The myQ Smart Garage Camera is one of those devices that works extremely well—until you try to place it somewhere other than where the manufacturer expects. If you’re using a LiftMaster or Chamberlain opener, the default magnetic mounting solution is actually pretty clever. But it’s also limiting.
I ran into this when trying to position the camera for a better angle of the garage entrance instead of just looking straight down from the opener housing. That’s when it becomes clear: while the camera itself is solid, the mounting options out of the box are very basic.
If you’re trying to mount the myQ camera on a wall, ceiling, shelf, or even reposition it for better visibility, there are better options than what comes in the box. Let’s break down what works, what doesn’t, and the best alternatives depending on your setup.
The default magnetic mount works well—but only if your placement options are limited to the opener housing.
How the Default myQ Mount Works
The myQ Smart Garage Camera uses a magnetic base, which allows it to attach directly to the metal housing of most garage door openers. In most cases, this means it hangs upside down from the opener unit.
This is actually a well-thought-out design. The camera includes a pivoting head and the app allows you to flip the image 180 degrees. Combined with the wide-angle lens (around 130 degrees), this setup gives you a functional overhead view of your garage.
But the moment you want a better angle—like facing outward toward the garage door, covering entry points, or avoiding obstruction from the opener rail—you’ll need something different.
Limitations of the Included Mount
The included adhesive metal disk is the official alternative, but it has some downsides:
- It creates a semi-permanent mount
- Removal can damage paint or drywall
- No adjustability once placed
- Not ideal for renters or temporary setups
For many people, especially if you’re experimenting with placement, this is not the best solution.
Best Alternative Mounting Options
1. Stick-On Shelf (Best No-Drill Option)
A removable adhesive shelf is one of the easiest and most flexible ways to mount the myQ camera. Instead of attaching the camera directly to a surface, you mount a small platform and place the camera on top.
The stick-on shelf is a great example of this approach. It uses strong adhesive pads to hold the shelf in place, but avoids the permanent feel of the included metal disk. This gives you flexibility to reposition the camera if needed.
This type of mount works especially well if:
- You want a forward-facing angle
- You’re mounting to drywall or painted surfaces
- You don’t want to drill
2. Outlet Shelf Mount (Best for Power-Constrained Setups)
If your garage layout doesn’t give you many mounting options near the opener, an outlet shelf can solve two problems at once: placement and power access.
The Mount Genie outlet shelf replaces your outlet cover and adds a small platform above it. This allows you to place the camera near a power source without running long cables or relying on extension cords.
This is especially useful if:
- Your opener location isn’t ideal for viewing angles
- You want a cleaner install with minimal wiring
- You prefer a non-permanent solution
3. Magnetic Plate Upgrade (Cleaner Wall Mount Option)
If you like the magnetic design but want more flexibility, adding your own metal mounting plate can be a cleaner solution than the included disk.
Using a larger or higher-quality adhesive metal plate gives you:
- Better hold
- More placement options
- A cleaner, flatter mounting surface
This works well on walls, cabinets, or even garage door tracks where a flat mounting point is available.
4. Corner Shelf Placement (Underrated Option)
One of the most overlooked mounting positions is the corner of the garage. A small shelf in the corner can give you a much better viewing angle of the garage entrance compared to the opener mount.
This setup allows you to:
- See vehicles entering and exiting
- Cover more of the garage interior
- Avoid obstructions from rails or lights
Common Mounting Problems (and Fixes)
Problem: Camera angle is too steep
Fix: Move away from the opener and use a shelf mount
Problem: No good place near power
Fix: Use an outlet shelf mount
Problem: Adhesive mount feels too permanent
Fix: Switch to removable shelf or magnetic plate
Problem: Obstructed view from rails or opener arm
Fix: Relocate to side wall or corner position
Installation Tips
- Test placement before committing to adhesive
- Clean surfaces thoroughly before mounting
- Avoid placing camera directly above bright lights
- Use the app’s rotation feature for upside-down installs
Bottom Line
The myQ Smart Garage Camera works well out of the box, but its mounting options are limited. If you’re fine with a top-down view from your opener, stick with the magnetic mount. It’s simple and effective.
But if you want better visibility, cleaner placement, or more flexibility, a shelf-based mount or outlet shelf is the better route. These options open up new viewing angles and make the camera significantly more useful.
We discuss mounts for lot of other home security mounts including Nest, Blink and Arlo.
