Where to place security cameras: cover the front door first, then the back and side doors, ground-floor windows away from the street, and the driveway or garage. Indoors, cover the main hallway or stairs that anyone entering must pass through.
This guide lists the eight best spots, how high to mount a camera, and the places a camera must never point.
Table of Contents
Where to place security cameras first?
Start with the main entrance, because it is where most visitors, deliveries and intruders arrive. One well-placed camera there is worth more than several poorly placed ones.
| # | Spot | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Front door | The main point of entry and deliveries |
| 2 | Back door | Out of sight from the street |
| 3 | Side door or gate | A common unseen route |
| 4 | Ground-floor windows away from the street | Hidden from passers-by |
| 5 | Driveway | Vehicles and approach to the house |
| 6 | Garage | Tools, bikes and a second way in |
| 7 | Main hallway or stairs indoors | Anyone inside must pass through |
| 8 | Living area with valuables | Shared space, not a private room |
How high should a security camera be?
Mount outdoor cameras high enough to be out of easy reach but low enough to see faces. Security.org suggests roughly 8 to 10 feet (about 2.5 to 3 meters), angled slightly downward.
- Too high, and you record the tops of heads.
- Too low, and the camera is easy to cover or steal.
- Angle it down so the horizon is near the top of the picture.
- Check the live view on your phone before you fix it in place.
How do you avoid glare and blind spots?
Keep the camera out of direct sun and away from bright lights and glass. Test the view by day and by night before you finish.
- Mount under an eave or porch roof for shade and shelter.
- Do not point an indoor camera through a window, because night vision reflects off the glass.
- Avoid aiming straight at a street lamp or porch light.
- Overlap the views of two cameras at corners.
- Trim plants that will grow into the frame.
Where should you never place a camera?
Never point a camera into a bathroom, a bedroom used by someone else, or a neighbor’s home or garden. This site does not cover hidden cameras or recording people without their knowledge.
- Bathrooms and changing areas.
- Bedrooms of guests, lodgers, children old enough to expect privacy, or staff.
- A neighbor’s windows, doors or yard.
- Shared hallways without the building’s permission.
Recording laws differ by state and country, especially for audio. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission also has advice on using IP cameras safely.
How do power and Wi-Fi affect where you can place a camera?
A camera can only go where it has power and a connection. Check both at the exact spot before you mount anything.
| Camera type | Needs | Placement limit |
|---|---|---|
| Plug-in | An outlet nearby | Cable length to the outlet |
| Battery | Recharging every so often | Somewhere you can reach |
| Solar | Several hours of sun | A sunny wall or roof edge |
| Wired to a recorder | A cable run | Wherever you can route the cable |
If Wi-Fi does not reach the spot, see security cameras without wifi.
How do renters and apartment dwellers place cameras?
Use an indoor camera on a shelf facing your own front door, and a battery doorbell or peephole camera if the landlord agrees. Nothing should be fixed to the building without permission.
See video doorbell for renters and our guide to a security camera without subscription.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to put a security camera?
The front door, because most arrivals happen there. Follow with the back door, side entrances, ground-floor windows away from the street and the driveway.
How high should I mount an outdoor security camera?
High enough to be out of easy reach while still seeing faces, commonly around 8 to 10 feet, angled slightly downward.
Where should I put indoor security cameras?
In a main hallway, by the stairs or in a shared living area that anyone entering must pass through. Keep them out of bedrooms and bathrooms.
Can I point a security camera at my neighbor’s property?
No. Aim cameras at your own property only. Recording a neighbor’s home or garden can break privacy laws.
Can I put a security camera behind a window?
It works poorly at night, because infrared light reflects off the glass. Mount outdoor cameras outside, or turn off night vision and use outside lighting.
How many security cameras does a house need?
Most homes are covered by two to four: the front door, the back door and one or two for the driveway, side or main hallway.
About the author: Hamza Javaid is a web developer and the editor of InnovateTechie. Read our editorial policy.
Last updated: October 2026. Prices, plans and app menus change often, so confirm details on the manufacturer’s page before you buy.
