How High to Put Arlo Cameras for Optimal Security Coverage

Mount Arlo cameras 7 to 10 feet high for the best balance of facial recognition and wide coverage. This height deters tampering while capturing clear footage of people and activity at entry points. Angle them slightly downward to maximize motion detection and minimize blind spots.

Key Takeaways

• Mount at 7–9 feet: Ideal height to deter tampering while capturing clear facial details.
• Avoid direct sunlight: Prevents glare and false motion alerts from light shifts.
• Angle slightly downward: Improves facial recognition and reduces blind spots near the camera.
• Check Wi-Fi signal: Ensure strong connectivity to avoid lag or disconnections at higher mounts.
• Use mounting kits: Secure cameras with anti-theft hardware for long-term stability and safety.
• Test coverage area: Adjust position to fully monitor entry points and high-traffic zones.

Why Camera Height Matters for Your Home Security

Imagine this: you’ve just installed your new Arlo camera, excited to keep an eye on your home. You place it high up, thinking it’s out of reach and perfectly angled. But a week later, you review the footage and realize the lens is capturing more sky than your front porch. Or worse—someone tampered with it because it was just low enough to reach. That’s why knowing how high to put Arlo cameras isn’t just a minor detail—it’s the foundation of effective home security.

Arlo cameras are sleek, wireless, and easy to install, but their performance hinges on proper placement. The height you choose affects everything: field of view, image clarity, deterrence, and even how often you’ll need to clean the lens from bugs or rain. Whether you’re protecting a suburban house, a rural property, or a city apartment, getting the height right means fewer blind spots, better motion detection, and peace of mind. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the science, the art, and the real-world tricks to position your Arlo camera at the perfect height for your needs.

The Science Behind Optimal Camera Height

Balancing Field of View and Detail

Every Arlo camera has a specific field of view (FOV), usually between 110° and 160°, depending on the model. The higher you mount the camera, the wider the area it covers—but the smaller individual objects appear. Think of it like zooming out on a map: you see more streets, but you can’t read the street signs.

For example, if you mount an Arlo Pro 5 at 10 feet high, it might capture your entire front yard, but a person standing near your front door will look tiny, making facial details hard to discern. Lower it to 7 feet, and that same person fills more of the frame. The sweet spot? Most experts recommend 7 to 10 feet for a balance between coverage and detail. This height lets you see someone’s face clearly while still monitoring the area around your entry points.

Pro tip: Test different heights during installation. Use your Arlo app to view live footage and adjust until you’re satisfied with both coverage and clarity.

Minimizing Blind Spots and Overhead Gaps

Blind spots are the bane of any security system. Mount your camera too high, and you risk missing activity near the ground—like someone crouching to tamper with a window or a package left at your doorstep. Mount it too low, and the lens might be blocked by bushes, mailboxes, or even your own head when you step outside.

To avoid this, aim for a height where the camera’s downward angle covers the ground within 3–5 feet of its base. For instance, if your camera is 8 feet high, angle it down so the bottom of the frame starts about 4 feet above ground. This creates a “security cone” that watches both the immediate area and the approach path. Use the Arlo app’s motion detection zones to fine-tune this—exclude areas you don’t need (like the sky) and focus on the zones that matter.

How Arlo’s Motion Detection Works at Different Heights

Arlo’s motion detection uses pixel changes in the camera’s view. At higher mounts, the camera sees more area, so it’s more likely to trigger on distant movement (like a neighbor walking a dog). Lower mounts reduce false alerts but might miss activity farther away. The key is to match the height to your detection goals.

• 7–8 feet: Best for monitoring doorways, porches, and driveways. Catches faces and package deliveries clearly.
• 9–10 feet: Ideal for covering larger yards or side entrances. Reduces false alerts from small animals or distant traffic.
• 11+ feet: Use for perimeter monitoring (e.g., a backyard fence line), but expect smaller object sizes and more sky in the frame.

Real-world example: A friend installed their Arlo at 12 feet to watch their entire backyard. It worked—but they kept getting alerts from a squirrel running across the grass. Lowering it to 9 feet and angling it toward the gate reduced false alarms by 80%.

Height Recommendations by Installation Location

Front Door and Porch Cameras

Your front door is ground zero for security. You want to see faces, packages, and anyone approaching—but avoid the “ceiling cam” effect (where the camera points straight down at your head when you step outside).

