How Do I Connect My iPhone To A Qolsys IQ Panel 4?

To connect an iPhone to an IQ Panel 4, install the panel and then activate your monitoring service. Be sure the monitoring plan includes panel access through Alarm.com. For Alarm Grid customers, this will be any Gold Plan (Full or Self) or higher. Install the Alarm.com app and then log in.

One of the best aspects of modern alarm systems is the ability to connect to the panel when you're away. This allows you to check on system status, arm or disarm, and control automation devices from wherever you are. The Qolsys IQ Panel 4 uses Alarm.com service. You can think of Alarm.com as a routing system for alarm signals and remote commands.

The Qolsys IQ Panel 4 is registered to the Alarm.com server. Once registered, any signals sent out from the panel are routed by Alarm.com to the proper central monitoring station. Remote control sessions between the user and the panel, including authentication, are also facilitated by the Alarm.com server. End-user notifications are also handled by the Alarm.com server. All communication into and out of the panel is routed through Alarm.com to the proper location.

To connect an iPhone to your panel so that you can check status, arm and disarm, and manually control Z-Wave and other automation devices, follow these steps:

1. Install the panel. Choose the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 that best suits your needs. If you will be installing the panel brand new, with no existing panel being replaced, then you can choose whichever panel version supports the sensors you like best. If you are replacing a panel that still has working wireless sensors installed, then choose an IQ Panel 4 that supports those sensors if possible. There are versions of the IQ Panel 4 that support 2GIG and Honeywell 345 MHz Sensors, Qolsys and Interlogix/GE 319.5 MHz Sensors, and Legacy DSC 433 MHz Sensors. Every Qolsys IQ Panel 4 can support DSC PowerG 915 MHz sensors. Once you have your panel, install it per the installation guide.
   
   It should be noted that the only encrypted sensors that are supported on any of the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 models are the PowerG sensors, which use full 128-bit AES military-grade encryption, and the Qolsys S-Line sensors, which use rolling-code encryption. None of the 2GIG encrypted sensors will work with the IQ Panel 4. Also, none of the bi-directional wireless sensors from Honeywell are compatible. You can read a full list of compatible RF devices here.
   
   Remember that the type of RF sensor supported will depend on which panel version you choose. If you're not sure which way to go, and you aren't replacing an existing system, we recommend sticking with PowerG wireless sensors, in which case it won't matter which legacy RF option you choose, if any. We do offer a Qolsys IQ Panel 4 Kit for AT&T and another Qolsys IQ Panel 4 Kit for Verizon. These two (2) kits come with two (2) door/window sensors and one (1) motion sensor. They are available only in white, and each supports only PowerG wireless sensors. Since there is no legacy RF card, these panel kits are slightly more affordable than the dual-Security RF panel options. Since these are factory-configured kits, there are no substitutions available.
   
   
2. Activate the panel. Once the panel is installed, you can activate it for monitoring. If you are an Alarm Grid customer, you will sign up for the plan of your choice. During sign-up, you will provide information from your system, in particular the IMEI number. From there, depending on whether you sign up for a Self-Monitored or Full-Monitored plan, we will either remotely activate your system (Self), or you will set an appointment time for us to contact you to go through a Full-Monitoring activation. During the activation, your Alarm.com account will be created.
   
   
3. Download the Alarm.com app. On the Apple App Store, search for the Alarm.com App. You can see what the icon looks like below. Download and install the app. Once your account has been activated for monitoring, you'll receive a welcome email with your Alarm.com username and an option to set a password. Once you've done that, you can open the Alarm.com app and log in. You'll be able to set up 2-factor authentication if you like.
   
   The options you see in the Alarm.com app will depend on the monitoring plan you sign up for and the devices you connect with your panel. If you have Alarm.com cameras, you'll want to sign up for the Platinum Plan (Full or Self). You can read about what's included with an Alarm.com video plan here. You can set up notifications to be sent to you and your designees when motion is activated within a camera's view. You can also be notified of alarms, trouble conditions, and when the panel is armed or disarmed.
   
   If you have an Alarm.com doorbell camera, you can answer your doorbell through the app from anywhere. This is a great way to appear to be at home, even when you're not. This ability may foil a burglar who is checking for vacant homes in your area.
   
   You can also control Z-Wave automation devices that are paired with your panel and create rules. In addition, Alarm.com offers a wide variety of 3rd-party integrations through their app that you will also be able to control. These include irrigation systems, Sonos audio, LiftMaster, and MyQ garage doors, Overhead Door Company doors, and many more. Below, you can see some of the screens available in the Alarm.com app.
   
   The left and center images are of the Home Screen, with the second image being further down the page as you scroll. This particular account has Video as well as automation devices. The right-most image is of the More Screen: