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Abode FAQs

Staff Writer, Safety & Security

Published on January 07, 2022

About Abode

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.

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Abode equipment

How loud is the Abode alarm?

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.

Does Abode work without Wi-Fi?

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

Does Abode work without internet?

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.

What doorbell works with Abode?

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

What cameras work with Abode?

You can pair several camera brands with Abode through IFTTT:

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

Compare Abode cameras

		Price	Person detection	Battery backup	Internet	Smart home compatibility	Learn more
Best for home security	Abode Iota	$329.00	$6.00/mo.	5 hrs.	2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, Ethernet, 4G cellular backup	Amazon, Apple, Google, Z-Wave, Zigbee	View on Abode
Best for budget surveillance	Abode Cam 2	$34.99	$6.00/mo.	None	2.4 GHz Wi-Fi	Amazon, Google	View on Abode

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Do Abode cameras record?

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.

How does the Abode key fob work?

A close-up of home security and safety expert Cathy Habas holding an Abode key fob.

Image: Cathy Habas, SafeWise

The Abode key fob allows you to arm and disarm the system with a push of a button instead of entering a PIN on the keypad. You must be within 100 feet of your Abode hub for the key fob to work.

The key fob features four buttons:

Away/arm: small dot in the upper left corner
Disarm: X in the lower left corner
Home: large circle in the upper right corner
Panic: plus sign in the lower right corner

To use any of the buttons, press and hold until the red LED indicator light turns off. If the key fob never lights up, it may need a new battery. Pull the grey bottom away from the white top to access the Lithium Cell CR2032 battery.

Do I own or lease an Abode home security system?

You own your Abode home security system.

Can I finance my Abode system?

Yes, Abode offers equipment financing through the Bread platform.

How long does the Abode camera battery last?

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.

What works with Abode?

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.

Setting up an Abode system

How do I set up an Abode security system?

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.

How do I connect my Abode to Wi-Fi?

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.

How do I connect HomeKit to Abode?

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.

Using Abode

What is Abode home mode?

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.

How do you disarm Abode?

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.

Can I control Abode from my phone?

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.

Troubleshooting an Abode system

Why is my Abode Gateway chirping?

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.

What do I do if my Abode Gateway is offline?

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 monitoring

Plan	Monthly cost	Video storage	Arm/disarm from app	CUE automations	Professional monitoring	Learn more
Basic	Free	Live video only	Yes	No	No	View Packages
Standard	$6.00/mo.	10 days	Yes	Yes	No	View Packages
Pro	$20.00/mo.	10 days	Yes	Yes	Yes	View Packages

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Who does Abode use for monitoring?

Abode uses Rapid Response for monitoring in the US.

Can I use Abode without a plan?

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.

Does Abode call the police?

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.

Is Abode available in my area?

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.

How long is an Abode contract?

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.

Is Abode service transferable?

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. Abode also offers transfer request forms on their website.

Can I take my Abode system with me when I move?

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

Abode vs. other home security companies

Which is better, Abode or Vivint?

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.

Which is better, Abode or Ring?

We rank Abode above Ring. 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.

Which is better, Abode or SimpliSafe?

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.

Which is better, Abode or Cove?

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 Systems, Inc.

Where is Abode located?

Abode is located in San Francisco.

Who owns Abode security?

Nice S.p.A is the majority stakeholder for Abode Systems, Inc.

Other brands to consider

Brand	Best for	Lowest monitoring price	Starter equipment price	Contract required	Smart home compatibility	Learn more	Read review
Vivint	Best overall	$29.99/mo.	$599.00	No *	Amazon, Google, Z-Wave	View packages	Read review
Frontpoint	High-end DIY pick	$34.99/mo.	$99.00	No	Amazon, Google, Z-Wave	View packages	Read review
SimpliSafe	Reader favorite	$14.99/mo.	$229.00	No	Amazon, Google	View packages	Read review
Cove	Best customer experience	$14.99/mo.	Quote required	No *	Amazon, Google	View packages	Read review
ADT	Most experienced	$27.99/mo.	$0.00	Yes	Amazon, Google, Z-Wave	View packages	Read review
Abode	Best DIY automation	$20.00/mo.	$279.00	No	Amazon, Apple, Google, Z-Wave, Zigbee	View packages	Read review
Ring	Best outdoor cameras	$20.00/mo.	$199.99	No	Amazon, Google, Z-Wave	View on Amazon	Read review
Blue by ADT	Best optional monitoring	$19.99/mo.	$199.15	No	Amazon, Google, Z-Wave	View Packages	Read review
Wyze	Best budget pick	$4.99/mo.	$85.98	No	Amazon, Google	View on Amazon	Read review
Brinks	Most safety sensor options	$39.99/mo.	$199.00	Yes	Amazon, Google, Z-Wave	View packages	Read review

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Disclaimer

*Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

Written by

Cathy Habas

With over seven years of experience as a content writer, Cathy has a knack for untangling complex information. Her natural curiosity and ability to empathize help Cathy offer insightful, friendly advice. She believes in empowering readers who may not feel confident about a purchase, project, or topic. Cathy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Indiana University Southeast and began her professional writing career immediately after graduation. She has contributed to sites like Safety.com, Reviews.com, Hunker, and Thumbtack. Cathy’s pride and joy is her Appaloosa “Chacos.” She also likes to crochet while watching stand-up comedy specials on Netflix.