Ring Spotlight Cam (1st Generation) mounted on a wall outside lighting up a dark night.

Positioning Spotlight Cam (1st Gen)

Finding Spotlight Cam's Optimal Motion Zone

Ring Spotlight Cam contains advanced Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors. The PIR sensors detect heat signatures of moving objects.

The Optimal Motion Zone is right in the middle of your Spotlight Cam's field of view (FOV). Think of your Spotlight Cam's Optimal Motion Zone as a tripwire for motion alerts. When objects move through this imaginary line, you can be guaranteed they will trip your Spotlight Cam's motion sensors.

Aim your Spotlight Cam so that the Optimal Motion Zone overlays the perimeter of your property or the area where you first want to be alerted about motion. For example, a visitor coming through the fence into your yard.

Common errors

A common error is mounting Spotlight Cam too high, and aiming it too low. Your Spotlight Cam should be placed parallel to the ground for optimal viewing.   

Spotlight Cam works great at eye-level, or slightly higher. At nine feet from the ground, your Spotlight Cam can cover a wide visual area, as well as capture HD video of visitors' faces.

When Spotlight Cam is mounted too high, it often gets angled sharply downwards. This can work if you're only looking to detect motion in a very small area, but more often than not, results in not detecting approaching visitors or capturing the top of their heads when the motion sensors are triggered.

Don't be afraid to mount your Spotlight Cam too low. It will capture clear video of visitors' faces and cover a wide visual area. You'll be more likely to capture the events you want to know about and be notified as soon as they happen.

Tap for general information about Ring Security Cameras.

Last updated 3 months ago