Removing your Vizio TV from a wall mount requires careful preparation and the right technique to avoid damaging your expensive equipment. Whether you’re moving to a new home, repositioning your television, or replacing an outdated mount, understanding how to remove Vizio TV from wall mount properly ensures your safety and protects your investment. Vizio televisions, especially M Series models, feature specialized mounting hook configurations that secure at multiple points along the bracket, creating a safety-first connection that won’t release with simple pulling. This design prevents accidental falls but means you need the correct approach to disengage the system. With proper preparation, you can safely remove your Vizio TV from its wall mount in 15-30 minutes, depending on your specific mounting system and any challenges you encounter.
This guide walks you through every critical phase of the removal process, from initial preparation through post-removal wall inspection. You’ll learn how to identify your specific wall mount type, locate and operate release mechanisms, safely tilt and lift your television free, and address stubborn mounting situations that commonly arise. We’ll also cover essential safety precautions and when professional assistance becomes necessary for a successful removal.
Gather Required Tools Before Starting
Before touching your television or mounting system, assemble all necessary tools in a convenient location. Having everything ready prevents dangerous interruptions that could lead to dropped equipment. You’ll need a Phillips-head screwdriver for mounting bracket screws, a flat-head screwdriver for manual release mechanisms, and needle-nose pliers for gripping small components. A flashlight is essential for illuminating dark areas behind the television, while a level helps maintain stability during the process.
Beyond basic tools, prepare materials that protect your television during removal. Create a soft, padded surface using a clean blanket on a flat floor area or a specialized TV handling mat—this prevents scratches to both the screen and frame. You’ll also need small Ziplock bags for hardware storage, labels or masking tape for organization, and zip ties for cable management. Critical safety note: Always have a second person assist with removal, especially for TVs larger than 50 inches. One person should support the television’s weight while the other manages disengagement mechanisms—this two-person approach reduces injury risk by over 70% compared to working alone.
Clear Your Workspace Thoroughly
Creating adequate working space around your television significantly impacts removal safety. Remove all furniture, decorative items, and obstacles within a three-foot radius of the television to provide room for proper body positioning. Pay special attention to ensuring nothing sits directly beneath the TV that could interfere with the removal motion or become damaged if the television falls unexpectedly.
Consider the pathway you’ll use to move the television once removed. Ensure this route remains obstacle-free with your prepared protective surface easily accessible. For larger TVs (55 inches and above), professional assistance becomes highly recommended due to weight and size challenges. If you must work alone, position a stable object like a sturdy table directly beneath the television to catch it if it slips during release—though this is far less safe than having a helper present. Never attempt removal when fatigued or rushed; take breaks as needed to maintain focus throughout the process.
Disconnect All Cables Properly
Proper cable management before removal simplifies both the current process and future reinstallation. Start by disconnecting the power cord from both the television and wall outlet—never manipulate your TV while it remains connected to electrical power. Once power is disconnected, detach all other cables including HDMI connections, audio cables, ethernet cords, and coaxial cables. Work systematically through these connections to prevent overlooking a cable that could become taut during removal.
Organize cables immediately after disconnection to prevent confusion later:
– Wrap each cable neatly and secure with zip ties
– Label both ends with masking tape (e.g., “HDMI 1,” “Cable Box”)
– Take photographs showing cable connections before disconnection
– Store all labeled cables together in one location
These photographs serve as invaluable references during reinstallation, eliminating guesswork about which cable connects where. For Vizio M Series models, pay special attention to the proprietary power connector that may require gentle twisting to release properly.
Identify Your Specific Mount Type
The exact wall mount type determines your removal technique, so identification is essential before physical manipulation. Fixed mounts hold the television flat against the wall with minimal movement capability and typically feature the simplest release mechanisms. Look for a flat profile against the wall with no visible moving parts—these often require only upward lifting after releasing safety catches.
Tilting mounts allow vertical adjustment of the TV’s angle and incorporate additional mechanical components that may require specific release procedures. These mounts show visible hinge mechanisms or observable gaps indicating tilt capability. Swivel or articulating mounts provide horizontal movement and feature the most complex mechanisms with multiple adjustment points. These mounts have extended arm assemblies with visible joints that may require sequential release steps. If the mount manufacturer’s name and model number are visible, search online for specific removal instructions—many manufacturers provide detailed guides for their products.
Locate Release Mechanisms First
Before attempting disengagement, locate and understand your specific release mechanisms. Most Vizio televisions feature release cords or handles in the upper rear portion that connect to internal locking mechanisms. These are typically thin wires or plastic strips that, when pulled correctly, disengage the securing hooks. On M Series models, these cords often run vertically along the sides of the mounting interface.
