Need to take your TV off the wall? Here's how to remove it, take down the bracket, patch the holes, and leave the wall looking like nothing was ever there.
NYC TV Guy
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6 min read
Need this done professionally? We handle it every day.
Removing a TV from a wall mount is a two-step process: lift the TV off the bracket (it hooks off — no unscrewing while the TV is on the wall), then unbolt the bracket from the wall. The real work is patching the lag bolt holes with DryDex spackling and matching paint so your landlord won't notice. If you're remounting, add the $25 dismount option when you book and we handle both in one visit.
Whether you're moving out, redecorating, or upgrading to a bigger screen — there comes a time when the TV needs to come off the wall. The actual removal is simple. The part that matters is patching the holes so your landlord doesn't dock your deposit.
This guide covers the whole process: taking the TV down, removing the bracket, and making the wall look like nothing was ever there.
One thing worth knowing up front: if you're removing your TV because you're remounting it, you can add a $25 dismounting add-on when you book a remount — we take down the old TV and remount at the new location in one visit. More on that below.
The Most Important Thing to Know
If someone is holding the TV while another person unscrews things — you're doing it wrong.
Every wall mount works the same way: the TV hangs on the bracket using a hook-and-slot system. You don't unscrew the TV from the bracket while it's on the wall. You remove the TV first (it lifts off), then you remove the bracket from the wall separately. Two completely separate steps.
Almost every mount has just two screws or two latches at the bottom or back of the bracket that prevent the TV from sliding off. Remove those, lift the TV straight up, and it comes right off. That's it. Then you deal with the bracket and the wall.
Step 1: Remove the TV From the Bracket
No matter what type of mount you have — fixed, tilting, or full-motion — the process is basically the same:
Unplug everything — power, HDMI, all cables.
Find and remove the two safety screws or latches at the bottom (or back) of where the TV meets the bracket. Every mount has them — they're what keeps the TV from sliding off.
Lift the TV straight up and pull it toward you. It hangs on hooks — once the safety hardware is out, it lifts right off. Set it face-down on a blanket.
Pro tip: If you're moving and have movers coming, they can usually handle the dismount for you. They may not patch the walls, but they'll get the TV off the bracket and save you a step.
Want to see it in action? These two videos walk you through the process:
Step 2: Remove the Wall Bracket
Once the TV is off, the wall plate and arm (if applicable) are still mounted to your wall. You may want to leave it if you're remounting in the same spot, or remove it entirely if you're patching and painting.
To remove the bracket:
Unscrew the lag bolts or wood screws holding the bracket to the wall. These are typically large bolts driven into wall studs — you'll need a socket wrench or a drill with the right bit.
If the mount spans two studs, there will be two or more sets of bolts. Remove them all before pulling the plate off.
Check for a level line or pencil marks — if you might remount here later, take a photo of the bolt locations before removing.
Most residential wall brackets have 4 to 6 anchor points.
Step 3: Patch the Holes (The Part That Saves Your Deposit)
This is the part that actually matters. Once the bracket is off, you'll have lag bolt holes (about ½" diameter) and possibly smaller screw holes. Here's how to make them disappear.
The simple method:
Use DryDex spackling (the pink stuff that turns white when dry — available at any hardware store). It's the easiest spackling to work with. Don't use toothpaste or soap — it shrinks and cracks.
Fill the hole slightly overfull with a putty knife. Let it dry completely (DryDex turns from pink to white when it's ready). Sand smooth with 120-grit sandpaper.
For small screw holes: a single pass with your finger and a dab of DryDex is usually enough.
The professional method (for a perfectly flush finish):
Use a countersink bit on each hole first. This tapers the edges of the hole into a smooth, gradual slope — instead of a straight-edged hole where spackling just sits on top, the countersink creates a shallow funnel that lets the spackling settle in flush with the wall.
Then apply DryDex as above. The difference is noticeable — especially on drywall, where a countersunk hole patches almost invisibly.
The final step — paint:
Ask your building super for the paint. Most buildings keep spare paint for touch-ups. Apply a coat of primer first (spackling is porous — without primer, you'll see a dull spot), then paint over it. Your landlord won't know the difference.
For plaster walls (very common in older NYC buildings), larger holes may need a setting-type compound rather than spackling — it's harder and bonds better to plaster.
Should You Remove the Mount Yourself?
For most people, removing a TV from a wall mount is a manageable DIY job — especially if you have a helper and a basic tool kit.
The main risks:
Dropping the TV — always use two people for 40"+ screens
Stripping bolt heads — use the correct screwdriver or hex key size; don't force it
Damaging the bracket — if you're keeping the mount, don't yank the TV off sideways
If your TV is 75" or larger, mounted above a fireplace (awkward height), on a concrete wall, or you're simply not comfortable with it — it's worth calling a pro. A damaged 75" TV is a much more expensive mistake than a service call.
What About Remounting at a New Location?
Moving the TV to a different wall — or a different apartment entirely — is one of the most common reasons people take their TV down.
If you're remounting your TV — same spot or different room — book a TV mounting service and add the $25 dismount option during booking. We take down the old TV and remount at the new location in one visit. The standalone TV dismounting service ($149) is only for when you're NOT remounting.
Do I need a stud finder to remove a wall mount?
No — you only need a stud finder when installing a mount. Removal is just unscrewing what's already there.
Can one person remove a TV from the wall?
For TVs under 40", yes — if you're careful. For anything larger, you really need a second person to avoid dropping it.
What if the safety screw on my mount is stripped?
Use a screw extractor bit (available at any hardware store) to back it out. Don't try to pry the TV off — you'll bend the bracket or damage the VESA plate on the TV.
How do I know if my mount is fixed, tilting, or full-motion?
Tilt the TV gently. If it doesn't move at all, it's fixed. If it tilts forward/backward only, it's a tilting mount. If it swings side to side on an arm, it's full-motion.
Will removing the mount damage my wall? Will I lose my deposit?
The lag bolt holes will be there — that's unavoidable. But with DryDex spackling and a coat of paint, they're invisible. Ask your super for the paint — most buildings have spare. If you follow the steps above, your landlord won't know the difference. Plaster walls are slightly more involved to patch but still very manageable.
If you're more of a "have someone else handle it" type — or if you've already got a remount project in mind — check out our TV mounting service or read our full guide on how to mount a TV on the wall. We cover NYC and NJ, and the $25 dismounting add-on is available with any remount booking.
