Good placement is an important factor in how well your M2 sensor performs. A sensor in the wrong location can miss noise events or give inaccurate temperature and humidity readings. This guide covers everything you need to know before mounting for both indoor and outdoor installations.
The M2 sensor is for indoor use only
The M2 is not waterproof and will be damaged by moisture, rain, or cold temperatures. Its noise monitoring is calibrated for indoor environments; outdoor use produces unreliable readings. Placing the sensor outdoors voids the warranty.
Coverage and detection range
M3 sensor: key coverage figures
25 m2 Motion detection area | 3 m Maximum mounting height |
2.5 m Motion detection radius | 1 per room Recommended for optimal |
One sensor is typically sufficient for a single-room apartment or studio. For larger properties, install one sensor per room particularly where guests spend most of their time or where noise is most likely to occur.
Indoor placement
Mounting position
The recommended mounting position is on the ceiling, facing directly down, as close to the centre of the room as possible. This gives the widest motion detection coverage and the most accurate noise readings across the whole space.
If ceiling mounting is not possible, for example in a property with very high or sloped ceilings, mount the sensor high on a wall instead. Do not place the sensor higher than 3 m (10 ft) above the floor regardless of mounting surface.
Good placement
Ceiling in the centre of the room, facing down: Best for noise or motion detection
Living room or main common area: Widest coverage for a typical short-term rental
Main entrance hallway: Best for entry monitoring and Presence Detection
High on a wall if ceiling mounting isn’t possible: At least 2 m from the floor, away from corners
At least 30 cm from corners and walls: Prevents dead zones in motion and sound coverage
Indoors in a climate-controlled area: Stable temperature gives more accurate readings
Avoid for placement
Near stoves, fireplaces, or cooking areas: Causes false temperature alerts
Near ventilation outlets or air conditioning units: Affects noise, temperature, and humidity readings
On top of or behind furniture: Obstructs motion detection and airflow around the sensor
Near exterior walls or windows: Temperature and humidity readings become less accurate
In direct sunlight through a window: Skews temperature readings and affects sensor longevity
Higher than 3 m above the floor: Motion detection becomes unreliable above this height
Outdoors, in damp rooms or near moisture sources: The M2 is not waterproof
Room-by-room guide
For properties with more than one room covered by Minut, use this guide to decide where each sensor should go.
Living room
Best choice for a single sensor in any property. Catches the most guest activity and noise. Install on the ceiling in the centre of the room.
Recommended first sensor
Main entrance / hallway
Best for entry monitoring and Presence Detection. Good secondary sensor for larger properties where the living room is far from the entrance.
Best for presence monitoring
Bedroom
Can be useful for large properties with multiple separate sleeping areas. Be transparent with guests about placement in sleeping areas.
Optional for large properties
Kitchen
Avoid mounting directly above cooking areas as stoves and ovens trigger false temperature alerts. A sensor at the far end of an open-plan kitchen-living room is fine.
Avoid above cooking areas
Bathroom
Not recommended. Steam, condensation, and high humidity affect sensor accuracy and can cause false mould risk alerts. High humidity is expected in bathrooms.
Not recommended
Placement by property type
Studio or one-bed apartment | One sensor in the main living area usually ceiling-mounted in the living room or open-plan area. This gives noise, motion, and climate coverage for the whole property. |
2–3 bedroom house or apartment | One sensor in the living room covers most use cases. Add a second in the main entrance hallway if Presence Detection is a priority. For larger properties with separate kitchen or dining areas, a third sensor in the noisiest room helps catch events earlier. |
Large villa or multi-floor property | One sensor per floor minimum, placed in the main common area on each level. Consider the main entrance, the living room, and any outdoor entertaining area as priorities. |
Hotel room or aparthotel unit | One sensor per room, ceiling-mounted. Avoid directly above the bed if the room is single-purpose the hallway or near the entrance gives more actionable coverage for a typical hotel room layout. |
Multifamily apartment | One sensor per unit in the main living area. For common areas (lobbies, shared kitchens), treat each as its own space and install accordingly. |
Thinking about outdoor monitoring? The M3 sensor supports outdoor mode with AudioID wind filtering. If you need to monitor a pool area, terrace, or garden, the M3 is the right sensor. See the M3 sensor placement guide for outdoor placement guidance.
Mounting the plate
The magnetic mounting plate attaches to the surface first then the sensor snaps onto it magnetically. The sensor can be removed and reattached without tools at any time.
Mounting - good practice
Use the included adhesive tape for smooth ceilings and walls
Use flat-head screws for textured or uneven surfaces: Standard flat-head screws from any hardware store
Clean and dry the surface before applying adhesive
Press firmly and hold the plate for 30 seconds after applying adhesive
Wait 30–60 minutes before attaching the sensor after using adhesive
Mounting - avoid
Dusty or painted surfaces that aren’t firmly bonded: Adhesive may pull the paint away; test with tape first
Very textured surfaces with adhesive only: Use screws on Artex, rough plaster, or stone
Near heat sources: adhesive weakens at high temperatures
Damp or humid surfaces: Damp or humid surfacesAdhesive will not bond reliably on moist surfaces
Moving the sensor. The adhesive is designed to hold permanently. If you need to move the sensor, gently slide dental floss or a thin wire behind the mounting plate to cut through the adhesive before pulling. See How to move or remove a sensor.