Site Announcements Posts

Alarm.com users are likely already aware of their ability to protect their accounts using two-factor authentication (2FA). Now Alarm.com is expanding their 2FA offerings to allow the use of third-party authenticator apps. This is a great new option for keeping your ADC account secure.

By adding an additional layer of security to your Alarm.com account through the use of two-factor authentication, you can prevent malicious intruders from accessing your account and your Alarm.com Security System, through your username and password alone. Existing 2FA methods allowed users to verify their identities from an email or text message. Alarm.com can also be set up so that it knows to "trust" a verified device, and only require 2FA on a new "unrecognized device" that is being used. A user will have the option to "save" a new device so that it is trusted, and 2FA isn't required the next time a user logs in.

Additionally, Alarm.com is now allowing users to set up 2FA in the form of an authenticator app. The way that these apps work is they generate a new secret code about every minute. This code is typically 5 to 7 digits in length, but it can vary. When a user goes to log into their account, after entering their username and password, they must open the authenticator app, and provide the current randomly generated code that is only good for about a minute or so. As soon as a new code is generated, the existing one is thrown out, and only the new code will be usable for a short time period until the next code is generated. If you choose to use this type of authentication, be sure to follow all instructions, particularly in the event that you get a new device, such as a new phone. Each authenticator app will have a specific process you should follow.

Alarm.com customers will have a variety of authenticator apps that they can choose from, including Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, LastPass, Twilio, Duo, and more. Most of the apps have been said to work without any issue, However, an issue has been identified when using the Duo App, as generated codes may not be valid for the first fifteen (15) seconds after being generated. If you are having trouble using the feature, then you should reach out to your monitoring company for further assistance.

Fortunately, setting up 2FA on your Alarm.com account is very easy, It can be done through the mobile app or website. To use the mobile app, login to your account through the Alarm.com Mobile App on Android or iOS. Click the three (3) horizontal bars menu button in the upper-left corner, and then choose Login information. Then select the Two-Factor Authentication option. You will be asked to receive the code using an Authentication App, Email, or Text Message. Choose Authenticator App to have a QR code generated to scan.

If you are using the website, then the process is just as simple. Login to your Alarm.com account through a compatible web browser. Choose Settings on the left-hand side, followed by Login Information. Then under Login Security, choose the option for Two-Factor Authentication. You can then follow the on-screen prompts to set up 2FA through an authentication app, email, or text message. If you are having any trouble, then you should reach out to your monitoring provider for additional help.

Do you have any thoughts on Alarm.com Two-Factor Authentication? Do you use it to help keep your account safe, Will you be taking advantage of the ability to use authenticator apps? Let us know what you think in a comment down below. We would love to hear what you have to say. Remember to stay posted to the Alarm Grid Blog for more security system news coming soon!

Alarm Grid will be closed from Saturday, May 29 through Monday, May 31, in observance of Memorial Day. During this time, we will not be answering our phones, responding to online chat questions, or responding to emails. We will reopen on Tuesday, June 1. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Remember that our central station partner Criticom Monitoring Services for United States customers and Rapid Response for those in Canada will both remain open during this time. You can reach out to them to put your system on test mode or to cancel a false alarm. To contact CMS, please call our number, (888) 818-7728, and then choose option [9]. If you need to reach Rapid Response, then you can call (800) 932-3822.

All other inquiries can be sent to our support email support@alarmgrid.com. Please keep in mind that we will likely be encountering a high-volume of emails on Tuesday morning, so we ask for your patience as we do our best to respond as quickly as possible. However, we will make sure to reply to all emails at our earliest opportunity.

We hope that everyone has a safe and fun Memorial Day Weekend. This day is meant to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in keeping us safe. Please take a moment to think about those who have helped make this holiday possible. We look forward to returning to work on Tuesday, please check-in for a new blog post at that time.

Update 12/30/21: The 2GIG GC3e has been discontinued and is no longer available. The 2GIG Edge w/ AT&T LTE or the 2GIG Edge w/ Verizon LTE have replaced it.

