What Does Bypassing a Zone Do on the IQ5 NS Security System?

Bypassing a zone on the IQ5 NS removes a sensor from the system's protection for one arming cycle. When a zone is bypassed, opening or faulting that sensor will not trigger an alarm. This also allows you to arm the system even when a sensor is open, damaged, or temporarily out of service.

Before You Begin

The IQ5 NS (available in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE) has no touchscreen. All configuration is performed through the IQ Installer app on your mobile device, and arming is done via the Alarm.com app, a compatible PowerG keypad or keyfob. 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 default Master Code is 1234 and the default Installer Code is 1111, both of which should be changed during installation. Each sensor's bypass eligibility is controlled by the Bypass setting in the sensor configuration. Sensors set to Bypass Disabled do not appear in the bypass list and cannot be bypassed by the user.

What Bypassing a Zone Does

When you bypass a zone on the IQ5 NS, that sensor is excluded from the armed system for the current arming cycle only. The bypassed sensor will not generate an alarm signal if it is opened, triggered, or faulted while the system is armed. The bypass is automatically cleared the next time the system is disarmed, so the sensor returns to full protection on the following arm.

Bypassing is used when a door or window needs to remain open while the rest of the system is armed, or when a sensor is temporarily out of service. It is also useful when arming around a malfunctioning sensor that is awaiting repair or replacement.

Configuring the Bypass Setting per Sensor

The IQ5 NS controls bypass eligibility at the sensor level through the IQ Installer app. To enable or disable bypassing for a specific sensor, open the IQ Installer app and connect to the IQ5 NS panel. Navigate to Installation > Devices > Security Sensors and select the sensor you want to configure. In the sensor fields, locate the Bypass setting and set it to Enabled or Disabled. Touch Save to apply the change.

Bypassing Zones from a Compatible Keypad

On the IQ5 NS, manual zone bypassing during arming is performed from a connected LCD keypad. To bypass individual zones, press [*] to enter the function menu, press [*] or [1], enter your access code if required, then enter the three-digit zone number to bypass. To bypass all open zones, press [*][9][9][8] or scroll to Bypass Options and select Bypass Open Zones. Bypass is automatically cleared when the system is disarmed.

The keypad displays each zone's status with indicators: no letter for ready, "O" for open, and "B" for bypassed. If a zone shows "B," it is confirmed as excluded from protection for the current arming cycle.

Auto Bypass Setting on the IQ5 NS

The IQ5 NS has an Auto Bypass setting under Security and Arming in the IQ Installer app. When Auto Bypass is enabled (the default), the panel automatically bypasses open or tampered sensors at arming time, allowing the system to arm without manual intervention. When Auto Bypass is disabled, an open sensor prevents arming entirely. Note that Auto Bypass must be disabled for UL/cUL listed commercial burglary installations. The Alarm.com app sends bypass notifications each time arming occurs with bypassed zones, keeping you informed of which sensors are excluded with an active monitoring plan.

Bypass Indication on the IQ5 NS

Since the IQ5 NS has no touchscreen, bypassed zone feedback is provided through the connected keypad display and the Alarm.com app. The keypad shows a "B" next to any bypassed zone, and the Alarm.com activity log records bypass events with timestamps. The IQ5 NS Status LED continues to reflect overall system readiness regardless of individual zone bypass status.

Bypassing a zone on the IQ5 NS gives you flexibility to arm your system even when a sensor needs to be temporarily excluded from protection. For help with zone bypass settings or other configurations on your IQ5 NS, contact the Alarm Grid support team. We're here Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Eastern Time. Email us at support@alarmgrid.com.