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How to remove a Ubiquiti G4 Pro camera bracket when it is stuck
Short answer: if the Ubiquiti G4 Pro camera is stuck on its adjustable three-axis mount, use an impact wrench driver (or something similar) with a big Allen key style adapter to unscrew it. If it is really stuck, put a piece of metal or a screwdriver against it and tap it with a hammer to break it loose. A little grease on the thread helps it come off easier.
Do you have a camera like this, you want to remove it, and it got stuck? In this video I share a little bit of my story with the G4 Pro and show you what you can do in order to remove it without fighting with it for hours.
My story: the G4 Pro bracket would not come off
I had this camera installed and, for some reason, it got so stuck that I tried to hit it with a hammer and I still couldn't take it out. The thread of the adjustable three-axis mount simply would not turn. Before I could even work on the mount, I had to put a screwdriver inside and push the clip of the Ethernet connector up so I could pull the Ethernet cable out.
And this was not a case of overtightening. When it was brand new and I installed it, I never had any issue. I used the mount just to adjust the camera, and I didn't even tighten it that much. After maybe six months of working, it was stuck so bad that I couldn't remove it by hand.
What you need
- An impact wrench driver. If you have something similar, I think it will do the trick.
- An adapter that works like a big Allen key, which fits into the mount so the driver can turn it.
- A screwdriver or a piece of metal, and a hammer, in case it is really stuck.
- Some grease (optional) to help it come loose.
- A small screwdriver to release the Ethernet cable clip.
Step by step: remove the stuck bracket
- Release the Ethernet cable: put a small screwdriver inside and push the clip up so you can pull the cable out.
- If you want, put some grease on the thread first. That will help it come unstuck more easily.
- Put the big Allen key style adapter on the impact driver and fit it into the mount.
- Run the impact driver to unscrew it. This is how I did it and it worked great.
- If it still won't move, place a screwdriver or a piece of metal against the piece and hit it with a hammer. That is what I had to do, because it was stuck inside so badly. Once it broke loose, I was able to take it out.
Why the G4 Pro mount gets stuck
To me, this design is poorly done. I never had any issue with the other ones: the G3 cameras are very easy to remove and they never got stuck that much. I think the problem here is that this product is very heavy, and maybe they are using a different material or something else. The plastic piece they include is not a solution either; it is fine when the camera is brand new, but not after some time.
Also, I don't know if I am getting bugs inside that area. The camera itself works fine, and I never got any water or anything like that inside. It is just the mount.
G4 Pro vs the older Ubiquiti cameras
Besides the stuck bracket, this camera overheats, and I don't like that. The old ones, to me, are perfect: they don't overheat, they are way lighter and smaller. I have two of the new G4 Pro cameras and both have this issue. If you are choosing cameras for a new installation, keep that in mind, and if you already have the G4 Pro, use the grease tip when you install it so the next time you need to move or replace the camera it comes off easier.
More video surveillance help
If you want to keep learning, I have more videos about video surveillance in my playlist. I am in the US, and if you want any of the products I showed, I can ship them to you; otherwise I leave you the links in the video description so you can buy the parts yourself.
Frequently asked questions
How do I remove a stuck Ubiquiti G4 Pro bracket?
Use an impact wrench driver with a big Allen key style adapter to unscrew the mount. If it is very stuck, put a screwdriver or piece of metal against it and tap it with a hammer to break it loose.
How do I disconnect the Ethernet cable from the G4 Pro?
Put a small screwdriver inside and push the clip up, then pull the Ethernet cable out.
How can I stop the G4 Pro mount from getting stuck again?
Put some grease on the thread. In the video I mention that grease helps it come unstuck more easily.
Why does the G4 Pro bracket get stuck?
In my experience the design is poor: the camera is heavy and maybe a different material is used. The older G3 cameras never got stuck like this, even though I didn't tighten the G4 Pro much.