How To Remove TV from Wall Mount: Step By Step Guide 

Before now, you mostly find TVs on wall mounts in places like offices and hospitals. But now, it has become popular in homes.

A wall-mounted TV helps save space. It might be a bit trickier to install, especially for first-time DIYers, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. It’s also a bit challenging to remove a TV from a wall mount.  

This article shows you how to remove your television from the wall mount, including the installation process. So, read from start to finish. 

How To Remove TV From Wall Mount

Follow the steps below.

Step#1: Unplug everything attached to the TV: 

Unplug all the wires or cords connected to your TV. Also, all the attachments to your TV, like video game console and movie player, should be set aside after you disconnect them. You don’t want them getting in the way.

Make sure you disconnect the power cables from the wall socket.

Step#2: Remove the safety locks: 

Most times, TV mounts don’t come with locks. However, if yours does, work on it. It can also be any lock mechanism.

If it’s a screw-type lock, use a long screwdriver (at least 12 inches) to unscrew the locks at the lower part of the TV. You can use a flashlight to see it. When you’ve done so, you can easily pull the lower TV away from the wall. So, you’ll be able to finish the remaining process.

For a pull string lock, two pieces of strings are attached to a latch. All you have to do is find the strings at the lower part of the TV and pull them hard. They’ll make a click sound, and the lower part of the TV will no longer be attached to the wall.

If it’s a horizontal locking bar, you’ll be able to access the bar lock from the sides. There’s usually a long bar that goes from the left to the right side of the TV. It can be pulled out from one side only, so try it out to be sure of the side. Then pull it out.

However, your owner’s manual can come in handy in case your TV comes with a new or special kind of lock. Once you’ve removed the lock, you’ll be able to tilt your TV forward easily.

Step#3: Lift the TV from the wall: 

Now that your TV is free, it’s time to lift it from the wall. It’s best if you have someone to help you with the lifting. Ask the person to hold one side of the TV while you hold the other. Then carefully lift the TV over the mount. 

When it’s free, set the TV down on a soft surface to avoid scratch on the screen (lay it face down).

Step#4: Remove the mount bracket: 

With your TV safely off the wall, you’ll be able to see the mount bracket on its back. There are usually four screws, which attach the bracket to your TV. Unscrew them, and the bracket will come off.

Step#5: Remove the wall mount: 

To remove the wall mount, you have to unscrew it from the wall with a screwdriver. Do it carefully, so you don’t damage the wall. However, you may have to fill the holes on the wall and repaint it if it gets damaged.

After removing the wall mount, you can choose to remount a new one.

Types Of Wall Mount 

Different kind of wall mounts exists. Let’s discuss each of them. 

Fixed wall mount:

This wall mount is also called a low profile mount. It’s very strong, easy to install, and cheap compared to other types. Also, it places your TV flat against the wall. So, it’s best if you’ll be sitting directly in front of your TV. But it would help if you also place it at eye level.

Furthermore, once you place your TV on a fixed wall mount, you won’t be able to adjust it. So, you’ll have to remove it completely from the wall to change its position.

Tilting wall mount:

It’s a bit more expensive than a fixed wall mount but cheaper than a full mount. It’s also easy to install. Unlike the fixed mount, it’s not fixed to the wall, and you can adjust your TV up and down.

The tilting mount’s vertical motion is due to a pivot at the middle of the bracket. It makes it possible to get a good view, even if you’re sitting too high or lying down. So, you can place it high on your bedroom wall or above the fireplace. 

However, it has limited adjustment angles, as you can’t tilt it horizontally.

Full motion wall mount:

It’s a very expensive wall mount. It’s also complicated to install, and you may have to get extra help to fix it. You can decide to use professional help for that. However, the best part of it is that you can move it to any direction or angle.

The wall mount can move in all directions because of a moveable arm that connects the panel to the wall. It also gives it easy cable access. It’s a great choice if your room has several viewing spots. You can also choose to minimize it so that it looks flat on the wall.

