If you want to ensure the mount is compatible with your television, search online for its model number followed by “mount” to find lists of compatible styles. Otherwise, you can get a universal mount that works with multiple styles of TVs. Full-motion mounts allow you to tilt and turn the TV screen so you can position it however you want it. Set mounts don’t turn, but you may be able to adjust the direction it tilts up or down.

Don’t overtighten the screws on the back of your TV or else you could damage it.

Ask 2 helpers to hold the TV at various heights while you sit down if you want to test which viewing angle is most comfortable for you.

If you don’t have a stud finder, you can try knocking along your wall to listen for a solid sound, which means there’s a stud behind it. If your wall sounds hollow, then there are no studs. If there aren’t any studs where you want to mount your TV, get drywall mounts

If the studs don’t line up where you want to place your TV, then you’ll have to mount the TV without studs using toggle bolts. Some mounts can be attached to a single stud.

Aim to line up 2 holes in each of the studs so the mount hangs securely.

Avoid attaching the TV mount without pre-drilling the holes since you could chip the drywall or split the wood of the stud.

You may need to use a socket wrench if the mount has hex bolts instead of screws.

Take a step back from the TV to check if it’s level. If it isn’t, grab it by the sides and try to rotate it to make your adjustment. If the TV doesn’t move, you may need to loosen the screws again to reposition it.

Since you don’t have studs to use for support, you need to use more screws to mount the TV to evenly distribute its weight.

You can buy toggle bolts from your local hardware store. Toggles bolts are typically not included with the TV mount.

If you have trouble breaking the plastic guides off of the bolts, you can cut them with a pair of scissors or a flush-cut saw.

Have a friend help you lift the TV or look where the bracket lines up with the mount to ensure you have it in the correct place.