Like many smart home providers, Vivint offers cutting edge technology to improve your home security. The backbone of many security systems are motion sensors, which alert you to activity around your house in real time. However, sometimes these home security devices require adjustments and troubleshooting to ensure they are working properly. Below is a quick guide on what to do when your Vivint motion detector is not working.
How does the Vivint motion sensor work?
To get the best results from your motion detector it is important to understand how the device works. Luckily, the Vivint motion detector is straightforward and easily adjustable. The Vivint motion sensor uses passive infrared (PIF) technology that detects heat signatures in its range. When these heat signatures fluctuate, or movement is detected it activates the device which triggers an alert. The device has a 110-degree wide angle viewing radius and a range of 30 to 50 feet, when movement is detected within this range it sends an alert to your smartphone as well as Vivint 24/7 monitoring services.
How to fix a Vivint motion detector false alarm
Sometimes your device may send you false alerts even when activity in your home appears to be normal. This can be caused by several reasons:
-Motion Sensor Settings: A common cause of false alarms is due to having your device in the wrong mode. Ensure that your device is set to “Armed Away” when yourself or people you know are in your home. This can be changed from the control panel on a smart phone or tablet paired with your Vivint smart home system.
-Movement: Sometimes your motion sensor may react to small movements in its range such as dirt or dust. Ensure the sensor on your device is clean and free of debris that may trigger a false alert.
-Heat: Similar to movement, your Vivint motion sensor will also be triggered by changes in temperature. For example, a light that gets too warm may be registered by the device. Ensure that electronics that may fluctuate in temperature are not in range or turned off when your motion detector is armed.
-Tamper Alert: A tamper alert is triggered when your motion detector registers movement of the device itself. This is likely caused by the device not being properly seated in its bracket. Read the tamper alert section below for a step-by-step guide on how to fix this.
How to adjust sensitivity on Vivint motion sensor
If your device is still triggering false alarms, it may be remedied by adjusting the sensitivity settings. Luckily, adjusting your Vivint motion detector sensitivity is easy and straightforward.
There are two adjustable settings on the back of your motion detector. The first is “Pet Immunity”, which allows you to adjust the device for large and small pets. This is useful if you have a dog or cat that wanders your home when you are away. The second setting is “Sensitivity”, this can be changed between high sensitivity and low sensitivity. The lowest sensitivity setting available on your device would be the “large pet setting” paired with the “low sensitivity” setting.
Here is a step-by-step guide to adjust your Vivint motion sensor sensitivity:
- Disarm your Vivint home security system from your smart phone or tablet.
- Remove the motion detector by sliding the device upwards out of its bracket.
- On the back of the device there are two sliders (“Pet Immunity” and “Sensitivity”). Adjust the switches to your desired setting.
- Replace the motion detector firmly back into the bracket and re-arm your security system.
How to stop false Vivint motion detector tamper alerts
As discussed above, your motion detector will send a tamper alert if it detects movement of the device itself. False alerts are often caused by the motion detector not being properly secured in its bracket. Below is a step by step guide to ensure your device is properly installed on your wall:
- Enter your system into test mode from your control panel by selecting the “Menu” icon, selecting the “Security” button, entering your pin number, and selecting “System Test”.
- Remove the motion detector that is sending false tamper alerts by pulling the device upwards out of its bracket.
- Inspect the bracket to ensure that it is firmly screwed into your wall and does not wiggle, a loose bracket will cause the device to send a false alert.
- Re-install your motion detector by firmly pushing the device back into the secured bracket. The device should snap into place and there should not be any gaps between the device and the motion detector bracket.
- Disengage the “System Test” setting from your control screen.
How to change Vivint motion detector batteries
Your Vivint motion detector uses two CR123A Lithium batteries to power the device. These batteries typically have a lifespan of 3-5 years and will require replacement throughout the lifespan of your device. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to replace your Vivint motion sensor batteries:
- Enter your system into test mode from your control panel by selecting the “Menu” icon, selecting the “Security” button, entering your pin number, and selecting “System Test”.
- Remove the motion detector that needs new batteries by pulling the device up out of its bracket.
- On the back of the device you will see a black tab, pull the tab to open the battery compartment.
- Replace the old batteries with two new CR123A batteries.
- Return the device to its bracket, ensuring the motion detector is firmly seated in place to avoid false tamper alerts.
- Dispose of the old batteries and turn the “System Test” setting off from your control panel.
Vivint contact information
If you are still experiencing Vivint motion detector issues, it may be best to contact Vivint directly. Sometimes the issue may be due to a faulty motion detector device. If you are subscribed to a Vivint service plan, the company will replace your motion sensor for free (given it isn’t due to abuse, normal wear and tear, etc.). Below are the best ways to get in touch with a Vivint representative:
Vivint product issues & technical support: (801) 377-9111 & (844) 232-5080
Vivint bill pay & customer support: (801) 377-9111
