How Do I Get My Security Camera To Work Through a Window?

With crimes on the rise, it’s no news that property owners are looking for ways of improving their safety and security.

Robberies and other unwelcome intrusions can happen at any time of day or night, so it’s critical to ensure that one’s home or workplace is secure against all threats.

Windows provides an excellent view of what is happening outside your home, so you want them to be monitored by a solid security system.

As a result, you may want to hide your camera inside to protect it from the harsh weather conditions while allowing you to observe the outside world. However, do security cameras work through glass windows? 

This article will provide you with some pointers on using an indoor security camera’s night vision through your window with more efficiency.

If you’re thinking about using an indoor camera in this way it is possible, however, it’s wise to do your homework first because there are some drawbacks.

Do Security Cameras Work Through Windows Or Glass?

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Although the functionality of these cameras has advanced significantly over time, not everything will perform as well as a professional outdoor security camera.

So, the answer to the question is not that simple. Yes, security cameras can work through glass windows, but how effective are they? Well, that depends on your camera and a few other factors.

One of the factors is – setting up your security camera to record at the light at night. When pointed through the window, most of these cameras feature an infrared light, which will generate a reflection by the LED lights.

Window glare or glass reflection can be caused by the camera’s infrared LED, status light, or ambient light, resulting in white-out photos and movies. Your videos will be highly exposed or entirely faded out.

The connection of the camera’s motion detection and facial recognition features can also be an issue when installing your security camera behind a window. The window can’t see the burglars’ movements or faces since it acts as a shield.

Therefore, the camera won’t detect the motion of the intruder.

Secondly, the video quality of your recordings will for sure deteriorate significantly. This is because an object (the window) has now been placed between your camera and the target. You might also experience glare and motion detection issues.

Most surveillance cameras inside do not perform well behind a window, mostly because you are limiting the power of what that camera could achieve if it were situated somewhere in broad daylight.

This brings us to the night footage behind a window point.

If a camera is hidden behind a windowpane, it is nearly impossible to capture a clean and clear view of the outside surroundings at night.

Day-use camera and security cameras’ night vision is not changeable, though they can be used together to keep your house or workplace secure. However, most current surveillance camera systems offer both options in one device.

Some camera systems, of course, perform better at night than others.

If you still insist on using an indoor security camera to record through window glasses, place the lens as close to the window as possible to avoid distortion. Or, you can get an outdoor security camera.

Does Motion Detection Work If The Camera Is Placed Behind The Glass Window?

Security cameras use either software or a physical motion detector to detect movement. The first is a motion sensor that detects changes in pixels and triggers an action. The software recognizes the movement by detecting changes in the pixels.

The other type is a physical sensor known as a passive infrared (PIR) motion sensor. The detection of body heat and infrared energy triggers the PIR motion sensor. This type is superior to algorithm-based systems, and it is always preferred in CCTV systems.

The cameras with PIR motion sensors, on the other hand, do not perform effectively when installed behind window glass in the case of an IP camera. Therefore, they’re untrustworthy, and we don’t recommend employing them in this situation.

All of this is to say that if you need to put a security camera behind glass and don’t have a PIR sensor, purchase the cameras that use software to detect motion.

Since these cameras cannot detect body heat, they will record correctly behind a glass pane.

How To Make The Security Camera Work Behind A Glass Window?

When placing a security camera in the window looking down through the glass to supervise the front door, your porch, driveway, parked cars, etc., with a night vision security camera through glass or behind a window facing out, it’s important to consider a surveillance camera placement too.

The Wyze Cam v3 is an excellent choice.

Using an outdoor camera is, of course, the best option. However, if you can’t use an outdoor camera for whatever reason, below mentioned security tips can help you get better video from your indoor camera.

  • Turn off the motion sensors.
    Disable the motion sensors or triggers to switch off the infrared and status lights as a quick workaround. Also, placing the camera lens against the glass will reduce window glare and reflections.
  • Leave the Porchlight on.
    Consider leaving the light on if you have appropriate external illumination, such as a floodlight or a front porch light. This should eliminate the camera’s glare and distortion.
  • Turn off the camera’s Infrared light.
    You can either physically unplug the IR block from the motherboard or use the settings to do so. Almost all IP cameras allow you to do that. The glass window reflection will be minimized once the IR lights are turned off, and the camera will be able to view clearly through the window glass.
  • Disable the security camera’s status lights.
    Many cameras have status lights that indicate if the camera is online, offline, has a strong signal, or has other blinking lights, among other things. Toggle through the options and turn them all off.
  • Install motion-activated lights in the front or back of your house.
    There will be adequate light in the environment, and the security camera will produce a clearer picture.
  • A suction cup mount is a great option.
    Glass suction mounts can be purchased to allow you to attach your smart camera to the other side of the glass. This will fully eliminate any issues with glare caused by glass, and it can be a very attractive option.

The only drawback is that if your security camera is a plug-in model, you’ll have to figure out how to power it.

  • Use IR Illuminators Instead of Regular Lights
    You’ll need outdoor lighting (like IR lighting or regular outdoor lighting) if you want your camera’s night vision to perform well through glass. The goal is to replace your security camera’s built-in IR light. Switch them off, then attach the IR illuminator to the outside of your house. In terms of your camera, you’ve successfully mounted an incredibly bright spotlight.

Conclusion

To conclude, when surveying your yard, it’s usually best to use an outdoor camera.

Of course, an indoor camera can suffice, but you’ve probably figured out that there are a few issues. However, if you have an extra indoor camera, it wouldn’t hurt to give it a shot.

Also, use security cameras that detect motion by analyzing pixel changes rather than using a PIR motion sensor.