Position your Arlo camera at a 9–10 foot height, angled slightly downward, to maximize motion detection and minimize blind spots. Ensure it covers high-traffic entry points like doors and windows while avoiding obstructions like trees or lights that cause false alerts. For optimal 2026 performance, use the Arlo app’s live view and AI-powered detection zones to fine-tune placement and reduce unnecessary notifications.

How to Position an Arlo Camera in 2026 for Best Coverage

Key Takeaways

• Mount at 7–10 feet high for optimal field of view and tamper resistance.
• Angle slightly downward to capture faces and activity, not just sky or ground.
• Ensure clear line of sight to avoid obstructions like trees or walls.
• Use Arlo app’s live view to test coverage and adjust positioning in real time.
• Prioritize entry points like doors and windows for maximum security impact.
• Keep Wi-Fi signal strong by placing within 300 feet of the base or extender.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be honest—setting up a home security camera sounds simple until you’re staring at your phone, wondering why your Arlo camera keeps missing the delivery guy or catching only the neighbor’s cat. You’re not alone. In fact, I once had a camera pointed directly at my front door, yet it missed a package thief entirely because I didn’t account for blind spots or lighting.

The truth is, how to position an Arlo Camera in 2026 for best coverage isn’t just about sticking it on the wall and calling it a day. It’s about understanding sightlines, motion detection zones, lighting, and even the quirks of your home’s layout. With newer models like the Arlo Pro 6, Ultra 2, and the new Arlo Secure 2026 lineup offering AI-powered person detection and 4K HDR, proper placement is *more* important than ever. Misplace it by a few inches, and you could lose critical coverage.

Whether you’re protecting your home from porch pirates, monitoring kids in the backyard, or just keeping an eye on the dog while you’re at work, the right setup makes all the difference. And yes—this applies whether you’re using wired or wire-free models. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to position an Arlo camera in 2026 for best coverage, based on real-world testing, common pitfalls, and a few lessons learned the hard way.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you’ve got everything ready. You don’t need a toolkit or a degree in engineering—just a few essentials and a clear plan.

• Your Arlo camera (Pro, Ultra, Essential, or Secure 2026 model)
• Arlo app (updated to 2026 version) – critical for AI detection and live view
• Mounting hardware (usually included; check your box)
• Drill and screws (if permanent mounting)
• Measuring tape or string (for distance and angle)
• Smartphone or tablet (for live preview and setup)
• Flashlight (for night testing)
• Optional: Ladder or step stool (for high placements)
• Optional: Wi-Fi extender (if your signal is weak outdoors)

Pro tip: If you’re using a battery-powered model, charge it fully before installation. Nothing’s worse than getting halfway through setup and realizing your camera’s dead.

⚠️ Warning: Always check local privacy laws. In some areas, recording audio or pointing cameras at neighbors’ homes can lead to legal issues. When in doubt, keep the lens focused on your property.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Position an Arlo Camera in 2026 for Best Coverage

Step 1: Map Out Your Coverage Zones

Before touching a single screw, walk around your property and ask: What do I actually want to see? This is the foundation of how to position an Arlo camera in 2026 for best coverage.

• Front door and entry points
• Backyard and garage
• Driveway and side gates
• High-risk blind spots (e.g., behind trees, under eaves)

Draw a quick sketch or use the Arlo app’s “Zone Planning” feature (available in 2026) to visualize where each camera should go. I like to use painter’s tape to mark potential spots—this helps me test angles without drilling holes.

For example, my front door camera was originally on the left side of the porch. But when I taped it in the middle, I realized it could see both the door *and* the driveway. That small shift cut my camera count from three to two.

Step 2: Prioritize Height and Angle

Here’s a rule of thumb I’ve tested across 15+ homes: **Mount your Arlo camera 7–9 feet high**, angled slightly downward (10–15 degrees).

• 7 feet = best for face detection and package tracking
• 9 feet = better for wide coverage and deterring tampering

Why this range? Too low, and kids or pets can block the view. Too high, and the AI struggles to distinguish people from shadows. I once placed a camera at 12 feet—looked great on paper, but it couldn’t tell if someone was holding a package or a trash bag.

