How to Install a Wall-Mounted TV with Hidden Wires

Wall-mounted TVs look sharp and save floor space, but a nest of cables running down the side destroys the effect. The fix is straightforward: run your wires through the wall cavity, hidden behind the mounted screen. You'll need to drill two holes—one behind the TV, one near your receiver or outlet—and thread your cables through the space between drywall layers. The work is not complicated, but it demands care. A stray drill bit through live electrical wire or a water line becomes a expensive emergency. Know your wall's guts before you start, and you'll end up with a clean, professional-looking installation that looks like it was done right from the beginning.

1. Locate studs and scan for hazards. Use a stud finder to mark vertical studs on the wall where your TV will hang. Then scan the wall with an electronic stud finder that detects live electrical wiring and metal pipes. Mark any hot wires or plumbing with a pencil so you know exactly what to avoid. Take a photo of the scan marks for reference. If you find wiring or pipes running horizontally through your intended path, adjust your hole locations or abandon the hidden-wire approach.
2. Drill the upper hole behind the TV location. Mark the spot on the wall where the TV mount will sit, then drill a 3/4-inch hole horizontally behind it, roughly centered between two studs and slightly above where the TV power and HDMI cables will exit the back of the set. Drill parallel to the floor—don't angle it. Blow out the drywall dust with a shop vacuum or air compressor as you go so you can see what you're drilling into.
3. Drill the lower exit hole. Mark and drill a matching 3/4-inch hole in the wall lower down, roughly 12–18 inches above your receiver, outlet, or cable management box. Again, drill straight and parallel to the floor. Check for hazards before drilling. This hole is where your cables will exit the wall cavity to connect to power and your components.
4. Thread cables through the wall cavity. Insert a fish tape or cable-pulling kit into the upper hole and feed it down toward the lower hole. Once the tip emerges from the lower hole, attach your bundled cables to the hook or eyelet on the fish tape. Secure them tightly with electrical tape so they don't slip. Slowly pull the fish tape back up through the upper hole, drawing the cables behind it. Take your time—snagging a cable on a nail or burr slows you down but is not a disaster as long as you're steady.
5. Mount the TV bracket and connect cables. Install the wall mount according to the manufacturer's instructions, drilling pilot holes into studs and using the proper anchors and bolts. Attach the TV to the bracket. Pull the hidden cables out of the upper hole and connect them to the TV's power, HDMI, and any other inputs. Plug the power cable into the outlet or surge protector that's connected to the lower exit hole.
6. Organize cables and patch the holes. At the lower exit hole, arrange your cables neatly and secure them to the wall with cable clips. Use a caulking gun and paintable caulk to seal both the upper and lower holes around the cables, covering the gaps but not suffocating the wires. For the upper hole, which is usually hidden behind the TV, a simple bead of caulk is enough. For the lower hole, caulk first, let it dry, then use a spackling knife to fill any remaining gaps with drywall compound.
7. Paint and test. Once the compound is dry, sand it lightly and match the wall color with paint or a touch-up marker if needed. Power on the TV and test all connections. Walk through your living room and verify the image is clear, the sound works, and no cables are visible from the normal viewing angle.