Installing outdoor home security cameras is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. Outdoor security cameras like the Ring Camera provide an extra layer of protection and peace of mind by allowing you to monitor your property remotely. However, you may wish to conceal your outdoor Ring Camera for aesthetic or privacy reasons. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to hide a Ring Camera outdoors while still allowing it to capture video effectively.
Why You May Want to Hide an Outdoor Ring Camera
There are a few key reasons why you may want to hide or conceal your outdoor Ring Camera:
Aesthetics
Exposed security cameras can look quite unsightly on the exterior of your home. Hiding the camera helps it blend in and avoids drawing attention to it. This creates a cleaner, more attractive look.
Privacy
Even if the camera is on your own property, visible security cameras can make some people uncomfortable. Concealing it protects the privacy of your neighbors or guests.
Security
A visible camera advertises that you have an outdoor security system. A hidden camera retains the element of surprise and makes it harder for burglars to avoid its field of vision.
Tips for Hiding a Ring Camera Outdoors
When hiding your Ring Camera outside, you want to make sure you don’t block its field of view. Place it in a location that provides a clear vantage point. Here are some tips:
Use Camouflage
Camouflage skins or enclosures designed specifically for security cameras allow the camera to blend right into its surroundings:
- Use fake plants like bushes or trellises placed strategically in front of the camera.
- Opt for camouflage skins or enclosures in colors like brown, green, tan, or grey to match fences, house siding, etc.
- Place white or light-colored enclosures against light backgrounds like white siding or fences. Use black or dark enclosures against darker backgrounds.
Add Architectural Elements
Integrate the camera into existing architectural features for natural concealment:
- Install the Ring Camera beneath eaves, gutters, or overhangs on your home’s exterior. This hides it in the shadows.
- Mount the camera behind beams, pillars, fencing, lattice, or other permanent structures.
- Place the camera inside or behind exterior lighting fixtures.
Hide in Plain Sight
Disguise the camera in everyday items typically found outdoors:
- Put the camera inside a realistic hollowed-out bird house, then mount the bird house in a tree near your home.
- Conceal the Ring Camera inside a weatherproof outdoor storage box or smoker box near your deck or patio.
- Hide the camera in decorative planters, behind trellises with climbing plants, or in rain barrels.
- Mount the camera beneath raised decks or porches by attaching it to the underside of the deck floor joists.
Consider Placement
Even if the camera itself is visible, thoughtful placement can make it less noticeable:
- Angle the camera away from areas like backyard pools or dining patios to increase privacy.
- Place in inconspicuous corners, facing entrances or driveways instead of open yards.
- Install 10-12 feet off the ground pointed slightly downward to record activity below while drawing less attention.
Mounting a Hidden Outdoor Ring Camera
Once you’ve decided on the best hidden location, follow these tips for securely mounting your concealed outdoor Ring Camera:
Ensure Sturdiness
The mount needs to be firm and steady to support the camera. Avoid delicate structures or loose materials that can shake in the wind.
Adjust Viewing Angle
Test the camera’s field of vision from the mounting spot prior to securing it permanently. Make incremental adjustments to ensure the right coverage area.
Use Outdoor-Rated Supplies
Use weather-resistant brackets, hardware, and fasteners designed for outdoor use to avoid deterioration. Waterproof cameras if not already weatherproofed.
Run Power Cord Discreetly
For a wireless camera like Ring, hide the attached power cord by running neatly along edges behind rain gutters or tucked beneath eaves.
Allow Airflow
Don’t fully enclose the camera or block ventilation, which could lead to overheating. Leave openings in camouflage enclosures for airflow.
Use Security Fasteners
Secure the mount with special security screws or bolts. This deters tampering or theft of the camera itself.
Testing the Hidden Camera
Once mounted, test your concealed Ring Camera to make sure it has an optimal field of view and is aimed at the right areas.
Check Accessibility
You need to be able to access the camera if needed for future adjustments or maintenance. Confirm you can reach it.
View Live Footage
Check the Ring app to view live camera footage from the new vantage point and make any necessary placement tweaks.
Conduct Night Viewing
Test the camera at night when visibility is limited. Add supplemental lighting if needed.
Walk the Perimeter
Physically walk the perimeter of the camera’s viewable area to identify any blind spots to correct.
Make Adjustments
Use ring’s wide viewing angle to your advantage to get the coverage area you want. Never block the camera lens itself when hiding the camera.
Troubleshooting Hidden Outdoor Cameras
If you encounter issues with your concealed outdoor security camera, try these troubleshooting tips:
Check Power Connection
For battery-powered cameras, make sure batteries are fresh. For wired cameras, check that cabling is connected and undamaged.
Rule Out Obstructions
Carefully inspect the area in front of the lens for any obstructing leaves, branches, debris, etc. and remove them.
Adjust Night Vision
If footage is dark or glitchy at night, IR LEDs may be blocked. Try a different angle or remove obstructions.
Verify Data Connectivity
For wifi cameras, proximity to the router can impact connectivity. Switch to a Range Extender if needed.
Update Camera Firmware
Outdated firmware can cause camera issues. Check for and install the latest firmware updates.
Reset the Camera
Factory reset the camera to default settings if other issues persist. Set up the camera from scratch again.
FAQs About Hiding Outdoor Security Cameras
What colors should I use to camouflage my outdoor Ring Camera?
Choose neutral colors like black, brown, grey, tan, or green that blend with your home’s existing color scheme and surroundings. Avoid bright white and match lighter enclosures to light backgrounds. Use darker colors against darker backdrops.
How can I conceal the camera at night when the IR LEDs are visible?
To hide night vision IR illumination, opt for a camera with IR Cut Filter technology to make the LEDs less obvious, or place an IR filter over supplementary lighting used with more visible IR cameras.
What kind of camera mount should I use for concealment?
Flexible gooseneck mounts allow you to intricately position the camera for optimal concealment. Fully adjustable ball joint mounts also provide a wide range of positioning versatility for hiding the camera.
Will WiFi reach a concealed outdoor camera?
It depends on your home’s WiFi coverage, but you can expand range with WiFi boosting extenders. Alternatively use a wireless camera with its own cellular data connection instead of relying on WiFi.
How can I run power to a hidden outdoor security camera?
For wired setups, use white or clear cable molding tacked tightly to eaves or soffits for low profile power routing. Wireless, battery-powered cameras provide installation flexibility without cables.
What kind of maintenance does an outdoor hidden camera need?
Periodically clean the lens, check for insects or cobwebs inside enclosures, ensure ventilation is not blocked, inspect the mount for integrity, and test the viewing angle and connections.
Key Takeaways on Hiding Your Outdoor Ring Camera
- Concealing outdoor security cameras preserves aesthetics and privacy while retaining surveillance capabilities.
- Carefully consider camera positioning and mount sturdiness when hiding a camera outside.
- Use camouflage, architectural elements, clever disguises, and strategic placements to naturally disguise your outdoor Ring Camera.
- Always angle the lens unobstructed and test coverage areas thoroughly from the camera’s hidden vantage point.
- Ongoing maintenance like cleaning, ventilation, and occasional re-adjustment ensures optimal performance.
Hiding your outdoor Ring Camera takes a little creativity and planning, but is worth the effort to keep your home securely monitored without marring your home’s exterior. With mindful concealment strategies and proper positioning, you can easily blend your camera right into its surroundings for a discreet security setup.