How High to Mount Arlo Pro 2 Camera for Best Security Coverage

Mount your Arlo Pro 2 camera 7 to 9 feet high for optimal security coverage, ensuring a clear view of entry points while staying out of easy reach. Aim the lens slightly downward to capture faces and deter tampering without sacrificing blind-spot protection. This height balances visibility, security, and camera performance.

Key Takeaways

• Mount at 7-9 feet: Ideal height to capture faces and deter tampering.
• Avoid direct sunlight: Prevents glare and ensures clear night vision.
• Angle downward 20-30°: Optimizes field of view and motion detection.
• Secure Wi-Fi signal: Test connectivity before finalizing camera placement.
• Cover entry points: Prioritize doors, windows, and dark zones for coverage.
• Use mounting accessories: Ensure stability and adjustability for best angles.

Finding the Sweet Spot: Why Height Matters for Your Arlo Pro 2 Camera

Imagine this: you’ve just set up your Arlo Pro 2 camera, excited to finally have a reliable security system watching over your home. You mount it high on the wall, feeling confident it covers everything. But a week later, you check the footage—only to find the delivery guy’s face is a blur, and the suspicious shadow near your garage is just a trash can. Frustrating, right? This is the reality for many homeowners who don’t consider how high to mount Arlo Pro 2 camera for the best coverage.

The height of your Arlo Pro 2 isn’t just about avoiding tampering—it’s about creating a strategic surveillance zone. Mount it too low, and you risk blind spots or vandalism. Too high, and the camera’s field of view (FOV) becomes too narrow, missing critical details. I’ve been there, tweaking the angle for hours, only to realize the perfect height is a balancing act between coverage, detail, and security. In this guide, I’ll share the hard-earned lessons, practical tips, and real-world examples to help you nail the placement for maximum protection.

The Ideal Height Range: Balancing Coverage and Clarity

General Guidelines for Arlo Pro 2 Placement

The Arlo Pro 2’s 130-degree FOV and 720p HD resolution make it versatile, but height plays a crucial role. Here’s the sweet spot:

• 7–9 feet (2.1–2.7 meters): The recommended range for most outdoor installations. This height captures faces clearly (for identification) while covering a broad area, like a driveway or front porch.
• 6–7 feet (1.8–2.1 meters): Ideal for low-traffic zones (e.g., backyard sheds) or if you need facial details at close range (e.g., a side entrance).
• 9–10 feet (2.7–3 meters): Use for wide-angle coverage (e.g., large yards) or to deter tampering. But avoid going higher—the FOV narrows significantly beyond 10 feet.

Why 7–9 Feet Works Best

At 8 feet, your Arlo Pro 2 covers roughly a 25-foot-wide area at ground level (assuming a 130-degree FOV). This means you’ll see:

• Facial details: People approaching your door are within 10–15 feet of the camera, where HD resolution shines.
• Motion triggers: The camera’s PIR sensor detects movement effectively at this height, reducing false alarms from distant objects.
• Tamper resistance: High enough to deter casual vandals but low enough for easy maintenance.

Example: My neighbor mounted their Arlo at 6 feet to “see faces better.” But when a package thief struck, the footage showed the thief’s hands and torso—but not their face. They later raised it to 8 feet, and subsequent footage captured the perpetrator’s full profile.

Location-Specific Mounting Strategies

Front Door or Entry Points

Your front door is the most critical area. Here’s how to optimize height:

• Mount at 8 feet, angled slightly downward: This captures visitors’ faces while covering the door’s immediate surroundings (e.g., package theft).
• Use the “Rule of Thirds”: Position the camera so the door occupies the lower third of the frame. This ensures you see both the door and anyone approaching.
• Watch for glare: Avoid mounting directly above a light source (e.g., a porch light), which can wash out footage at night.

Pro tip: Test the view by walking up to your door while holding your phone at 8 feet. If your face and the door are both visible, you’ve nailed it!