Carefully inspect the upper rear portion of your television, running your hand along the mounting interface to feel for cords that might not be visible. Some release mechanisms require pulling toward you, while others need specific directional movement indicated by arrows. The cords may need to be pulled to full extension until they snap outward, or completely removed from attachment points to fully disengage. Familiarizing yourself with these mechanisms before removal prevents fumbling when the TV is in an unstable position.
Pull Release Cords Correctly
With release mechanisms located, grasp the cords firmly but gently—apply steady, moderate pressure rather than sudden forceful pulls. The mechanism may require multiple pulls or sustained pressure for several seconds before locking tabs fully disengage. Listen for clicking or popping sounds that confirm the mechanism is working properly.
If the television doesn’t release after operating the primary mechanism, examine the mounting interface for secondary safety locks. These might include small screws needing loosening, sliding tabs requiring movement to an open position, or additional release levers hidden beneath protective covers. Some mounts feature spring-loaded pins that must be depressed outward to allow the TV to lift off the bracket. Remove any protective covers carefully before attempting removal again—rushing this step risks damaging both the TV and mount.
Tilt and Lift TV Using Proper Technique
Once locking mechanisms are released, begin removal with a specific tilting and lifting motion. Position yourself with a firm grip on both sides of the television near the bottom edge for maximum control. Gently tilt the bottom edge away from the wall by several inches, creating a visible gap between the TV and wall surface—this disengages any bottom-mounted hooks.
While maintaining the tilted position, attempt to lift the television straight upward. This combination often releases remaining engagement points between the TV’s bracket and wall bracket. If the TV doesn’t lift free, return it flat against the wall and reexamine for additional release mechanisms. Some mounting systems require release cords to be held extended for several seconds before disengagement completes. When the television begins separating, support its weight fully while maintaining the tilting angle. Move the TV away from the wall slowly and deliberately until completely free, then lower it carefully onto your prepared surface with the screen facing upward.
Handle Stubborn Mounting Situations Safely
When standard release mechanisms fail, alternative approaches can resolve issues without damage. Examine the mounting interface from multiple angles—sometimes release mechanisms are accessible only from below. A flashlight illuminates dark areas behind the TV where mechanisms might be hidden. For Vizio M Series TVs with broken or missing release cords, use a flat-head screwdriver to manually release locking tabs. Insert the screwdriver gently into the gap between TV and bracket near mounting hooks, applying careful pressure to release spring-loaded tabs.
Stripped mounting fasteners present another common challenge. If a screw head is damaged, try placing a rubber band between the screwdriver and screw head for increased grip, or use a specialized screw extractor tool. Applying penetrating oil to stuck fasteners and allowing it to work for several minutes can loosen corroded screws. Never apply excessive force—if the TV doesn’t release with reasonable manipulation, further investigation is necessary before continuing. Forced removal risks broken mounting tabs, damaged housings, cracked screens, or personal injury.
Remove Mounting Bracket Hardware Carefully
After detaching the television, you may need to remove the mounting hardware. Locate screws attaching the bracket to the wall—typically at corners or along edges—secured into wall anchors or studs. Remove these fasteners one at a time, starting with top fasteners and working downward to maintain bracket stability.
Place each fastener immediately into a labeled Ziplock bag to prevent loss. Note each fastener’s specific location and orientation, as different holes may require different screw types during reinstallation. Take photographs of the bracket and attachment points before complete removal—these serve as valuable references. The mounting plate on the TV’s rear should also be removed if not reusing it. Locate securing screws near plate corners, remove carefully while supporting the plate, and store hardware together in a labeled bag.
Inspect Wall for Damage After Removal
With everything removed, inspect the wall surface for damage that occurred during installation or removal. Look for cracks around mounting holes, oversized holes from stripped anchors, or discoloration indicating water damage. Addressing these issues ensures a stable mounting surface for future use.
Small holes can be filled with spackling compound applied with a putty knife, smoothed flush, and allowed to dry before sanding and painting. Larger holes may require mesh patches and joint compound. Allow all repair materials to cure completely before reinstallation. This removed-television period also provides an excellent opportunity for thorough cleaning—use a soft microfiber cloth with appropriate screen cleaner (applied to the cloth, not directly to the screen) and clean rear ventilation areas to ensure proper heat dissipation.
Know When to Call a Professional Immediately
Throughout the removal process, recognize when professional assistance becomes necessary. If at any point the process exceeds your comfort level or physical capability, contact a professional TV installation technician. Large televisions (55 inches and above) present significant physical challenges that benefit greatly from professional handling.
Professional technicians possess specialized tools and knowledge of specific mounting designs that facilitate safe removal in challenging situations. Contact a professional if you encounter non-functional release mechanisms, damaged mounting systems, wall structural damage, or lack a capable helper. Never apply excessive force to any component—forced removal can cause catastrophic damage. The cost of professional help is modest compared to potential repair costs for damaged equipment or injuries. Your goal is a successfully removed television with no damage to equipment, wall, or people involved.
