned: height affects both range and clarity.

Deterrence vs. Tampering Risks

Here’s a trade-off: Higher mounting deters casual vandals (who can’t easily reach the camera), but it also makes the camera less visible as a deterrent. Lower mounting makes the camera more noticeable, but it’s easier to tamper with. The ideal height balances both.

• Too high (12+ feet): Hard to tamper with, but intruders may not notice it, reducing its psychological deterrent effect.
• Too low (under 6 feet): Highly visible, but vulnerable to spray paint, physical damage, or theft.
• Just right (7–10 feet): Noticeable enough to deter, but out of easy reach for most vandals.

The Sweet Spot: Ideal Mounting Heights for Common Locations

Not all areas of your home need the same mounting height. Let’s break it down by location, so you can tailor your setup to your property’s unique needs.

Front Door (7–9 Feet)

Your front door is prime real estate for a camera. You want to capture faces, packages, and any suspicious activity. Here’s the rule: Mount the camera so the lens is at eye level for an average adult (about 5.5 to 6 feet), but the camera itself is 7–9 feet high. This gives you a downward angle that captures faces without being easily blocked.

Pro tip: If you have a porch with a roof, mount the camera just below the eave. This protects it from rain and gives you a natural downward tilt. For example, my Arlo Pro 4 at the front door is mounted 8 feet high, angled slightly down. It captures faces clearly, and the downward view helps me see if someone leaves a package or tries to tamper with my doorbell.

Backyard and Side Yards (8–10 Feet)

Backyards are trickier because they’re larger and often have obstacles (like trees, fences, or sheds). Aim for 8–10 feet high, but adjust based on coverage needs:

• Near a fence: Mount 8–9 feet high to capture anyone climbing over. Angle the camera slightly downward to see the fence line clearly.
• Center of the yard: Go 10 feet high to cover a wide area, but pair it with a second camera to avoid blind spots.
• Near a shed or garage: Mount 7–8 feet high to capture the entrance, but avoid pointing directly at reflective surfaces (like windows) to reduce glare.

One homeowner I know mounted her Arlo at 6 feet in her backyard. It worked fine—until her neighbor’s dog knocked it over. Now she’s at 9 feet, and the camera’s still working perfectly.

Driveway and Garage (9–10 Feet)

Driveways need clear coverage of vehicles and license plates. Here, 9–10 feet high is ideal. Why? At this height, you’ll capture license plates as cars enter or exit, and you’ll have a broad view of the entire driveway.

For garages, mount the camera just above the door (7–8 feet high) to capture anyone approaching the entrance. If your garage has a side door, consider a second camera at 9 feet to cover both the door and the driveway.

Staircases and Entryways (6–7 Feet)

Indoor cameras (like Arlo Baby or Arlo Pro for hallways) are usually mounted lower—6–7 feet high. This captures faces clearly and avoids capturing the ceiling (which wastes valuable field of view).

For outdoor staircases (like a front porch with steps), mount the camera 7–8 feet high and angle it slightly downward. This ensures you see anyone climbing the stairs, not just their feet.

How to Calculate the Perfect Height for Your Arlo Camera

Okay, so we’ve covered general guidelines, but what if your home is unique? Maybe you have a sloped yard, a tall fence, or a second-story entrance. Here’s how to calculate the exact height for your needs.

Step 1: Measure Your Field of View

Your Arlo camera’s field of view (FOV) determines how much ground it covers at a given height. Here’s a simple formula:

Ground coverage (in feet) ≈ Height (in feet) × 1.5 to 2

For example, if your Arlo has a 130° FOV and you mount it 8 feet high, it will cover roughly 12–16 feet of ground in front of it (8 × 1.5 to 2). Use this to ensure your camera covers the area you need.

Step 2: Account for the Angle

Most Arlo cameras are mounted at a slight downward angle (15–30 degrees). This helps avoid capturing the sky (which can cause glare) and focuses on the ground. To calculate the ideal angle:

• For faces: Aim for a 20–30° downward tilt. This captures faces clearly without cutting off the top of the head.
• For license plates: Use a 15–20° tilt to ensure the plate is in frame as a car passes.

Pro tip: Use a smartphone level app to measure the angle. Most phones have one built-in, or you can download a free app like “Bubble Level.”

Step 3: Test Before You Finalize

Don’t drill holes just yet! Use a ladder or step stool to temporarily place the camera at your target height. Check the live view on your Arlo app and ask yourself:

• Can I see faces clearly at 5–10 feet away?
• Is there a blind spot (like behind a bush or fence)?
• Does the camera capture the entire area I need to monitor?

