Position your Arlo camera at a 90-degree angle, 7–10 feet high, and facing the most active entry points to maximize coverage and minimize blind spots. Ensure the lens is unobstructed and angled slightly downward to capture faces and activity clearly, while leveraging motion zones to reduce false alerts. For 2026’s smarter AI detection, optimal placement now also considers lighting, Wi-Fi signal strength, and integration with other smart devices.

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How to Position Arlo Camera in 2026 for Best Coverage

Key Takeaways

• Mount at 7-10 feet: Optimal height for wide coverage and tamper resistance.
• Angle downward 20-30°: Reduces glare and captures faces clearly.
• Prioritize entry points: Focus on doors, driveways, and blind spots first.
• Test Wi-Fi signal: Ensure strong connectivity before final installation.
• Use weatherproof mounts: Protect outdoor cameras from rain and debris.
• Enable motion zones: Customize detection areas to cut false alerts.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s face it—no one wants to miss that crucial moment when the delivery guy leaves a package or a raccoon raids the trash. I learned this the hard way when my Arlo camera missed a porch pirate by mere inches because it was pointed too high.

If you’re wondering how to position Arlo camera in 2026 for best coverage, you’re not alone. With newer models like the Arlo Ultra 2 and Arlo Pro 5, smart features are better than ever, but they still depend on one thing: placement.

Even the most advanced camera won’t help if it’s aimed at a tree branch or mounted where Wi-Fi can’t reach. The goal? Clear, wide coverage with minimal blind spots—without making your home look like a surveillance state.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s get your toolkit ready. You don’t need fancy gear—just a few essentials to make how to position Arlo camera in 2026 for best coverage a breeze.

• Your Arlo camera (Pro, Ultra, or Essential series)
• Mounting hardware (usually included with the camera)
• Smartphone with Arlo app (iOS or Android)
• Measuring tape or ruler (a string works in a pinch)
• Drill and screws (for permanent mounts)
• Wi-Fi extender (optional)—if your outdoor signal is weak
• Flashlight (optional)—for testing night vision

Pro tip: If you’re using a battery-powered model, charge it fully before setup. Nothing kills momentum like a low-battery warning mid-installation.

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

Step 1: Choose the Right Location—Think Like a Burglar

Here’s a mindset shift: stop thinking like a homeowner. Think like someone trying to sneak in. Where would they go? Where are the weak spots?

Common entry points include:

• Front and back doors
• Ground-floor windows (especially side or garage doors)
• Driveways and walkways
• Backyard gates or pool areas

When considering how to position Arlo camera in 2026 for best coverage, prioritize these zones. I once skipped the side gate because “no one uses it.” Spoiler: the neighbor’s dog did, and I missed it for weeks.

Warning: Avoid mounting near bright lights or streetlamps. They can cause glare or overexposure at night, ruining your footage.

Step 2: Aim for 7–9 Feet High—The Sweet Spot

Mounting height is critical. Too low? Kids, pets, or even a tall hat can block the lens. Too high? You’ll miss facial details and get too much sky.

For most homes, 7 to 9 feet is ideal. This height:

• Keeps the camera out of easy reach (deterrent effect)
• Captures faces clearly (critical for identification)
• Reduces glare from ground-level lights

Use a measuring tape or step ladder to mark the spot. If you’re unsure, test it: stand where you’d normally approach the door. Your head should be near the center of the camera’s field of view.

This is a key part of how to position Arlo camera in 2026 for best coverage—don’t skip it.

Step 3: Use the Arlo App to Test the Field of View

Before drilling a single hole, use the Arlo app’s live view. This is your secret weapon.

Here’s how:

• Mount the camera temporarily (use a clamp, suction cup, or just hold it)
• Open the Arlo app and tap the camera
• Check the live feed on your phone
• Walk through the area—front door, driveway, etc.—and see what’s visible

Look for:

• Blind spots (e.g., a bush blocking the left side)
• Overexposure (e.g., sun hitting the lens at 4 PM)
• Wi-Fi signal strength (check the signal bar in the app)

I once spent 20 minutes adjusting a camera because the live view showed a trash can blocking half the porch. Without the app, I’d have missed it.

Step 4: Adjust the Angle for Optimal Coverage

Even at the right height, the angle matters. Most Arlo cameras have a 130° to 160° field of view, but that doesn’t mean you should aim it straight out.

For doors: Angle slightly downward to capture the doormat and anyone approaching. This helps with facial recognition and package detection.

For driveways: Pan slightly to the side to follow the path. If you point it straight down the driveway, cars will appear as tiny dots at the edge.

For wide areas (like a backyard): Use a corner mount to cover two sides. The Arlo Ultra 2’s wide-angle lens works great here.

This fine-tuning is what separates “good” from “great” when learning how to position Arlo camera in 2026 for best coverage.

Pro tip: Use the app’s “Motion Zones” feature to ignore areas like busy streets. This reduces false alerts and focuses on real threats.

Step 5: Secure the Mount—Weatherproof and Theft-Resistant

Now it’s time to make it permanent. Use the included mounting bracket and screws. If your camera is in a high-traffic or high-theft area (like near a public sidewalk), consider:

• Tamper-resistant screws (Arlo sells them, or use security torx)
• A protective housing (especially in coastal or rainy areas)
• Concealed wiring (if using a wired model)

For battery-powered models, make sure the mount is easy to access for charging or replacement. I once installed a camera so high I needed a 10-foot ladder to change the battery. Never again.

