How Do I Check for Software Updates on the IQ5 NS Panel?

To check for software updates on the IQ5 NS, open the IQ Installer app on your mobile device and connect to the panel. Navigate to Configuration, select Upgrade Software, then Patch Tag, and run Automatic Patch Check. The panel checks for updates over WIFI and installs any available firmware.

Before You Begin

Keeping your IQ5 NS (available in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE) up to date is essential for receiving the latest features, security patches, and bug fixes. Software updates are delivered over your WIFI network through the Alarm.com platform. The panel needs an active WIFI connection with internet access to download updates. Before starting, make sure your panel is connected to WIFI and plugged into AC power. Do not power down or disconnect the panel during an update.

Because the IQ5 NS does not have a built-in display, all software update management is handled through the IQ Installer app on your iOS or Android device. If you have not yet connected the IQ Installer app to your panel, see our guide on setting up the IQ5 NS with the IQ Installer app before proceeding.

The IQ5 NS also supports automatic background updates. By default, the panel checks for new software once a week and downloads updates automatically. You can change the check interval to every night, once a week, or once a month. Running a manual check is useful when you want to verify your security system has the latest firmware version.

Checking for Updates Manually

1. Open the IQ Installer app and connect to the IQ5 NS. If you have not yet paired the app with the panel, scan the QR code on the back of the panel and press the power button twice within 3 seconds. Enter the Installer Code (1111 by default) to establish the connection. The app dashboard appears showing the panel status.

2. Navigate to Configuration, then select Upgrade Software. The Upgrade Software screen opens in the IQ Installer app showing three options: Manual Upgrade, Auto Upgrade, and Patch Tag. The Patch Tag option is the standard method for checking for updates over WIFI.

3. Select Patch Tag. The Patch Tag screen opens showing the current patch tag value and the Automatic Patch Check button. The patch tag is a code that corresponds to a specific software version on the update server.

4. Select Automatic Patch Check. The IQ5 NS connects to the update server over WIFI and checks for the latest software version. If your panel is already up to date, a message confirms you have the most recent software. If an update is available, the panel automatically begins downloading it. During the update, the status LED turns red. Once the update is complete, the LED flashes blue as the panel reboots. Do not disconnect power during this process.

Tips

You can also enable automatic background updates to keep your panel current without manually checking. From the Upgrade Software screen, select Auto Upgrade and make sure the Background Download for Updates toggle is enabled. The default check interval is once a week. The IQ5 NS downloads updates in the background and installs them automatically. This is the recommended approach for most users since it ensures your home automation devices, PowerG sensors, and panel features all stay compatible with the latest firmware. If WIFI is not available at your installation site, you can use the Manual Upgrade option to load update files from your phone or tablet through the panel's built-in access point. Contact the Alarm Grid support team if you need help identifying your current software version.

Keeping your panel firmware up to date ensures you have the latest features and security improvements on the IQ5 NS. For help with software updates or other configurations on your IQ5 NS, 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.