Moving with a Vivint Security System

Moving to a new house can be exciting. With all the different things you have to do before you can get to your new home, however, it can also be an incredibly stressful process.

As you forward your mail, handle your utilities, and try to remember how you got so much stuff, you also need to figure out how to move your Vivint home security system.

Keeping your family safe is never more important than when you move to an unfamiliar area, so transferring your system to the new house is at the top of your priorities. 

In this guide, we’ll show you how Vivint helps you move your security system to your new home. We’ll also answer all of your questions to help you make a smooth transition in the midst of the chaos.

What happens to my Vivint system when I move?

Vivint is committed to convenience in every part of your home security experience. The company offers three options for moving with your security system to help you find the one that works best. 

As you plan your move, make sure you consider the pros and cons of each option for your situation. Each one has different costs and levels of effort involved, so make sure you choose the option that will make your move as easy as possible.

You can sign up for a new security system and monthly plan

Sometimes the easiest option is to start fresh in your new home. If you choose this option, you will take your Smart Hub control panel and any plug-in devices to your new home, but you will need to purchase new items for the rest of your system.

You will need to work with a Vivint representative to choose your new plan, including which equipment you want to use and which monthly monitoring plan you prefer.

With this option, you won’t have to pay any upfront costs to get your new home set-up with your security system. Your Smart Hub and plug-in devices are easy to remove, so you won’t have to worry about uninstallation fees. Professional installation is included with every new plan which also eliminates that cost.

Some of the benefits of choosing a new system include:

• You will get the latest and greatest equipment, enjoying all best new features and capabilities
• You don’t have to worry about removing or relocating most of your security equipment
• Your new system will be customized to work with your new residence

There are also some downsides to this choice, including:

• Losing your investment into the previous equipment, as well as negotiating payments left on any equipment you financed
• Signing onto a new contract if you choose to finance your equipment

The bottom line is that this option will cost the same amount as your original security system. Make sure you have room in your budget to purchase your new equipment.

Move your security system to your new home by yourself

If you’re willing to put in a bit of work, this option may be your best choice. Vivint recommends choosing this way of moving your equipment if you have 10 devices or less. While any can manage it, removing your equipment will take some time and effort, so it’s not always ideal for extensive systems.

First, you will need to remove your Smart Hub and any plug in devices. You will get a new starter pack with four window/door sensors and either a smoke detector, motion sensor, or glass break sensor, whichever you prefer.

Any other equipment that is included in your current system will need to be carefully removed so you can take it to your new home. You can leave any equipment that you don’t want to keep. If you aren’t confident that you can do the more complex removals, such as your Outdoor Camera Pro, consider getting help from a more handy friend to prevent any unnecessary damage.

You will need to schedule a professional installation appointment to have a Vivint technician add the equipment to your new residence. Since you aren’t signing up for a new plan, you will have to pay a $149 installation fee to get your system set up.

When the installer comes to your new home, you can choose to add new devices to your system or upgrade your current equipment. These changes will cost extra.

Choosing to remove your Vivint home security system yourself will help by:

• Saving you the cost of having the equipment professionally uninstalled
• Allowing you to keep your current plan and equipment so you don’t have to pay for a new system
• Maintaining the length of your contract if you financed your equipment
• Giving you the option to upgrade your devices and expand system with the newest technology

This options does have some downsides, including:

• You will have to remove all of your equipment yourself, which may take several hours
• You will need to repair any holes made during the original installation, which a Vivint technician would otherwise handle
• You will have to pay the $149 installation fee

If you are fairly handy and value your money over your time, we recommend this option. You will also get a better value from this option than the first if you have only had your Vivint system for a short time.

Let Vivint move your system for you

If you’re willing to pay a little extra for both the removal and reinstallation of your security system, this is the right choice for you.

You will need to make an appointment for a Vivint technician to come to your old house to remove all of your equipment. They will give the devices to you once they’ve been removed so you can take them to your new home.

Once the new house is ready for you to move in, you can schedule another appointment for the re-installation. The installer will treat your system like you’re a new customer, identifying the best locations for each device and setting them up for maximum security.

Though you will keep almost all of your original equipment, Vivint will replace any smart locks, smart thermostats, and Doorbell Camera Pros that were included in your original package.

During the installation appointment, you can also choose to upgrade your equipment to the newest versions or add new devices to your home security system.

Since Vivint is sending someone out to remove your equipment and install it again, you will have to pay a fee for both appointments. The professional removal fee is $149 and the reinstallation fee also $149, so you will be charged a total of $298 for the service. You will also have to pay more for any new or upgraded equipment.

