IQ Panel 5 Verizon LTE Posts

Qolsys has released IQ Panel 5 firmware version 5.0.2 with performance improvements, bug fixes, and upgrades to PGM rules on the entire IQ Panel 5 family. Unlike IQ4 systems, the IQ5 lineup no longer supports local firmware updates through the panel access point and now relies solely on WIFI.

Firmware Updates on IQ4 vs IQ5 Panels

The IQ4 family of panels allows firmware updates to be installed locally using the panel’s built-in access point feature, commonly called Panel AP. This method allowed a user or installer to download the firmware file to a phone or tablet, connect directly to the panel and transfer the file, then install the update.

While this feature was convenient in certain situations, it was seldom used in real-world installations. Most IQ panel firmware updates are performed using WIFI and the panel’s built-in network update tools. Because of this, Qolsys removed local firmware installation support from the IQ Panel 5 family.

This change affects the following systems:

• IQ Panel 5
• IQ5 Hub
• IQ5 NS

These panels can still receive firmware updates directly from Qolsys or Alarm.com using an internet connection, but downloadable firmware files are no longer provided for local installation. However, you can bookmark our IQ5 Family Firmware Update Page for information about future updates.

How to Update IQ Panel 5 Firmware

Before starting the update process, make sure the panel is connected to WIFI and is powered by AC with a charged backup battery. The panel must be on version 5.0.1 before installing 5.0.2. To find the current version, swipe down from the top of the screen, tap Settings > Advanced Settings > Enter Installer Code (default:1111) > About > Tap Software. Verify your panel is on software 5.0.1.

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen and touch “Settings.”
2. Tap “Advanced Settings.”
3. Enter the Installer Code. The default is 1111.
4. Tap “Upgrade Software.”
5. Touch “Patch Tag.”
6. Enter the patch tag: iqpanel5.0.2
7. Touch “OK.”
8. Touch “Upgrade Using Network.”
9. Allow the panel to download and install the update.
10. When prompted, touch “OK” to reboot the panel.

The software install and reboot process can take several minutes. Do not interact with the touchscreen while the update is being installed.

Using “Upgrade Using Network” Without a Patch Tag

You can also update the panel without entering a patch tag. In many cases, simply selecting “Upgrade Using Network” will allow the panel to contact Qolsys servers and automatically search for available firmware.

However, when a firmware release is very new, Qolsys may initially restrict the automatic update path while the rollout is being staged. During that time, the firmware may only be available by entering the correct patch tag manually.

Once the rollout becomes fully public, the patch tag is usually no longer necessary.

Update Via Alarm.com

For those who are less into Do It Yourself, and more into Do It Together, you can request that your alarm dealer push the firmware update for you using Alarm.com. The Alarm.com server can tell if there are one or more firmware updates available for your panel based on its current version. The server will advise which updates should be installed, and will recommend the proper order, if multiple updates are available.

What’s New in Firmware Version 5.0.2?

Firmware version 5.0.2 includes several fixes and improvements for the IQ Panel 5 family.

• Fixed an issue where the siren could continue sounding during a Panel Test.
• Improved IQ Installer App pairing performance with IQ5 systems.
• Resolved an issue where the panel could reboot while writing health memory data.
• Updated touchscreen sensitivity calibration.
• Added updated supervision support for new PGP Heat Detectors, including the PGP9979 and PGP8979.
• Fixed certain PGM rule behaviors when using compatible W2W and IOG modules.

As with previous Qolsys firmware releases, version 5.0.2 focuses heavily on stability improvements and better long-term reliability for both installers and end users.

If you're an Alarm Grid customer and you need help updating your IQ Panel 5, IQ5 Hub, or IQ5 NS firmware, our support team is happy to assist. You can email us at support@alarmgrid.com or call us at 888-818-8283. Our support hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM ET. Please have your panel connected to WIFI before beginning the update process.

Update: All versions and kits now available!!

The IQ Panel 5 family has officially arrived, and we now have stock available on every model. The IQ Panel 5 family represents a major step forward in security system technology, featuring the Qualcomm DragonWing quad-core processor, Android 14, and built-in PowerG wireless support across all panel variants.

Stock is now available on every panel in the IQ5 family with the exception of the IQ5 Hub with AT&T LTE. As manufacturing ramps up, this panel will become available. We'll update this post when that happens.

