Honeywell VISTA: Resetting or Changing the Master Code

Our video tutorial has two ways to reset the Master Code for your Honeywell VISTA alarm system should the code ever become lost or compromised.
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The Master Code for your security system is the key to daily operation. If your code becomes compromised, the security of the entire alarm system is at risk. This complete video guide shows you how to change and reset the Master Code of the Honeywell VISTA.
Don’t be embarrassed if you don’t quite understand the difference between the Master Code and the Installer Code. Many Do-it-Yourselfers are confused at first. The Master Code is designed for daily end user operations such as arming, disarming and setting alarm zones.
The Installer Code lets you access more technical, system-specific info like daily logs, maintenance operations and system resets. As a do-it-yourselfer, you’ll have a need to use both codes, because you’re both installer and user.
The system ships with default Master and Installer codes. The default Master Code is 1234 and Installer is 4122. You’ll need the default codes for initial installation but then you’ll want to change them to something personal.
There are two ways to reset the Master Code. The first way is if you know the current Master Code. This could be a code you created previously or the default code.
As the video shows, you first enter the Master Code into the system. Then you push 02. Two is the slot number for the Master User, which is you (and anyone else who knows the Master Code). Then you enter the new code you want to use. Finally, you confirm that new code by entering it a second time.
If the system accepts the code you’ll hear a short beep. If the code is invalid, you’ll hear a longer error tone. The video has clear examples of both so you can make sure your code was accepted.
The main reason a code would not be accepted is if it were already in use by the system. For example, you can’t have the same Master Code as Installer Code or any sub-user code.
The second way to reset the code is to access Programming by entering the Installer Code. Within the installer menu is the option to reset the Master Code to the default. You don’t need to know the Master Code you’re resetting.
Using the Installer Code to reset the Master Code is a great solution if you’ve forgotten the Master Code or it was changed without your knowledge. But the feature also illustrates the importance of changing your Installer Code. If someone knew the default Installer Code - info which isn’t hard to find - they can wipe out your Master Code and access your entire alarm system.
Fortunately, regular system users will never have a need for the Installer Code, so you can keep it pretty secure. A secure Installation Code combined with a regularly changed Master Code is a powerful combination for your home alarm system.

[@mtgau2000]

What if I forgot the code? Because I just moved into a house and the old homeowners just left the system here. I do not know the code.

[@TheLastWolfBane]

The same thing happens to me I used the backup method by unplugging the battery then turn off ac power, wait 5sec, turn on ac power and not battery, then run to console in when it says d1 for startup then type * 0 # then when you see after then the number 20 will be flashing then type *8 02 then your code twice. This is a mix of his installer forgot video and this one. I take no blame

[@mtgau2000]

​@TheLastWolfBane Worked, thanks! (Sorry for late reply. I forgot all about this comment!)

[@kevingeorge6226]

Straight to the point, thank you!

[@user-wb4ss4hd3v]

Where is the video for the vista 21iP that shows how to reset the Master Code using the Installer Menu (when you forget the Master Code)?

[@user-ff5kf6em5y]

Very Helpful ..... THANKS!

[@alarmgrid8771]

You're welcome!

[@brentmagnano3808]

You may have to play this back a few times but if you just do what the guy says to do it works!

[@denisedalrymple413]

What happens if the previous homeowner didn’t give me the master code and the installer code doesn’t work either? Asking because I keep getting a system low batt message with random constant beeping, and no idea where the master battery is within the house.

[@stppk03414]

Vista change the panel master code with the installer code VISTA-10P, VISTA-15P, VISTA-20P AND VISTA-21IP 1. Enter Installer Code 4112 then press 8 2. Press 02 then enter new Master Code 3. Keypad beeps if successful

[@KWRapple]

Thanks just saved me an hour or more on this job. Asshat that installed changed and didn't document anything I had to guess👍 thanks xin

[@W0GEN]

Thank you ! Very help full!!!

[@DKAlarmgridSupport]

Thank You!! We're glad our content was able to help! 😀

[@Boosted98gsx]

Where is the other video showing how to get into an existing system / change the master code if you inherited it after moving into a house?

[@brentmagnano3808]

Thank you!

[@vishaljanani]

I do not know the master code as the previous owner didn't give one. Can you advise how to reset that to default?

