Finding the Installer Code on a VISTA-21iP

In this video, Jorge from Alarm Grid helps you find your Installer Code on a VISTA-21iP Alarm System. By default, this code is set to 4112. We advise keeping this code at the default to prevent yourself from being locked out of programming. This is a good code to try if you can't enter programming.
You need to know the Installer Code for your VISTA System to enter programming and make changes to system settings. You use the command [Installer Code] + [800] to get into programming. If 4112 doesn't work, and you don't know the code, then it can be difficult to get into programming. One thing you can try to do in this situation is use the backdoor method to get into programming. The backdoor method is performed by holding down the [*] and [#] keys as you power the system on. If performed successfully, you will enter in programming. You can then enter [*20] + [4112] to change the Installer Code back to its default of 4112. The panel will beep three (3) times to confirm. You can then press [*99] to exit programming. Always use this command to exit programming. Don't use a different command.
However, the code it is also possible to program the system so that the backdoor method does not work. You will know this has happened because there will a long error tone after you attempt the backdoor method. If that is the case, then you will really have no way of getting into programming, other than trying all 10,000 possible codes until one works. The best thing you can do in this situation is to contact the previous owner of the system or the previous alarm monitoring company to see if they know the Installer Code. You probably won't want to try all 10,000 code combination until one is successful. In that case, the system is basically bricked if the backdoor method fails. Remember that using an exit command other than [*99] may prevent you from being able to access programming. Always use that command.
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[@Alex-iy5ex]

Thank you. You're awesome explaining.

[@donbeto97]

Thank you! Your tutorial was helpful to reset my alarm programmer code.

[@SubToTripleThreatRC]

Awesome video, thank you for your efforts! Thumbs up!

[@jcrompton042890]

GREAT videos !!! Thank you for doing these

[@alarmgrid8771]

No problem. We're glad they're useful to you.

[@pamelal.2312]

Thank you for one of the best instructional videos I've seen.

[@freddaniels8259]

Thanks, our pleasure. Glad you enjoy them. It's definitely something we take pride in.

[@shawnpeters3141]

Thank you so much! My system was installed before took possession and we never knew the codes. I accidentally armed the system and didn't know what to do. Now I have control.

[@DKAlarmgridSupport]

Hey Shawn, Thats is awesome news! Glad our video was able to help you take control of your system.

[@stevemills9688]

Thanks!! We purchased a home with existing system and previous owner was unreachable. After 10 mins on hold with ADT, I searched and found this. THANK YOU!!

[@AlarmGrid]

You're welcome. We're always happy when our content helps someone. Especially if it helps them out of a jam. All we ask is that you keep us in mind if you ever decide to get either that system, or a new system monitored.

[@stevemills9688]

@@AlarmGrid does my location matter? Are you guys nationwide?

[@joshuagriffin2807]

@@stevemills9688 Good day Steve we monitor Canada and America. If you are outside those regions you can do a self-monitored account.

[@Kmuggle]

Great video!

[@mauricejr.arcouette7636]

J'ai un système First Alert FA148CP avec un clavier Honeywell 6150 et le code de l'installateur 4112 ne fonctionnait pas et nous avions le problème du code 94 (nous n'avons plus de ligne terrestre) qui s'affichait toujours et que nous voulions faire disparaître avec le code 92 mais nous devions utiliser le code de l'installateur mais qui ne fonctionnait plus donc grâce à ce vidéo nous avons été capable de reprogrammer le code de l'installateur à 4112 et nous pouvons dorénavant reprogrammer ce que nous voulons. Un BIG THANK YOU !!!!!!

[@purpleraindropstudio6697]

Thanks for the information I have 2 alarm systems in my recording studio I got locked out today

[@markheadley8658]

Great video! If you use backdoor method to find installer code will it delete any other programming set in the system as well- like user codes, zone settings etc?

