Where should I put the level when mounting a TV?

Put the phone on the flat top edge of the wall plate or against a straight, non-flexing reference edge. After hanging the screen, verify on the TV's top edge rather than on a curved bezel.

Can I mount a TV without finding studs?

Do not assume drywall anchors are enough for a heavy television. Follow the mount manufacturer's load and framing requirements; most full-motion and large TV mounts should be secured to structural framing or an approved backing system.

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How to level a TV mount before hanging your TV

Updated July 13, 2026 · About 45 minutes

A TV that is only a few degrees crooked can look dramatically wrong once it is on a large wall. The reliable fix is to level the wall plate before you hang the screen, then check the television as a final step.

Open the free bubble level
Use the edge view against the bracket, then verify the screen after installation.

Safety first: use the hardware and weight limits supplied with your mount, secure the plate to the required framing, and have a second person help lift and hang the television.

How to level a TV wall mount

Choose the height. Sit in the main viewing position and mark the screen center. Account for the mount's vertical offset, the furniture below, cable bend radius, and any soundbar.
Find and mark the studs. Locate the framing with a stud finder, then confirm the centers. The holes in the mount must line up with the structural support required by the mount instructions.
Make a reference line. Hold the wall plate where it will sit and mark a short horizontal line. Check the line with the phone level; do not trust the ceiling, trim, or an apparently straight cabinet as your reference.
Attach the plate loosely. Start the required lag screws or other fasteners into the framing. Leave enough play to make the plate level, but never use the level as a substitute for tightening to the manufacturer's specification.
Level, then tighten gradually. Check left-to-right and tighten opposite corners in stages. Re-check after each stage because tightening one side can pull the plate slightly.
Hang and secure the TV. Attach the vertical rails to the screen, lift with help, hook the rails onto the plate, and engage every safety lock or screw.
Verify the screen. Put the phone on a straight top edge or use the mount's adjustment screws. A mount can be level while a rail, bezel, or furniture line makes the picture look visually crooked, so check the actual screen last.

Common reasons a mounted TV looks crooked

The wall may be out of plumb, the mount may have shifted while tightening, or the television may be hanging unevenly on its rails. Check the plate, the rail hooks, and the screen separately. If the plate is level but the screen is not, use the mount's post-install adjustment rather than loosening structural fasteners blindly.

FAQ

Can I level the TV after it is mounted?

Often yes. Many mounts include micro-adjustments, but leveling the wall plate first makes the job easier and safer.

Where should I put the level?

Use the flat top edge of the wall plate or a straight reference edge. After installation, verify on the screen or a straight bezel edge.

Can I use drywall anchors for a TV mount?

Only if the mount manufacturer explicitly allows that exact anchor system for your TV's weight and wall construction. For many mounts, structural framing or approved backing is required.