[@dylanalarm_grid1038]

Hello, Feel free to check out this FAQ that reviews how to change the panel master code, with the installer code: www.alarmgrid.com/faq/how-do-i-add-user-codes-to-a-vista-20p-21ip-15p-10p

[@mikebrostlove13]

Dident werk for me got this panel tinkering with but I prefer dsc

[@mrobvious1100]

I have the Honeywell L3000 The homeowner I bought the house from gave me their master code and so now I've changed it. I just bought a new sensor for a door and realized I need something called an installer code and the seller is long gone. what can I do

[@LeoGraca23]

What if u don’t have a code

[@mbzumzum500]

An excellent tutorial ... thanks for that I got a central alarm ADEMCO VISTA 4110XM but I do not know the master code How to reset the panel to determine the second master code. I use the 1647AM 6150ADT keyboard What are the signs on the display are written by FC, DI Thank you

[@USMC_BABE38]

Haso Soha how do you like the ademco Vista been thinking about changing my key pads any advice

[@richierich1169]

Hello, I’m praying I can get an answer from someone somewhere. I’m going to make my long story very short. Wife and I bought a house. The owners have since passed. We have an alarm but not a soul knows the master code somehow the alarm was armed when trying to stop the beeping that happens all the time. I don’t understand what I could have possibly done besides hold down the exit button to stop the beeping as I’ve always done. I don’t want to to this thing out of the wall. It’s so hardwired to the doors abba is integrated into the smoke alarm. Can you please help me. Our point me in the direction to get this resolved. PLEASE! For the love of God. I found a metal box with a backup battery. The board says NX-6. The keypad says safeguard security on the front. It has fire emergency and police buttons on the left. Stay exit bypass and cancel on the right. Numerical keypad buttons in the middle. Armed instant and ready on the screen on the left.

[@marcosboada9387]

hello, how do I block the panel view 20p, so that they cannot access the programming when disconnecting the panel from the power supply? Thanks

[@joshuagriffin2807]

The panel would have to be connected with software to do a complete lockout. If that is done even you would not be able to get into programming

[@MasonWasHere]

Thanks

[@USMC_BABE38]

How do you like the Vista I have just the ademco key pad been thinking about switching it

[@msi7990]

I purchased repo house with a ademco system from 1999 how can I reset the code or get the master code please

[@marcrodriguez7810]

I moved into a house with the system already installed. I do not have the password. How can I create my own password?

[@dylanalarm_grid1038]

You can use the installer code to reset the master code: Installer code + 802 + new master code. If you do not have your installer code, you will need to use the backdoor method to reset your installer code. Backdoor method: Reboot and press and hold * and # together upon powering up. After you see *20 on the display, press *20 + new installer code. Then *99 to exit programming. Then use your new installer code follow the instructions above to create a new master code.

[@marcrodriguez7810]

@@dylanalarm_grid1038 what is the installer code? i do not have that either. Thanks

[@SoftwareDevJason]

@@marcrodriguez7810 You've probably already figured this out but the default is sometimes kept at 4112.

[@woss2010]

can change the code from the iPhone app ?

[@joshuagriffin2807]

Not a feature at this time.

[@parthaacharjee9164]

Thankuu

[@agariopro5722]

In case you lost the master code, how you back to default?

[@MeowMayGarden]

Frank Longo the default installer code 4112 has been changed, how can I reset the master code?

[@monstrik99]

video title say "resetting" but the instructions only inlude "changing"...

[@DKAlarmgridSupport]

Hello bBozo, We apologize for any confusion this may cause, When using the terms "resetting" vs. "changing" when talking about master user codes. The process is the same, the only difference is when you "reset" the master code you enter the Default Master code (1234), When you "change" the Master code you are entering a code of your choosing. I hope this helps clarify any future confusion.

[@monstrik99]

@@DKAlarmgridSupport it helps, thanks a lot!

[@CC-lj3xk]

Hi, I have a Vista 48. is it the same way to reset?

[@johnkosheluk1041]

I have a older vista 10p how do I rest it

[@CarlosPerez-xb1vq]

Can you know who activates or deactivates the alarm system vista 20p with different 4 persona /accounts? with Keypad 6160RF?

[@DKAlarmgridSupport]

Yes, when the event log is enabled for open and closing events, you can view the event history with a command from your 6160 keypad by entering your "master code + # 60".