In an effort to clear out existing stock, the 2GIG GC3e Alarm Panel is now available at the bargain price of $189.99. This is an excellent chance to get a modern and reliable alarm panel for your home or business at a super low price. Act quickly, because supplies will run out very soon!

We announced earlier this month that the 2GIG GC3e was discontinued. However, due to existing stock, the GC3e Panel is effectively back from the dead for one final run. Once the limited stock runs out, the 2GIG GC3e will be discontinued forever. Room needs to be made for newer panels, so we're offering the 2GIG GC3e for the low price of $189.99. This is a rare opportunity to get a great alarm panel to build around. It can certainly fulfill all of your security and smart home automation needs once you get it set up and running!

The GC3e is fantastic for alarm monitoring. Just add either a 2GIG LTEA-A-GC3 AT&T LTE Communicator or a 2GIG LTEV1-A-GC3 Verizon LTE Communicator, and you will be able to connect the GC3e with the Alarm.com Servers for monitoring service. Since the 2GIG GC3e already has an internal WIFI card, adding the cellular communicator will make it into a dual-path system that will stay monitored even if one path goes down or becomes unavailable. Alarm.com requires cellular connectivity, so you will need a monitoring plan that includes cellular communication, such as an Alarm Grid Gold Plan (Self or Full).

Although the 2GIG GC3e doesn't support more advanced features like Bluetooth Disarming and Facial Recognition Disarming, the GC3e does support the robust lineup of 2GIG eSeries Encrypted Sensors. You can also supplement those encrypted sensors with non-encrypted sensors from the 2GIG 345 MHz Series and the Honeywell 5800 Series for good measure. The panel also has an integrated Z-Wave Plus controller so that you can start building a smart home network to make your life more convenient.

Overall, the 2GIG GC3e is an outstanding choice if you want more of a simple, no-frills panel that is still unmistakably modern and offers all the remote access and function through Alarm.com. If you do want something more advanced, than the 2GIG GC3e's effective replacement, the 2GIG Edge is available in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE variants. Both the GC3e and the Edge connect with the same Alarm.com platform, and both offer the same sensor compatibility. The main benefit to going with the Edge is that you get access to some more advanced features, such as the aforementioned Bluetooth Disarming and Facial Recognition Disarming. If you don't mind missing out on those features, then the 2GIG GC3e is basically just as good. Both systems feature very similar menus and user interfaces (UIs), so if you know one, then you pretty much already know the other!

In addition, we are also offering special pricing on 2GIG GC3e System Kits. Each kit includes a cellular communicator for getting the system monitored a Honeywell LT-Cable for providing power, one (1) 2GIG PIR1e-345 Motion Sensor, and either three (3) or ten (10) VERSA-2GIG Door and Window Contact Sensors. Just decide whether you want AT&T LTE or Verizon LTE, and also whether you want three (3) door and window sensors or ten (10) door and window sensors. Then find the corresponding kit below. Hurry, before time runs out!

• 2GIG GC3e 3-1 Kit w/ AT&T LTE
• 2GIG GC3e 10-1 Kit w/ AT&T LTE
• 2GIG GC3e 3-1 Kit w/ Verizon LTE
• 2GIG GC3e 10-1 Kit w/ Verizon LTE

Remember, once supplies of the 2GIG GC3e run out, then the system is gone forever. If you have any questions about the GC3e, or any of the other security systems on our website, or if you want to speak with a security system expert who can help you build the perfect setup for your home or business, then please do not hesitate to send an email to our dedicated team at support@alarmgrid.com. We're here to check your emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. Whether you go with the 2GIG GC3e, its replacement, the 2GIG Edge, or a different system entirely, we will be there to help you every step of the way. Thank you for reading the Alarm Grid Blog, and we will be back with more news and promotions real soon!

We have a quick bit of news today. Certain commercial-grade Alarm.com Security Cameras will receive an automatic firmware update in the coming weeks. Models receiving the update include the ADC-VC726, ADC-VC736, ADC-VC826, and ADC-VC836. No special action is needed to receive the update.