• Recommended height: 7.5–8.5 feet. This lets the camera look slightly down at the door while capturing the approach path.
• Mounting tips: Install the camera on the eave or wall, angled 20–30 degrees downward. Avoid placing it directly above the door, which can create a shadow and reduce night vision performance.
• Example: If your front door is 6.5 feet tall, mount the camera at 8 feet. This gives you a 1.5-foot buffer above the door, ensuring full coverage without pointing at the sky.

Watch out: Don’t mount it too low (below 7 feet)—it’s easy for kids, pets, or even a determined thief to reach.

Backyard, Side Gates, and Driveway Surveillance

These areas often need wider coverage. A side gate might be accessed from the street, while your backyard could have multiple entry points. Here, height is about coverage, not just facial recognition.

• Recommended height: 8–10 feet. This balances coverage of the gate, yard, and surrounding area.
• Mounting tips: Use a corner mount to cover two directions at once. For driveways, place the camera 9–10 feet high on the garage, angled toward the driveway’s midpoint. This captures both the approach and the car’s position.
• Example: A homeowner mounted their Arlo 9 feet high on their garage, angled at a 45-degree angle. It covers the entire driveway and the side yard, with motion alerts triggered only when someone walks toward the house.

Garage and Roofline Installations

Garages and rooflines are popular spots for Arlo cameras, but they come with unique challenges. Roofs are high, but the camera might be too far from the action. Garages offer stability but can create shadows.

• Roofline: Mount at 10–12 feet, angled slightly downward. This covers the front yard and street but may require a wide-FOV camera (like the Arlo Ultra) to avoid distant faces being too small.
• Garage: 8–9 feet high, angled toward the driveway or back door. If your garage has a second story, use it to monitor the backyard.
• Pro tip: For roofline mounts, use a protective housing to shield the camera from rain, snow, and debris. Arlo’s outdoor mounts are weatherproof, but extra protection extends lifespan.

Indoor Cameras and Apartment Use

Indoor Arlo cameras (like the Arlo Essential Indoor) are often placed on shelves or walls. Here, height is about avoiding tampering while covering key areas.

• Recommended height: 5–7 feet. This is out of casual reach (especially for kids or pets) but low enough to see faces and activity clearly.
• Mounting tips: Place it above a door, in a corner, or on a bookshelf. For apartments, a camera at 6 feet high in the living room can monitor the main door and kitchen.
• Example: A renter installed their Arlo at 6 feet high, angled toward the front door. It caught a package thief in action—and the footage was clear enough to identify the person.

Factors That Influence the Perfect Height

Environmental Challenges: Weather, Sunlight, and Obstructions

Your yard’s environment can make or break your camera’s effectiveness. Here’s how to adapt:

• Sunlight: Avoid pointing the camera directly at the sun. At 7–8 feet, the camera is less likely to face east or west (where the sun is low in the morning/evening). If unavoidable, use a sun hood or shade.
• Rain and Snow: Mount the camera under an eave or awning. At 8–10 feet, it’s less likely to get splashed by rain runoff from the roof.
• Obstructions: Trim bushes or trees that block the view. If you can’t remove them, mount the camera higher (10+ feet) to see over them.

Real-world fix: A reader had their Arlo blocked by a tall bush. They raised the camera to 9.5 feet and angled it slightly—now it sees over the bush and into the yard.

Property Layout: Slopes, Fences, and Multi-Level Homes

Not all homes are flat. If your yard slopes or your house has multiple levels, adjust the height to match the terrain.

• Slopes: On a downward slope, mount the camera lower (6–7 feet) to avoid pointing at the sky. On an upward slope, go higher (9–10 feet) to see over the rise.
• Fences: Place the camera 8–9 feet high, angled toward the fence’s weak points (gates, gaps). This deters climbers and monitors activity.
• Multi-level homes: Use a camera at 10–12 feet on the second story to monitor the backyard, and a lower one (7–8 feet) at ground level for doorways.

Local Laws and Privacy Considerations

Before you mount, check your local privacy laws. In many places, you can’t record private areas (like a neighbor’s bedroom window). Height plays a role here:

• Too high: The camera might peer into a neighbor’s yard or windows. Adjust the angle or use privacy zones in the Arlo app to block those areas.
• Too low: It might record public sidewalks, which is usually legal but could raise concerns. Aim for 7–8 feet to focus on your property.