[@VideoNOLA]

Very helpful, worked like a charm just when I needed it (was tryna clear out an "FC" fault that must have come up when our phone line went dead for a couple of days last week -- never knew that made the dang alarm SOUND OFF, which was annoying AF). Definitely gonna upgrade our 6150 keypad to a full alpha one soon for programming purposes in the future. Is there a function to change that "tone-tone-tone" sound? Yours sounds nice and low-pitched; ours is high and tinny (and pretty hard for us to hear!).

[@freddaniels8259]

There are no audio tone options, it is based on the keypad used. The new keypad should sound better.

[@FireTech7]

I'm having problems with my vista 20p. So when I plug it in it does what it does normally then the relay clicks off and my 6160 makes a weird clicking noise and the back lights on the keypad start flickering. I don't know what's going on with it since it never used to do this do you know what's wrong with it?

[@AlarmGrid]

Hi L-Series. This is more of a troubleshooting question as opposed to a question with a single answer. If you're an Alarm Grid monitored customer, you can send your information to [e-mail] and we can assist with troubleshooting. If your system is monitored with someone else, I would recommend you contact them, as they'll have details about your system that we do not have. If I had to guess, based solely on the information you provided, that this is either a wiring issue with the keypad, or the keypad itself is going bad. Again, this is based on very limited information. If your system is not currently monitored with anyone, you can check out our monitoring plans at www.alarmgrid.com/monitoring. We provide free one-on-one technical support to our monitored customers.

[@Bream243]

If you moved in and do not know your master code, what are you supposed to do?

[@mariannatheron7363]

Jorge, Thank you, does what you explained apply to every country? I am in South Africa?

[@dylanalarm_grid1038]

Very likely yes, the country you're in would not have an effect on the installer code of the system.

[@saarangsuryavanshi9372]

I tried unplugging the transformer and it automatically called the police...is there anyway to disable that

[@BZ-mo1dv]

When I press * and # for even more than 3 seconds, I still don’t see any prompt to show*20. Is that because ADT has locked out local programming？So there is no way for me to change the installer code using this back door method, correct?

[@joshuagriffin2807]

That is correct if your hold * and # with 30 to 50 seconds after power cycling the panel. Then it sounds like the panel has been locked out. Have you tried 6321.

[@josebermudez8515]

This how to reset your alarm 😊in the house,see the entire video.good luck 😮

[@mattcaldwellofficial727]

Question: I’m doing everything correctly but every time I plug the transformer back in to power up and press * and # at the same time nothing shows up on the LCD screen. I’m pressing the buttons within like 15 seconds of powering back on but it just doesn’t work. Any ideas? I have the panel on the left in the video, the larger one.

[@freddaniels8259]

There are some system programming options that will lock you out of programming entirely, even if you try to get back in using the backdoor method. In programming, there is a command field for locking a user out of programming if they use the [*98] command to exit. This lockout option field is the [*88] field. The [*88] setting can be set to three values, which are 0, 1 and 2. Setting it to [0] will lock the user out unless they use the backdoor method described below. Setting it to [1] will prevent the method below from working, but the user will still be able to get in like normal using the Installer Code. Setting it to [2] will prevent the user from using either method, and the only way to get back in is through a downloader. Alarm Grid will not be able to access the downloader if we have not yet activated your system. This means you will need to replace the system entirely in that situation. The [*88] field is set to 0 by default. Please see the VISTA Programming Guide on Page 12 for more information. Read more: www.alarmgrid.com/faq/how-do-i-backdoor-into-programming-on-a-honeywell-vista-system-i

[@twistedwhiskers8776]

@@freddaniels8259 why would they make it so the panel is no longer usable at all after you tried using the back door method if they disabled it? Why doesn’t just say access denied or something and the system goes into a normal state he just came the program.

[@sfiggins9548]

I have a 10 P system with 6150 keypad. The previous owner does not know the installer code or master code. The default codes do not work. I accidently armed the system. How do I disarm it to move forward with reprogramming the codes. We are also changing the keypad to a 6160 to make it a bit easier for us.

[@franksam6818]

Is it still in Armed status ?

[@ManuelDiaz-yq8wd]

Want to clear fire alarm 01 otherwise working fine

[@mrmaddocs68752]

Should I change my installer code or should I have it set to 4112?

