Switching from Vivint to Surety has been an exciting journey, but it’s come with its own set of challenges. I recently decided to make the move, and I wanted to share my experiences and tips for anyone else considering a similar transition.
First, I wanted to keep my existing control panel, but I wasn’t sure if it was compatible with Surety. After some research, I found that Surety does offer take-over kits, but they seem to be designed for older, smaller display systems. My panel is larger, so I wasn’t sure if it would work. I reached out to Surety support, and they confirmed that while the take-over kits are primarily for older systems, they can sometimes be adapted for larger panels. It might require some custom setup, but it’s definitely possible.
Another thing I was concerned about were the secondary panels installed by Vivint. I have two of them, and I wasn’t sure if they would work with Surety. After some digging, I found that these panels are Vivint-specific, but they can be repurposed with Surety if you’re willing to do a bit of tinkering. I ended up replacing the control modules, but the physical panels themselves are still functional.
One of the biggest benefits I’ve noticed since switching to Surety is the improved app experience. The Surety app is more intuitive and user-friendly compared to Vivint’s, and I appreciate the added features like the Santa Security mode. It’s a fun way to engage the kids during the holidays, and it’s surprisingly easy to set up.
If you’re considering switching systems, my advice is to do your homework. Reach out to the manufacturer’s support team, check online forums for experiences, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The transition might seem daunting at first, but with the right resources, it’s completely manageable.
Happy smart home hacking! 