Check the seal on the camera’s backplate. Dust, moisture, and insects can sneak in and ruin the lens over time.

Step 6: Optimize Wi-Fi and Power (If Needed)

Even the best placement fails if the signal’s weak. Here’s how to fix it:

• Check the Wi-Fi strength in the Arlo app (look for 2–3 bars)
• Add a Wi-Fi extender or mesh node if the signal drops below 2 bars
• For wired models, use weatherproof conduit to protect cables
• Use solar panels (Arlo Solar Panel) to keep battery models charged

I added a Wi-Fi extender near my back fence after noticing lag in the feed. Instant improvement. Now the camera updates in real time.

This step is often overlooked but essential for how to position Arlo camera in 2026 for best coverage—don’t let weak Wi-Fi ruin your setup.

Step 7: Fine-Tune with Smart Features (Arlo App Settings)

Once mounted, head to the Arlo app to customize:

• Motion sensitivity—start at medium, then adjust based on false alerts
• Activity zones—draw boxes to ignore pets, trees, or passing cars
• Night vision mode—choose “Color” for full-color night footage (if supported)
• Smart alerts—enable “Person,” “Vehicle,” or “Animal” detection

I set my backyard camera to ignore my cat but alert me to humans. No more midnight “intruder” notifications from Mr. Whiskers.

These settings make your camera smarter, not just better positioned.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After setting up over a dozen Arlo cameras (and fixing my own blunders), here’s what I’ve learned:

Pro tip #1: Use the “Test Coverage” feature in the Arlo app. It simulates motion and shows you exactly where detection zones are. I use this every time.

Pro tip #2: Mount near a soffit or overhang. This protects the camera from rain, snow, and direct sunlight. My first camera faded in UV light after two summers—lesson learned.

Pro tip #3: Pair multiple cameras for overlapping coverage. A front door and driveway camera should slightly overlap. This eliminates blind spots and gives better context.

Common Mistakes:

• Ignoring the sun path. Morning sun can blind a west-facing camera. Use shade or adjust the angle.
• Overlooking pet zones. If your dog runs near the camera, set activity zones to ignore the ground level.
• Mounting too close to walls. This creates a “tunnel vision” effect. Keep the camera at least 12 inches from the wall.
• Skipping firmware updates. New updates improve detection, stability, and features. Check the app monthly.

One friend mounted his camera pointing straight up at a tree. “It’s for birds,” he said. It was not. He got 300 alerts a day. After repositioning, he got zero—until the real intruder showed up.

Remember: how to position Arlo camera in 2026 for best coverage isn’t just about placement—it’s about context, testing, and adjustment.

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

Let’s tackle the questions I get all the time—straight, no fluff.

Q: Can I mount my Arlo camera indoors for outdoor coverage?

Yes, but with caveats. You can place it behind a window, but:

• Glass can cause glare or reflections (especially at night)
• Condensation or dirt on the window reduces clarity
• Motion detection may be less accurate

For best results, use an outdoor-rated model. If you must go indoor, clean the window daily and disable “glass break” detection (it won’t work).

Q: How many Arlo cameras do I need for full coverage?

It depends on your home, but here’s a rule of thumb:

• 1 camera: Front door only
• 2 cameras: Front + back or front + side
• 3+ cameras: Full perimeter (doors, windows, driveway, backyard)

I use four for my 2,500 sq ft home. One for the front, one for the back, one for the driveway, and one for the side gate. Overlap is key.

Q: What if my camera keeps disconnecting?

Check:

• Wi-Fi signal (use the app’s signal strength tool)
• Battery level (for wireless models)
• Firmware (update if needed)
• Obstructions (trees, walls, metal gutters)

If the issue persists, add a Wi-Fi extender or switch to a wired model. Distance matters—Arlo cameras work best within 300 feet of the base station.

Q: Should I point my camera at the street?

Only if you want to track traffic. Otherwise, avoid it. Cars and pedestrians will trigger constant alerts. Use activity zones to ignore the street and focus on your property.

I did this once. Got 50 alerts a day from delivery trucks. Not worth it.

Q: Can I adjust the camera after mounting?

Absolutely. Most Arlo mounts allow you to swivel and tilt. Use a small screwdriver to loosen the bracket, adjust the angle, then tighten.

Do this every season. Leaves, snow, or new garden features can block the view.

Q: Are Arlo cameras visible at night?

Yes. Even with night vision, the camera’s IR LEDs glow faintly red. This is a good thing—it acts as a deterrent. But if you want it hidden, use a dark-colored housing or mount it in shadowed areas.

Just don’t sacrifice coverage for stealth.

Q: What’s the best way to hide the camera?

Don’t. A visible camera is a deterrent. Burglars avoid homes with clear surveillance. If you must hide it, use a weatherproof enclosure (sold separately), but make sure the lens has a clear view.

Stealth is overrated. Prevention is better.

Final Thoughts

Mastering how to position Arlo camera in 2026 for best coverage isn’t about fancy tech—it’s about smart choices. Height, angle, Wi-Fi, and testing matter more than the camera’s price tag.

Start with the high-risk zones. Use the app to test. Adjust. Then adjust again. Your goal isn’t perfection—it’s practical protection.

And remember: no setup is set-and-forget. Check your cameras monthly. Clean the lens. Update the firmware. Watch the sun’s path. Life changes—your coverage should too.

You’ve got this. Now go make your home smarter, safer, and a little less stressful. One well-placed Arlo at a time.

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