The three main ways to mount a tablet
You can mount a tablet to the wall using an adhesive mount, a mechanical wall bracket, or a combination lock-style holder. Adhesive mounts stick directly to the back of your tablet and the wall—they're fastest but permanent. Mechanical brackets bolt into wall studs or use heavy-duty anchors and hold the tablet in a frame or arm—they're removable and support heavier tablets. Lock-style mounts grip the tablet's edges without adhesive and attach to the wall separately, letting you remove the tablet easily.
The right choice depends on your tablet's weight, how long you want it to stay mounted, and what's behind your wall. A 1-pound iPad works fine with adhesive on drywall. A 2-pound Android tablet or one you plan to move often needs a bracket into a stud or a heavy-duty anchor rated for its weight.
Key Takeaways
- Adhesive mounts are fastest but permanent; mechanical brackets are removable and stronger, and lock-style mounts let you take the tablet off without tools.
- Check your tablet's weight and your wall type—drywall needs anchors rated for that weight, and studs support any tablet.
- Locate wall studs with a stud finder before drilling, or use heavy-duty anchors if you cannot hit a stud.
- Mount the bracket or holder at eye level when seated, usually 48 to 60 inches from the floor.
- Test the mount with the tablet in place before walking away, and check it weekly if the tablet stays mounted long-term.
Choosing between adhesive, bracket, and lock mounts
An adhesive mount is a small pad or plate that sticks to the back of your tablet with 3M VHB tape or similar industrial adhesive, then sticks to the wall. Installation takes five minutes. The tablet hangs flat against the wall. The downside: removing it later damages the tablet's back or the wall, or both. Use adhesive only if you plan to keep the tablet there for years and do not mind the permanent marks.
A mechanical bracket is an arm or frame bolted to the wall, with the tablet clamped or seated inside. The wall attachment uses wood screws into studs, or expansion anchors into drywall. You can remove the tablet, adjust the angle, or take the whole bracket down. Brackets cost more and take 20 to 45 minutes to install, but they work for tablets you move between rooms or want to angle differently. They also support heavier tablets and longer-term use without adhesive damage.
A lock-style mount grips the tablet's sides with a mechanical clamp—no adhesive, no frame. The clamp attaches to a wall bracket or arm. You can slide the tablet in and out in seconds. These work well for tablets you use in multiple locations or want to charge without unmounting. They cost between adhesive and full brackets.
Measuring and locating studs before you drill
Before you drill any hole, find out what is behind your wall. Use a stud finder—a handheld electronic tool that detects the wood framing behind drywall. Turn it on, place it flat against the wall, and slide it horizontally until it beeps and lights up. Mark that spot with a pencil. Slide it further to find the far edge of the stud, usually 1.5 inches away. Most studs are 16 inches apart, so you can predict the next one.
If you do not have a stud finder, knock along the wall with your knuckles. A stud sounds solid; empty space sounds hollow. This is slower and less accurate but works. You can also look for nail pops or slight dimples in the drywall—these often mark stud locations.
If you cannot hit a stud where you want the tablet, you will need a heavy-duty wall anchor. These are plastic or metal sleeves that expand behind the drywall to distribute the weight. Buy anchors rated for at least twice your tablet's weight. A 1-pound tablet needs anchors rated for 2 pounds minimum; a 2-pound tablet needs 4-pound anchors. The package always lists the weight rating.
Installing a mechanical bracket step by step
Mechanical brackets are the most common choice for permanent wall mounts. Here is how to install one:
- Mark the mounting holes. Hold the bracket against the wall at your chosen height—usually 48 to 60 inches from the floor to the center of the tablet, at eye level when you are seated. Use a level to make sure it is straight. Mark the screw holes with a pencil.
- Drill pilot holes. Use a drill bit slightly smaller than your screws. Drill straight into the wall at each mark. If you hit a stud, use a 1/8-inch bit. If you are using anchors, use the bit size the anchor package specifies—usually 1/4 inch.
- Install anchors (if not using studs). Tap the plastic or metal anchors into the holes with a hammer until they sit flush with the wall. Do not force them; they should slide in smoothly.