I once mounted an Arlo at 10 feet, thinking it would cover my entire backyard. When I checked the app, I realized it missed a corner near the trash cans—a perfect hiding spot for intruders. After lowering it to 8.5 feet and adjusting the angle, the coverage was perfect.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (And How to Fix Them)

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are the top 5 height-related blunders—and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Mounting Too High for Facial Recognition

You want to see faces, not just silhouettes. If your camera is 12+ feet high, faces will be too small to recognize. Fix it by:

• Lowering the camera to 7–10 feet.
• Using a zoom lens (if your Arlo model supports it) to focus on faces.

Mistake 2: Pointing at Bright Surfaces

Mounting a camera facing a window, bright wall, or streetlight causes glare and washes out the image. Fix it by:

• Angling the camera away from reflective surfaces.
• Using the Arlo app’s “Night Vision” settings to reduce glare.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Blind Spots

Even the best camera has blind spots. Fix it by:

• Adding a second camera to cover gaps.
• Using motion detection zones in the Arlo app to focus on high-risk areas.

Mistake 4: Forgetting About Maintenance

Mounting a camera too high makes it hard to clean or adjust. Fix it by:

• Using a ladder or pole to reach it easily.
• Choosing a height that’s manageable for you (e.g., 8–9 feet if you’re 5’8″).

Mistake 5: Overlooking Weather Protection

Mounting a camera under an eave or awning protects it from rain, but if it’s too high, it may not be fully covered. Fix it by:

• Using a weatherproof mount or cover.
• Checking the camera’s IP rating (Arlo cameras are IP65 or higher, but extra protection never hurts).

Data Table: Arlo Camera Mounting Height Guide

Location	Ideal Height	Downward Angle	Coverage Focus	Special Tips
Front Door	7–9 feet	20–30°	Faces, packages	Mount just below eave for rain protection
Backyard	8–10 feet	15–20°	Fence lines, gates	Pair with second camera for wide yards
Driveway	9–10 feet	15–20°	License plates	Test coverage before finalizing
Garage	7–8 feet	20–30°	Entrance, vehicles	Use motion zones to reduce false alerts
Staircase	6–7 feet	10–20°	Steps, entryways	Angle to avoid capturing ceiling

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Height

Mounting your Arlo camera at the right height isn’t rocket science, but it does require a bit of planning. The key is to balance coverage, detail, and security. Remember:

• 7–10 feet is the sweet spot for most outdoor locations.
• Adjust the angle to focus on faces, license plates, or high-risk areas.
• Test the view before drilling holes—it’s easier to adjust than to patch drywall.
• Use multiple cameras to eliminate blind spots.

Your home is unique, and so are your security needs. Maybe you have a tall fence, a sloped yard, or a second-story entrance. Don’t be afraid to experiment. The beauty of Arlo cameras is that they’re wireless and easy to reposition. If something isn’t working, tweak it until it is.

At the end of the day, the best mounting height is the one that gives you peace of mind. Whether you’re watching for package thieves, monitoring your kids playing outside, or just keeping an eye on your property, the right setup makes all the difference. So grab a ladder, fire up your Arlo app, and find your perfect height. Your future self will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

For best results, mount your Arlo camera 7–10 feet above the ground. This height provides a clear field of view while keeping it out of easy reach for tampering. It also helps capture faces and license plates effectively.

Can I mount my Arlo camera too high, and what happens if I do?

Yes, mounting your Arlo camera above 12 feet can reduce image clarity and make facial recognition difficult. Overly high placement may also create blind spots near the ground, compromising overall security coverage.

Does the mounting height affect Arlo camera motion detection?

Yes, mounting height directly impacts motion detection accuracy. At 7–10 feet, the camera’s sensors can reliably detect human-sized movement; higher mounts may trigger false alerts from small animals or distant motion.

What’s the ideal height to mount Arlo cameras for door or garage monitoring?

For doors or garages, mount Arlo cameras 8–9 feet high, angled slightly downward. This height ensures clear views of entry points while minimizing obstructions like door frames or vehicles.

How does Arlo camera placement height impact night vision performance?

Higher mounts (over 10 feet) can reduce night vision effectiveness, as infrared LEDs have limited range. Keep cameras at 7–10 feet to maintain strong illumination of monitored areas in low-light conditions.

Should I adjust the mounting height based on the Arlo camera model?

Yes, consider your Arlo model’s field of view and zoom capabilities. For example, ultra-wide-angle models (like Arlo Pro 4) work best at 7–8 feet, while telephoto-capable cameras can be mounted slightly higher (9–10 feet) without losing detail.