How Do I Run a Cellular LTE Test on the IQ5 Hub System?

To run a cellular LTE test on the IQ5 Hub, swipe down from the top of the screen and select Settings, then Advanced Settings. Enter the Installer Code (1111 by default), select System Tests, then Cellular Test. Press Start to test the cellular radio path and view signal strength.

Before You Begin

The IQ5 Hub (available in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE) uses a built-in LTE cellular radio to communicate with Alarm.com and the central monitoring station. The cellular test verifies that this radio is connected and able to send and receive signals. Before running the test, the cellular radio must first be activated through Alarm.com during the initial account setup. If the radio has not been activated, the test will not return meaningful results.

Running a cellular test is recommended whenever you suspect the panel has lost its ability to send or receive signals, after moving the panel to a new location, or as part of your regular system maintenance routine. The test results show your carrier name, connection status, IMEI number, and cell signal strength measured in dBm, asu, and signal bars. A strong cellular connection is critical for reliable alarm reporting, especially for users with a monitoring plan that relies on cellular communication to reach the central station.

Running a Cellular Test

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen and select Settings. The settings tray slides down. Select Settings to open the main settings page.

2. Select Advanced Settings and enter the Installer Code (1111 by default). A keypad appears asking for a code. The code auto-advances after the last digit. You can also use the Dealer Code (2222 by default) or Master Code (1234 by default) to access this menu.

3. Select System Tests from the Installer menu. The Installer menu shows icons for Installation, User Management, About, System Tests, Panel Reboot, Power Down, Upgrade Software, WIFI, Sound, and Setup Wizard. Select the System Tests icon to open the list of available tests.

4. Select Cellular Test. The Cellular Test screen opens showing a Start button on the left and Cellular Information on the right. The Cellular Information section displays your carrier name, connection status, and IMEI number before you even run the test.

5. Press Start to begin the cellular test. The panel sends a test signal through the cellular radio to the Alarm.com server. A message appears saying "Cellular radio test started. Please wait..." followed by "Cellular wireless path tested successfully. Call Central Station to check reports if needed." The Cell signal strength field updates with your current reading in dBm, asu, and bars (out of 5). A higher bar count and lower absolute dBm value indicate a stronger signal.

Tips

If the cellular test fails, check that the cellular radio has been activated on your Alarm.com account. The radio activates during the Setup Wizard when the panel first connects to Alarm.com. If the test passes but shows weak signal strength (1 or 2 bars), consider relocating the panel to a spot with better cellular reception, or contact your security system provider to discuss options. A dual-path setup using both cellular and WIFI provides the most reliable communication. You can test the WIFI path separately using the Dual Path Test in the same System Tests menu. For panels with PowerG sensors and home automation devices, a strong cellular connection ensures remote commands from the Alarm.com app reach your system quickly and reliably.

Running a cellular test confirms your panel can communicate with the monitoring station and Alarm.com on the IQ5 Hub. For help with cellular tests and signal strength or other configurations on your IQ5 Hub, 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.