Where can I place my Arlo Bridge and Arlo Security Light?

When positioning your light, keep these tips in mind:

• Keep active locations in the detection zone. Position your light so that the space that you want to monitor is within the motion detection zone.
• Elevate your light. Mount your security light at least 7 feet (2 meters) above the floor or the ground and aim it slightly downward (at an angle of at least 15 degrees) for the best sensor performance.
• Make sure that side-to-side traffic crosses the detection zone. Arlo’s motion sensor is much more sensitive to side-to-side movement across its field of view than to movement directly toward or away from the light. The best area for motion detection is 5 to 20 feet (1.5 to 6 meters) from the light position.
• Use the motion detection test. You can use the motion detection test to verify that the light detects motion in a specific area. For more information, see How do I use the motion detection test for my Arlo device?.
• Use the range finder test: You can use the range finder test to verify that the light is within coverage range of the bridge. For more information, see How can I tell if my Arlo Security Light is within range of my Arlo Bridge?.

Scroll to the end of this article to see a video about where to place your Arlo Security Lights.

After you place your lights, move your bridge as needed to a location that optimizes the signal between your lights and your bridge.

To optimize your bridge location, do the following:

• Make sure that your bridge is within range of your WiFi router.
• Place your bridge in a location where each light is about the same distance from the bridge.
• Elevate your bridge by plugging it into an outlet that is located above ground level, such as above a counter. If your home has multiple floors, place your Arlo Bridge on the second floor to increase its range.
• Do not plug the bridge into a power strip that is on the floor.
• Try to minimize the number of walls between your bridge and your lights. Thick or insulated walls can reduce the range.

Place your bridge in a location that is inside the WiFi range of your router and is about the same distance from each security light.

It’s important to keep distance in mind for a good WiFi signal:

• Maximum. Place your bridge within range of your WiFi router. The maximum line-of-sight range is reduced by each wall, ceiling, or other major obstruction between the light and bridge. The following materials reduce signal strength the most:
  • Unusually thick walls and ceilings
  • Brick
  • Concrete
  • Stone
  • Ceramic
  • Glass, especially mirrors
  • Metal
  • Large quantities of water, such as the water in a fish tank or water heater
• Minimum. Place your bridge at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from your router.