How to install an outdoor security camera

Original publish date: 1st June 2022

Last updated: 5th March 2024

Why is outdoor security important?

Home security is crucial for ensuring that your property and your family is protected. From keeping your garden valuables safe to securing any possible entrances to your home, an Outdoor Camera will keep a constant lookout for any suspicious activity, and help deter trespassers. 

It’s important that homeowners keep on top of garden security, especially after a study by Co-op Insurance revealed that a fifth of Brits claim to have had items stolen from their garden. BBQs safety topped the charts, as a crime magnet for sneak-in burglaries and being the most commonly stolen garden item - closely followed by garden furniture and plant pots. To avoid the cost of replacing these valuables, alongside helping to prevent any damage to your property, it is recommended to install an outdoor security camera.

Is it legal to have outdoor security cameras installed?

According to the Information Commissioner’s Office, in the UK you have the right to install domestic CCTV cameras and smart doorbells on the outside of your property. However, we always advise that you should always have your cameras pointing away from neighbours’ homes and gardens, shared spaces or public streets.

Do I need a professional to set up my outdoor security camera?

Depending on what type of outdoor security camera you purchase will depend on whether it needs to be installed by a professional or if you can install it yourself. Fortunately, all of SimpliSafe’s home security systems can be installed at home, without the need of a professional. 

Different types of outdoor security cameras

Both SimpliSafe’s Outdoor Camera and Video Doorbell Pro can be supported by the wider SimpliSafe system, including the Bell Box outdoor home alarm which will sound upon intruder detection and wider security system packages; all of which can come with 24/7 Professional Monitoring plans. 

How to set up an outdoor security camera

Before you set up your outdoor security camera, map out the area on your premises and decide where you want to install it. Look out for any hot spots that could be targeted, whether this be your driveway, garden shed or otherwise, considering how many you’d need to safely cover each area - one for the back of the house and another for the front may be suitable as with a SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera, it has a 140º field of view. Make sure that your outdoor cameras do not face onto your neighbours premises or in the shot of sensitive areas, such as bathrooms and bedrooms. 

For advice on where to position your indoor security camera, you can head over to our previous post, which details some of the best spots for indoor home security. 

How to install your outdoor security camera in 9 simple steps

SimpliSafe’s Outdoor Camera is simple to set-up, without the need for any hardwiring, as it’s battery powered, or professional set up. Before you start the install, make sure your battery is fully charged and then follow these simple steps:

1. Make sure that the Outdoor Camera is near your Base Station and WiFi router

2. Go onto the app, click on “add new camera” and follow the instructions 

3. Press the set-up button on the back of the camera and the Base Station will give you a voice alert, then the app will ask you to name the camera

4. Once set-up, you will be able to view the live video. 

Now how to fix the outdoor security camera to wall:

1. The recommended mounting height is 6-8 ft above the ground, so make sure you’re equipped with a steady ladder before climbing up

2. Drill two holes into the wall with a 7/64” drill bit and use the included wall anchors

3. Twist off the cap on the camera dome (the black dome shaped magnet that the camera attaches to) and screw the cap to the wall using a screwdriver

4. Twist the dome back onto the cap and you’ll hear it click into place

5. The camera can then be attached to the dome and connects via the magnet

For a more permanent fixture, add on our outdoor camera permanent mount - perfect for handing security cameras under fixtures.

Want something a little more visual to help you with the set-up to show just how easy it is? Check out our step-by-step video guide.

Features of the SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera

The Outdoor Camera is a great addition to any SimpliSafe system, as it integrates seamlessly. It has two WiFi antennas which ensures a strong connection to your Wifi router, so you can feel assured that your camera will operate efficiently, regardless of its placement. 

With 1080p HD video, a 140° ultra-wide field of view, digital zoom and colour night vision, you can capture crucial evidence in the event of a crime, or just keep an eye on what the pets are up to in the back garden. To give potential intruders a fright, it also features a spotlight, 80dB siren and two-way talk. So there’s no downtime with your Outdoor Camera, you could get an extra battery, or to keep it permanently charged, we also have a solar panel or cable.

Finally, once your camera is set up don’t forget to take a look at the activity zones to ensure it only has visibility over your property. This will help with the battery life too. 

For more advice on the best ways to optimise your home’s security, check out our SimpliSafe blog or get in touch with one of our professionals. Start customising your system to best suit your needs today.