At this time, Alarm.com has not provided much information regarding the update. All we know is that the update is for Firmware Version V5.5.82.210318 and that it includes multiple stability enhancements. Only the aforementioned commercial-grade security cameras from Alarm.com are set to receive the update. These are all Power over Ethernet (PoE) cameras that only use hardwired ethernet for network connectivity, and they do not support WIFI connectivity. Although these are commercial-grade cameras designed for commercial or industrial use, they can certainly be used in residential settings as well.

Alarm.com has stated that these cameras will be automatically updated in the coming weeks. The update will occur as part of an automated overnight firmware upgrade process. Again, no special action is required to receive the update. Just make sure that your camera is powered on and connected to the network, and Alarm.com should take care of the reset.

Since this update is only for stability enhancements, it is very likely that you will not receive any direct notification that the update has been performed. However, you can easily check the installed firmware for your camera by accessing Alarm.com through a compatible web browser, logging into your account, clicking Video on the left-hand side, choosing Settings at the top, then choosing the first option of Video Device Info. From there, select the camera (Video Device) you want to view from the dropdown menu and note the Current Firmware Version. This can be seen in the following picture.

As we said, we don't know much about the firmware update that will be coming, and we only have "within the coming weeks" as a general timeframe. But still, feel free to leave your thoughts or start a discussion in the comments down below. We would love to hear what you think, And remember to stay tuned to the Alarm Grid Blog for more news coming soon!

We have an important update for all Google Nest Thermostat users who have integrated their Nest devices with Alarm.com. Any user who hasn't moved their Nest device over to a Google account by June 1st will have their Alarm.com/Nest integration reset. Take action now to avoid this!

According to Alarm.com, Google sent out a notice to all users still using Works With Nest accounts back in March 2020. The notice informed users that they needed to switch their Works With Nest accounts over to Google accounts. Now, Alarm.com is preparing to enforce this mandate, as they will reset the Alarm.com/Nest integration for any user who has not switched over to a Google account by June 1st. If this affects you, then you should take action immediately in order to avoid having your Nest integration reset. Alarm Grid previously covered the Nest integration for Alarm.com in late January 2020 when the integration was reintroduced. You can revisit that prior blog post here.

Fortunately, switching your Works With Nest account to a Google account is very easy. If you received an email from Google about this issue, you can click the option Switch to Google from within it to begin the migration. Otherwise, start by making sure you have the latest available version of the Nest App. Open the Nest App on your Android or iOS device. Once you are in the app, press the settings icon, which looks like a gear. Then choose the option for "Migrate to a Google Account". There will be important information that you should review. After reading, press the "Continue with Google" button. You can then select the Google account you want to use. If you use other Google Assistant and/or Google Home products, then it is recommended that you use the same Google account with your Nest Thermostat as you use with your other Google devices. You will also be given the option to create a new Google account if you do not have one already. After you have selected your account, press "Allow" to give the Nest App permission to access data from your Google account. If you have Works With Nest connections and/or the Google Home App, then extra steps may be presented to disconnect those connections and combine your homes into a unified Google Nest Home. Works With Nest connections cannot be used with a Google Account. From there, review the information, and follow the on-screen prompts to finish.

After you have finished moving over to a Google account, you may need to re-link your Nest Thermostat with Alarm.com. This can be done through the Alarm.com website. Login to Alarm.com using a compatible web browser, and then choose Settings on the left-hand side. Then choose Manage Devices, then Add Device, then Thermostat, then Google Nest Thermostat, and then Begin Installation. You will need to provide the Google account information associated with your Nest Thermostat. This is the same account you used when migrating from Works With Nest to Google. It will likely take a few minutes for the integration process to complete. If you are having trouble, you should reach out to your monitoring provider for further assistance. Alarm Grid customers can email support@alarmgrid.com for help. We respond to emails during our regular business hours of 9am to 8pm ET M-F.

Have you had a good experience using a Google Nest Thermostat with Alarm.com? Do you have any thoughts on the Alarm.com/Nest integration? Is there anything you particularly like or dislike about the integration or the Nest Thermostat in general? Let us know in a comment down below. We would love to hear what you have to say. And remember to stay tuned to the Alarm Grid Blog for more security system news coming soon!

