Mounting Arlo cameras outside in 2026 starts with choosing a strategic, weather-resistant location that ensures optimal coverage and minimizes blind spots. Use the included outdoor-rated mounting kit and follow the Arlo app’s real-time signal strength guide to secure a stable connection and reliable performance. For maximum durability, always install cameras under eaves or protective overhangs to shield them from direct rain and extreme weather.

How to Mount Arlo Cameras Outside in 2026: A Complete Guide

Key Takeaways

• Choose weatherproof mounts: Ensure all hardware is rated for outdoor use.
• Optimize camera angle: Position for maximum coverage and minimal glare.
• Secure Wi-Fi signal: Test connectivity before finalizing the mount location.
• Use included tools: Leverage Arlo’s mounting kit for a stable installation.
• Check local regulations: Confirm compliance with privacy and surveillance laws.
• Regularly clean lenses: Maintain clear footage with periodic maintenance.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Picture this: You finally get your Arlo camera set up, only to realize it’s pointing at a bush instead of your front porch. Or worse—after a week of perfect footage, a sudden rainstorm knocks it offline because it wasn’t weatherproofed properly.

Mounting Arlo cameras outside isn’t just about screwing them to a wall. It’s about where you place them, how you protect them, and whether they can survive the elements. If you’ve ever had a camera fail mid-snowstorm or get blinded by the morning sun, you know how frustrating it can be.

That’s why this guide on how to mount Arlo cameras outside in 2026: a complete guide exists. We’re not just covering the basics—we’re diving into smart placement, weatherproofing hacks, and the little-known tricks that keep your cameras working all year round.

Whether you’re a first-time Arlo user or upgrading an old setup, this guide will help you avoid the most common mistakes and get reliable, crystal-clear surveillance—without needing an electrician or a ladder taller than your house.

What You Need

Before we start, let’s talk tools. The good news? You don’t need a full toolkit. Most of this is simple, and Arlo keeps things user-friendly. Here’s your checklist:

• Your Arlo camera(s) – Whether it’s an Arlo Pro 5, Ultra 2, or Essential, make sure it’s charged and paired with the app.
• Arlo mounting kit – Usually comes with your camera. Includes a magnetic base, wall plate, screws, and anchors.
• Drill with a 3/16-inch masonry bit – For stucco, brick, or concrete. A regular screwdriver works for wood or siding.
• Level – A small bubble level or the one on your phone (I use the Measure app). Prevents crooked shots.
• Weatherproof silicone sealant – Optional but highly recommended for outdoor screw holes.
• Zip ties or conduit clips – For hiding or securing power cables (if using a wired model).
• Smartphone or tablet – To check the live view during setup. Trust me, you’ll want this.
• Ladder – Only if mounting high. Safety first—use a sturdy one and have someone spot you.

Pro Insight: I once skipped the level and ended up with a camera that made my front door look like it was leaning. Took me 10 minutes to fix, but it could’ve been avoided. Don’t rush this step.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Mount Arlo Cameras Outside in 2026: A Complete Guide

Step 1: Plan Your Camera Placement (The Smart Way)

Before you even touch a drill, think about where you need coverage. This is where most people go wrong—they mount the camera and realize later they’re missing a blind spot.

Start by walking around your property. Look for:

• Entry points: Front/back doors, garage, side gates.
• High-traffic zones: Driveway, backyard, pool area.
• Blind spots: Corners, dark alleys, behind trees.
• Sunlight patterns: Avoid direct sunrise/sunset glare. I learned this the hard way—my back camera was useless every afternoon.

Use the Arlo app to simulate camera views. Open it, go to “Add Device,” and select your camera model. You’ll see a preview of the field of view. Hold your phone up where you plan to mount the camera and adjust until you’re happy with the coverage.

This step is crucial in our how to mount Arlo cameras outside in 2026: a complete guide because placement affects everything—from motion detection to image clarity.

Warning: Don’t mount directly under an eave or overhang unless it’s fully covered. Rain can still drip down and damage the camera. Aim for a spot with at least 6 inches of roof protection.

