Tapo TC70
A practical security camera (1080p, no-subscription storage) for home security, with phone alerts and infrared night vision.
How to Install a Home Security Camera (UK Guide)
Fitting a home security camera is a straightforward DIY job with most modern wireless models. Here's how to do it well.
Quick answer
To install a home security camera: choose a high spot covering your main entry point, mount the bracket, connect it to power (or charge the battery), pair it to your wi-fi through the app, then adjust the angle and test the view and alerts. Wireless battery and plug-in cameras are easiest for DIY; fully wired systems may need an electrician.
Where to place it
Mount cameras high (around 2.5m) so they're hard to reach and give a wide view, covering front and back doors, the driveway and other entry points. Keep them under an eave for weather protection, within good wi-fi range, and angled to cover your own property - avoid pointing them at a neighbour's home or the street, which raises privacy issues.
Step by step
1. Charge or wire the camera and check it works before mounting. 2. Hold it in position and test the view in the app. 3. Mark and fix the bracket to the wall (a drill and the supplied screws, or strong adhesive for light cameras). 4. Attach the camera and adjust the angle. 5. Connect it to your wi-fi in the app, set up motion zones and alerts, and test detection by walking through the view.
Our top picks
Frequently asked questions
Can you install a security camera yourself?
Yes - most modern wireless battery or plug-in cameras are designed for DIY: mount the bracket, power it and pair it to wi-fi in the app. Only fully wired or PoE systems usually need a professional.
Where is the best place to put a security camera?
High up, covering entry points like doors and the driveway, under an eave for weather cover, and within wi-fi range - angled to cover your own property, not a neighbour's.
Do security cameras need wi-fi?
Most smart cameras use wi-fi for live view and alerts. Some record locally to an SD card or base station and work without the internet, but you lose remote access when offline.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the Tapo TC70 (our score 9.6/10) - A practical security camera (1080p, no-subscription storage) for home security, with phone alerts and infrared night vision..