Abode FAQs

Abode is a smart choice if you want to max out your home automation and security system options. It’s also ideal for a smaller home or apartment. All packages come with free mobile app access, and you can choose self-monitoring or pay the pros to watch over your home.

Below, we’ve answered frequently asked questions about Abode to help you decide if it’s right for you. If you want to know what we think about this brand after years of testing, head over to our Abode Home Security review. 

Abode uses Rapid Response for monitoring in the US.

Yes, you can use Abode without a monthly subscription. A free Abode plan doesn’t offer automations, video storage, cellular backup, or professional monitoring, among other perks.

Abode equipment does not automatically call the police. If you pay for the Pro monitoring service, an alarm monitoring specialist will call you first to make sure it’s not a false alarm. Then, they’ll call first responders.

Abode is available throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, and the UK. Because Abode connects to the internet via an Ethernet cable, it works well in rural areas where Wi-Fi or cell signals might be weak.

You don’t have to sign a contract to use Abode. They offer professional monitoring on demand, so you can have someone keep an eye on your home for just a few days. Many customers pay on a month-to-month schedule.

Yes, Abode service is transferable to a new owner. Contact Abode customer service at +1-650-443-7834 to disconnect an Abode system. Then have the new owners call for a service connection. You can also find transfer request forms on Abode's website.

Yes, Abode equipment is extremely portable and perfect for renters. Just call Abode customer service to change your address in the system.

The Abode Iota and Abode Gateway alarms are both 93 dB. Abode also offers a 95 dB indoor siren and a 107 dB outdoor siren.

Yes, Abode works without Wi-Fi. Both the Gateway and the Iota include an Ethernet port.

No, Abode doesn’t work without internet. The hubs need to be connected to the internet at all times. If you subscribe to Abode’s Pro plan, your system will use 4G cellular data as a backup connection. 

Abode recently announced its own Wireless Video Doorbell, but the system also integrates with Arlo doorbells and the Skybell doorbell camera via IFTTT.

You can pair several camera brands with Abode through IFTTT:

• Blink cameras
• Arlo cameras
• Wyze cameras
• Nest cameras

Abode sells its own cameras. Read our full Abode cameras review for full details.

According to Abode, you need upload speeds of at least 0.5 Mbps per video device. So if you have two cameras, you need an upload speed of 1 Mbps—and that's on top of requirements for any other devices connected to your home network.

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Download this free internet speed test on the App Store or Google Play.

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Abode cameras record only if you subscribe to Standard or Pro monitoring plans. If you go the free route, you’re limited to live footage.

You own your Abode home security system.

Yes, Abode offers equipment financing through the Bread platform.

The Abode Cam 2 doesn't use batteries. It must be plugged in with the included USB wall adapter. 

The backup battery on the Abode Iota lasts five hours.

Abode is compatible with over 160 devices, including Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Z-wave, and Zigbee. The IFTTT platform opens up even more compatibility options, allowing Abode to work with Samsung SmartThings, cameras like Nest, Blink, and Wyze, and services like Noonlight.

Start by plugging in the Abode Iota or Gateway and connecting it to your modem with the provided Ethernet cable. Make sure the backup battery button is in the “on” position.

Next, download the Abode app on the Apple App Store or Google Play store. Create a new account and enter your device’s activation code when prompted.

The app will walk you through the rest of the setup process.

In the Abode app, tap Settings and then Gateway Internet Connection. Toggle the Wi-Fi Connection button and select your network. Enter the network password when prompted.

Note: only the Iota hub connects to Wi-Fi.

In the Abode app, tap Settings, then Integrations, and finally Apple HomeKit. Write down the pairing code that appears on the screen.

Navigate to the HomeKit app. Tap the plus sign in the upper right corner and select Add Accessory. Next, select “I don’t have a code or cannot scan.” Under the Manual Code heading, tap Enter Code.

Input the pairing code to finish connecting HomeKit to Abode.

Abode’s Home mode only arms “perimeter” devices like door and window sensors. Indoor devices—like motion sensors or an indoor camera—stay disarmed in Home mode so that you can move around without triggering an alarm.

Disarm Abode through any of these methods:

• Enter the 4-digit PIN on the keypad.
• Press and hold the X on the lower-left corner of the key fob until the indicator light disappears.
• Swipe toward the disarm symbol on the Abode app.

If you subscribe to the Pro plan, you can also set up automations that disarm Abode in certain conditions. For example, Abode can disarm automatically when your phone enters a geofenced area. In everyday terms, the system would disarm when you come home.

Yes, Abode has a mobile app that allows you to view live video footage, set up integrations, and arm/disarm the system. Only Pro plan subscribers can access all app features, such as automations, an event timeline, or stored video footage.

The Abode Gateway chirps once any time a door or window sensor opens. If it’s chirping every 30 seconds, there’s a connection problem.

Unplug the Ethernet cable from your router and unplug the router’s power cord from the wall. Wait 30 seconds and plug everything back in. Wait several minutes for the internet to come back online.

If your Abode Gateway is still offline, locate the backup battery switch on the back of the unit and toggle it to the “off” position. Then unplug the Gateway, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Don’t forget to toggle the backup battery switch to the “on” position once the Gateway is back online.

Abode is better for renters, whereas Vivint offers a better done-for-you experience. With that said, we consider Vivint the best home security system overall.

We rank Abode above Ring Alarm. They’re both a good choice for renters, but Abode offers way more integrations and equipment. Learn more in our full Abode vs. Ring comparison.

SimpliSafe is one of our top picks for best home security systems and DIY security systems. But if you want to create an integrated smart home, choose Abode.

Still on the fence? We break down the similarities and differences in our Abode vs. SimpliSafe comparison.

We rank Cove above Abode overall. Once again, Abode’s strength lies in its superior integrations and automations. Abode’s monthly plans are also slightly more affordable than Cove’s.

• Abode Home Security Review
• Abode Cameras Review
• What Works with Abode? Compatible Devices
• Abode vs. SimpliSafe