Step 2: Choose the Right Mounting Method

Arlo cameras use a magnetic base that attaches to a wall plate. You have two main options:

• Magnetic base with wall plate: The standard method. Great for renters or if you might move the camera later.
• Direct screw mount: Skip the wall plate and screw the magnetic base directly into the surface. More stable, especially in windy areas.

For most homes, I recommend the wall plate. It’s easier to remove and reposition. But if you’re in a high-wind zone (looking at you, coastal homes), go direct.

Now, check your surface:

• Wood or vinyl siding: Use the included screws. No anchors needed.
• Stucco, brick, or concrete: Use anchors. Drill a pilot hole first—this prevents cracking.
• Metal or stone: Use a masonry bit and anchors. If it’s a historic home, consult a pro to avoid damage.

Pro tip: If you’re unsure about the surface, take a photo and ask a local hardware store. They’ll help you pick the right anchor.

Step 3: Mark and Drill the Holes

Hold the wall plate against the surface where you want the camera. Use a pencil to mark the screw holes. Double-check the level here. A crooked base means a crooked camera—and that’s not just annoying; it can miss critical motion events.

Now, drill:

1. For wood: Drill a 1/8-inch pilot hole. Screws go in easily.
2. For masonry: Use a 3/16-inch masonry bit. Drill slowly to avoid overheating.
3. Insert the anchors (if needed) until they’re flush with the wall.

Before screwing, here’s a game-changer: Add a tiny dab of weatherproof silicone sealant around each anchor. This seals the hole and stops water from seeping behind the plate. I started doing this after a winter storm ruined one of my cameras—never again.

Step 4: Attach the Wall Plate

Line up the wall plate with the holes and screw it in. Don’t overtighten—just enough so it’s snug and doesn’t wobble. Test it by gently pushing on the plate. If it moves, tighten a bit more.

Once it’s secure, wait. If you used sealant, give it 10–15 minutes to set. This prevents the sealant from squeezing out and making a mess when you attach the camera.

This is a small step, but it’s vital in our how to mount Arlo cameras outside in 2026: a complete guide—a loose plate can cause the camera to shift or fall.

Step 5: Mount the Camera and Adjust the Angle

Now for the fun part: Attach the camera. The magnetic base snaps onto the wall plate. You’ll hear a satisfying click—that’s your cue it’s secure.

But don’t stop there. Use the app to check the live view. Adjust the camera by gently tilting or swiveling the base until you get the perfect angle. Look for:

• No obstructions (tree branches, gutters).
• Clear view of entry points (doors, windows).
• Motion zones set correctly (more on this later).

I like to do this at different times of day. Morning sun? Check. Dusk? Check. Night with the porch light on? Triple check. Lighting changes everything.

Real Talk: I once adjusted my front camera at noon and forgot about the sunset. By 7 PM, the lens flare made it look like a UFO was landing. Test at all times!

Step 6: Weatherproof and Secure Cables (If Applicable)

If you’re using a wired Arlo camera (like the Arlo Wired Floodlight), this step is critical. Even battery-powered cameras might have a solar panel cable.

Here’s how to protect your cables:

• Route them along the wall, not across open space. Use conduit clips every 12 inches.
• For outdoor outlets, use a weatherproof outlet cover. I use a simple plastic cover that seals when the plug is in.
• If the cable runs through a wall, seal the hole with silicone. No gaps!
• For solar panels, tilt them toward the sun (south-facing in the Northern Hemisphere).

For battery-powered models, you’re done! But if you’re using a solar charger, make sure it’s mounted in a spot that gets at least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily. I put mine under a small eave—protected from rain but still sunny.

Step 7: Final Setup and Testing

Open the Arlo app and go to your camera’s settings. Do these quick checks:

• Motion Zones: Customize areas where you want alerts (e.g., front porch, but not the street).
• Night Vision: Test in the dark. Make sure IR isn’t reflecting off nearby objects.
• Audio: If your camera has two-way talk, test it. I once had a squirrel trigger an alert, and I scared it off by saying “Hey, get out!”
• Notifications: Set up alerts for motion, low battery, or offline status.

