How Do I Change the Communication Test on the IQ Panel 5?

To change the periodic communication test on the IQ Panel 5, swipe down and touch Settings, then Advanced Settings, and enter your Installer Code. Next, touch Installation, then Installer Settings, and scroll down to the Periodic Comm Test to set the test interval and its own start time.

About the Periodic Communication Test

The periodic communication test is a routine check-in the IQ Panel 5 (available in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE) sends to confirm its connection to the monitoring network is healthy. It helps verify that your security system can reach the central station or monitoring platform between real events. Under the Periodic Comm Test heading in Installer Settings, there are two controls that work together:

Setting the interval and start time together lets you decide both how frequently the panel checks in and when that check happens, so you can schedule it for a quiet time of day. The defaults suit most systems, but you may adjust them to match what your monitoring provider recommends.

Before You Begin

These settings are in the Installer Settings, which require the Installer Code (1111 by default) or Dealer Code (2222 by default). The steps below use the Installer Code. If your system is professionally monitored, check with your provider before changing the interval, since they may rely on a specific test schedule to confirm your panel is online.

Change the Periodic Comm Test

1. Swipe down and touch Settings. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Settings Tray, then touch SETTINGS.
   
   Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Settings Tray.Touch Settings in the Settings Tray.
2. Touch Advanced Settings and enter your Installer Code. Touch ADVANCED SETTINGS, then enter your Installer Code (1111 by default). The Dealer Code (2222) works here too. The panel advances automatically after a valid code.
   
   Touch Advanced Settings.Enter your Installer Code (1111 by default).
3. Touch Installation, then Installer Settings. Touch INSTALLATION, then open INSTALLER SETTINGS and scroll down to the Periodic Comm Test heading.
   
   Open Installer Settings and scroll to Periodic Comm Test.
4. Set the Communication Test interval. Touch Communication Test and choose Never, Daily, Weekly, or Monthly. This sets how often the panel runs the periodic test, and it is Weekly by default.
   
   Choose Never, Daily, Weekly, or Monthly.
5. Set the Communication Test Start Time. Touch Communication Test Start Time. A clock appears, so you can pick the time of day the periodic test begins. Set your preferred time to finish.
   
   Pick the start time on the clock.

Tips

Setting the interval to Never turns off the periodic test entirely, which is generally not recommended for a monitored system, since the test is how the network confirms your panel is still reachable. A quiet overnight start time is a common choice so the test does not coincide with daily activity. If you are unsure which interval to use, Weekly is the standard default and works well for most setups.

Changing the periodic communication test on the IQ Panel 5 lets you control how often and when the panel checks in with the network. For help with the communication test or other monitoring settings on your IQ Panel 5, contact the Alarm Grid support team. We are here Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time. Email us at support@alarmgrid.com, call us at 888-818-7728, or visit our website and chat with a live support agent.