How to Mount a Security Camera Without Drilling Holes
May 08, 2026
Quick Summary
Mounting a security camera without drilling is completely possible with the right approach. Whether you're a renter or simply want to avoid wall damage, there are practical, secure alternatives that don’t compromise on coverage or safety.
Easy mounting methods: Use adhesive mounts or suction cups for smooth surfaces, small hooks for light support, or simply place cameras on shelves for a no-install setup.
Where to place your camera: Focus on high-risk entry points like front doors, back doors, garages, and first-floor windows to maximize visibility and security.
Best height for installation: Mount cameras around 9 feet high to prevent tampering while still capturing clear facial details.
DIY vs. Professional installation: Ensure stability, proper angle, and power access when installing without drilling to avoid weak or ineffective placement.
Get expert help with Brinks Home: Professional guidance ensures optimal placement, secure setup, and reliable monitoring without unnecessary wall damage.
The right home security system offers all the equipment that you and your family need. That system will generally include at least one security camera because they offer a convenient way for owners to keep an extra eye on the inside and outside of their home no matter where they are.
As convenient as security cameras are, mounting them may mean that a homeowner may need to drill into walls. Additionally, if a renter is using a DIY system and wants to add cameras, they may not be ready (or be allowed) to drill holes in the wall to mount that camera. Fortunately, there are ways that a security camera can be mounted without drilling holes.
Three Easy Methods
1. Adhesive Strips and Suction Cup Mounts
Two of the most popular no-drill options work on the same principle—bond securely, remove cleanly—but each is designed for a different surface type.
Adhesive mounting strips (such as Command strips) bond to drywall, painted surfaces, tile, and wood without causing damage when removed, making them the go-to choice for renters or anyone who may want to reposition a camera later. For best results:
Clean the mounting surface with isopropyl alcohol and let it dry completely before applying the strip
Press the strip firmly against the wall for at least 30 seconds to ensure full adhesion
Wait the manufacturer-recommended time (usually one hour) before attaching the camera
Check the weight rating on the packaging—most heavy-duty strips hold up to 16 pounds, which covers most home security cameras
Adhesive strips work best on smooth, flat surfaces and are less reliable on textured walls, brick, or flat/chalky paint finishes.
Suction cup mounts fill the gap where adhesive strips fall short: glass surfaces such as windows, sliding doors, and tiled walls. They create a strong vacuum seal that holds the camera in place and can be removed and repositioned without any residue. They are a particularly smart choice for window-facing cameras because placing the camera directly on the glass eliminates reflective glare from shooting through it. Note that suction cups lose grip on surfaces that are dusty, wet, or textured, so periodic checks are recommended.
2. Single Nail or Hook Mount
If you need a permanent-feeling mount but want to avoid drilling, a single small nail or picture-hanging hook is a reliable middle-ground option. The hole left behind is no larger than a thumbtack mark and can be filled with a dab of spackling paste at the end of a tenancy. This method is especially practical for outdoor cameras mounted under a soffit or eave, where adhesive strips may not hold up against humidity and temperature swings. A stainless-steel screw hook can bear significantly more weight than adhesive alternatives and requires no power tools.
3. Shelf, Table, or Furniture Placement
For indoor cameras, placing the device on an existing surface is the simplest no-drill option available. A camera positioned on a bookcase, mantelpiece, windowsill, or entertainment center requires no mounting hardware at all. The key is choosing a surface that is elevated enough to provide a wide field of view and stable enough that the camera will not be knocked over. Many indoor security cameras come with a weighted base or adjustable stand designed for exactly this type of placement. With those three options in mind, a homeowner or renter can get a security camera in the location they want without causing any property damage to any of their walls in the process.
Where Should I Place My Security Cameras?
Security camera height and placement both matter because they play a fundamental role in your home security system. They need to detect activity inside and around your home. A camera’s height and placement are critically important to its function. If the camera is mounted too high, it will not get a good, clear picture that you, the homeowner, will need in the event of a situation. Mounting the camera too low can make it easy for someone to remove or damage the device. Rather than take those risks, you should use the proper means to get the camera mounted where it should be.
Front door: Over 30% of home break-ins occur through the front door, making it the single highest-priority camera location.
Back door and side entries: Secondary entry points that are often hidden from street view and popular with intruders.
First-floor windows: Particularly windows that are not visible from the street or neighboring properties.
Garage and driveway: Captures vehicle activity and prevents package theft.
