Z-Wave Network Backup and Restore - Frequently Asked Questions
What is a backup?
Z-Wave Network Backup allows for a compatible module's Z-Wave network information to be backed up to the Alarm.com cloud. Compatible modules will be automatically backed up approximately 8 hours after Z-Wave devices are enrolled or deleted from the network.
What is a restore?
A Z-Wave Network Restore allows for previously backed up Z-Wave network information to be transferred from the Alarm.com cloud to a new module. Z-Wave Network Restore may be performed from the Module Swap page.
Important: In some cases, when swapping modules, restore compatibility for the new module cannot be determined automatically. Verify the module is compatible before swapping to ensure that the new module supports Z-Wave Network Restore.
Can a Z-Wave backup be restored to a different panel type?
Yes. A Z-Wave backup may be restored to a different panel type long as both meet the firmware requirements (i.e., a backup performed on an Interlogix Concord 4 panel may be restored to a SEM-DSC PowerSeries with compatible firmware).
For more information about compatibility, see Backup and restore a Z-Wave network.
What is restore mode?
When the account is in restore mode, it will ignore incoming equipment list updates. The purpose of this is to prevent wiping rules, schedules, lock user codes, etc., for devices that are temporarily not in the equipment list due to a module swap.
Can an outdated backup be used for a restore?
No. Only verified backups can be used for a restore. Outdated backups can not be used for a restore.
When should Z-Wave Network Backup and Restore be used?
Z-Wave Network Backup and Restore should be used when swapping or upgrading the module on an account.
Do Z-Wave Network Backups happen automatically?
Yes. A Z-Wave Network Backup will occur automatically approximately 8 hours after devices are deleted or added to an account's Z-Wave Network. If the first backup attempt is not successful, the automatic backup will be reattempted twice after approximately one day and again one day later if the second attempt is also unsuccessful.
When should a backup be performed?
It is not necessary to perform backups because they occur automatically. However, if desired, the Z-Wave Network may be manually backed up after adding or removing Z-Wave devices from the network.
It is not necessary to backup the Z-Wave Network after making changes to device names, automation rules or schedules, lock user codes, or similar features. These features are not directly backed up but remain on the account during and after a Z-Wave Network Restore.
Do lock user codes need to be resent after a Z-Wave Network Restore?
No. Lock user codes will remain on the lock(s) during and after a Z-Wave Network Restore.
Are schedules, rules, scenes, device names, and lock user codes backed up?
Schedules, rules, scenes, device names, and lock user codes are not directly backed up. However, they are not removed from the account when a Z-Wave restore is performed. After the restore is complete, the same schedules, rules, scenes, device names, and lock user codes will remain on the account that were there before the Z-Wave restore occurred.
What happens to user codes if the restore fails?
The lock user codes will remain on the lock(s) in the event of an unsuccessful restore. If a lock is re-enrolled to the account after a failed restore, the lock user codes will need to be manually restored to the lock.
Can a Z-Wave restore be sent after the Z-Wave equipment list has been dropped?
In some cases, it may be possible to send a Z-Wave restore after the Z-Wave equipment list has been dropped (i.e., the Z-Wave equipment list continues to appear empty) if there is still a verified Z-Wave backup for the account.
Important: When the Z-Wave equipment list is dropped, these features are automatically removed from the Alarm.com cloud:
- Automation rules
- Schedules
- Scenes
- Lock user codes
Z-Wave backups are a saved copy of the Z-Wave memory only. Because they do not directly backup these Alarm.com cloud-based features, they will not be restored during a Z-Wave restore on an account with an empty Z-Wave equipment list.
How long does a Z-Wave Network Backup take?
A Z-Wave Network Backup takes approximately 5 minutes, plus 2 to 3 minutes for backup verification. The backup time is not dependent on the number of devices on the account.
How long does a Z-Wave Network Restore take?
A Z-Wave Network Restore takes approximately 5 minutes. When a restore is performed as a part of a module swap, the full process of module initialization plus Z-Wave Network restore may take 25 minutes or longer depending on cellular signal strength. The restore time is not dependent on the number of devices on the account.
Does the panel need to be connected to broadband to use Z-Wave Network Backup and Restore?
No. A broadband connection is not required.