Z-Wave Smart Locks and Alarm.com

With Z-Wave locks, users can:

  • See lock status and remotely lock/unlock compatible locks using the Alarm.com Website or Mobile app.
  • Receive email/text/push notifications when:
    • A lock is locked
    • A lock is unlocked
    • A lock is unlocked by a specific user
    • An incorrect code is entered at the lock multiple times (tamper)
  • Set up automated locking/unlocking based on system arming/disarming.
  • Set up automated arming/disarming based on locking/unlocking.
  • Trigger a video recording when locking/unlocking (Video required)

What is required?

  • Z-Wave Lock compatible with your alarm panel and Alarm.com
  • A service plan that includes Home Automation control:
    • Surety Home
    • Surety Complete

What kind of rules can be set up with Z-Wave locks?

Event-triggered rules are:

  1. A rule that will automate locks when the security system arming state is changed.
  2. A rule that will automate the security system based on a change in a lock’s status.
    • If setting the security system to disarm when the lock is unlocked, the lock must be unlocked locally by a user code for the automation rule to trigger and disarm the security system.
    • Important With this specific rule, anyone with access to the selected lock will be able to disarm the security system simply by unlocking the lock using their lock user code, regardless of whether the user has been given security panel access.
  3. A rule that will lock multiple locks when a single lock is locked.
  4. A rule that will unlock a single door when fire, smoke, or CO is detected or when a customer presses the fire panic button on the panel.
    • Fire-triggered unlocking rules are compatible with most Alarm.com-compatible security panels and Z-Wave locks. This feature is not compatible with 2GIG GC3 panels with firmware versions 3.2.0+ at this time.
    • Important If there is a manual auto-relock switch on the physical lock, verify it is switched to the off position.
  5. A rule that will lock a single door after a specified delay from when the selected contact sensor is closed.

How To Know if You’ve Left the Door Unlocked with Alarm.com

Best Practices

Enrolling Z-Wave Locks

Z-Wave locks use encrypted communication over Z-Wave, meaning their communication is completely secure. With this added security, the lock and the controller must use additional Z-Wave commands to learn-in and communicate. With each additional command sent, the probability of a communication breakdown increases.

Important: Do not add or delete user codes locally to or from the lock. Only use the Alarm.com interface for user code management.

To lower the chances of a learn-in failure for locks, complete the following during installation:

  1. Begin with the lock within 6 feet of the panel or module.
  2. Delete the lock from the Z-Wave network.
  3. Place the panel into Add Mode and trigger the lock.
  4. Wait 2 minutes before locally operating the device to prevent Z-Wave communication issues.
  5. Verify that the lock shows up on the Alarm.com Website and responds to lock/unlock commands.
  6. Move the lock to its final location and run a Z-Wave Network Rediscovery.

How to Set Up a Z-Wave Network

How do I Improve my Z-wave Network Range and Quality?

Do Z-Wave locks act as repeaters on the Z-Wave network?

No. Battery-powered Z-Wave devices such as locks do not act as repeaters on the Z-Wave network.

How to add a User Code to a Door Lock through Alarm.com

Z-Wave Lock Troubleshooting




Z-Wave Lock status is not updating in Alarm.com or the status is incorrect

Z-Wave Lock Reporting a Malfunction