IQ Panel 5 Family Variations

As the rollout continues, we will see additional variations become available. You can see a list of all of them below:

If you click any of the product links above for items that are not yet available, the product page will appear with a placeholder price. Once these items become available, we will update the pricing and this blog. You can bookmark this post and check back anytime to see the latest availability for the panel variation that interests you.

Daughter Cards

All IQ Panel 5 family panels come with PowerG built-in. If you need to support legacy wireless sensors from an existing system, you can add an optional daughter card. These are the same cards used with the IQ Panel 4 and are available now:

Accessories

Each IQ Panel 5 family system includes a SmartMount wall mount bracket in the box. The table stand is sold separately and works with all three panel models:

IQ Panel 5 Family Kits

Looking to get everything you need in one package? Our starter kits bundle a panel with the new PowerG+ sensors, the updated line of PowerG sensors featuring a sleeker, more modern design while delivering the same long-range, encrypted wireless performance PowerG is known for.

3-1 Kits are perfect for smaller homes or apartments. Each kit includes one panel, three PGP9303 door/window sensors, and one PGP9914 motion sensor.

10-1 Kits are ideal for larger homes with more entry points. Each kit includes one panel, ten PGP9303 door/window sensors, and one PGP9914 motion sensor.

IQ Panel 5 Kits:

IQ Hub Kits:

IQ5 NS Kits:

What is the IQ Panel 5 Family?

Like the IQ Panel 4 family, the IQ Panel 5 comes in three distinct variants designed to meet different installation needs and budgets:

IQ Panel 5 is the flagship model with a 7-inch HD touchscreen, built-in 13MP PortraitView camera for disarm photos, built-in glass break detection, dual microphones, and all the advanced features you would expect from a top-tier panel. The camera automatically captures photos without requiring manual tilt adjustment.

IQ5 Hub delivers the same 7-inch touchscreen experience and software interface as the IQ Panel 5 at a more accessible price point. It shares the same processor, operating system, and a similar feature set, making it an excellent choice for customers who want full touchscreen functionality without the flagship price.

IQ5 NS (No Screen) eliminates the touchscreen entirely. This panel is designed to be mounted out of sight and configured through the IQ Installer app available on iOS or Android. Status is conveyed through LED indicators: green for disarmed, red for armed. The IQ5 NS is ideal for installations where the panel will be hidden in a closet or utility room, and users prefer to control their system through the Alarm.com app, an IQ Remote keypad, or a third-party automation system like Control4.

IQ Panel 5 Family Comparison Chart

Key Improvements Over Previous Generations

All IQ Panel 5 family panels run on the Qualcomm DragonWing processor with Android 14, a significant upgrade from previous generations. The panels include Z-Wave 800-series modules with Z-Wave Long Range support, Bluetooth 5.0 + LE for touchless disarming, and LTE + WIFI dual-path communication. The hardware design has been refined with improved power supply, tamper switch, and SmartMount backplate for easier installation.

One major change from the IQ Panel 4 is how legacy RF sensor support is handled. The IQ Panel 5 family uses PowerG as the built-in wireless protocol. Legacy RF frequency support for 319.5 MHz (Interlogix/GE/Qolsys), 345 MHz (Honeywell/2GIG), or 433 MHz (legacy DSC) sensors is added through optional daughter cards rather than being built into separate panel SKUs. This simplifies the product lineup while still allowing easy takeovers of existing sensor installations.

Each panel supports up to 128 PowerG security devices, up to 128 legacy RF sensors (with daughter card), up to 167 Z-Wave devices, up to 100 PowerG automation devices, up to 242 user codes, and up to 4 partitions.

Choosing the Right Panel

Choose the IQ Panel 5 if you want the complete flagship experience with all available features, including the built-in camera for disarm photos, glass break detection, Live View and Live Answer for video doorbell cameras, Photo Frame, and weather display.

Choose the IQ5 Hub if you want the full touchscreen experience at a more accessible price point. The IQ5 Hub uses the same software interface and delivers the same capabilities as the IQ Panel 5.

Choose the IQ5 NS if you plan to mount the panel out of sight and control your system entirely through the Alarm.com app or an IQ Remote secondary keypad. This panel is also perfect for high-end automation integration. The IQ5 NS does not have a touchscreen, camera, glass break detection, or weather display, but it offers the same powerful processor and connectivity options at a lower cost.

Questions?

If you have questions about which panel from the IQ5 family is right for your installation, or if you need help setting up your new system, the Alarm Grid support team is here to help. Contact us Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time at 888-818-7728, or email us at support@alarmgrid.com. You can also visit our site and take advantage of our live chat option.