Tip: In the U.S., the general rule is that cameras can record public areas but not private spaces. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing at the Right Height

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

• Arlo camera and mount
• Screws and anchors (usually included)
• Drill and drill bits
• Level (to avoid crooked angles)
• Measuring tape
• Ladder (for heights over 7 feet)
• Smartphone with the Arlo app

Installation Process: From Measuring to Testing

1. Choose the location: Pick a spot that covers your target area and is within range of your Wi-Fi (for wireless models).
2. Measure the height: Use a measuring tape to mark the exact spot on the wall or eave.
3. Check the angle: Before drilling, hold the camera at the marked spot and view the live feed on your phone. Adjust the height or angle as needed.
4. Mount the camera: Drill holes, insert anchors, and attach the mount. Use the level to ensure it’s straight.
5. Attach the camera: Clip the camera into the mount. Tighten any screws.
6. Test and refine: Walk through the area to trigger motion detection. Check the footage for blind spots or glare. Adjust the mount or angle if needed.

Pro tip: If you’re unsure about the height, start low (7 feet) and raise it in 6-inch increments until you’re satisfied.

Troubleshooting Common Installation Mistakes

• Camera points at the sky: Lower it or angle it downward.
• Blind spot near the door: Raise it slightly or adjust the angle.
• False motion alerts: Use the app’s motion zones to exclude trees or busy streets.
• Wi-Fi signal drops: Move the camera closer to your router or add an Arlo SmartHub.

Data Table: Arlo Camera Height Recommendations by Model and Use Case

Use Case	Recommended Height	Best Arlo Model	Notes
Front Door/Porch	7.5–8.5 feet	Arlo Pro 5, Arlo Essential	Angled 20–30° down; covers faces and packages
Backyard/Side Gate	8–10 feet	Arlo Ultra, Arlo Pro 4	Use corner mount for wider coverage
Driveway	9–10 feet	Arlo Pro 5, Arlo Ultra	Mount on garage; angle toward midpoint
Roofline/Perimeter	10–12 feet	Arlo Ultra, Arlo Pro 4	Use wide-FOV camera; add protective housing
Indoor/Entryway	5–7 feet	Arlo Essential Indoor	Place above door or in corner; avoid tampering
Multi-Level Home	7–12 feet (varies)	Arlo Pro 5, Arlo Ultra	Lower for doors; higher for yards

Conclusion: The Height is Just the Beginning

Finding the right height for your Arlo camera is like tuning a guitar—it might take a few tries, but once it’s right, the results are crystal clear. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but by considering your property layout, camera model, and security goals, you can nail it on the first try (or at least the second).

Remember: the perfect height is where you get clear footage, minimal blind spots, and fewer false alerts. Don’t be afraid to experiment—Arlo’s easy installation means you can adjust in minutes. And if you’re ever unsure, start at 8 feet. It’s the Goldilocks zone for most homes: not too high, not too low, just right.

Now, go check your cameras. Is that front porch cam a little too skyward? Could your backyard cam use a slight angle tweak? Small adjustments can make a big difference. After all, great security isn’t just about having cameras—it’s about having them in the right place. And now you know exactly where that is.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high should I install my Arlo cameras for the best security coverage?

For optimal security coverage, mount Arlo cameras 7–10 feet above the ground. This height avoids tampering while providing a clear view of faces and activity. Avoid going too high, as it may reduce facial recognition accuracy.

Can I install Arlo cameras too high, and what are the risks?

Yes, placing Arlo cameras too high (above 12 feet) can limit their effectiveness. It may result in blurry facial details and missed ground-level activity. Stick to 7–10 feet to balance safety and visibility.

What’s the ideal height for Arlo cameras to avoid vandalism or theft?

To deter vandalism, install Arlo cameras at least 9–10 feet high. This height makes them harder to reach while still capturing clear footage of intruders. Pair with motion alerts for added protection.

How does camera height affect Arlo’s motion detection range?

Mounting Arlo cameras at 7–10 feet ensures the motion detection covers a natural angle of approach. Too high or low can create blind spots or trigger false alarms from pets or distant movement.

Where should I place Arlo cameras for driveway or backyard monitoring?

For driveways or backyards, position Arlo cameras 8–10 feet high, angled slightly downward. This captures vehicle plates and foot traffic without obstructions from foliage or lighting glare.

Do Arlo camera mounting height guidelines vary by model?

Most Arlo models follow the same 7–10 foot rule, but wide-angle models (like the Arlo Ultra) may work better at 9–10 feet. Always check your model’s specs to optimize field of view and detection.

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