You bought a smart camera. Great. But where you install it matters more than most people think.

Mount it in the wrong place and you’ll miss key footage, get false alerts, or even violate someone’s privacy. Let’s break down the best — and worst — spots to place your cameras for maximum protection.

🏠 Best Outdoor Camera Placements

1. Front Door (Head Height, Facing Out)

About 34% of burglars enter through the front door. Mount your camera near eye level (not too high), slightly off-center to avoid glare from lights or the sun.

2. Back Door or Side Entrance

These are less visible entry points — often targeted by intruders. Place cameras here with motion-activated lights for extra deterrence.

3. Driveway or Garage Area

Protect your car, tools, and entry points with a wide-angle view of the driveway. Aim down slightly to avoid catching the street.

4. Backyard or Fence Line

If your backyard has an alley or fence gate, secure that area too. Use cameras with night vision and weather resistance.

❌ Worst Outdoor Placements

• Facing directly into the sun or street (creates glare and triggers false motion)
• Under loose roofing or awnings (may block view or vibrate in wind)
• Too high on a second story (makes faces unrecognizable)

🏡 Best Indoor Camera Placements

1. Main Entry or Hallway

This captures anyone who enters or leaves the home. Install above the door frame or across the hallway for wide visibility.

2. Living Room or Common Area

Monitor the largest shared space. It’s great for watching over kids, pets, or unexpected movement.

3. Near Ground-Level Windows

Place cameras facing vulnerable windows from the inside. Pair with contact sensors or motion detectors for backup.

❌ Worst Indoor Placements

• Bedrooms or bathrooms — privacy concerns and potential legal issues
• Facing mirrors or reflective glass — causes motion confusion
• Too close to TVs or screens — motion alerts may trigger constantly

🧠 Bonus Tips for Smarter Placement

• Test motion detection zones after setup
• Use privacy shutters or schedule settings for indoor cameras
• Avoid mounting too close to Wi-Fi dead zones

Final Thoughts

Even the best camera won’t help if it’s facing the wrong way. Take time to plan your placement — it’s the difference between a missed break-in and a captured face.

👉 Need help planning your smart security layout? Get a free consultation — we’ll map it out with you.

📍 Find more helpful advice in our Smart Security Devices section.