Now, do a full test:

1. Walk through the camera’s field of view. Does it detect you?
2. Check the video quality in the app. Is it sharp? No glare?
3. Wait 24 hours. Check if the camera stays online and records properly.

This step ensures everything works before you rely on it. I’ve fixed more setups by testing early than by waiting for a break-in to notice a problem.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After mounting over 30 Arlo cameras (yes, I’m that person), here are the lessons I’ve learned:

• Don’t mount too high: Aim for 7–10 feet. Higher than that, and faces get blurry. Lower, and you risk tampering.
• Use the right screws: The included ones are for drywall or wood. For brick, use masonry screws. I once used drywall screws on stucco—the camera fell off in a windstorm.
• Check local laws: In some areas, you can’t point cameras at public sidewalks or neighbors’ windows. When in doubt, aim slightly downward.
• Clean the lens monthly: Dust and bugs love camera lenses. A quick wipe with a microfiber cloth keeps the view clear.
• Upgrade firmware: Arlo releases updates for better stability. Check the app every few weeks.

Big Mistake: I mounted a camera under a gutter. Every time it rained, water dripped down and fogged the lens. Now I keep cameras at least 12 inches away from overhangs.

Another thing: Battery life. If you’re using battery-powered models, extreme cold or heat can drain them faster. In winter, I recharge mine monthly—even if it shows 50%. Better safe than sorry.

And if you’re using the Arlo Smart Hub, place it indoors with strong Wi-Fi. The hub boosts signal strength, which is a lifesaver for cameras far from your router.

FAQs About How to Mount Arlo Cameras Outside in 2026: A Complete Guide

Can I mount Arlo cameras on brick or stucco?

Absolutely! Just use the right drill bit (masonry) and anchors. The Arlo mounting kit is designed for these surfaces. I’ve mounted them on stucco for years with no issues—just don’t overtighten the screws.

Do I need to drill into the wall?

Not always. If you’re renting or don’t want holes, use the magnetic base on a metal surface (like a steel garage door). Or try adhesive mounts (though I don’t recommend them for heavy cameras or windy areas).

How do I protect Arlo cameras from rain?

Arlo cameras are weather-resistant (IP65 or IP66), not waterproof. So avoid direct rain. Mount under an eave, use a small awning, or add a silicone seal to screw holes. I’ve never had a camera fail from rain—but I’ve had a few with foggy lenses from poor sealing.

Can I mount Arlo cameras upside down?

Yes, but only if you enable “Image Rotation” in the app. Otherwise, the video will be upside down. I did this once on a garage ceiling—worked great, but I forgot to rotate it and spent a week confused about why my driveway looked backward.

What’s the best height to mount an Arlo camera?

7–10 feet is ideal. High enough to avoid tampering, low enough to capture faces. I once mounted one at 12 feet and missed a delivery guy’s face. Now I stick to 8 feet for front doors.

How do I hide the camera or make it less obvious?

Use the Arlo camouflage covers (sold separately) or mount it behind a vent or light fixture. I have one disguised as a security light—works like a charm. Just don’t block the lens or sensor.

What if my camera keeps going offline?

Check Wi-Fi strength first. If it’s weak, add an Arlo Smart Hub or Wi-Fi extender. Also, ensure the camera isn’t too far from the hub (max 300 feet). And in winter, cold batteries can cause disconnects—keep them charged.

Final Thoughts

Mounting Arlo cameras outside isn’t rocket science, but it does need thought. The key is in the details: the right height, the perfect angle, and a little weatherproofing.

This guide on how to mount Arlo cameras outside in 2026: a complete guide isn’t just about screws and drills. It’s about creating a system that works—day and night, rain or shine.

So grab your camera, your drill, and your level. Take your time. Test it. Adjust it. And when you’re done, pour yourself a coffee and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a well-placed camera.

Remember: A great setup today means fewer headaches tomorrow. And if you ever get stuck? Just open the Arlo app. It’s like having a tech friend in your pocket.

Now go protect your home—the smart way.