How to Install Arlo Wire-Free Security Cameras
Mount and configure Arlo wire-free smart security cameras to exterior or interior walls using standard drill bits, anchors, and app-guided positioning.
- Read the tools, materials, safety notes, and steps below for free.
- Tap Start Camera Coach when you want hands-free voice help.
- Allow camera and microphone. Point your phone at the work; the coach watches your progress and tells you the next step.
🧰 Required Tools & Equipment
- ✓ Cordless drill with Phillips bit
- ✓ 15/64-inch (6mm) drill bit
- ✓ Pencil
- ✓ Step ladder
- ✓ Smartphone with Arlo app
📦 Materials & Supplies
- ✓ Arlo wire-free camera and charged battery
- ✓ Mounting plate and wall bracket
- ✓ Mounting screws
- ✓ Plastic drywall/masonry anchors
⚠️ Safety Checkpoints & Warnings
- • Ensure step ladder is on level, solid ground with all spreaders locked before climbing.
- • Verify no hidden electrical conduits or water pipes sit directly behind the drilling location.
- • Wear safety glasses while drilling overhead into masonry, wood, or stucco.
📋 Step-by-Step Guide (6 Steps)
Pair Camera Indoors Before Mounting
Insert the fully charged battery into the Arlo camera until the latch clicks. Open the Arlo app on your smartphone, select 'Add New Device', and follow on-screen prompts until the camera flashes blue and displays a live video feed.
- • Camera LED pulses solid blue
- • Arlo app displays active live stream from camera lens
- • Attempting to mount hardware outdoors before verifying Wi-Fi sync and battery charge indoors.
Select and Test Outdoor Mounting Location
Position the camera roughly 7 to 9 feet above ground angled slightly downward. Hold the camera in the target location while viewing the Arlo live stream on your phone to confirm strong Wi-Fi signal and ideal motion coverage.
- • Camera held 7-9 feet high with unobstructed field of view
- • App shows at least two solid Wi-Fi signal bars with continuous live video
- • Mounting directly facing the sun or pointing parallel to expected walking paths rather than crossing them side-to-side.
Mark Drill Hole Locations
Hold the Arlo mounting bracket flat against the wall or soffit at your chosen height. Insert the pencil tip through the bracket mounting holes and draw distinct dots onto the surface.
- • Clear pencil marks visible on wall matching screw hole pattern of bracket
- • Allowing the bracket to slip while marking, causing misaligned anchor points.
Drill Holes and Insert Wall Anchors
Fit your drill with the recommended bit size (typically 15/64-inch for included anchors). Hold the drill perpendicular to the wall and bore straight in to the depth of the anchor, then tap the plastic anchors flush into each hole.
- • Clean, circular holes drilled straight into surface
- • Plastic anchors seated completely flush with exterior wall face
- • Drilling at an angle or using an oversized drill bit, causing anchors to spin loosely.
Fasten Mounting Bracket to Wall
Align the bracket holes over the inserted anchors. Drive the included screws through the bracket into each anchor using a drill or hand screwdriver until the bracket sits rigid and flush against the wall.
- • Screw heads seated firmly in countersinks
- • Bracket does not wiggle or rotate when pulled gently by hand
- • Overtightening screws into plastic anchors, which strips the internal threads.
Attach Camera and Calibrate Viewing Angle
Snap or screw the Arlo camera onto the mount. Open the Arlo app's 'Motion Detection Test' mode, pivot the camera on its swivel to cover entry paths, and tighten the collar or check magnetic retention.
- • Camera securely seated on mount and tilted downward 15-30 degrees
- • App LED triggers flash blue during motion walk test across camera view
- • Leaving mount collar loose, causing camera to droop over time from wind or vibration.
Credit: inspired by an original tutorial by Arlo Smart Home — watch the original on YouTube.
Don’t have everything?
- No Cordless drill with Phillips bit? Manual Phillips screwdriver (if mounting directly into pre-drilled holes or soft wood)
- No 15/64-inch (6mm) drill bit? Standard 1/4-inch masonry or twist drill bit