How to Remove TV from Wall Mount: Easy DIY Methods

You need to take down the flat screen for moving day, a drywall repair, or an upgrade to a bigger model. Simple, right? Then you look behind the set and realize there are no obvious release tabs, no visible screws, and no instructions stuck to the back. How to remove TV from wall mount varies dramatically by bracket type, and yanking on the TV the wrong way can crack the screen, bend the mount, or send the whole assembly crashing down. Here is how to do it safely, regardless of what mount you have.

Identify the Mount Type First

Step one is understanding what you are dealing with. Wall mounts fall into three categories:

• Fixed (low-profile): TV sits flush to wall, no movement
• Tilting: TV tilts up or down 5 to 15 degrees
• Full-motion (articulating): TV extends, pivots, and swivels

Look at the sides of the bracket behind the TV. Fixed and tilting mounts usually have pull-strings or release tabs at the bottom. Full-motion mounts typically have locking bolts on the arm that holds the TV. Knowing which you have determines the release procedure.

Before You Touch the TV

Preparation prevents 90 percent of disasters. Handle these items before lifting anything:

1. Turn off the TV and unplug the power cord
2. Disconnect HDMI, optical, Ethernet, and any other cables
3. Label each cable if reinstallation is planned
4. Have a second person available for TVs over 32 inches
5. Place a blanket or soft surface on the floor nearby
6. Clear furniture and obstacles between the wall and the floor space
7. Remove any soundbar, streaming sticks, or peripheral devices first

TVs above 55 inches weigh 30 to 60 pounds and are awkwardly sized for one person. A helper prevents both TV damage and back injury. Do not be a hero.

Removing a Fixed or Tilting Mount

Most fixed and tilting mounts use a dual-arm bracket system: a wall plate with two vertical arms that hook into slots on the back of the TV. The TV is held down by gravity plus a lock-down mechanism.

1. Reach behind the TV at the bottom with both hands
2. Feel for a release string, tab, or lever (usually center-bottom)
3. Pull the release string down firmly about 1/2 inch; you will hear a click
4. With release still engaged, lift the TV straight up about 1 inch
5. Pull the bottom of the TV away from the wall first
6. Continue lifting and tilting until the arms clear the wall plate
7. Lower the TV gently onto your prepared surface

If there is no visible release string, look behind the bottom corners for spring-loaded levers or small tabs. Some Sanus and Echogear mounts use paddles that you squeeze toward the TV to release the lock.

Removing a Full-Motion Articulating Mount

Full-motion mounts are trickier because the TV is typically bolted to an arm that pivots away from the wall. You do not remove the TV from the wall plate; you remove it from the arm.

1. Pull the TV straight away from the wall to its full extended position
2. Support the TV with one hand or have a helper hold it
3. Locate the bolts or screws at the back of the TV connecting it to the mount arm
4. Remove the top two bolts first, then support carefully
5. Remove the bottom two bolts, keeping hands on the TV throughout
6. Lift the TV away from the mount arm
7. Lower onto your prepared surface face-up, not face-down

These bolts are typically M6 or M8 metric screws requiring an Allen wrench (hex key) or Phillips screwdriver. If they will not budge, spray penetrating oil, wait 10 minutes, and try again with a cheater bar for extra leverage.

Dealing with Stuck or Frozen Mounts

Mounts that have been in place for years often resist movement. Common culprits: corroded bolts, paint locking the mount to the wall, or loose hardware that has shifted out of alignment.

• Apply WD-40 or PB Blaster to stuck bolts, wait 15 minutes
• Score any paint around the wall plate with a utility knife
• Tap the bracket gently with a rubber mallet to break a paint seal
• Use a hair dryer on adhesive residue if the mount was taped as extra security
• Check for hidden set screws on the sides of the wall plate

Removing the Wall Plate (If Needed)

Once the TV is off, you may also want to remove the wall-mounted bracket. This exposes the drywall screws that fasten the plate to the studs.

1. Identify the lag screws or bolts on the wall plate
2. Use the correct-size socket or hex bit (usually 1/4 to 1/2 inch)
3. Remove the bolts with a ratchet or impact driver
4. Keep your hand on the plate to catch it as the last bolt comes out
5. Patch the drywall holes with spackle and sand flat
6. Touch up paint with a matching sample

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Pulling the TV straight out without engaging the release
• Setting the TV face-down on a hard surface
• Letting the weight swing while bolts are being removed
• Using wrong-size bits that strip screw heads
• Forgetting to support the TV before the last fastener is out
• Attempting solo removal of TVs 60 inches or larger

What to Do if You Cannot Find the Release

Some mounts hide the release mechanism in unusual places. If you cannot find a pull-string or tab at the bottom:

• Check both left and right sides of the lower bracket
• Look for small pushbuttons on top of the mount behind the TV
• Feel for Velcro loops or fabric pulls hanging inside the bracket
• Search the original manual or manufacturer website by model number
• As a last resort, check YouTube for model-specific release videos

Cleaning the Space Before Reinstall

While the TV is down, take 15 minutes to clean. Dust collects heavily behind wall-mounted TVs due to static electricity and limited airflow. Wipe the wall, the back of the TV, the cable ports, and the mount arms with a dry microfiber cloth. Replace cables that have cracked insulation or bent connectors.

If you are moving, wrap the TV face with a clean blanket, then box it with the original packaging if available. For cross-country moves, professional TV movers charge $75 to $200 per set for proper crating. That sounds steep until a $2,000 screen cracks at the back of a rental truck.

Reinstallation Tips

If you plan to remount the TV, note the exact stud locations and hardware positions on the wall. Take photos of the original install for reference. How to remove TV from wall mount safely is the same process run in reverse, but getting the mount aligned straight and level on the second go takes time and patience. Use a 4-foot level across the wall plate before tightening lag bolts. A TV that hangs visibly crooked annoys everyone who walks into the room.