Adjusting a TV mount means loosening its tilt, swivel, or leveling hardware, repositioning the TV, then re-tightening everything so it holds securely.
Most wall mounts let you tweak the viewing angle after the TV is hanging, whether to cut glare or straighten a panel. The process takes a few minutes and only needs a hex key or screwdriver. The steps are the same across tilting, swiveling, and full-motion mounts, with small differences covered below.
What You Need Before Adjusting the Mount
Grab the manual that came with your mount before touching hardware, since exact knob and screw locations vary by brand.
For tools, most adjustments take one of these:
- A 3/16-inch hex key for swivel tension on many full-motion models
- A Phillips screwdriver for leveling screws and safety bolts
- A socket wrench for heavier articulating arms
A bubble level helps if you’re straightening the panel, but bracket screws handle fine-tuning after the TV hangs.
Adjust Tilt: Loosen, Position, Tighten
Tilt adjustment changes the vertical angle, handled by knobs, nuts, or handles near the top of the mount arms.
Loosen both sides evenly — manuals warn against over-loosening or fully removing fasteners. Once the TV moves freely, grip the top and bottom edges and tilt it to the desired angle. Hold it and tighten both sides, alternating for even pressure. On Monoprice mounts, hook the TV over the wall plate, secure safety screws, then turn the tilt knob to set the angle.
Fix Swivel and Level Problems
Swivel rotates the screen left or right, the main reason for full-motion mounts. On many models, loosen a tension knob or hex bolt near the arm joint, swing the TV by hand, then retighten.
Leveling is usually a bracket-screw job. After the TV hangs, loosen screws on top of the vertical brackets, nudge the panel until the bubble centers, and retighten. A few millimeters of shift fixes a crooked screen. If the TV still leans, the wall plate was installed off-level — requiring unmounting and shimming the plate.
Safety Checks and Common Mistakes
Before finishing, verify every fastener you touched is snug. Mounts include locking or safety screws preventing accidental release; skipping them is the most common mistake. Also confirm enough slack in HDMI and power cables — articulating arms pull cords tight when swinging, straining connectors.
Three other mistakes appear repeatedly:
- Using screws too short (TV insecure) or too long (damage the panel)
- Skipping washers and spacers that keep even pressure on VESA holes
- Mounting without verifying studs or wall type — manuals specify wood studs, concrete, or brick and warn against drywall alone
If you’re shopping for an easier-to-adjust mount — or replacing one that won’t hold position — our roundup of the best adjustable TV mounts on the market breaks down which models offer smoothest movement and most tool-free adjustments.
| Adjustment | Typical Hardware | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt | Side knobs, handles, or screws | Range is usually +5 to -15 degrees; don’t fully remove fasteners |
| Swivel | Hand movement or 3/16-inch hex key | Loosen tension, swing the TV, then retighten |
| Level | Screws on top of vertical brackets | Tighten after the TV is hung; use a bubble level |
| Locking bolts | Safety screws or nuts | Always retighten after any adjustment |
The key to any mount adjustment is a three-step rhythm: loosen hardware, move the TV, and re-tighten everything before walking away. Doing it in order — tilt first, then swivel, then level — gets the screen where you want it without wrestling the panel twice. Check your manual for specific range and tool, keep washers and correct screw length in place, and leave cords room to move.
FAQs
Why does my TV mount keep drifting out of position?
The tension hardware is likely too loose. Tighten tilt and swivel fasteners on both sides evenly, alternating for balanced pressure. If it still drifts, the mount may be worn or undersized for the TV’s weight — check the published weight rating against your panel.
Can I adjust a TV mount with the TV still on it?
Yes, most adjustments are designed for the TV hanging, which is why tilt knobs and swivel handles sit at the top of arms. Leveling screws are accessible from the front. You only unmount the TV to move the wall plate or fix a crooked installation.
How do I know if my mount’s screws are the right length?
Check the manual for recommended screw length for your TV’s thickness, and verify screws bite into brass inserts without bottoming out. Too short means the TV isn’t secured; too long can puncture the panel. If included screws didn’t fit, order the correct VESA kit rather than forcing hardware.