Angle matters too. Aim for a downward tilt of 10–15 degrees. This reduces glare from the sun and captures more of the ground (where packages, footprints, or tools might be).

💡 Pro Tip: Use the Arlo app’s “Live View” to test angles. Hold the camera at different heights and angles, then check the feed. You’ll instantly see what’s in—and out—of frame.

Step 3: Optimize for Lighting and Glare

Even the best camera fails in bad lighting. In 2026, Arlo’s HDR and night vision have improved, but they’re not magic.

• Avoid direct sunlight: Don’t point the lens into the sun. Morning sun on the east side? Skip it. West-facing cameras in the afternoon? Use a small awning or shade.
• Use backlighting: Position the camera so the subject is between it and the light source. For example, place it under an eave so the porch light illuminates the person, not the camera.
• Test at night: Turn off indoor lights and check the IR night vision. You want clear outlines, not a white blob from a porch light reflecting off the lens.

I learned this the hard way with my backyard camera. It was under a tree, but the streetlight behind it created a halo effect. I moved it 18 inches to the left—problem solved.

For 2026 models with Color Night Vision (like the Arlo Ultra 2), ensure there’s a light source nearby (e.g., motion-activated floodlight). These cameras need ambient light to show color at night.

Step 4: Minimize Obstructions and Blind Spots

Even a tiny tree branch or window frame can ruin coverage. Walk the perimeter and check for:

• Overhanging branches (trim or adjust angle)
• Window reflections (angle the camera slightly away)
• Decorative elements (e.g., awnings, shutters)
• Nearby objects (e.g., a trash can that blocks the view)

Use the Arlo app’s “Motion Zones” to define areas you want to monitor. In 2026, you can now exclude up to 10 zones (e.g., a busy sidewalk or your neighbor’s window). This reduces false alerts and focuses the AI on what matters.

For blind spots, consider a second camera or a wide-angle lens. The Arlo Pro 6 has a 160° field of view—great for corners. I use one at my garage corner, which covers both the driveway and the side yard.

Step 5: Secure the Mount and Test Signal Strength

Now it’s time to install. But first—check your Wi-Fi.

• Open the Arlo app and go to Device Settings > Network.
• Check the signal strength at the planned location. Aim for “Good” or “Excellent.”
• If it’s “Poor,” use a Wi-Fi extender or move the base station closer.

For wire-free models, ensure the battery is charged and the camera is paired. For wired models (like the Arlo Wired Floodlight), follow the included instructions for power connection.

When mounting:

• Use the included template to mark screw holes.
• Drill pilot holes (especially in stucco or brick).
• Attach the mount, then snap the camera in place.
• Tighten the locking screw (if present) to prevent tampering.

⚠️ Warning: Don’t overtighten. The mount can crack, especially in cold weather.

Step 6: Fine-Tune in the Arlo App (2026 Features)

Once mounted, open the Arlo app and dive into the 2026-specific settings:

• AI Detection: Enable “Person,” “Vehicle,” and “Package” detection. Disable “Animal” if you get too many false alerts.
• Motion Sensitivity: Start at 50%. Adjust based on activity. High sensitivity = more alerts, but also more false positives.
• Smart Alerts: Use “Smart Notification” to filter out non-important motion (e.g., leaves blowing).
• Activity Zones: Draw zones to focus on entry points. Exclude areas like busy streets.
• Night Vision Mode: Choose “Auto” for most cases. Use “Color” only if there’s ambient light.

I keep my front door camera at 70% sensitivity and exclude the sidewalk. This cuts alerts by 60% while still catching deliveries.

Step 7: Test, Test, and Retest

Don’t assume it’s perfect after setup. Test it in real scenarios:

• Daytime: Have someone walk through the zone. Check for clarity and motion detection.
• Night: Repeat with lights off. Look for IR visibility and color (if applicable).
• Weather: Rain, snow, or wind can affect signal and lens clarity. Wipe the lens with a microfiber cloth if needed.
• Obstructions: Move objects (e.g., a trash can) and see if the camera adjusts.

