Hand over a smart home without handing over your accounts

A sale or move can leave behind door locks, thermostats, cameras and bulbs tied to someone else's phone. The new resident may inherit unknown access codes; the former resident may keep control or recordings. Device ownership requires more than giving over a key or a Wi-Fi password.

Before you start​

Inventory every installed smart device, hub, alarm service and related account. Arrange a handover window when resetting a lock or alarm will not leave the property unprotected.

Do it step by step​

1. For each device, note its manufacturer, model, owner account, app, installation location and any subscription or shared user.
2. As the outgoing owner, preserve records you are entitled to keep, remove guest users and unlink personal integrations such as voice assistants or phone apps.
3. Follow the manufacturer's factory-reset and account-release instructions for each device. Clear access codes and account association before giving the device to a new owner.
4. As the incoming owner, create your own account, connect devices through the official app, set fresh credentials and update firmware before enabling remote access.
5. Test critical functions such as door locking, temperature and alarm notification together. Confirm the former account can no longer control a device.

Check the result​

The new owner should see the device in their own account with fresh codes; the previous owner should see it removed. Verify the physical functions before leaving.

If something goes wrong​

Some products require vendor support to release a device from an old account. A factory reset alone may not clear cloud ownership, so resolve that state before relying on the device.

Know the limit​

A property contract, subscription agreement or local safety rule may govern alarms and recordings. Handle those separately from the technical reset. FTC smart-home handover checklist