Learn Center

Cox is carefully monitoring coronavirus guidelines from health, safety, and local government officials in your area. For your safety and the safety of our technicians, we may or may not be able to enter your home or business. If we’re not able to come inside, we’ll do everything we can from outside using mobile devices and other virtual tools. You may be asked to perform some tasks, but our technicians will assist you and ensure your services are up and running. Learn more about updates.

Homelife Security install

Prepare for your install

What happens during installation?

Here’s what to expect, along with a few steps to prepare.

Step-by-step prep

Sign up for reminders

Sign up for how you'd like to receive reminders (email or text) under Notification Preferences in My Profile. You'll receive a notification the day before your appointment, confirming the time.

Download the apps

If something comes up that interferes with your appointment, you can change your time/day in My Account, or through the Cox app. Make sure to download the Homelife app ahead of time.

The game plan

Your technician will arrive with your scheduled 2-hour window. They'll walk through your home, finding the best setup for your devices and start to hook everything up. Appointments usually take less than an hour. Feel free to ask your technicians any questions during the process.

Homelife Security installation prepraration

For your installation day

There are a few things you'll have to do before and on the day of your installation.

Before your installation appointment, make sure that the service agreement (emailed to your primary email associated with your Cox account) is signed.

Never got one? Call 1-888-602-9625, or reach out to your sales representative.

Keep the following in mind:

Your preferred 4-digit keypad code for arming/disarming your system,
Your preferred “secret word” to cancel false alarms
Provide at least two Emergency Dispatch contacts

You’ll get an email with a temporary Username and Password during the process; make sure to keep this written down somewhere since you’ll need it to complete the activation.

On the day of your appointment, please make sure to help us by prepping your home. Here's a helpful installation appointment checklist to ensure that the process goes smoothly.

Depending on where you live, you may need to get an alarm user permit. Check your city's specific requirements for more information.

download the homelife app

Smart home, meet smartphone

You’ll need the Homelife app to set up your devices and control them from anywhere. Download the app to get started. See if your device is supported.

Alarm tips and tricks

How to avoid false alarms

Once you’re all set up, try these tips to avoid false alarms. And here’s a few more tips for a healthy Homelife.

In the Homelife app, enter your permit number and expiration date in your account by going to the More menu and then selecting Account.

Don’t move your Touchscreen Control Panel once it’s been installed, or it could disrupt your home security service.

Keep your emergency contacts up-to-date. Need to change them? In the Homelife app, go to the More menu and select Contacts.

Save the Central Monitoring Station (1-800-633-2677) as a contact on your phone, so you know when we’re calling to verify an emergency.

Meet your smart home equipment starter kit

Check out the equipment that comes with your Homelife security package, or see what other devices are available.

See all available equipment

Homelife equipment Touchscreen Control Panel

1 Touchscreen Control Panel

Arm your alarm and control your smart devices.

1 HD Camera

Keep tabs on home straight from your phone.

2 Wireless Door/Window Sensors

Rest easy knowing nothing’s sneaking in or out.

1 Motion Sensor

Set motion Rules, like having cameras record when someone walks by.

1 Yard Sign with 2 Window Decals

Stop intruders in their tracks with security signs and window decals.

1 Homelife Router

Keep your smart home wifi-connected and running strong. (Note: Some future Homelife Security installations won’t require a security router)

installing more devices

Make home even smarter

Want more cameras, lights, plugs or door locks? Just set them up yourself. Or give us a call and we’ll install any device for you—including thermostats, smoke/heat detectors, motion sensors and door/window sensors.

Learn more

Explore more Homelife

Looking for more?

See install guarantees

Reference permits and ordinances

Shop Homelife

See Cox Homelife service details. See important information in the Residential Customer Service Agreement for full coverage details. See Annual Notice Information for related information and your privacy rights as a Cox customer. See also the Annual Customer Notices. For all Cox Communication policies regarding our services and business practices visit www.cox.com/aboutus/policies.html. Cox Homelife Service provided by Cox Advanced Services: Arizona, LLC - ALARM License No. 18141-0, ROC License No. 310876; Arkansas, LLC – License No. E 2014 0026/CMPY.0002278; California, LLC–Alarm License #7196 & Contractor’s License #992992; Connecticut, LLC–License #N/A; Florida, LLC–License No. EF20001232; Georgia, LLC–License: Bryan David Melancon #LVU406595; Idaho, LLC 024933; Iowa, LLC– License #C121646 & AC268; Louisiana, LLC–License F 2006; Nebraska, LLC–License #26512; Nevada, LLC dba Cox Homelife – License #78331; Ohio, LLC–License #53-18-1671; Oklahoma, LLC–License #2002; Rhode Island, LLC–License #9314; Kansas, LLC – Topeka License No. 109 & Wichita License No. 2015-36492; and Cox Advanced Services Virginia, LLC–DCJS License #11-7776; DPOR License # 2705164725. Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.