The sensor itself snaps on and off the mounting plate magnetically, no tools needed. The part that requires care is removing the mounting plate from the ceiling or wall, since it is attached with strong adhesive tape or screws. This article covers both.
Before you start
Work out which scenario applies to you, this determines how much effort is involved and what you need to do in the app afterwards.
Moving to a new position in the same unit
The sensor stays in the same rental unit; you are just repositioning it within the property.
→ Remove and remount. No app changes needed. | Moving to a different rental unit
The sensor is moving to a different property or a different unit within the same property.
→ Use Sensor Swap or reinstall via the app. |
Swapping for a charged sensor
You want to replace a depleted sensor with a charged one without losing data or settings.
→ Use Sensor Swap instead of reinstalling. | Removing permanently
The sensor is being decommissioned or stored.
→ Delete from the unit in the app after removing. |
Moving to a different rental unit? Sensor Swap is the easiest way; it transfers all settings and historical data to the new unit without reinstalling. If you prefer a full reinstall instead, see Reinstalling the M3 or Reinstalling the M2.
How to remove the sensor
Remove the sensor from the plate
The sensor attaches to the mounting plate magnetically. To remove it, simply pull the sensor directly away from the plate; it will detach with a firm but gentle pull. No tools are needed and nothing will be damaged.
Once the sensor is off, the mounting plate remains on the ceiling or wall. You can leave the plate in place if you plan to remount the sensor in the same spot, or proceed to the steps below to remove it.
Remove an adhesive-mounted plate
The mounting plate is attached with strong double-sided adhesive tape designed to hold permanently. Heat softens the adhesive significantly and makes removal much easier; do not try to pull the plate off without heating it first.
You will need: a hair dryer and a length of thin string, dental floss, or fishing line.
Heat the mounting plate
Hold a hair dryer set to medium heat approximately 5–10 cm from the mounting plate. Move it slowly across the surface for 30–60 seconds. The adhesive behind the plate will soften as it warms.
Do not use very high heat directly on the surface, this can damage painted ceilings or wallpaper
Work the string behind the plate
While the adhesive is still warm, slide one end of your string, dental floss, or fishing line behind one edge of the mounting plate. Using a gentle sawing motion, work the string slowly across the back of the plate, cutting through the adhesive as you go.
Dental floss works particularly well, it is thin, strong, and easy to handle
Lift the plate away
Once the string has passed all the way through, the plate should lift away cleanly. If you feel resistance, apply heat again before continuing, forcing it cold risks damaging the surface.
Remove a screw- mounted plate
If the mounting plate was installed using screws rather than adhesive, removal is straightforward.
Locate the screw holes
The mounting plate has two screw holes. If adhesive was also used alongside the screws, apply heat first as described in section 3 before attempting to remove the plate.
Remove the screws
Use a standard flathead screwdriver to remove both screws. The plate will come away cleanly once the screws are out.
Remove adhesive residue
After removing the plate, some adhesive residue may remain on the ceiling or wall. This is normal; the adhesive is designed to hold permanently.
Heat the residue
Apply heat from the hair dryer to the residue for 20–30 seconds to soften it again.
Peel or roll it off
While warm, the residue can usually be peeled away with a fingernail or rolled into a ball with a finger. Work slowly; if it starts to resist, apply more heat before continuing.
Clean the surface
Any remaining trace of adhesive can be removed with a small amount of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) on a cloth. Test on an inconspicuous area first if you are concerned about the surface finish.
After moving - update the app
If you are repositioning the sensor within the same rental unit, no app changes are needed; the sensor reconnects to the same unit automatically once it is back on the plate and online.
If you are moving the sensor to a location in a different timezone, update the rental unit’s location in the app. This keeps your quiet hours and notifications aligned with local time.
Update the rental unit location
In the Minut app: tap Properties → select the rental unit → tap the settings icon (⚙) → tap Edit unit → update the address. The timezone updates automatically based on the new address.
Moving to a different rental unit entirely? Updating the address is not sufficient; the sensor needs to be associated with the correct unit in the app. Use Sensor Swap to move the sensor to another unit while keeping all your data, or delete the sensor from the current unit and reinstall it in the new one.
Replacement mounting plates
If your mounting plate was damaged during removal, or if you need additional plates for a new installation location, replacement plates are available in the Minut online store.
Please make sure you’re logged into the store with your Minut account when placing your order.