Driveways and Garages

Vehicles and larger areas require a different approach:

• 9–10 feet with a 10–15 degree downward tilt: This height captures license plates (within 15–20 feet) and monitors the entire driveway.
• Pair with a second camera: For long driveways, place one camera at 9 feet near the garage and another at 8 feet near the street.
• Avoid mounting on garage doors: Movement can cause shaky footage. Use a wall or eave instead.

Real-world example: A friend’s Arlo at 7 feet missed license plates entirely. After raising it to 9 feet and tilting it 12 degrees, the camera now reads plates clearly—and even caught a hit-and-run driver last month.

Backyards and Perimeter Monitoring

Wide, open spaces need strategic height adjustments:

• 7–8 feet for general coverage: Covers most backyard activity without excessive zooming.
• Use “overlapping coverage”: Place cameras at opposite corners, each covering 10–15 feet of the fence line. This eliminates blind spots.
• For tall fences: Mount the camera 1–2 feet above the fence height (e.g., 8 feet for a 6-foot fence) to see over it.

Caution: In windy areas, higher mounts (9+ feet) can cause shaky footage. Use the Arlo Pro 2’s magnetic mount with a stabilizing bracket if needed.

Overcoming Common Mounting Challenges

Low Ceilings or Eaves

Short eaves (under 8 feet) force compromises. Here’s how to adapt:

• Use the “corner trick”: Mount the camera at a 45-degree angle in a corner. This widens the FOV and compensates for lower height.
• Opt for a downward tilt: Even at 6 feet, a 20-degree tilt covers a 10-foot-wide area at ground level.
• Consider a wall mount: Extend the camera outward with a flexible mount to improve the angle.

Example: My garage has a 6.5-foot eave. I used a corner mount with a 25-degree tilt, and it now covers the entire driveway—no blind spots!

Glare, Shadows, and Weather

Environmental factors can ruin footage. Mitigate them with:

• Shade placement: Mount the camera under an eave or awning to avoid direct sunlight (which causes glare).
• Night vision adjustments: At heights above 9 feet, infrared LEDs may struggle with distant objects. Test nighttime footage and adjust the IR intensity in the Arlo app.
• Weatherproofing: Even though the Arlo Pro 2 is weather-resistant, prolonged rain can fog the lens. Use a small overhang or silicone sealant.

Pro tip: In snowy climates, mount the camera 1 foot below the roofline to prevent snow buildup on the lens.

Tampering and Vandalism Risks

Lower heights (under 7 feet) are vulnerable. Protect your camera with:

• Tamper-resistant mounts: Use the Arlo Pro 2’s security screw or a third-party anti-theft bracket.
• Visible placement: Mount near a bright light or in a well-trafficked area to deter vandals.
• Motion-activated alerts: Set up “activity zones” in the Arlo app to get alerts if someone approaches the camera itself.

Lesson learned: A friend’s Arlo was knocked down by a vandal at 6.5 feet. After raising it to 8 feet and adding a motion light, the problem stopped.

Data-Driven Placement: The Science Behind the Height

Field of View and Distance Calculations

Your Arlo Pro 2’s FOV changes with height. Here’s a quick-reference table for optimal coverage:

Mounting Height (Feet)	Ground Coverage Width (Feet)	Best For	Face Recognition Range
6	20	Low-traffic zones, small yards	5–10 feet
7	22	Side doors, medium driveways	8–12 feet
8	25	Front doors, large yards	10–15 feet
9	28	Long driveways, perimeter	12–18 feet
10	30	Wide-angle coverage	15+ feet (lower clarity)

Key takeaway: Every foot you raise the camera adds ~2–3 feet of ground coverage but reduces facial clarity beyond 15 feet. Balance these trade-offs based on your needs.

