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Vivint — FAQ

Vivint is a free companion app for the Vivint Smart Home System and service subscription, used for security, cameras, locks, thermostats, alerts, and DVR. Recent reviews mainly ask whether the Android app can be trusted to open, show cameras, and arm or disarm the system when needed.

  1. Is the Vivint app working reliably on Android right now?
  2. Why does the Vivint app show a black screen or keep loading?
  3. Can I view Vivint cameras and live video from my phone?
  4. Does Vivint DVR playback and recorded footage work well?
  5. Can I arm and disarm my Vivint system from the app?
  6. What fixes do reviewers try when the Vivint app won’t open?
  7. Is Vivint customer support helpful when the app fails?
  8. Is Vivint worth paying for if the app is free?
  9. Does the Vivint app work well for thermostats, sensors, and automations?

Is the Vivint app working reliably on Android right now?

Recent reviews point to serious reliability problems, especially around the app failing to open, staying on a blank or loading screen, crashing, or becoming unusable after updates. A positive review says a newer interface improved loading for that user, but the dominant concern in the reviews is that the app is not dependable enough for a home-security system.

NEEDS AN UPDATE!!! HELP!! I can't see anything on this app!! I try to open it and it stays blank/loading indefinitely and never lets me see A THING!! PLEASE, UPDATE IT!! Otherwise, what do I have the app for if I can't use it??
★☆☆☆☆Vivint · 2026-08-20 · 5 found this helpful
When this app works, it's great. However for months, I have been experiencing nonstop crashes, the app not loading or working, and it keeps getting worse and worse. I have to constantly sign back in manually whenever it doesn't load and it's extremely frustrating when I'm simply trying to check who rang my doorbell. I've had the system for 6 years now, and it's becoming more and more disappointing. I suggest to steer clear of this system and find a better one.
★☆☆☆☆Vivint · 2026-09-08 · 2 found this helpful
8/30/2026 - Increase to 3⭐ from 1!! The new main interface is visually appealing and functional (I'm using the full screen not the compact). I have had no app loading issues since the update 🙏🏻👏🏻. I hope future upgrades bring more design options & functions. Please consider adding to the main bypassed sensors. When home, I always bypass certain sensors for entry/exit for mail/package delivery, laundry/garage
★★★☆☆Vivint · 2026-08-30 · 5 found this helpful

63

reviewers mentioned this in the last 60 days

Why does the Vivint app show a black screen or keep loading?

The reviews do not identify a single confirmed cause. Reviewers blame recent updates, say the issue happens on Wi-Fi and mobile data, and report that reinstalling sometimes only helps temporarily. This looks less like an isolated connection complaint and more like a recurring app-loading failure reported by multiple users.

App isn't working. All I see is a black screen when opening my app. I have uninstall and reinstall if I want it to work.
★☆☆☆☆Vivint · 2026-08-09 · 1 found this helpful
Your application has been glitching since one of your recent updates. It doesn't load, it just stays on the initial black screen with your white logo. This is very frustrating and of course it's when I need it the most. It is not a connection issue, as I've tried loading it while connected to wifi and cellular networks. I have your system in multiple properties. Please do something about it.
★★☆☆☆Vivint · 2026-08-21 · 2 found this helpful
As of Aug 12 2026, app still doesn't just open like before!!! Have had to uninstall and reinstall 6x for app to work. **Please fix the app**** ...It's not the Hub. I've had Vivint long enough to know when it's the Hub...
★☆☆☆☆Vivint · 2026-08-12 · 4 found this helpful

39

reviewers mentioned this in the last 60 days

Can I view Vivint cameras and live video from my phone?

The app is supposed to show live camera feeds, doorbell video, and recordings, but recent reviewers frequently complain that cameras do not load, feeds freeze, or video never appears. Based on these reviews, prospective users should not assume the phone app will be dependable for live monitoring.

Junk. I can't even pull up my cameras!!
★☆☆☆☆Vivint · 2026-08-07 · 1 found this helpful
I wish I can give 0 stars this app is terrible I haven't been able to access live cameras from the app. I been struggling for months and haven't able to get help from Vivint. I'm at the point to end my service with them.
★☆☆☆☆Vivint · 2026-08-26 · 2 found this helpful
my samsung s24 ultra i cant even see the video the arrow just keeps spinning no video I might have to chage alarm company...
★☆☆☆☆Vivint · 2026-09-08 · 2 found this helpful

4

reviewers mentioned this in the last 60 days

Does Vivint DVR playback and recorded footage work well?

