Is the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Compatible w/ Total Connect?

No, the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 is not compatible with Total Connect. The Total Connect service can only be used with Honeywell Security Systems. However, the IQ Panel 2 can be used with Alarm.com instead. This is a similar service that provides virtually all of the features of Total Connect.

Honeywell specifically designed their Total Connect service so that only their own systems can communicate with the servers. This means that panels manufactured by other companies cannot be used with the service. Because of this, it is impossible to use a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 with the Total Connect platform.

Fortunately, there is an excellent alternative option available for Qolsys owners. Alarm.com is a very similar service that can be used in largely the same way as Total Connect. A Qolsys IQ Panel 2 can work with Alarm.com to receive mostly the same connectivity that a Honeywell panel will receive with the Total Connect service.

By syncing the IQ Panel 2 with Alarm.com, a user can control their system in some very useful ways. Accessing the Alarm.com service will allow the user to arm and disarm their system, view the current status of sensors, control Z-Wave devices, view the live feed of security cameras and more. And with the Alarm.com Mobile App, these actions can be performed from virtually anywhere.

It is important to note that the IQ Panel 2 must have an active cellular connection in order to sync with Alarm.com. The system already comes with an integrated cellular communicator. However, a compatible alarm monitoring plan will also be needed. For Alarm Grid, this includes the Gold and Platinum level plans. The IQ Panel 2 already requires cellular service for monitoring, so this not a major hurdle for most users.

While Alarm.com and Total Connect are both very similar, they can differ in terms of compatibility with smart home devices and services. For instance, some smart home devices can only integrate with Alarm.com, while others can only integrate with Total Connect. Both Alarm.com and Total Connect are actively working to improve their lists of integrations. Just because a device is not compatible with one of these services right now does not necessarily mean that won't be compatible sometime in the future. Keep this in mind if you decide to use smart home devices and services with your security system.