In a previous Beta Firmware Version available to industry insiders, Resideo introduced the ability to live-stream SkyBell Doorbell Cameras from the Honeywell Home ROA7PLUS and Resideo PROA7PLUSC. The new upcoming feature will likely be made available to the general public very soon.

We have known about the camera streaming capabilities for the PROA7PLUS for quite some time, but we had yet to see what form the feature would take. That changes with this beta release, as we now have our first glimpse at the feature. Users can live-stream any Total Connect 2.0 compatible SkyBell device right from their PROA7PLUS or PROA7PLUSC. Compatible doorbell cameras include the round Honeywell SkyBell DBCAM and the slimline Honeywell SkyBell DBCAM-TRIM. The round model has since been discontinued, but the slimline model remains available for purchase from the Alarm Grid website.

In addition to streaming from a compatible panel, the system will also display a message whenever someone is at your door and rings the SkyBell device. The camera streaming also includes audio streaming, and you can engage in a two-way voice conversation with the person at your door. This is thanks to the integrated microphone included in the ProSeries Security Systems. This is great for telling your friend that you will unlock the door for them, or for telling a solicitor that you're not interested. The possibilities will be endless!

And not only is this feature available for the PROA7PLUS and PROA7PLUSC, you can also stream from the compatible touchscreen keypads, those being the Honeywell Home PROWLTOUCH Keypad and the Resideo PROWLTOUCHC Keypad. The touchscreen keypads support all of the same capabilities as the panels in this aspect, including doorbell camera streaming, audio streaming, and two-way voice. Remember that you must have WIFI capability enabled on the panel to integrate the touchscreen keypads as well as the Skybell.

One very important note about the SkyBell streaming feature is that it is only going to be supported by the "PLUS" versions of the ProSeries Panels, those being the PROA7PLUS and the PROA7PLUSC. It is our understanding that the PROA7 and PROA7C will not support the feature. If you were trying to decide between a "PLUS" and a "non-PLUS" version of a ProSeries System, well this is yet another reason to spring for one of the higher-end versions!

Although the feature has not been released to the public quite yet, we still have a general idea of how SkyBell Camera streaming will be implemented. First, you must have the system monitored and set up for service with Total Connect 2.0. You will then need to link your SkyBell device with your Total Connect 2.0 account. If you intend on buying a new SkyBell Camera for this purpose, then make sure that you are getting one of the Honeywell models for use with Total Connect 2.0. A user should never attempt to pair an Alarm.com SkyBell device with TC2 or with the native SkyBell App. After you link your ProSeries System with TC2, there will be a new Cameras option inside the main system menu. It is there that you can choose to stream a SkyBell Camera linked with your TC2 account. The device should show up after the doorbell camera has been successfully integrated with your TC2 account, and the panel has properly refreshed with the AlarmNet Servers.

We know that many Alarm Grid users will certainly take advantage of this feature once it is released. To ensure that you can get started with SkyBell Camera streaming as soon as it becomes available, make sure that you are monitored ahead of time. All TC2 users are entitled to have up to five (5) SkyBell devices linked with their accounts. You don't even need a true video monitoring plan to get started. More information on the subject can be found in this FAQ. If you're interested in signing up for monitoring service, and you haven't decided on a service provider as of yet, then you could consider one of Alarm Grid's monitoring plans. If you have questions, reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that we check and reply to emails during our usual business hours of 9am to 8pm ET M-F.

Are you excited about SkyBell Doorbell Camera streaming for the PROA7PLUS, PROA7PLUSC? We're sorry to tease you with a feature that hasn't seen its official release quite yet, but we figured that it would be okay to build up some hype. With the SkyBell Camera Streaming and Local End-User Programming for the ProSeries Panels both in Beta Development, it's fair to expect the features to be fully released any time now. We will provide updates in the Alarm Grid Blog regarding any major releases. For now, make sure to comment down below to share your thoughts on this upcoming feature. Also feel free to let us know about any security system coverage you would like to see us focus on in the future. That's it for today's blog, stay tuned for more Alarm Grid content coming soon!

