If you are trying to remove your Vivint Doorbell Camera, you have probably realized it is trickier than expected.
To remove a Vivint Doorbell Camera, you will need a standard Phillips screwdriver, a T5 screwdriver, and (optionally) some pliers.
Keep in mind that the Phillips screws are of two different sizes, so you will need a smaller and a larger Phillips screwdriver.
To remove a Vivint Doorbell Camera, follow these steps:
- Delete the Vivint Doorbell from the Vivint Security System.
- Disconnect the power source to the doorbell.
- Take off the front cover.
- Unfasten the backplate.
Remove the Vivint Doorbell From the Vivint Security System
You can skip this step if you have just moved to a new home and the previous owner has left the Vivint video doorbell behind.
It is still worth contacting the previous owner to confirm that they will not need the Vivint doorbell. It is possible that they have forgotten about it, and they are still paying for it.
But if you are replacing your own Vivint Doorbell, you need to remove it from the system first.
You can do that by following those steps:
- Go to your Vivint smart hub panel
- Press the three dots on the bottom right of the screen
- Go to Devices
- Enter your PIN
- Select Cameras from the menu on the right
- Choose your Doorbell Camera
- Scroll down to the bottom and select Delete camera
- When asked whether you want to delete the camera, press Yes
And that’s it.
Now you have successfully removed the Vivint Doorbell Camera from your home security system, and you can move on to the next step.
Cut Out the Power to the Doorbell
Vivint doorbells are hardwired.
Removing a wireless doorbell is as easy and simple as detaching it from the wall.
But you need to take a few extra precautions when it comes to hardwired doorbells.
First, you need to turn off the power to the Vivint doorbell.
You do not have to turn off the power to your entire home. You just need to find the fuse or circuit breaker that is responsible for powering up the doorbell.
Normally, the circuit breaker or fuse is also the one responsible for powering up the entire area around the front door.
So you just need to cut the power to your front door.
Flip the switch in the off position or remove the fuse to cut out the power to the doorbell.
Now, when you press the doorbell, it should not work. If the doorbell is still working, this means there is still power supplied to it. Locate the source and ensure the power is indeed cut out before moving on.
Alternatively, depending on the setup, your Vivint doorbell can be powered through a transformer plugged into a nearby socket. In this case, powering off the doorbell might be as simple as unplugging the transformer.
Remove the Front Cover
On the bottom of the doorbell, there is a T5 torx screw holding the front plate and back plate together.
Remove the torx screw.
Once the screw is removed, you can easily remove the front cover.
Carefully pull the front cover up and away from the wall.
Don’t worry—no wires are attached to the front cover, so there is no risk of pulling them out of the wall.
After removing the front cover, you will see the wiring and the screws holding the back plate to the wall.
Verify that the Vivint doorbell has no power. You can use a voltage tester or voltage detector pen to ensure there is no voltage.
Detach the Back Plate
With the front cover removed, it is time to remove the back plate.
As long as there is no electricity and you are not working with live wires, you can disconnect the wires from the screw terminals.
Then remove the two screws holding the backplate to the wall.
The two screws can be found near the top and the bottom of the back plate, and if you are working with one of the newer Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro, the screws will be hidden behind a rubber gasket.
After detaching the wires and removing the screws, carefully detach the backplate from the wall, allowing the wires to slide through the holes in the back plate. Ensure the wires do not get stuck on the back plate as you remove it.
You may need to apply some force if the backplate has been glued onto the wall. Generally, this should not be the case, but the electrician may have glued it to the wall.
What to Do Next
At this point, you have successfully removed the Vivint doorbell camera.
You can replace it with a different smart doorbell or a simple, classic doorbell.
If you are installing another wired smart doorbell, make sure to follow the installation instructions that should have come with it. In many cases, you might not need to do any extra steps, as many of those smart doorbells work the same way.
If you will be installing a classic doorbell, you will have to check your chime, untwist the wires, and connect them to their respective screw terminals on the transformer.
You can also choose not to install any doorbells at all.
In this case, loose wires should always be secured or, ideally, removed. Keep the power off, wrap the loose wire ends with electrical tape, and pull them back through the wall.
Inspect the damage, fill the holes in the wall, and remove any residue left from the Vivint installation, if there is any.
If you will not be using your Vivint doorbell, consider recycling it. There are various options and recycling programs that can be used. Make sure to check your local regulations and laws concerning e-waste.
Contact your local recycling centers or local waste services to inquire about whether or not they accept electronics. Mail-in services are also available if there are no local options available.
Safety Considerations
Working with electricity can be dangerous. It can also be a significant fire hazard.
If you are unsure about the wiring or are not confident whether you can cut out all power to the doorbell or correctly install a new doorbell, consider contacting a certified electrician.
You can also contact Vivint, as they can also offer assistance with the process and even send an electrician who is certified and has experience working with Vivint equipment.
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