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Home | Home Security | Where Should Home Security Cameras Be Installed?

Where Should Home Security Cameras Be Installed? Why you can trust SafeWise products considered250+research hours in 25+ in-home tests10k+years of combined experience176+homes and people protected10M+

For over 12 years, SafeWise has conducted independent research, hands-on testing, and expert consultations to provide trustworthy, human-written home safety advice. Read our methodology.

By Cathy Habas Aug 16, 2023 2 min read

Home security cameras are a great addition to any home security system, providing you 24/7 access to your home, regardless of your location. Some people make the mistake of installing just one camera. However, most cameras can rotate only so much and zoom only so far. Like door and window sensors, home security cameras should be installed in multiple areas throughout your home.

Placing cameras at your main entrances and exits will help deter someone who might be considering breaking in. 

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Best places to install security cameras

Instead of focusing on a specific number of security cameras to install, consider which locations in and around your home will provide the widest viewing ranges. While all homes are situated differently, most have high-traffic spots that are more vulnerable to break-ins. You should place cameras to cover as many of these areas as possible.

• Front, back, and side doors. Over one-third of burglars enter a home through a front or back door.1 Place exterior cameras above or near any doors leading into your home.
• Off-street windows. Windows that don’t directly face a street may be more prone to break-ins due to their privacy. Install exterior cameras above these windows, or use interior cameras that face the windows in question.
• Driveways. If a burglar approaches your home, they may walk down your driveway or attempt to enter through your garage door. Placing an exterior camera above the driveway can help you detect suspicious activity.
• Common areas. If a burglar enters your home, they may be inclined to search for valuables in specific areas, such as the living room and master bedroom. Use cameras to watch over these spaces.
• Stairways. Some homes have balconies or basements with staircases that lead to entry points, which burglars can use to get inside. Place a camera on the stairs to watch for any suspicious activity.

Other security camera placement tips

Keep cameras up high

When considering where to install home security cameras, correct placement is critical.

• All cameras should be out of reach so they can’t be easily knocked down or destroyed.
• Place exterior cameras at a second-story level—at least nine feet above the ground—and keep interior cameras near the ceiling.
• Make sure the cameras are installed securely as well. While some cameras can be attached to surfaces with adhesives, screwing them directly into a wall is more secure.

Angle cameras correctly

Finding the right angle to complement camera placement is equally as important as the placement itself. If you place your home security cameras directly above windows or doors and fail to angle them appropriately, you may only catch the top of a burglar’s head.

Instead, put them a foot or two next to a door or window with the camera angled down toward the entrance. Don’t be afraid to make your security cameras visible; it may help scare off up to two-thirds of potential prowlers.2

Consider Wi-Fi signal strength

If you have wireless cameras, check the Wi-Fi signal around your home. It’s important that your home security cameras have reliable access to a strong Wi-Fi signal to capture and relay footage. Without an internet connection, the camera could disconnect from your home security system. If the Wi-Fi signal is weak, the video footage may be choppy or distorted.

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• What Types of Security Cameras Are Available and What Are the Differences Between Them?

Sources

1. FBI, Uniform Crime Reporting, “Crime in the United States 2019, Burglary.” Accessed April 26, 2023.
2. Randy Travis, FOX 5 Atlanta, "We Asked 99 Burglars 20 Questions--Their Answers Could Make You Safer," February 2018. Accessed April 26, 2023.

Share Article Written by Cathy Habas With over eight years of experience as a content writer, Cathy has a knack for untangling complex information. Her natural curiosity and ability to empathize help Cathy offer insightful, friendly advice. She believes in empowering readers who may not feel confident about a purchase, project, or topic. Cathy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Indiana University Southeast and began her professional writing career immediately after graduation. She is a certified Safe Sleep Ambassador and has contributed to sites like Safety.com, Reviews.com, Hunker, and Thumbtack. Cathy’s pride and joy is her Appaloosa “Chacos.” She also likes to crochet while watching stand-up comedy specials on Netflix.

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