Qolsys has released information regarding an issue affecting IQ Panel 2 Firmware Version 2.5.4 and Firmware Version 2.5.5. The issue affects the Z-Wave Home Automation functionality for IQ2 Systems on those firmware versions. The issue can be fixed by upgrading the system to 2.6.0.

According to Qolsys TSB# 210511, which can be viewed here, Z-Wave devices paired with an IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus System on Firmware Version 2.5.4 or Firmware Version 2.5.5 may occasionally buffer and repeatedly send the same command to the device every thirty (30) minutes. Although it's possible that any Z-Wave device could demonstrate this behavior, Qolsys says that it is most likely to affect the GoControl GD00Z-8-GC Z-Wave Plus Garage Door Opener.

Fortunately, Qolsys also adds that the issue can be easily corrected by upgrading to Firmware Version 2.6.0. If you haven't already, make sure to upgrade to Firmware Version 2.6.0 so that all of your programmed Z-Wave devices work as intended. More information on IQ Panel 2 Firmware Version 2.6.0, including what comes with the update and how to perform the update, can be found in this helpful blog post.

Alarm Grid will provide a future update if we learn anything more from Qolsys. But for now, it can be assumed that upgrading to Firmware Version 2.6.0 will resolve the issue. Remember to stay tuned to the Alarm Grid Blog for more updates coming soon!

This is just a friendly reminder that the 3G and CDMA Sunsets are still on-track. The AT&T 3G Sunset occurs January 31, 2022, while the Verizon CDMA Sunset occurs December 31, 2022. Alarm Grid can help you take action and make a transition to newer LTE hardware, or make alternative plans.

The 3G and CDMA Sunsets go beyond the alarm industry. Older cellular technology is being shut down and will no longer work. This is being done to transition resources to newer and more advanced cellular technology that will provide more effective service for users. After the shutdown, only 5G and 4G LTE will remain active as major network bands. Once your alarm system is set up with LTE, you will have a trustworthy and reliable communication path for many years to come.

You may have to start thinking about the 3G or CDMA Sunset if you have an older alarm system that is still using a 3G or CDMA Communicator. By the time the Sunset occurs and the associated cellular network is shut down, you will either have upgraded to newer technology, or your hand will be forced and your system will no longer be monitored.

The following outcomes are possible for any user with a 3G or CDMA Communicator:

• Upgrade to a new alarm panel entirely, namely one that will support LTE, or a Honeywell Panel or Resideo Panel that is IP Only.
• Keep the existing alarm panel, and upgrade its 3G or CDMA Communicator to a new LTE Communicator that will allow it to stay monitored.
• Downgrade to IP-only monitoring service. This is not possible for any system that uses Alarm.com.
• Terminate all monitoring service for the panel. It can still be used as a local sounder, but it will not report signals.

Users with 3G and CDMA Communicators who do not take any action will be subject to that last option. Once the 3G or CDMA Network is shut down, the panel will lose network connectivity, unless it is a Honeywell Panel configured for internet connectivity. A system that loses all connectivity due to a permanent network shutdown can still be armed and disarmed, but it cannot send any signals to the central station, meaning that no help can be automatically dispatched. The system also won't send notifications to Alarm.com or Total Connect 2.0, and the user won't be able to control their system remotely from one of those platforms. Also, the user will not be able to maintain an active Certificate of Alarm (CoA) for a discount on their homeowner's insurance. Only actively monitored systems are eligible for a CoA.

Many users aren't even aware that their systems have 3G or CDMA Communicators that need to be upgraded. There are ways to tell if your communicator needs to be upgraded, but it may be difficult for someone who isn't trained to tell. If you have an older security system that you think may be in need of a communicator upgrade, then we can help you. Reach out to our team at support@alarmgrid.com, and we will work with you to make sure that you are ready for the 3G or CDMA Sunset. Depending on your situation and the equipment, we will advise you to do one of the following.

• Upgrade to a panel that can support LTE Cellular.
• Upgrade the communicator for an existing panel to LTE Cellular.
• Certain Honeywell Panels can be downgraded to support IP-only so that you can stay monitored using the equipment you already have.