[@dylanalarm_grid1038]

It is not necessary to change the code, but if you're wanting to change this you do have that ability to do so. If you do change the code and happen to forget it there are still ways to get back into programming and reset that.

[@tylerrross]

Unfortunately, this all didn't work for us. We moved into a new home and the previous owners didn't know the numbers. We unplugged everything, the screen turned off. When we plugged it back in, it went back to the ready mode almost immediately. We tried several times with someone hitting * and # immediately and repeatedly at plug in. The irony - they left us receipts from 1994 on the system - we know the names of the people that installed it and the security word, but no install code, no master code, no nothing. Any other suggestions?

[@DKAlarmgridSupport]

Hey Tyler, The best option is to fully power down the main control panel board by unplugging the battery and wall adapter and ensure the whole system is powered down for about 60 to 90 seconds. Have someone at the keypad holding * and # before plugging in the wall adapter and powering up the main control panel board. If you hear the keypad produce a long second to second and a half tone while holding * and #, the system may most likely be locked out preventing access to the system programming menu.

[@hpds1145]

Will these instructions work for the 128FP?

[@freddaniels8259]

Yes, this should be the same method.

[@twistedwhiskers8776]

If we use the back door method and it gives us the error time can we still use the system as it was?

[@dylanalarm_grid1038]

If you're getting the error tone when trying to enter programming, this means the system is completely locked out and would need to be replaced.

[@twistedwhiskers8776]

@@dylanalarm_grid1038 I may not be able to enter programming, but can I still use it as it was before or is it completely unusable after attempting to enter programming?

[@nu5154]

I can’t find my transformer, I don’t have master code or installer code. Is there any way to back door it ?

[@freddaniels8259]

If the default codes aren't working, you would need to locate the transformer to perform the back door method.

[@twistedwhiskers8776]

Keep looking it’s in your house somewhere

[@lacanuck1]

Will the reset erase only the code or other settings?

[@joshuagriffin2807]

A power cycle will not erase programming. Do default/erase programming one in programming your *97. By pressing *97 that will erase all codes and panle programming. AFter hitting *97 the whole system, will require reprogramming.

[@lacanuck1]

@@joshuagriffin2807 Thank you!

[@joshuagriffin2807]

@@lacanuck1 you're welcome

[@nativetongue4747]

I don't know what the door code :-[

[@nathangalarmgrid5205]

You might be able to backdoor into the system we also have content on that as well. Throw us an email if you had any further questions, have a great day!

[@sl-ky1rx]

How to change a Master code

[@joshuagriffin2807]

If you have the current installer code follow these steps. CUrrent installer code +8+02+ new 4 digit code keypad will beep then enter the new master code again keypad will not beep.

[@LuisRodriguez-wo6nl]

🤣🤣🤣that Arghh frustrated moment at 4:56 tired of this 💩 tired of this job this company just priceless!!!

[@tonysaccullo7291]

Nx8 armed

[@DKAlarmgridSupport]

Hey Tony, What I found for an Nx8 system is when you arm and disarm all you need to do is enter a known 4 digit code that is programmed in the panel. I hope this helps.

[@tonysaccullo7291]

@@DKAlarmgridSupport hi - sorry, I didn’t quite finish my comment. I recently moved in this house and inadvertently armed the system. I don’t have any codes. The alarm is quite loud…

[@twistedwhiskers8776]

If you can’t get the installer code, and the back door method has a risk of making the panel completely useless then I personally don’t think it’s worth it. I may just want to change the entry to lay or something. I don’t think that’s worth buying a new system over.

[@DKAlarmgridSupport]

@twistedwhiskers8776 - The Back door method does not have the potential to lock or brick the system, only if a dealer has remotely programmed local programming lock out features will you not be able access the programming section via Normal programming access (Installer code + 800) or via the Back Door Entry method (power cycling then holding * and #). The two programming access methods explained in this video will work as long as the system has not been locked out of local programming by the previous dealer.