[@CarlosPerez-xb1vq]

@@DKAlarmgridSupport Thank you!

[@jamescc2010]

I have Vista system. All the time I have to bypass a few sensors before I can arm my system? What can be possible problems?

[@joshuagriffin2807]

the panel can not arm unless all sensors are cleared or bypassed. IF you have faults and all doowrs windows are closed may have a wireing issue.

[@adonaya.1594]

My vista Panel, the keypad say "Vista 50P Reset", do you know what means? not accept my codes, unless I reset the panel but after a period of time back again that message, could be bad panel and I need replace it? Thanks

[@joshuagriffin2807]

It could be a bad panel, yes, or something could be putting noise on the keypad bus and causing issues. Recommend Isolating keypad at the panel to see if functions return if not then the panel is bad.

[@pyrasilpkiyomi]

Hello, I am using Vista 128 FBP. After pressing 5 1 4 0 + 8 0 0 0 go to menu mode. It shows a "Notifying Center Station" event and cannot press any buttons. How to reset the panel to work normally? Thanks

[@freddaniels8259]

That is a feature that is automatically enabled when a phone number is programmed into the panel. It sends a signal to the monitoring station saying someone has entered programming then after acknowledgement it lets you into programming. If this is not going away after a few seconds, then you should speak to your monitoring company about resolving any issues on your phone line.

[@anandkumar3416]

HOW TO CHANGE THE LANGUAGE IN KEYPAD 6160

[@twistymehdi]

bonjour je cherche code instalateur pour mon clavier tcu800m pour ma centrale honeywell merci d'avance

[@daviddogan7383]

Back sliding doorr does not work can I delete or do I need to disconnect wire

[@AlarmGrid]

If you just want to keep the fault caused by that door from showing up on the keypad, then you can simply delete the zone.

[@vincenttipre7098]

My alarm is armed and my code isn't working anymore. I can't reset anything because it won't disarm. I don't have service (just a siren), so there's no one to call to do an override.

[@joshuagriffin2807]

Can you email that question to [e-mail]

[@dyldee7]

Hey, I have the same issue. Did you find a solution?

[@droptruckedits1394]

We just purchased our new home and we do not have master code. How could we create our new code?

[@juliaross1667]

Do you know what panel you have?

[@nicolecmclemore1]

Did you figure this out? We have the same problem.

[@SterlingDonnelly]

Do you know what model number your system is?

[@nicolecmclemore1]

+Sterling Donnelly I was actually able to change the installer code by powering off the unit. Do you know where I can find instructions to program 2 new contacts (5816) to the WA10P-2.0, with Honeywell M6983 keypad? Thanks!

[@nicolecmclemore1]

+Sterling Donnelly I was actually able to change the installer code by powering off the unit. Do you know where I can find instructions to program 2 new contacts (5816) to the WA10P-2.0, with Honeywell M6983 keypad? Thanks!

[@paparob1960]

If i back door the the reset master code will it delete all my alarm settings?

[@freddaniels8259]

Back door programming will not reset anything but your clock. Resetting the master code only resets the master code.

[@droptruckedits1394]

Honeywell... the exact same one on the video.

[@SterlingDonnelly]

We would need to know the specific model number of the system. The video only shows keypads that work with many different alarm control panels. You should look inside the beige metal cabinet and in the center of the green circuit board should be a PROM chip with a white sticker starting with 'WA'. That WA number would indicate your model number. If you can reply with that, we can assist further.

[@nicolecmclemore1]

+Sterling Donnelly Thanks! There's only a beige plastic adaptor wired into an outlet in our basement, no metal box, it says Model 1321. I'm trying to add 2 new contacts (5816) to a door & storage building. The wall unit is M6983. Thanks!

[@SterlingDonnelly]

Does your keypad have an LCD screen with a plastic flip down door? If so, it's wired through the wall back to the beige alarm cabinet (just like the 1321 transformer is) so you'll need to search the home for where that is installed. Check laundry rooms, utility closets, basements, etc.

[@nicolecmclemore1]

+Sterling Donnelly This is what we have....www.amazon.com/Honeywell-Ademco-1321-16-5V-Transformer/dp/B000VA1HH4

[@nicolecmclemore1]

+Sterling Donnelly This is what we have....www.amazon.com/Honeywell-Ademco-1321-16-5V-Transformer/dp/B000VA1HH4