Learn How to Use Homelife Alarms – Home Security

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Your guide to Homelife alarms

With Cox Homelife Security, you’re protected no matter the situation. See what your alarms can do.

Alarm types

Rest easy knowing you’re covered for different types of emergencies.

Learn more about alarm types

Alarm modes

Whether you’re going on vacation or hanging out around home, you’ll always be protected.

Learn more about alarm modes

Cancelling an alarm

Accidentally set off your alarm? Don't worry, you can easily cancel it.

Learn more about cancelling alarms

Any emergency, every time. We've got you covered.

Get the right response to specific emergencies with 6 different alarms that connect you to the police, fire department and/or medical staff. If an alarm goes off, an operator will call to confirm the emergency and send emergency personnel, if necessary.

Intrusion (burglary) alarm

An operator will call two numbers on your emergency contact list to confirm the emergency. If there’s no response or if the master code (and/or secret word) given is incorrect, an emergency response will be dispatched and the responding parties will be notified.

Police panic alarm

An operator will call two numbers on your emergency contact list to confirm the emergency. If there’s no response or if the master code (and/or secret word) given is incorrect, an emergency response will be dispatched and the responding parties will be notified.

Medical panic alarm

An operator will call two numbers on your emergency contact list to confirm if medical assistance is needed before sending paramedics, then the responding parties will be notified. If there’s no response or if the master code (and/or secret word) given is incorrect, an emergency response will be dispatched.

Fire/smoke/carbon monoxide alarm

An operator will call the first number on your emergency contact list before sending fire rescue, then responding parties will be notified. For carbon monoxide alarms, an operator will call both “call to verify” emergency contacts on your list.

Duress or silent panic alarm

A silent alarm signal will be sent to the Central Monitoring Station. For silent panic signals, operator will call the first number on your emergency contact list before sending the police. For duress signals, police will be dispatched immediately, then the responding parties will be notified.

Water sensor alarm

An operator will call two numbers on your emergency contact list to confirm the alarm. If there’s no response, responding parties will be notified, but authorities will not be dispatched.

Armed for every situation

Give your household the right protection for every time of day with these three alarm modes.

Arming mode	Used when..	Zones(s) armed	Exit delay*	Entry delay*
Arm Away	Everyone leaves	Perimeter (doors, windows) Interior (motion detectors)	60 seconds	30 seconds
Arm Stay	Someone stays home	Perimeter (doors, windows)	2 minutes	30 seconds
Arm Night	Household goes to bed	Perimeter (doors, windows) Interior (zones set for AM night)	2 minutes	none

Learn how to add and edit keypad codes

You can create and edit 4-digit keypad codes to share with family members, trusted guests and professionals. There are 5 different levels of codes, but there can be only one Master code and one Duress code, which can’t be deleted.

To add or edit a new keypad code, follow these steps:

On your Touchscreen, press the Settings app and enter your Master Keypad Code

Select the security category and then select Manage Keypad Codes

Touch the Add Keycode button to create a new one, or the Edit button next to existing codes to make changes and press save.

Arming mode	Used when..	Zones(s) armed
Master Code	Head(s) of household	Arm Disarm Configure settings
Standard Code	Other household members (e.g. kids)	Arm Disarm Bypass zones (as needed)
Guest Code	Trusted Guest	Arm Disarm Cannot bypass zones
Arm Only Code	Service professionals	Arm only
Duress Code	Household members in duress situations (e.g. forced to disarm system by a burglar)	Disarm only Silent alarm is sent immediately to Central Monitoring Station

activating and canceling alarms

Help is only a few clicks away

Want to know how to manage your alarms using your Homelife Touchscreen Control Panel? Here’s how:

arming/disarming with the homelife app

Protect your home anytime, anywhere

With the Homelife app, you can arm or disarm your system even when you’re away.

Sign in to the Homelife app using your User ID and Password

To arm your system, tap the green security tile and choose an arming mode

Enter your 4-digit security keypad code or use Touch ID or Face ID (on select devices). The security tile will turn red during the arming period

The app will alert you if any security zones are faulted, meaning there are open doors, windows, etc.

You can bypass a faulted zone by tapping arm anyway

Tap the red security tile to disarm your system, enter your 4-digit security keypad code or use Touch ID or Face ID (on select devices)

The security tile will turn green once the system is disarmed

Watch video

using the homelife touchscreen

Get to know your Homelife Touchscreen

Easily arm, disarm and bypass zones with your home security system. Everything you need to protect your home is here.

How to avoid false alarms

Save yourself from unwanted hassle and false alarm fees. Follow these tips to prevent false alarms:

Properly train all alarm users
Add the Central Monitoring Station’s phone number to your contacts so you’ll know when we’re calling to verify an emergency: 1-800-633-2677
Secure your doors and windows before turning on alarms
Maintain the alarm system (including batteries) properly
Make sure every household member knows the master code (or secret word) for cancelling false alarms
Make sure moving items like balloons, curtains or wandering pets are not placed in the path of motion detectors
The Central Monitoring Station operator will not indicate if a master code (or secret word) has been provided, and will proceed with dispatching the proper authorities. If you need to speak to an operator, please call 1-877-404-2568 and press option 1. (Note: Process may vary in Las Vegas with an added verified response.**)

Want to know more? Here's some more helpful info.

**Some communities charge a fee for responding to a false alarm, so please ensure your Emergency Contact Numbers are always up-to-date.

download the homelife app

Take control with a tap

Control your entire smart home, including lights, thermostat, doors and more with your smartphone. Simply download the Homelife app and sign in with your Homelife Username and Password. See supported devices.