How to Install a Smart Camera Without Drilling Holes
The simple tricks I use to set up cameras in apartments or rentals — no tools needed
When I rented my first apartment, I didn’t want to lose my security deposit just because I installed cameras. But I also wanted to keep my place safe and monitor things while I was away. That’s when I figured out you can absolutely install smart cameras without drilling holes — and still get great angles and coverage.
In this post, I’ll show you exactly how I’ve installed my Wyze, Ring, Blink, and eufy indoor cams — no drills, no mess — using affordable accessories you can grab on Amazon.
Table of Contents
1. Adhesive Mounts
Adhesive camera mounts are the easiest solution — peel and stick. I use them in hallways, bedrooms, and my kitchen.
- ✅ Great for Wyze Cam v3, Blink Mini, eufy Indoor Cam 2K
- ✅ 3M adhesive holds tight but can be removed cleanly later
- ✅ Perfect for apartments or rental homes
View adhesive mounts for cameras on Amazon
2. Magnetic Mounts
If you’ve got metal surfaces — fridge, steel beams, metal door — magnetic mounts are a dream.
- ✅ No adhesive, no screws
- ✅ I stick my garage cam right onto a steel shelf
- ✅ Great for flexible, repositionable installs
3. Corner Shelf Mounts
Small floating corner shelves make great camera mounts — no drilling if you use removable Command strips to hold the shelf in place.
- ✅ Adds a stable base for cameras
- ✅ Keeps cameras out of reach of pets or kids
- ✅ Lets you angle cams higher for better room coverage
4. Outlet Mounts
Some smart cams — like Ring Indoor Cam or Blink Mini — work perfectly with outlet mounts that plug right in.
- ✅ Zero cords to manage
- ✅ Mounts right above outlets for clean installs
- ✅ Great for kitchens, entryways, garages
See Ring Indoor Cam outlet mount on Amazon
5. Long USB Cables
When you can’t drill but need better placement, just use a longer USB cable and route it neatly with cord concealers or adhesive clips.
- ✅ Reach ceiling corners or tall furniture
- ✅ Keep cords tidy
- ✅ No damage to walls
6. Mini Tripods
Another easy option: small tripods with flexible legs. I’ve used these on bookshelves, window sills, and even curtain rods.
- ✅ Great for temporary installs
- ✅ Moveable between rooms
- ✅ No holes, totally portable
Why Avoid Drilling?
✅ Keeps your deposit — no wall damage
✅ Faster setup — no tools needed
✅ Flexible positioning — easy to adjust later
✅ Perfect for renters or temporary housing
Final Thoughts
If you want to install smart cameras without drilling, it’s easy with the right accessories:
✅ Adhesive mounts — fast and clean
✅ Magnetic mounts — for metal surfaces
✅ Corner shelves — with adhesive
✅ Outlet mounts — for select cams
✅ Long cables & tripods — total flexibility
This is exactly how I’ve got my cameras mounted — and when I move, everything comes right with me. No patching holes, no lost deposits.
One of my favorite no-drill tricks is using Command picture hanging strips — the velcro style ones. They hold small to medium-sized cams really well on flat walls or windowsills, and you can easily remove them when it’s time to move.
If you’re setting up a nursery cam, no-drill is the safest way to go. I used an adhesive mount plus a long cable with a cord cover, so there were no exposed wires or hardware that could fall into the crib. Bonus — when the baby outgrew the crib, I could move the cam without patching holes.
Another clever trick: adhesive cable clips. I use these everywhere — to run cables up door frames or along baseboards, all without drilling. It keeps the install looking neat and tidy (your landlord will appreciate this too).
If you’re trying to monitor windows or entry doors, suction cup mounts also work great. I mounted a small Wyze cam on a window using a suction cup, so I could monitor the front yard — no screws needed.
Some people forget about using existing furniture. For example, I placed one of my indoor cams on top of a tall bookcase — it covers the entire room perfectly, and no mounting required. Sometimes a little creativity saves a lot of hassle.
Magnetic adhesive pucks are another smart option. You can stick one to almost any surface, then your camera simply “clicks” onto it magnetically — easy to reposition, great for rentals, and works with many small smart cams.
For high-ceiling rooms, I use an adhesive shelf mounted near the ceiling — paired with a long USB cable, it gives the perfect bird’s-eye view of the room without drilling.
If you’re in a rental with cement or brick walls, drilling is either impossible or risky. In these cases, I go with heavy-duty adhesive mounts or use freestanding options like mini tripods or high corner shelves.
Another fun idea: photo ledges. These slim shelves are perfect for placing a smart cam — you can stick the ledge to the wall with adhesive strips, then place your cam and some decor so it blends right in.
I’ve also used curtain rods as cam mounts — wrapping a flexible mini tripod around the rod lets you aim the cam across the room, and no one even notices it’s there.
If your smart cam supports battery power (like Blink or Arlo models), your mounting options open up even more — you can use adhesive mounts or magnetic mounts and skip cables entirely.
Lastly, always test your camera angle first! I use painter’s tape to temporarily stick a cam in place for a day before committing to the final adhesive or mount — saves time and helps you find the perfect viewing angle.
One more tip: if you use indoor window cameras to monitor the outside, mounting them without drilling is super easy with clear adhesive brackets or suction mounts — and since they’re indoors, you won’t have to worry about weatherproofing. I’ve used this method for front yard monitoring with great results.
For temporary setups — like when I housesit or stay at an Airbnb — I bring along a mini tripod or adhesive mount. It takes 5 minutes to set up, gives me full coverage while I’m staying there, and I can remove it without leaving a trace.
Finally, remember to check your cam’s operating temperature if mounting near windows or in unheated spaces. Adhesive mounts hold best when installed in warm temps — if it’s too cold when you mount them, they may not stick as well long term.
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