Partitions let you split one IQ Panel 5 into up to 4 separate security areas that can be armed and disarmed independently. This guide covers what partitions are, how to turn them on, and how to assign sensors, users, and devices to each one.
What Are Partitions Used For?
A partition is a group of sensors that arms and disarms on its own, without affecting the rest of the system. Common examples:
- A detached garage or workshop
- A guest house, in-law suite, or rental unit
- A home office or storage area
- A barn or outbuilding on the same property
For example, you could keep the garage armed while the main house is disarmed, or let a tenant arm and disarm their unit without having access to yours.
Before You Start
- You’ll need your Installer or Dealer code to enable partitions.
- If your system is professionally monitored, place your account on test before making changes.
- The IQ Panel 5 supports up to 4 partitions.
Step 1: Enable Partitions
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Settings tray.
- Tap Settings > Advanced Settings.
- Enter your Installer or Dealer code.
- Tap Installation > Installer/Dealer Settings.
- Find Partitions and set it to Enabled.
Note: When partitions are enabled, Screen Lock is turned on automatically. The panel will ask for a user code when it wakes up, and the code entered decides which partition is shown. You can turn Screen Lock back off later if you prefer.
Note: Wellness Support (PERS pendants in Group 6) can’t be used while partitions are enabled.
Step 2: Assign Sensors to a Partition
Each sensor can belong to one partition.
For existing sensors:
- Go to Settings > Advanced Settings > enter your code.
- Tap Installation > Devices > Security Sensors > Edit Sensor.
- Tap the pencil icon next to the sensor.
- Choose the partition from the Partition drop-down menu.
- Tap Save.
For new sensors: When adding a sensor with Auto Learn Sensor or Add Sensor, choose the partition from the Partition drop-down before tapping Add New.
Tip: Partitions 2, 3, and 4 only appear on the panel once at least one sensor has been assigned to them.
Step 3: Assign Users to a Partition
- Go to Settings > Advanced Settings > enter your code.
- Tap User Management.
- Add a new user or edit an existing one, and select the partition(s) they should have access to.
How access works with partitions:
| User Type | Partition Access |
|---|---|
| Dealer, Installer, Master | All partitions |
| User, Guest | Only their assigned partition |
| Duress | Each partition gets its own unique duress code |
Step 4: Rename Your Partitions (Optional)
Giving each partition a clear name (like “Main House” or “Garage”) makes it easier to tell them apart on the panel and in the Alarm.com app.
- Go to Settings > Advanced Settings > enter your code.
- Tap Partitions.
- Select the partition, then edit the name.
From this screen you can also view which users and sensors are assigned to each partition.
Step 5: Set Up Partition Sounds (Optional)
When partitions are enabled, extra sound options become available under Advanced Settings:
| Setting | Default | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Global Fire Siren | Enabled | Fire alarms sound in all partitions |
| Global Intrusion Sounds and Sirens | Disabled | Intrusion alarms and entry/exit beeps sound in all partitions |
| Global Auxiliary Sirens | Disabled | Auxiliary alarms sound in all partitions |
| Global Chimes and Voices | Disabled | Chimes and voice prompts play in all partitions |
| All Sounds in Partition 1 | Disabled | Sounds and alarms from all partitions also play in Partition 1 |
We recommend leaving Global Fire Siren enabled so everyone on the property hears a fire alarm.
Switching Between Partitions on the Panel
Swipe down to open the Settings tray and tap the Lock Screen icon in the upper left. Enter a user code to switch to that user’s partition.
Bluetooth Disarming with Partitions
If you use Bluetooth disarming, you can choose which partition a phone disarms. Each phone can only be assigned to one partition. When pairing (or editing a paired device under Bluetooth Devices), select the partition from the drop-down.
If you have any questions about setting up partitions, feel free to reply below and we’ll be happy to help!