The Play Store description says Vivint supports DVR recording and Smart Clips, but recent reviews describe playback as a major weak point. Users report unavailable DVR footage, rewind that hangs on loading, delayed recordings, and missed events. If reviewing past footage is important to you, the reviews raise a clear warning.

"Playback DVR unavailable Connection will need to be restored before you can view this camera's 24/7 video footage." Do I really have to clear my cache in order to watch recordings from the last 24 hrs??? This is insane how much we pay in relation to the festures from this low quality app. Plus now, it is not compatible with Google Gemini so I can't even arm the system using voice functions. STOP TELLING ME TO EMAIL SUPPORT AND FIX THE ISSUES YOUR USERS ARE REPORTING!!!
★☆☆☆☆Vivint · 2026-08-07 · 29 found this helpful
Playback is horrible...timing of video record is delayed and you miss the actually event.
★☆☆☆☆Vivint · 2026-09-04 · 3 found this helpful
This app takes too long to load, too long to review footage, and the person is usually gone by the time I get in to view it. I currently can't even rewind the footage in the app.
★☆☆☆☆Vivint · 2026-09-04 · 3 found this helpful

3

reviewers mentioned this in the last 60 days

Can I arm and disarm my Vivint system from the app?

Vivint advertises remote arming and disarming, but reviews show that this feature can fail when the app will not open or connect. Reviewers describe being unable to arm, disarm, or check system status remotely, which is a serious concern for a security app.

What good is a smart home security system if I can't arm it from my phone. It is still buggy and my last review I spoke of the problems you guys still fail to address. When my equipment is paid off I will be going elsewhere.
★☆☆☆☆Vivint · 2026-08-30 · 39 found this helpful
bad! it never works, I might have to switch companies although I paid for the tablet/ panel. the application only worked for a little bit and now I can't arm or disarm from the application. just like someone else said, you have to force stop it and even then it works once and that's it!
★☆☆☆☆Vivint · 2026-08-07 · 1 found this helpful
Worst app ever. I couldn't disarm my house because app wouldn't work. I've had to uninstall and install this app over 5 times already because it stops working and won't open!!!!!!!! Do better! I should be able to use the app. It's the only way back into your home, if you armed it being away. Fix this!!!
★☆☆☆☆Vivint · 2026-09-07 · 2 found this helpful

7

reviewers mentioned this in the last 60 days

What fixes do reviewers try when the Vivint app won’t open?

The reviews do not show a dependable fix. Commonly mentioned workarounds include uninstalling and reinstalling, clearing cache or storage, force stopping the app, and rebooting. A Samsung user also described updating Android System WebView, but other reviewers say the problem returns after a short time.

  1. For the Samsung workaround a reviewer described: open the Play Store and search for Android System WebView.
  2. Update Android System WebView if an update is available.
  3. Reboot the phone and try Vivint again.
App is very glitchy — it wouldn't launch at all on my Galaxy S24 Ultra. I used Claude to troubleshoot and it pointed to Android System WebView as a common cause on Samsung phones. Open the Play Store, search "Android System WebView," update it, then reboot. That got me back in. Shouldn't have taken an AI to figure out. The interface is clunky, and I'm paying more each year for no additional services. Not a fan and actively looking for alternatives.
★★☆☆☆Vivint · 2026-08-25 · 1 found this helpful
trash. every time I want to use it, I have to uninstall the app and reinstall. useless. update: latest update was supposed to fix it, worked for a day, maybe two. back to no longer being able to even open the app.
★☆☆☆☆Vivint · 2026-09-07 · 3 found this helpful
I'm having to reinstall this app pretty much once a week because sometimes when I try to load it up it will freeze on the loading screen and when I clear my cache it shows a black screen the only fix I've found is uninstalling and reinstalling.
★☆☆☆☆Vivint · 2026-08-11 · 1 found this helpful

33

reviewers mentioned this in the last 60 days

Is Vivint customer support helpful when the app fails?

Recent reviewers are highly critical of support. They describe support doing nothing, asking users to repeat reinstall steps, telling users to email instead of fixing reported issues, or putting callers on hold. These reviews suggest that users with app problems may have to troubleshoot heavily themselves.

