How to Remove Can Lights in 7 Steps

Throw those old light fixtures in the (trash) can

A kitchen with recessed can lights
Photo: LUGOSTOCK / Adobe Stock
A kitchen with recessed can lights
Photo: LUGOSTOCK / Adobe Stock
Haley Nothstein
Written by Haley Nothstein
Contributing Writer
Updated Nov 30, 2023
SKILL LEVEL
Simple
COMPLETION TIME
1 hour
COST
$50–$100
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
  • Wire stripper
  • Cordless drill
  • Screwdriver
  • Cable ripper
  • Voltage tester
SUPPLIES
  • Ceiling electrical box
  • Ceiling box cover
  • Electrical tape
  • Wire nuts
  • Face mask

When it’s time to get those old can lights out of your home, you’ll know. That’s because removing unused or outdated can lights can make way for a fresh look and more modern fixtures. Follow this easy guide for seven simple steps that shed light on the DIY removal process.

Prepping to Remove Your Lights

Before removing a can light, gather all the required equipment and materials you’ll need. First, purchase a box cover that will go over the open area. When selecting the box cover, consider the color of your ceiling and decide if you’ll need to paint the cover after it’s installed. If so, add some ceiling paint to your shopping cart.

As you will be working with electricity, it may be in your best interest to wear electrical gloves to prevent any mishaps. You should also consider wearing a face mask and eyeglasses to protect yourself from any debris that falls from the ceiling.

  1. Cut the Power

    First and foremost, turn off the power to your can light circuit on your electric service panel. You can use an electrical tester to ensure that the power is off and place a piece of tape on the switch to prevent it from being turned on during the process. 

  2. Remove the Bulb and Light Trim

    A man removing a bulb from a can light
    Photo: Edwin Tan / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

    Position a ladder under the light and climb up it until you can reach the light bulb. Once the light bulb is cool to the touch, remove it by turning it counterclockwise. 

    Next, remove the trim by prying a putty knife under the outer edge. Pull down with the knife until it’s a little loose and then use your hands to pull it off.

  3. Remove the Recessed Can Light Housing

    There are two types of can light housing: remodeled and new construction. If you have a remodeled can light, it will be attached to the ceiling drywall and can be easily removed by prying the clips to loosen it. 

    If you have a new construction can light, it may be a little more difficult. New construction lighting is connected above the ceiling drywall by two joists. You will need attic access to remove it. It may be best to call an electrician if this is the case.

  4. Access and Disconnect the Wires

    Your can light should now be hanging by wires from the ceiling. Use a voltage tester to ensure that there are no currents running through it. 

    Once you’re sure there’s no power, turn the wire nuts counter-clockwise to disconnect the wires. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws on the retaining ring of the cable lamp and then pull out the wires so they’re fully exposed.

  5. Terminate the Wires

    A man terminating light wires
    Photo: AleksandarNakic / E+ / Getty Images

    Move the wires to the back of the electrical box, and use a cable ripper to remove three to four inches of cable sheathing. Make sure to not strip the wires completely. 

    Next, place a wire nut on the end of each wire and secure it with electrical tape. 

  6. Install the Blank Plate

    Push the electrical box back into the ceiling, and use a cordless drill to turn the screws of the attachment wings. Then take a screwdriver and screw the blank plate over the box. 

    Depending on the color of the blank plate you’ve purchased, you may want to paint it to better match your ceiling.

  7. Test the Circuit

    Finally, turn on the circuit breaker to test the circuit. If other devices are powered by the circuit, leave it on. Otherwise, flip it off. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

With the right tools and expertise, removing a can light can be a quick job that you can do within an hour. However, it does involve working with electricity, which can be dangerous when not handled correctly. 

To err on the side of caution, it may be best to contact a local light fixture installation technician to complete the process. With the right knowledge, they’ll be able to safely remove the can light and ensure that everything is sealed properly.  

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost to install a recessed can light can range from $100 to $480. The total cost will depend on the ceiling material, housing type, labor, and wiring. You can save on the installation cost by opting to do it yourself; however, hiring a pro is recommended when dealing with electricity. 

Wafer lights and can lights are both recessed lights, but each has its own unique look. Wafer lights have a thin housing that connects to wires directly. Can lights have a can-like structure and fit into the opening of a ceiling.

There are four main types of lighting used in homes: ambient, task, accent, and decorative. Within these categories, there are a number of fixtures to choose from including ceiling-mounted lights, floor lamps, under-cabinet lights, track lighting, and more. 

Choosing the fixture that’s right for you depends on your home design and the area you’re looking to illuminate.

Can and can-less recessed lights differ in their design. A can light features a can-shaped housing that holds the bulb. It often has visible trim that surrounds the fixture and sticks out slightly from the ceiling. 

Canless lighting, on the other hand, does not have can housing and offers a more modern approach to recessed lighting.

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Learn more about our contributor
Haley Nothstein
Written by Haley Nothstein
Contributing Writer
Haley is a professional freelance writer with over five years of experience. Flipping her first apartment at 17, she gained a passion for home improvement and all things design. Haley has written for notable clients such as Home Depot on topics ranging from outdoor living, interior design, and home renovation.

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