How do Scenes work?
Important: The order of a scene's actions cannot be rearranged and a scene cannot be placed on a schedule that activates it. As a scene is essentially an on-demand rule, the only way to activate a scene is to press the button corresponding to the scene.
Scenes allow users to configure a button in the Alarm.com customer website and Alarm.com app that takes multiple actions across multiple devices at once. Scenes can be configured and executed using the Alarm.com customer website and Alarm.com app and is available for both commercial and residential interactive service packages.
Note: There is no limit to the number of scenes that can be created on the Alarm.com Alarm.com customer website and Alarm.com app.
There are default scenes automatically created for customers. Default scenes cannot be deleted or renamed. For more information about default scenes, see Default scenes.
Users also have the ability to create custom scenes. For information about adding a customer scene, see Create/edit a Scene.
Compatibility
The following are the requirements for compatibility with scenes.
| Service package |
|
|---|---|
| Panel/module |
All panel types are compatible with Scenes except for the systems that still have functional 2G modules. |
| App version |
For information about operating system compatibility, see Alarm.com app - Device compatibility. |
Devices that can be controlled by scenes are:
- Security systems (arming)
- Locks
- Garage doors
- Access Control doors
- Thermostats
- Z-Wave lights
- Lutron lights and shades
- Water valves
- Sonos speakers
- Legrand speakers
Default scenes
The command configuration for default scenes vary based on enrolled equipment and can be edited at any time. Default scenes cannot be deleted or renamed.
Default scenes for residential accounts:
- Home
- Away
- Sleep
- Wake Up
Default scenes for commercial accounts:
- Open
- Close
Frequently asked questions
What arming conditions are available with Scenes?
Accounts using a panel will have various conditions available based on the arming status (i.e., Armed (Stay) and Armed (Away)).
- No Entry Delay - Once armed, the no entry delay option forces the system to bypass the entry delay that normally occurs when an entry/exit zone is violated. For more information about entry delay, see What are the differences between an entry delay event and a dialer delay event?.
- Force Bypass - Sensors that are open or active when a Scene is sent will automatically be bypassed. Scenes can be used to bypass all sensors, but individual sensors cannot be selected to be bypassed. For more information about force bypass, see Why is Force Bypass automatically selected in the app when attempting to arm the system?.
Note: Bypassing individual sensors is only available on select panel models. For a list of compatible panels, see the results for Bypass specific sensors. - Night Arming - If a Scene with an Arm (Stay) command takes place after midnight and an arming schedule is set to disarm the system (e.g., Arm Away system at 10 PM and disarm at 7 AM), the second arming command will take place on the following day. For more information about night arming, see What is night arming?.
What if the scene did not function as expected?
If the Event History did not generate a command for a particular action, verify the scene is configured with the desired settings. For more information about configuring Scenes, see Create/edit a Scene.
If the command for a particular action is generated in the Event History but did not execute at the panel or device, then troubleshooting should be focused on the problem feature or device and not the scene. Test the device individually to verify it is working properly.
What if Scenes do not appear in the Customer app?
If the option for scenes does not appear in the Customer app, verify app and OS compatibility. For more information about compatibility, see How do Scenes work?.