How to Remove a TV from a Wall Mount

A TV mount serves to secure your television firmly to the wall, making removal seem like a daunting task. While hiring a professional may be an option, you can actually do it yourself without much hassle. A TV mount consists of two parts that are often locked together. Once these components are detached, you can lift the TV and move it anywhere.

Unplug all cables from the TV. To avoid any tangles or disruptions, ensure all cables are disconnected before moving the valuable television. Unplug the power cable and make sure no peripheral devices are left connected. Disconnect and move any additional devices, like gaming consoles, media players, or other external equipment, to a safe distance.

Unlock the safety mechanism (if applicable). Not all TV mounts come with a lock. If yours does, it could be any type of lock. Check the included manual to avoid unnecessary confusion. Examine the mount to see if there are any visible signs of a lock. Some locks require a special key that comes with the package, while others have a flip latch or slide bar that you can open with your finger.

Lift the TV from below if possible. Grip both sides of the TV and pull the bottom towards you. The top of the TV is attached to the mount, so you don't need to worry about the device falling. Instead, you will see the back of the TV and can reach your hand in. If the TV is stuck, avoid using force to pull it.

• In this case, the TV may be secured with a safety lock or screws.

Locate the screws or pulling cable. Depending on the mount type, the TV may be secured to the wall mount with screws or a pull cable. Fortunately, both are easy to spot and remove. Once you pull the bottom of the TV away from the wall, you'll be able to easily see these components. If there is no cable hanging on the edges of the frame, grab a screwdriver.

• If you have the TV mount's installation manual, simply reverse the steps provided.

Unscrew the parts of the mount. Different TV sizes use different screws, so you may need to try several times to remove them. It will be easier if you have an adjustable electric screwdriver. You need to maneuver your hand to insert the screwdriver behind the TV. The screws will be located at the bottom edge or side of the mount, depending on the model.

• While unscrewing, ask someone to help hold the TV.

Pull the cord on the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket often comes with a spring-lock clip. While pulling the cord, listen for the sound that indicates the clip has been released. It will be easier if you have someone else hold the TV while you pull the cord, preventing the lock from re-engaging.

Gently lift the TV off the wall. If you're doing this alone, you'll need to improvise with household items. Simply separate the TV from the locking clip to prevent the auto-lock mechanism from reactivating. While pulling on one side of the cord, lift that side of the TV off the wall. Use something to wedge behind the TV and release your hand. If done correctly, the safety clip will not lock back. Repeat the same process for the other side.

• You can use a DVD/video game case, folded cardboard, or anything nearby to wedge behind the TV.

Lift the TV off the mount. The only remaining connection to the TV is the top of the mounting bracket. You can ask someone to help and lift the TV together. Each person holds one side and lifts the TV simultaneously off the mount. The TV will detach from the bracket, and you can place it on the floor or a table.

Place the TV face down. Move the TV to a safe location. Clear the surface so it's flat, then place the TV on a cloth or foam padding. Avoid touching the screen or setting the TV on a surface without padding. All the effort so far will be wasted if you scratch the screen.

• Ensure nothing obstructs your path while moving the TV.

Unscrew to remove the mount from the TV. At this point, part of the mounting bracket remains on the TV. Fortunately, this part is easier to remove than taking the TV down. Simply unscrew the four screws securing the bracket to the TV.

Unscrew to remove the mount from the wall. After removing the TV, the mount is left as an empty frame fixed to the wall. To take it down, just unscrew it like you did with the bracket on the TV. These screws come out easily and require little force, allowing you to detach the mount from the wall.