How To Choose A TV Wall Mount

There are tons of TV wall mount out there. So, you have to be careful when making a choice. Follow the tips below. 

Consider your TV’s specification:

Before you choose a wall mount, consider the specification of your TV. Wall mounts have different designs and sizes. The size of your TV will help you choose the right wall mount. You can check the size and weight limit of the wall mount to be sure.

Make sure you choose the one that suits your TV. You don’t want to risk the TV falling because you didn’t choose the right one. Compare the TV’s weight (in the user’s guide) to the range the wall mount can carry.

Choose the amount of motion:

The various types of wall mounts have varying motion. You should choose if you want your TV flat on the wall or if you prefer it to be moveable. Also, choose the level of movement. 

Furthermore, it may not be based on just preference. Another reason you should choose the motion is based on your lifestyle and your viewing position. 

If you have little children and pets, you may want your TV to be above the viewing level. Then it would help if you consider tilting or full-motion wall mounts. 

Consider the price:

You should consider the price when you want to choose your wall mount. The ones that cost more have more options for movement. But if you don’t mind having your TV fixed in one direction, then you can go for a cheap wall mount.

However, it’s best if you choose a high-quality wall mount, especially if your TV is expensive. You don’t want to buy cheap materials, but that doesn’t mean you should overpay. 

How To Install Your TV To A Wall Mount

You’ve removed your old wall mount and purchased a suitable choice. Now, it’s time to install the new wall mount and mount your TV. 

First, you need to get a few things for the task. These include:

• Stud finder
• Power drill (a better and faster choice than a screwdriver)
• Drill bits (carbide-tipped masonry bit and Phillips head drill bit)
• Level
• Painter’s tape (optional)
• A pencil
• An extra hand (a friend)

Follow these steps to wall mount your TV.

Step#1: Choose the location to place TV: 

Consider the location and choose the right viewing angle. Ensure it’s right because changing it when you’ve mounted your TV will leave ugly holes on your wall. That’s why you should choose a focal point in your room to place it. 

Step#2: Find wall studs:

A wall stud is a perfect and firm spot to place your wall mount. Use your stud finder to find the position of the studs in the wall. Mark the spot with a painter’s tape. 

Step#3: Mark and drill small holes:

You’ll need to drill pilot holes on the wall, where the screws will go in. With the help of a friend, place the mount on the wall. Then, use a lever to make sure the mount is straight. Next, mark the spot where the holes will go with a pencil.

Connect a masonry bit to your power drill and drill holes at the marked spots.

Step#4: Attach the mount to the wall: 

To attach the wall mount, hold your mount to the wall. Next, drill the screws into the holes you made.

Step#5: Connect the mount bracket to your TV: 

When the wall mount is ready, connect the bracket to your TV. Before you do so, remove the stand from the TV. Furthermore, find the attachment holes at the back of your TV. You’ll find screws within the holes.

Use the hardware included with the bracket to attach it to the TV.

Step#6: Hang your TV on the wall mount: 

Finally, let a friend help you hang the TV on the wall. Slowly lift your TV. Then hang it on the wall mount. Next, use the manual instructions to connect them (depending on the locking mechanism).

Step#7: Organize your cables: 

When you finish mounting the TV, connect various cables to it. But it will be disorderly if you leave them hanging down from your TV. So it’s best to organize your cables.

You can hide them behind the wall or tie them neatly and hide them behind a shelf. Also, you can consider buying a cover that matches your wall color and hides the cable in it.

Now, you can sit back and enjoy your TV!

Conclusion

It might appear complicated to remove the TV from the wall mount, but it’s doable. But keep in mind that you can’t remove or install a wall mount without the right tools and help. So, talk to your friend, roommate, relative, or colleague beforehand to be available the day you plan to execute the project.  

Again, don’t forget to choose the right wall mount for your TV. It will make the installation process a breeze.