How to remove and replace a camera from a wall or surface

Warning: If you used a handyman to install the cameras before, the camera is mounted too high, or you are not comfortable nor capable of physically installing a replacement camera, you must contact a professional to do this for you. 

If you find removal of the camera safe to do and you have not removed the faulty camera from its mount yet, this is what you must do: 

 

Bullet camera

1. Disconnect the cables between the camera and extension if they are not located behind the wall. If they are, you need to do step 2 first.
2. You may need to loosen the neck screw to turn the camera and be able to access the mounting screws.
   
   
3. Use a Philips screwdriver to loosen and remove the screws from the base (see How to avoid damaging the screwhead). 
   
   
4. Connect the replacement camera to the cables first if the extension cable is behind the wall. For example: 
   
   
   
5. Screw the bullet camera to the wall.
   
6. Aim the camera properly by checking step 2 (bullet camera).

How to avoid damaging the screwhead

If the screws are too tight to remove, you may try one of the following to loosen the screwhead without damaging it:

• Add a dab of hot glue to the top of the screw. Set your driver into the screw head, and allow the glue to dry. Using a firm grip and downward pressure, give the driver a twist to remove the screw. Don't forget to clean the remains of the glue from the tip of your driver.
• Use a rubber band or flat piece of latex for better grip of the screw head. Place the rubber band over the screw head, then press the screwdriver into the screw head and turn it.

If the screw head is too worn out or stripped, you may have to break the faulty camera's base to remove it, or you may have to drill new holes in the wall for a new mounting position.

 

Dome Camera

1. Mounted camera: Remove dome enclosure and camera from the mounting bracket as indicated in the image.
   
2. Disconnect the cables between the camera and extension.
3. Repeat step 1 for the replacement camera. You can reuse the same mounting bracket if the model is the same.
4. If the model of the replacement is different, then you need to remove the mounting bracket (see How to avoid damaging the screwhead) and install the bracket of the replacement camera instead. 
5. Connect the cables of the replacement camera to the extension cable behind the wall.
6. Place the new camera and enclosure on the mounting bracket. Aim the camera to the desired position.
7. Then tighten the enclosure while holding the camera in place to maintain its aim.