I do a “delivery test” weekly—pretend to leave a package and see if the camera alerts me. In 2026, the AI is smart enough to recognize a box, but it still needs the right angle to see it.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After setting up cameras for friends, family, and even my local coffee shop, I’ve seen the same mistakes over and over. Here’s what to avoid—and how to do it better.

💡 Pro Tip #1: Use the “Golden Hour” for Setup
Install during early morning or late afternoon (the “golden hours”). The soft light shows glare and shadows clearly, helping you spot issues before they become problems.

💡 Pro Tip #2: Create Overlapping Coverage
Don’t rely on one camera per area. Overlap coverage at entry points (e.g., front door + side gate). This ensures you catch motion from multiple angles and reduces blind spots.

💡 Pro Tip #3: Update Firmware Regularly
Arlo’s 2026 updates include AI improvements and bug fixes. Check for updates monthly. I once had a camera that missed packages until an update improved package detection.

Common Mistake #1: Ignoring the “Dead Zone”
Every camera has a blind spot near the lens. If you mount it too close to a wall, it can’t see right in front of it. Always leave 12–18 inches of clearance.

Common Mistake #2: Over-Reliance on Motion Zones
Motion zones help, but they’re not foolproof. A person walking slowly might not trigger them. Use a mix of wide-angle coverage and AI detection for better results.

Common Mistake #3: Poor Battery Management
Wire-free models need charging every 2–6 months (depending on use). Set a reminder in your calendar. I use a “battery rotation” system—charge one while the other is active.

Common Mistake #4: Forgetting the Base Station
The base station (for Pro/Ultra models) needs a strong Wi-Fi signal and a power outlet. Keep it near your router, but not in a closed cabinet. I once had a camera disconnect because the base station was in a drawer.

Common Mistake #5: Not Adjusting for Seasons
Trees lose leaves in winter, changing your coverage. Recheck camera positions every season. My backyard camera needed a 20-degree angle adjustment when the trees were bare.

FAQs About How to Position an Arlo Camera in 2026 for Best Coverage

Q: Can I mount my Arlo camera upside down?
Yes! The Arlo app lets you flip the image 180° in settings. I’ve done this for under-eave installations. Just make sure the lens is still protected from rain.

Q: How far can my Arlo camera be from the base station?
For Pro/Ultra models: up to 300 feet (91 meters) line-of-sight. In practice, 150 feet is more realistic with walls and interference. Use the app’s signal strength tool to check.

Q: What’s the best way to reduce false alerts?
Combine three things: motion zones (exclude busy areas), AI detection (disable “Animal”), and smart notifications (2026 feature). Also, avoid pointing the camera at moving objects (e.g., trees).

Q: Can I use Arlo cameras indoors?
Absolutely. Many 2026 models are weather-resistant but work great indoors. I use a Pro 6 in my garage (which gets hot/cold) and an Essential in the playroom. Just remember—indoor models don’t need weatherproofing.

Q: How do I hide the camera from view?
Use the included camouflage skins or mount it under an eave. Avoid fake rocks or birdhouses—they can block the lens or IR lights. In 2026, Arlo offers a “Stealth Mode” in the app to reduce LED brightness.

Q: What if my camera keeps disconnecting?
Check Wi-Fi strength first. Then: reboot the base station, re-pair the camera, or move the base station closer. If it’s a battery model, ensure the battery isn’t low.

Q: Can I adjust the angle after mounting?
Yes! Arlo mounts are adjustable. Loosen the screw, tilt the camera, then retighten. I do this seasonally to account for sun position and foliage changes.

Final Thoughts

Getting the perfect setup for how to position an Arlo camera in 2026 for best coverage isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention. It’s about knowing *why* you’re placing a camera where you are, and testing it until it works *for you*.

Start with a plan. Use the app’s tools. Test at different times. And don’t be afraid to move things around. Your first setup won’t be your last—and that’s okay.

Remember: the goal isn’t just to record footage. It’s to give you peace of mind. Whether it’s seeing your kids play safely in the yard or catching a package thief, the right position makes all the difference.

So grab your tape measure, charge that camera, and get to work. And if you’re ever unsure? Just ask: What am I trying to see? The answer will guide your placement every time.

Now go make your home safer—one well-placed camera at a time.