How to Remove a TV From a Wall Mount

If you’ve mounted your TV with a wall-mount and want to remove it, either to move it or replace it, you’ll need to know safely and properly how to remove a TV from a wall mount. Depending on the kind of mount you used and the TV in question, you likely won’t need anything but a screwdriver and 10 minutes to spare. If you own a top-rated TV, you need to be extra careful to avoid damage to your TV.

There are some basic steps that will apply to most situations, and if you’re careful and use the right tool or tools, it shouldn’t be an intimidating task (much like fixing input lag on a TV).

Removing your TV from a Wall Mount

Most TV wall mount kits use a VESA mount system to attach to the TV and drywall or wood screws to attach to your wall, but if you’re only removing the TV from the mounting bracket and not the entire wall mount itself, it’s a relatively simple procedure. Keep in mind this will be much easier to do with two people, so try to get a helper if you can.

STEP 1

Before you start, it’s a good idea if at all possible to shut off electricity to the wall socket the TV is plugged into. It’s not essential, but a good safety step in general.

STEP 2

Next, unplug the TV from power and from any peripherals it’s attached to and place loose cables aside

STEP 3

Unlock your TV mount if it has one- these can be locks with keys, flip locks, or sliding bar locks, and may require specific methods to unlock, depending on your mount model and TV- consult an owner’s manual to make sure you do this correctly.

STEP 4

It may be tempting to simply remove the entire wall mount if you’re intending to move the entire installation, but this can easily damage your walls. I**f the TV is mounted on a bracket- which will be the case most of the time- it’s safer to remove the bracket from the rest of the mount, which should only require a Phillips head screwdriver or power drill with a standard-size Phillips head drill bit.

STEP 5

If you’re doing this with two people, have your helper hold the TV in place securely while you carefully unscrew the bracket from the rest of the wall mount.

STEP 6

Carefully pull the TV and attached bracket from the wall mount and place display-side down on a clean blanket or soft towel. It might be a good idea to protect the screen additionally with a sheet of plastic or a large trash bag.

STEP 7

With the TV safely placed display-side down, unscrew the VESA mount bracket and remove the bracket from the TV.

If you have any problem with the TV after this exercise, you can always reset the TV to get it back in good working order.

F.A.Q.S