Short answer
To add or change a code: master code + CODE (8) + the two-digit user number + the new 4-digit code. The keypad beeps once to confirm. User 02 is the master; household users start at 03. To change the master code itself, enter the new code twice.
On this page
User numbers on VISTA panels
- 01: installer code (programming only; does not normally arm or disarm).
- 02: master code.
- 03 and up: regular users. How many depends on the model; the VISTA-20P supports far more than most homes need.
Keep a written list of which number belongs to whom. The keypad will not tell you which slots are already used, and adding a code to a used slot replaces the old one.
Add a new user code
- With the system disarmed, enter the master code.
- Press CODE (the 8 key).
- Enter the two-digit user number, for example 0 3.
- Enter the new four-digit code.
- The keypad beeps once. Test the code by arming and disarming.
Changing an existing user's code is the same sequence: entering a new code for a user number replaces the old one.
Change the master code
- Enter the current master code.
- Press CODE (8), then 0 2.
- Enter the new master code, then enter it again to confirm.
Delete a user code
On most VISTA models: master code + CODE (8) + the user number + the master code again. The keypad beeps once and that user's code stops working. Confirm the exact sequence in your panel's user guide, as some older models differ.
Codes that do more or less than normal
Your installer can give a user number an authority level, such as arm-only, guest, or duress. A duress code disarms normally but silently signals the monitoring company that you are being forced to disarm. If a code behaves differently from others, it probably has a special authority level. Changing authority levels needs the master code plus extra steps described in the user guide.
Forgot the master code?
The installer code can reset it. See installer code vs master code and entering VISTA programming.