If you have bought a house with a Vivint smart home system already installed, you may be locked out of the panel in case you do not know the master code. It would be impossible to disarm the system or change the settings or devices that are connected to it without the code. Luckily, there is a way to reset the panel even when the current code is unknown to the owner. Below is a guide that outlines the process of resetting a Vivint panel without the master code.
Step 1: Locate the Panel
Vivint control panels are typically located on a wall or in a closet. They are placed in the coat area, the corridor, the garage, the basement, the master bedroom, or any other closet. The panel will be white or black and measure approximately 9 inches x 6 inches in size. It will have a keypad and a display on the face of the device.
Step 2: Open the Housing The next step is to open the ‘Housing’ option as illustrated below:
To get to the reset button you are going to have to take off the exterior panel of the panel housing. Search for one or two screws on the edges of the panel. To remove them, you should use the Phillips screwdriver. There might also be some tabs that click the front housing on the back panel, you will have to use a screwdriver to pry it open. Slowly remove the housing from the panel while the wires remain connected.
Step 3: Locate the Reset Button
Within the panel, there is a small round button that has the inscription “Reset” written on it and it is located in the circuit board section. In some models of the Vivint panel, this will be red. At times, you cannot locate the reset button quickly; it might be found behind the user code chips.
Step 4: Remove Power
However, before using the reset button, you need to disconnect the power from the system for a short period. At the back of the panel, there should be a bunch of cables and wires to be connected. They end at another transformer that converts the AC power from your home to a lower DC voltage needed by the solar panel. Switch off the power by pulling the transformer’s plug out of the wall socket. Alternatively, the power supply of the outlet can be turned off at the circuit breaker switch.
Step 5: Pressing the Reset Button
After turning off the power from the panel, using the tip of a paper clip, press the reset button for 3-5 seconds and then remove the paper clip. This simply resets the panel and clears all the user codes.
Step 6: Restore Power
Switch on the circuit breaker if it was turned off earlier or plug the transformer back into the panel. The system will shut down, and when it is on, there will be default messages displayed as the system starts resetting. This should not take more than 1- 2 minutes.
Step 7: Setting a New Master Code
After powering it on, the Vivint panel should ask you to set up a new master code, which should range from four to six digits. Select a numeric code that you can remember easily. It can be entered using the touch keys on the panel when prompted and then press the ‘OK’ key. If yes, re-enter the same code and press OK again to confirm.
The system will acknowledge the input of the new master code and proceed with guidance on how to connect to the Vivint network servers to continue with the reset. The LED lights on the panel should go green if the connection has been made.
Well, there you have it folks, how to reset a Vivint panel without having a master code in the process! Just ensure that you replace the housing once complete, and check whether the system can arm and disarm using your new code. It should clear all the current codes for alarms, smart home integration, and various system settings – thus enabling you to program the Vivint system afresh.