Do you have any questions about the 3G or CDMA Sunset? Maybe you have already upgraded, and you want to let us know about your experience? Or maybe you have been putting off upgrading and are waiting until the last minute? We would love for you to leave a comment down below to let us know how you are preparing for the 3G or CDMA Sunset in your home or business. This is a major event for the security industry, and it's happening very soon. Stay tuned to the Alarm Grid blog for more security news and updates on the 3G and CDMA Sunset, as we all transition to LTE.

Hey Alarm Grid Blog Readers, just a quick update. We wanted to let you know that we (finally) got our 2GIG Edge set up in the video room, and we will have some new videos covering the panel coming out soon. If you have been waiting to see the Edge in action, the time is coming soon!

We have a small amount of content already available for the Edge. We got up FAQs covering the processes for resetting the Installer Code, resetting the Master Code, and factory resetting the system, and we're sure that we'll have some more FAQs uploaded real soon, along with videos to accompany them.

If you have any requests for the 2GIG Edge, leave them in a comment down below, and you might just see it become reality. Or if you don't let us know what you want to see, then we'll just go and decide for you! Either way, we are planning some great content coming soon. And if you haven't seen our blog about 2GIG Edge Facial Recognition, then go and check that out. Like I said, it's a real quick post today, but we figured it was okay to get the hype train rolling. Get ready for Edge videos and content coming soon!

Update February 2024: We Won! For now, at least. LOL. It has been confirmed by Resideo and now a customer, that the weather is now working. This is on the older style Tuxedo Touch WIFI keypads. We have been fighting this fight to keep the weather going on these keypads. It took a while for Resideo to resolve this, and we appreciate everyone's input and patience. So go and enjoy it while you can.

Update November 2023: After daylight savings time ended on 11/5/2023, we received multiple reports of the weather no longer updating. We have reported this to Resideo and they are looking into the issue. We will continue to provide the most accurate up to date information we have. We appreciate your patience in this matter.

Update Christmas 2022: It appears the weather stopped updating on Tuxedo keypads once again around Christmas, 2022. However, it appears that as of January 3, 2023, it is back up and working again. This feature has been hit or miss for a while now, and officially, it's not supposed to be working on the legacy Tux keypads. The last official word from Resideo was in September, 2021, where they said the older style Tux keypads would no longer support weather and only the newer Tuxedo keypads would. You can read that notice here.

Newer style Tuxedo Keypad:

Older Style Tuxedo Touch WIFI:

Update April 2022: Per Resideo, though this feature seems to be working again, it is not officially fixed until we receive a new Technical Bulletin from them saying that it is. For now, if your keypad is not displaying the weather, refresh the weather on the forecast page. Do this by pressing the refresh button in the lower-left corner of the forecast screen.

Update December 2021: In late December, Resideo announced that the weather display feature had been fixed and is now available on Tuxedo Touch WIFI, VAM, and original Tuxedo Touch keypads. Hopefully, this will be the end of the Weather Feature Saga, once and for all!

There is an issue affecting all versions of the Honeywell and Resideo Tuxedo Keypads and VISTA Automation Modules (VAMs). This is a server issue causing the displayed weather forecast to not update. Resideo has not provided an ETA for a fix. Alarm Grid will update when more info is made available.

Update: Alarm Grid has learned that the issue is only affecting old style Tuxedo Touch Keypads, including the Tuxedo Touch WIFI and the original Tuxedo Touch with ethernet connectivity, as well as Honeywell VAM devices when accessed through a web browser. The issue is NOT affecting newer Honeywell Home Tuxedo and Resideo Tuxedo Keypads, as was initially reported. Keep in mind that these new-style Tuxedo Keypads may only update weather once per day, so the displayed last update time might still seem off. But if you click the refresh button in the bottom-left corner of the weather display screen, then it will still update. As the issue is relatively minor and only affecting old style devices, it's possible that Resideo may put off applying a fix for a while. Again, we promise to provide an update if any new information is made available. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the issue.