Vivint Installation: What Happens on Install Day
Vivint installation is performed by Vivint's own Smart Home Pro technicians, is included at no charge with a service agreement ($199 on no-contract orders), and takes 2 to 4 hours for a typical home. This page answers the cost question, lists the 6 steps of install day, the 9 things to prepare, who installs the system, and what the dealer does versus what Vivint does.
Prices and terms verified October 7, 2026. Vivint sets all prices; dealer promotions are listed separately.
Is Vivint Installation Free?
Yes, Vivint installation is free when the system is purchased with a 36-month service agreement, and it costs $199 when equipment is paid upfront on the no-contract option; the fee covers the technician visit, mounting, configuration, and training.
Dealer promotions apply to equipment, not installation, because Vivint prices installation; the Vivint pricing page shows installation inside the 36-month totals.
How Long Does Vivint Installation Take?
Vivint installation takes 2 to 4 hours for a typical home with a hub, 5 to 8 sensors, and 1 or 2 cameras; larger smart home systems with locks, thermostat, and multiple cameras take up to a full working day.
Appointment lead time depends on technician availability in your area; the dealer books the slot at the time of sale, and same-day installation is available in some metro areas.
What Happens on Vivint Install Day?
Vivint install day follows 6 steps: a walkthrough to confirm device placement, Smart Hub mounting and cellular activation, sensor and camera mounting, device pairing and testing with the monitoring centre, app setup on your phone, and a training session before the technician leaves.
The 6 steps in order:
- Walkthrough: the technician confirms where each sensor and camera goes and checks Wi-Fi strength at camera locations.
- Smart Hub: mounted near the main entry, powered, and activated on the cellular network.
- Devices: door and window sensors, motion sensors, cameras, locks, and thermostat mounted and wired where required.
- Testing: every device is triggered and the monitoring centre confirms receipt of each signal.
- App: the Vivint app is installed on your phone with arming, cameras, and automations configured.
- Training: the technician demonstrates arming modes, the passcode, and how to cancel a false alarm.
What Should You Prepare Before Vivint Installation?
Prepare 9 things before Vivint installation: your Wi-Fi password, a list of doors and windows to cover, clear access to the doorbell wiring and electrical panel, a decision on hub location, pet details for motion sensors, emergency contact names and phone numbers, a verbal passcode, HOA or landlord permission for exterior cameras, and an adult present for the full visit.
Doorbell cameras need existing 16 to 24 VAC doorbell wiring; homes without it need an alternative mounting plan agreed during the quote.
Who Installs Vivint Systems?
Vivint systems are installed by Vivint Smart Home Pros, who are Vivint employees, not dealer staff; the authorized dealer sells the system, prices it, and books the appointment, and Vivint performs the installation and provides the warranty and monitoring.
This split is the same whether you buy through thevivint.com or directly from Vivint, as described on the About the dealer page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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