I HAVE A BRAND NEW GALAXY FOLD 8 PHONE AND VIVINT'S APP STILL ITS WORKING CORRECTLY FOR ANDROIDS. SUPPORT DID NOTHING. HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE WITH VIVINT.
★☆☆☆☆Vivint · 2026-08-06 · 3 found this helpful
"Playback DVR unavailable Connection will need to be restored before you can view this camera's 24/7 video footage." Do I really have to clear my cache in order to watch recordings from the last 24 hrs??? This is insane how much we pay in relation to the festures from this low quality app. Plus now, it is not compatible with Google Gemini so I can't even arm the system using voice functions. STOP TELLING ME TO EMAIL SUPPORT AND FIX THE ISSUES YOUR USERS ARE REPORTING!!!
★☆☆☆☆Vivint · 2026-08-07 · 29 found this helpful
THE SUPPORT STAFF ARE NOT SKILLED, RUDE AND INEPT.. refer constantly to your bil although it's current l- but will not stay on the subject.. put you on hold for extended periods. then hang up..I had to call again.. now 1 hour on the phone total.. New ownership is beyond horrible. Asked me to install and reinstall app- now app not working. BEWARE
★☆☆☆☆Vivint · 2026-09-05 · 2 found this helpful

21

reviewers mentioned this in the last 60 days

Is Vivint worth paying for if the app is free?

The app itself is listed as free, but the Play Store description says a Vivint Smart Home System and service subscription are required. Recent reviews raise strong cost and contract concerns: users call the system overpriced, complain about equipment or service problems, and say app failures make the paid security service feel not worth it. The reviews do not prove every user will have that experience, but they give serious reasons to be cautious before committing.

Overpriced. Always messing up and customer service is mostly trash at fixing problems.
★★☆☆☆Vivint · 2026-08-11 · 1 found this helpful
system worked for the day they installed and wouldn't work again. tried to cancel and they sent me to someone to reset my system but didn't cancel. they said they would try and extend my trial. told them if it didn't get extended I wanted to cancel. they never canceled my contract. called today to cancel and the manager admitted to sticking people to keep their system and catch you in the contract. system is overpriced and not worth the money. AVOID VIVNIT AT ALL COSTS
★☆☆☆☆Vivint · 2026-08-25 · 1 found this helpful
This is the most unresponsive piece of garbage app I've ever had with any security system over the years. It's bad enough Vivint reneged on buying out the contract from my previous service forcing me to pay two companies for one service, but I also have to deal with this stupid app.
★☆☆☆☆Vivint · 2026-08-26 · 3 found this helpful

19

reviewers mentioned this in the last 60 days

Does the Vivint app work well for thermostats, sensors, and automations?

The reviews are not only about cameras. Users also report thermostat schedules or thermostat connections failing, automations not working, sensors showing unexpected errors, and custom security settings being hard to manage. That suggests the reliability concerns affect multiple smart-home controls, not just video.

Once you buy, get ready to solve every problem yourself. No one at Vivint knows how Vivint works. I had to pay to get them to come out and replace a faulty camera. A week later, it's broken again lol New problem... the camera sees every moth and notifies me. However it does not see my car driving down the driveway or me standing right in front of it. Guess the expensive camera is just a dummy decoy deterrence device. Is this really a security company?? Thermostat schedule doesn't work.
★☆☆☆☆Vivint · 2026-08-06 · 3 found this helpful
We have 3 security sensors that say "Unexpected error occured". The sensors show as ok and functioning on the hub. You need to fix the app. It is not our phones or the security system, its the app, you need to re-engineer it so it works for everyone. Never had these problems until you decided to keep re-engineering the syntax.
★☆☆☆☆Vivint · 2026-08-30 · 2 found this helpful
This app works great this rating i give the app is not in relation to the security itself. the only real issue with the app is, it has a feature to let you make custom security settings awesome feature. but it doesn't tell you that your settings have been confirmed , good or accepted. that's the first issue, Now I have 15 custom settings that do the exact same thing with the exact same name. Next issue is you can not delete these custom settings , If you change 1 it actually makes a new 1.
★★★★☆Vivint · 2026-08-22 · 1 found this helpful

2

reviewers mentioned this in the last 60 days

Answers above are generated from real Google Play reviews of Vivint, not editorial opinion.

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