- Screw the bracket to the wall. Use the screws that came with the bracket. Tighten them firmly but do not overtighten—you can strip the anchor or crack the drywall. A power drill on low speed works well.
- Attach the tablet holder or arm. Follow the bracket's instructions to clamp or seat your tablet. Make sure it is tight.
- Test the mount. Gently push the tablet up, down, and to the sides. It should not move. Leave it mounted for 24 hours before you trust it with a heavy tablet.
Installing an adhesive mount
Adhesive mounts are fastest but require careful surface prep. Clean the back of your tablet with rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely—any dust or oil weakens the bond. Wipe the wall the same way. Let both dry for at least five minutes.
Peel the backing off the adhesive pad on the mount. Press it firmly to the back of your tablet, holding it for 30 seconds. Then peel the backing off the wall-facing side, position the tablet on the wall at your chosen height, and press hard for one full minute. Do not move it for 24 hours. The adhesive reaches full strength after 48 hours, so wait two days before mounting anything heavy nearby or tilting the tablet.
If the tablet starts to sag or peel after weeks or months, the adhesive has failed. Do not try to re-stick it—the residue will prevent a new mount from bonding. You will need to clean the back of the tablet with rubbing alcohol and a plastic scraper to remove old adhesive, then start over with a new mount.
Installing a lock-style mount
Lock-style mounts clamp the tablet's sides without adhesive. First, install the wall bracket using the same stud-finding and drilling steps as a mechanical bracket. Then, slide your tablet into the clamp from the top or side—the mount's design varies by model. Tighten the clamp knobs or levers until the tablet is snug but not bent. You should not be able to wiggle it, but you should be able to slide it out by hand without tools.
Check the clamp weekly if the tablet stays mounted. Vibration from nearby activity or temperature changes can loosen it slightly. A quick tightening takes 10 seconds and prevents the tablet from falling.
Positioning your tablet at the right height and angle
Mount the tablet at eye level when you are in your normal viewing position. If you sit while using it—at a desk or on a couch—the center of the tablet should be at eye height. If you stand while using it, mount it higher. A common height is 48 to 60 inches from the floor to the tablet's center.
Tilt the tablet slightly downward if you are standing, or keep it vertical if you are seated. A 15-degree downward tilt reduces neck strain when standing. Avoid mounting it so high that you have to look up for long periods.
If you are mounting the tablet in a kitchen, bathroom, or entryway where you move around, position it where you can see it from multiple angles. A corner or the wall opposite your main seating area usually works well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mount a tablet on a brick or tile wall?
Yes, but you need a masonry bit and masonry anchors. Brick and tile are harder than drywall, so drilling takes longer and requires a hammer drill for best results. Use anchors rated for masonry, not standard drywall anchors. If you hit mortar instead of brick, the anchor may not hold—try to hit the brick itself.
What if my tablet is too heavy for the anchors I have?
Buy heavier-duty anchors or locate a wall stud and use wood screws instead. Anchors have weight limits printed on the package. If your tablet exceeds that limit, the anchor will fail and the tablet will fall. Do not guess—measure your tablet's weight and match it to the anchor rating.
Can I mount a tablet on a rental wall without damaging it?
Yes, use a lock-style mount with a bracket attached using removable adhesive strips, or use a mechanical bracket with small holes that you can patch later with spackling compound. Avoid permanent adhesive mounts on the tablet itself, since removing them damages the back. Ask your landlord's permission before drilling, even small holes.
How do I keep the tablet from overheating when mounted on the wall?
Make sure air can flow around the back of the tablet. Do not mount it in direct sunlight for hours, and avoid placing it directly above a heat source like a radiator or vent. If the tablet gets hot during normal use, it may need better ventilation—try angling the bracket to create a small gap between the tablet and the wall.
What should I do if the bracket is crooked after I install it?
If the bracket is only slightly off, loosen the screws a quarter turn, adjust it with a level, and retighten. If it is very crooked, you may need to remove it, fill the holes with spackling compound, and drill new holes in the correct position. Use a level every time you tighten the final screws.