Qolsys Releases Firmware 4.2.1 For IQ Panel 4 To Resolve Issue

Posted October 19, 2022 at 09:00 am By Julia Ross

Qolsys recently released firmware version 4.2.0, which added a lot of new features as well as fixes and improvements to the panel. However, after updating, a small number of panels reported receiving an error message regarding a panel shut down due to high temperature. This issue is corrected in firmware version 4.2.1.

If you see a message on your Qolsys IQ Panel 4, or IQ4 Hub, that mentions an overheating situation, and/or if the panel shuts itself down without you having a chance to see the message, don't worry. Use the power button on the side of the panel to turn it back on. Press and hold the button for three (3) seconds. Once the panel powers back on, update the firmware to 4.2.1. This should take care of the erroneous panel logic that is making the panel think the battery is too hot. Read the TSB# 221017 IQ Panel 4/IQ4 Hub - 4.2.1 Software Update - Release Notes and Instructions here.

As always, you have three (3) ways to update the panel firmware. If the panel is monitored and has a connection to WIFI, you can have your alarm dealer push the update to your panel over-the-air (OTA) using Alarm.com. You can also choose to request the update from the panel using a Patch Tag. Instructions for how to perform this type of update are included on our Qolsys IQ Panel 4 Firmware Updates page along with the update file, for those who don't have WIFI.

If you don't have a WIFI connection at the panel, then the previous two options are not available to you. In that case, you'll need to download the firmware file, which you can get at our above-linked page, and then use the panel's access point feature to perform the update. Instructions for this type of update are also included on Alarm Grid's IQ Panel 4 Firmware Updates page. We'll post them here as well to make things as easy as possible.

Instructions for Updating the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 Via Access Point

Download and save the required file from our site. You'll need to use a smartphone, tablet, or computer with WIFI capability to perform the update. Remember, the panel should have had 4.1.1 installed prior to installing the 4.2.0 (or higher) firmware.
On the IQ Panel 4, go to Settings > Advanced Settings > Enter Installer or Dealer Code (Default 1111, or 2222 respectively) > Upgrade Software > "Upgrade Using Access Point". The Access Point will need to be enabled in order to use this feature.
- To enable the Access Point, be sure the panel has WIFI enabled, then go to Settings > Advanced Settings > Enter Installer or Dealer Code > Installation > Devices > WIFI Devices. First, click on WIFI and be sure Activate WIFI has a Check in the box to the right. Then press the back arrow at the bottom of the screen. Go to Access Point Settings. Be sure the WIFI Access Point is enabled with a check in the box at the right. Press the Home button at the bottom of the screen, then go back to Step 2 and continue.
A QR Code will be displayed on the panel. Scan it with your phone or tablet. If you're on a device that won't allow you to scan the QR Code, then you will have to manually join the panel's access point network by entering the panel's SSID and Password which will be displayed on the same screen as the QR Code.
Press "Start" to begin the local server session, then from your device, scan the second QR code provided by the IQ Panel 4. If that is not an option, navigate to the "https:" URL shown on the panel's screen.
Follow the prompts on your phone, tablet, or computer to select the correct files and transfer them to the panel. The file you download is in .zip format. It should automatically unzip and create a folder called Software-Patch-421. This folder will have three (3) files in it.

When you go to the URL or use the 2nd QR Code, you'll see a screen that will allow you to choose each of these three (3) files. When you click Choose File on each option, it will only allow you to select the correct file from those available. The other two files will be grayed out.

Once all three files have been successfully chosen, press "Send Files". A progress bar will be shown on the phone, tablet, or computer, showing that the files are being uploaded to the IQ Panel 4. A message will come up saying "Uploaded ALL files successfully". Hit "Close" on the phone, tablet, or computer.
Once the files have been loaded to the IQ Panel 4, it should automatically begin the update. Once the update begins, don't touch the panel screen. The panel will reboot as part of the firmware update process.