Motion Detection and PIR Sensor Range

The Arlo Pro 2’s PIR sensor detects heat up to 30 feet. But height affects accuracy:

• Below 7 feet: High risk of false alarms (e.g., pets, small animals).
• 7–9 feet: Optimal for human-sized motion detection. The sensor covers a 130-degree arc.
• Above 9 feet: Narrower detection zone. Use “activity zones” in the Arlo app to focus on high-risk areas.

Example: At 8 feet, my Arlo triggers only when people approach my porch—no more false alarms from passing squirrels!

Final Checks and Pro Tips for Perfect Placement

Test, Adjust, and Refine

Even with perfect calculations, real-world testing is crucial. Follow this checklist:

• Walk the perimeter: Pretend you’re a visitor or intruder. Does the camera see you clearly?
• Review nighttime footage: Check for glare, shadows, or IR overexposure.
• Use the Arlo app’s “Live View”: Adjust the angle remotely before finalizing the mount.
• Mark the spot: Use painter’s tape to test the height before drilling.

Pro tip: Take a photo of the camera’s view from ground level. This helps you visualize the FOV before mounting.

Tools and Accessories for Success

Don’t rely on guesswork. These tools make mounting easier:

• Level and measuring tape: Ensures precise height and alignment.
• Flexible wall mount: Lets you fine-tune the angle post-installation.
• Drill with masonry bit: For brick or stucco walls (the Arlo Pro 2 includes anchors for drywall).
• Smartphone app: The Arlo app’s “Camera Setup Guide” walks you through placement.

Bonus tip: For multi-camera setups, use a laser level to align all cameras at the same height for a professional look.

When to Break the Rules

Sometimes, exceptions make sense:

• High-risk areas: If vandalism is common, mount at 10+ feet—even if it sacrifices some facial clarity.
• Indoor use: For garages or workshops, 6–7 feet works better (no weather concerns).
• Unique architecture: Sloped roofs or unusual eaves may require custom angles.

Remember: The goal is effective coverage, not rigid rules. Adapt as needed!

The perfect height for your Arlo Pro 2 isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s about understanding your space, your risks, and the camera’s capabilities. By following these guidelines, you’ll avoid the common pitfalls (blurry faces, blind spots, tampering) and create a security setup that truly works. Whether you’re protecting a cozy bungalow or a sprawling estate, the right height makes all the difference. Now, go grab a tape measure, test a few spots, and find your sweet spot. Your home’s safety depends on it!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal height to mount an Arlo Pro 2 camera for optimal coverage?

The recommended height for mounting an Arlo Pro 2 camera is between 7 to 10 feet (2.1 to 3 meters) above the ground. This height provides a clear field of view while minimizing the risk of tampering or vandalism.

How high should I mount my Arlo Pro 2 camera to avoid blind spots?

Mounting your Arlo Pro 2 camera at 8–9 feet helps eliminate blind spots caused by obstacles like bushes or furniture. Ensure the camera is angled slightly downward (15–30 degrees) to capture faces and activity effectively.

Can I mount my Arlo Pro 2 camera too high for reliable motion detection?

Yes, mounting the Arlo Pro 2 camera above 12 feet (3.6 meters) may reduce motion detection accuracy. The sensor works best when detecting movement within 30 feet, and excessive height can cause missed triggers or false alerts.

Does the mounting height affect the Arlo Pro 2 camera’s night vision performance?

Mounting height doesn’t directly impact night vision, but a lower height (7–8 feet) ensures better illumination of faces and objects. Avoid pointing the camera directly at bright lights or reflective surfaces at any height.

What’s the best height for Arlo Pro 2 cameras installed on a two-story home?

For two-story homes, mount the Arlo Pro 2 camera at 9–10 feet to cover entry points like doors or first-floor windows. If monitoring second-floor areas, consider a second camera or a wider-angle mount.

How high should I mount my Arlo Pro 2 camera to prevent theft or damage?

Mount the camera at least 9 feet high to deter tampering while ensuring it’s still within reach for maintenance. Use the included anti-theft mount and secure screws for added protection against vandals.