You can enjoy several benefits from this option, including:

• All you have to do is schedule both appointments and move your equipment with your belongings, nothing else is required
• You can keep your current plan, including the contract you signed to finance your equipment
• The ability to upgrade or expand your security system

As with all of the moving options, you will also have some cons to consider, including:

• You will have to pay to remove and install your equipment, even though you’re keeping your plan
• In the craziness of moving, you will have to schedule two appointments, which both typically take several hours

Vivint recommends this option for security systems that include more than 10 devices. These systems are often more complex and require more time to remove. If you want to save on the cost of a new system without the hassle of removing everything yourself, we would go with this option.

What if I’m not moving into my new home immediately?

Moving isn’t always a smooth transition from one home to the next. You may be staying in temporary housing while your new home is finished or still searching for a house when your home’s sale is finalized. In these situations, the last thing you want to do is pay for a security system you’re not using.

Vivint understands that these situations are often out of your control. When you contact the security provider to select your moving option, you can also request a suspension of your service. You won’t have to pay your monthly monitoring fee until your system is set up in your new home.

Vivint won’t pause your security service indefinitely, so you will have to work with the company to determine when your payments will start again. You will also have to qualify for service suspension, so get in touch with the customer support team as soon as you learn of the delay.

What if I’m in the military? Does Vivint have options for active service members?

Vivint is proud to support the brave men and women who sacrifice so much to protect our freedoms. They have three special offers for active duty service members who are moving from their permanent residence either permanently or temporarily.

It is important to note that Vivint won’t cancel your plan for just any reason or at any time, even if you are actively serving in the military. If you need help with your plan, you will need to get in touch with the Military Support team to see if you qualify for the company’s special exceptions.

Vivint also does not offer exceptions for veterans or the dependents of active duty service members.

Cancel your Vivint security system plan

Under a limited number of circumstances, Vivint will allow active duty service members and reserve personnel to cancel their service agreements. These exceptions include:

• Being deployed for six months or longer
• Earning retirement after 20 or more years of service
• Receiving Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders
• Getting a medical discharge

You can also cancel your plan if you are moving onto a military base, no matter the reason.

If your situation fits any of these circumstances, you will need to connect with the Military Support team to determine next steps. You will also need to submit a copy of your official orders or proof of your relocation.

Not every service member will qualify for this option. Some restrictions include:

• If you are moving from an off-base home to another off-base residence and haven’t been deployed to this new location, you likely won’t qualify for terminating your service agreement
• If you are discharged, you will not qualify for a cancellation. You can instead transfer your account to a family member or friend. You can also choose to move your system to your new home without paying the moving fee.
• If your Vivint account is in your spouse’s name, you will need to request special consideration to qualify for military offers

Move your system

Service members often have to move to a new location. If you have been assigned to a new station and want to take your Vivint home security system with you, the company will help you make an easy transition.

A security technician will come to your home to remove your equipment free of charge. Once you’re in your new home, they will also reinstall your security system for free. Even if you are early into your plan, you won’t have to extend the terms of the agreement. 

You can also use the move as an opportunity to upgrade or expand your system with new devices, though additional charges will apply. 

Defer your security service payments

If you have been given a temporary assignment that takes you away from your permanent residence, you may be able to defer your security plan payments for up to 12 months. 

This option is typically for military families who will be away from the home entirely for the assignment. If anyone remains at home and wants to use the system, you may not qualify.

Vivint has strict restrictions for its military exceptions, so you should contact Military Support as soon as possible to review your options.

What if I move into a house with a Vivint home security system?

When Vivint customers move into a new home, they typically leave some equipment behind. Moving into the home then gives you the chance to save some money on your own security system. 

If your home’s previous owners had a security plan with Vivint, your home may include:

• Door/window sensors
• Smart safety detectors, such as smoke, flood, and CO sensors
• Smart locks
• Smart thermostats
• The Doorbell Camera Pro

Customers that chose to move without their system may have also left the Smart Hub control panel. These customers and any who started a new system in their new home may have left even more. Depending on the circumstances, you might have an entire security system ready for your use.

To use the equipment, however, you will first need to get in touch with Vivint to start your own monthly monitoring plan. You can also upgrade the equipment or add new devices to complete a security system that meets your needs.

Can I use my Vivint equipment without monitoring?

You won’t be able to use your full security system if you don’t sign up for a monthly monitoring plan. Your sensors will function and connect to the Smart Hub, if you still have it, but you won’t be able to connect your system to your phone through the app. 

To arm or disarm your system, you will first need access to the control panel. If the previous owners took the Smart Hub with them when they moved, you will have to start your own account to get a new one. 

Even if they left the device, you will need the four-digit code that activates the alarm. Unless the previous owner generously shares the code, you will have to contact Vivint to change it. The company will only work with customers, however, so you will still have to open your own plan to use your home security system.

Moving with Vivint Security System: FAQs