Vivint is a leading smart Home Security System solutions provider that has been in the market for over a decade. Vivint systems can include various sensors, cameras door locks, thermostats, and a central hub to manage them all. This particular Vivint equipment can be rather expensive, and at times some of the customers may ask themselves if they can continue to use the equipment after moving to a different security firm.
In response to this question, maybe is the short answer but allow me to point out the following limits. Vivint systems are closed and operate on proprietary protocols and software that are compatible only with the other Vivint products. This means that while you can transfer some Vivint equipment if you switch providers, many important functions will no longer function. You likely also will not receive much technical support since the company is new and will not know the systems in the Vivint company.
Is Possible to Integrate Sensors and Devices from Vivint with Other Systems?
However, certain basic Vivint gadgets such as motion sensors, cameras, door/window contacts, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and more may function even if you switch security companies. These devices communicate or link with the Vivint central panel or hub using wireless technologies, for instance, Z-Wave or ZigBee. In other words, as long as the new system you migrate into also supports these wireless standards, then there could be an opportunity for the sensors to operate on the new system as well.
It is still rather improbable that an entirely different security provider will be able to sync with Vivint equipment. Much depends on the compatibility of the frequencies and the protocols of the existing wireless systems in the new system. While there are some sensors that one can integrate, most of the Vivint equipment is proprietary and depends on Vivint’s cloud platform to facilitate remote control and several other operations. They are so accomplished that without that cloud platform, you will miss a lot of features.
Is Possible To Use The Vivint Sky Control Panel After The Completion Of The Installation Process?
The Sky Control panel is a central hub for Vivint's smart home and security system and is available as a touch screen or button model. It’s wireless and capable of connecting to all the different sensors or cameras, door locks, and so on. This particular touchscreen panel, for example, can only operate Vivint equipment and is incompatible with any other company equipment and services. Without monitoring services from Vivint, the Sky panel will effectively be a useless and unusable piece of technology.
In the case that you cut off your connection with Vivint, the Sky panel will not receive software updates to communicate with Vivint’s cloud platform. I think this removes nearly all of the smart features, remote control through mobile apps, automation, customized monitoring options, etc You should be able to add other wireless sensors from other manufacturers to the Sky Control Panel. Only a small percentage of third-party devices are compatible with the Vivint systems and most are not compatible to work smoothly with these systems.
One exception is if you opt for a self-monitoring service such as Alarm. Com that can provide some measure of assistance regarding transferring over previous Vivint panels. Still, it will be much limited compared to what Vivint service provides customers with, though, again, there will be some options. DIY monitoring plans also need and involve preparedness and ability to deal with technical hitches on your own whenever they happen.
What about Vivint Smart Locks, Smart Lights & Smart Thermostat?
Other home appliances such as electronic door locks, light switches, and wireless thermostats also will not work any longer unless the Vivint monitoring service is being used. Vivint smart locks require the use of cloud and the Vivint’s mobile application to lock, unlock, or grant access remotely. Light switches often require the same connection to the cloud to support scheduling, automatic operations, voice commands, etc.
Vivint thermostats are made to integrate them into the Sky smart home panel, and they use proprietary wireless communication standards. This affects the heart of the system as the Sky Control Panel is the means of control over locks, lights, climate devices, and other utilities. In essence, these Vivint smart home components effectively turn into ordinary ‘smart’ products lacking in integration with Vivint software and cloud management platform, which enable them.
Can I DIY my Vivint System or is it more appropriate to hire an expert to come and upgrade it for me?
Porting out from Vivint is feasible, but it is not easy as it involves the usage of technical expertise and probably some do-it-yourself adjustments to make it viable. You would need to find a home security provider who can work with some of the devices or panels that Vivint has. There may also be a requirement for upgrading the wireless protocols, the Sky panel with a hub and then having to pair the devices again.
It is quite impractical, if not impossible to overhaul an existing Vivint system on one's own, for a total makeover without professional assistance. However, even independent contractors who consistently offer their services to other companies may not be willing to work with Vivint equipment for a complex integration project because reliability could be affected. Problems with wireless range, interferences, and other compatibility problems are very much a nightmare that can develop fast.
To avoid such a mishap, it is recommended to first speak with both Vivint and the new security company that you want to switch to. Consult them to know what is achievable in terms of feature similarity while retaining the ease of use and effectiveness. If what they want cannot be gotten, they are left with no option but to remain loyal to Vivint even though the prices may be a bit steep. The only way that you free yourself from your ecosystem is to see the functionality of those expensive devices that you have bought erode to a vulnerable state.
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