Common interior areas: For indoor cameras, living rooms and main hallways provide broad coverage of the home's most-used spaces.
A visible security camera is also a deterrent. Studies consistently show that the presence of a visible camera causes most opportunistic intruders to move on. You do not need to hide your cameras—in fact, making them noticeable adds a layer of passive protection.
What Is the Best Height to Mount a Security Camera?
For outdoor cameras, the recommended mounting height is 9 feet above the ground. This height achieves two things at once: it keeps the camera out of easy reach so an intruder cannot tamper with or cover it, and it is low enough to capture clear facial detail rather than a top-down view of the top of someone's head. Avoid mounting cameras too high. While this seems like it would provide better security, a camera at 12 or 15 feet will capture angled, difficult-to-identify images that are far less useful if you need footage for law enforcement. The 9-foot benchmark balances protection from tampering with image clarity. For indoor cameras, a height of 7 to 8 feet is generally effective. This gives a wide field of view across the room while keeping the camera above furniture that might otherwise obstruct it. Regardless of height, always use a stable ladder and have a second person present when mounting a camera in a high location.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
Both options are valid, and the right choice depends on your comfort level, the complexity of your system, and whether you want ongoing monitoring. DIY installation works well when:
Your camera system is wireless and battery-powered
You are using no-drill mounting methods on straightforward surfaces
You are comfortable setting up the camera's app and Wi-Fi connection
You only need one or two cameras in easy-to-reach locations
Professional installation is the better choice when:
You have multiple cameras covering a larger property
You want wired cameras or cameras integrated with a broader smart home system
You are unsure about the best placement for full coverage
You want 24/7 professional monitoring as part of your security plan
If you go with a professional security provider, look for a company that offers flexible installation support including no-drill options and that will walk you through the placement decisions rather than just mounting cameras and leaving.
Get Expert Help With Brinks Home
Whether you want to use a security company for professional installation or go with a DIY option is up to you. But if you choose a company for peace of mind, you should consider one that offers:
Easy, Professional Installation
24/7 Professional Monitoring
Strong Customer Service
Good Response Times
High-Quality Equipment
Additionally, you may want to check with the company and see how they recommend handling a security camera installation without drilling holes. Working with a company that’s on the same page can make a significant difference with how easy the installation is and how you feel about the experience overall. Working with a security company can ensure that your installation is done properly. At Brinks Home™, it is our mission to help you choose and purchase the best equipment for your specific needs. We are with you every step of the way. Our Brinks Home technicians are here for you and are happy to explain and assist you with proper placement and will help you avoid making unnecessary holes in your walls. Contact us today at 866.675.7062 to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you mount a security camera without drilling?
Yes. Adhesive mounting strips, suction cups, single nail hooks, and surface placement are all effective no-drill alternatives. Adhesive strips and suction cups are the most popular for renters because they leave no permanent marks.
How do you mount a security camera on vinyl siding without drilling?
Vinyl siding hooks are a popular solution. These clips slide under the lip of the siding and provide a secure anchor for a camera mount without requiring any screws or holes. Heavy-duty outdoor adhesive strips designed for exterior surfaces are another option, though they perform best on flat, smooth sections of siding rather than on the ridged profile.
Will adhesive strips hold a security camera outside?
Outdoor-rated adhesive strips can work for lighter cameras in sheltered locations such as under an eave or a covered porch. However, direct exposure to rain, extreme heat, or freezing temperatures will degrade adhesive strength over time. For exposed outdoor locations, a single nail hook or vinyl siding clip is more reliable.
How high should outdoor security cameras be mounted?
The recommended height for outdoor security cameras is 9 feet above ground level. This height prevents easy tampering while still capturing clear facial images. Mounting significantly higher than 9 feet tends to produce angled footage that is harder to use for identification purposes.
Can renters install security cameras?
Yes, in most cases. Renters can use no-drill mounting methods such as adhesive strips, suction cups, and surface placement without violating standard lease agreements that prohibit permanent alterations. It is always worth checking your specific lease before installation. For outdoor cameras, check with your landlord first, as exterior modifications may require approval.
Where is the best place to put a security camera inside a house?
The most effective indoor camera placements are the main entryway, the living room, and any hallway that connects the primary living areas to the bedrooms. These positions provide maximum coverage of the area's most likely to be accessed during a break-in. For apartments, a single camera in the living room covering the front door is often sufficient.
