As part of the Pro Plan, Abode offers an emergency cellular backup service in the event you temporarily lose internet connectivity to your Iota Hub or Security Hub. Although cellular services are available in most areas of the USA and Canada, some locations have weak or unavailable coverage from the cellular providers that Abode uses. Abode cannot guarantee that the cellular radio in the hub will work at every location.
! | NOTE The hub connects to AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon depending on which has the strongest signal at its location. Placing the hub on the floor, in a closet, or in a basement can weaken the cellular signal. The hub only supports Abode SIM cards and cannot be used with third-party SIM cards or cellular services. |
Installing the SIM Card in Your Hub
✓ | TIP Security Hubs and Iota Hubs shipped after May 2016 already have a SIM card installed and will start working after the purchase of a Standard Plan or Pro Plan. |
1. Turn off the hub battery backup switch and unplug it from power. The Security Hub power switch is on the back of the device (push down to turn off). The Iota power switch is on the bottom of the device (push toward the back of the device to turn off).
2. Locate the SIM card slot on the back of the hub behind the rubber cover.
Location of SIM card slot on Smart Hub and Iota Hub
3. Pop the new SIM card out of the card holder. Insert the SIM into the hub until it clicks into place. The SIM card will click into place and remain flush once seated properly.
! | NOTE The gold pins on the SIM card should face to the LEFT when installed in the Security Hub, and to the RIGHT when installed in the Iota Hub. The one angled corner of the SIM card should face the hub. Installing the SIM card backwards can damage both the SIM card and the hub. |
Abode Hub Sim replacement:
Smart Hub SIM replacement
Iota SIM replacement
4. Once the SIM card is installed, reconnect power to the hub, then slide the battery switch back on.
Testing Your Cellular Connection
1. Wait up to 15 minutes after installation to ensure your hub has come back online, and confirm you have an active Pro Plan.
2. Remove the Ethernet cable from your hub (if applicable) and wait 3 minutes. If you have an Iota hub on Wi-Fi, temporarily disable your home internet Wi-Fi to allow the Iota to connect to cellular backup.
3. Open the Abode app. Perform a simple test such as opening and closing a door with a door sensor installed to confirm the events show up on the timeline.
4. Reconnect your Ethernet cable and re-enable your home Wi-Fi if needed.
Troubleshooting
Hub not receiving cell signal
Try moving your hub to another part of your home. If the hub is on the floor, in a closet, in a basement, or in an area without a strong cell signal, the cellular backup feature may not work.
3G shutdown (GSM Signal Error)
3G cell networks across the US have been gradually switched off to make room for 5G. If you have an older Generation 1 Hub and the cellular backup feature reports a GSM Signal Error, it is likely that 3G service has been switched off in your area. Your options are:
• Continue to use the system as normal without the cellular backup feature. Contact support@goabode.com to remove the error message.
• Change your plan from Pro Plan to Standard Plan. The Standard Plan contains up-to-date features but does not include cellular backup.
• Upgrade your hub to a new 4G hub or Iota to continue receiving the cellular backup feature. These hubs are available at goabode.com.
SIM card will not stay in or keeps popping out
If your SIM card will not click into place, it is most likely being installed in the wrong orientation. Gold pins should face LEFT in the Security Hub and RIGHT in the Iota Hub. The angled corner should face the hub. You may need to use the corner of the larger SIM card holder or the corner of a credit card to push the SIM card in all the way.
