Maintenance guide
Vivint Sensor Battery Replacement: Types, Life and Steps
Most Vivint sensors run on lithium coin or CR123A cells: door and window sensors take 1 CR2032, motion and glass break sensors take 2 CR123A, and the smoke detector takes 3 AAA. Batteries last 2 to 5 years, and the panel and app warn you before one dies. Put the system in test mode before you open a sensor so the swap does not trigger an alarm. This guide tables the battery for 10 devices, explains the warnings, gives the 5 replacement steps, and covers the panel's own battery.
Updated by thevivint.com, an independent Vivint Authorized Dealer.
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Battery by Device
The table lists the battery and typical life for each Vivint device, from Vivint's support specifications.
| Device | Battery | Typical life |
|---|---|---|
| Door and window sensor (DW12) | 1 CR2032 | About 5 years |
| Motion sensor (PIR3) | 2 CR123A | 2 to 5 years, depending on traffic |
| Glass break sensor (GB3) | 2 CR123A | 3 to 5 years |
| Smoke detector (SMKT3) | 3 AAA | Replace when the app warns |
| Smoke and CO combo (SMKCO1) | 2 CR123A | About 5 years |
| Water sensor | 1 CR123A | 3 to 6 years |
| Smart lock | 4 AA alkaline | About 1,000 lock cycles |
| Element thermostat | 4 AA | 1 to 2 years without a C-wire |
| Smart Hub Pro 2 | Built-in rechargeable | 24 hours of backup per outage |
| Recessed door sensor | Built in | Vivint claims 10 years or more |
How the Panel Warns You
Every sensor reports its own battery level: the panel shows a low-battery alert naming the device and beeps, the app sends a notification, and acknowledging the alert silences it for 8 hours until the battery is replaced.
The panel beeping guide lists the other 5 reasons the panel beeps.
5 Replacement Steps
Replace a sensor battery in 5 steps, about 5 minutes per device.
Steps:
- Disarm the system, then put it in test mode: Menu, Security, enter your PIN, System test.
- Open the sensor cover; door sensors twist or slide open, motion and glass break sensors lift off their back plates.
- Swap the battery, matching the + side to the marking in the holder.
- Close the cover; on glass break and water sensors this also sends the tamper signal the test expects.
- Check that the low-battery alert has cleared on the panel, then exit test mode.
The Panel's Own Battery
The Smart Hub has a rechargeable backup battery that runs the system for up to 24 hours on the Pro 2; it recharges when power returns, and if a low-battery alert appears after a power cut and does not clear, the battery may need replacing by Vivint support.
Frequently Asked Questions
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