User Initiated Monitoring allows a user on a Standard Abode Plan to utilize professional monitoring services without the need to subscribe to the Pro Plan. It allows you to directly refer an alarm event through to the monitoring team. The monitoring center will then notify the appropriate emergency services. This service is offered to Standard Plan users at no additional charge.
Activating User Initiated Monitoring
For existing Standard Plan users
There are two ways to enable the feature after subscribing to the Standard Plan:
• From the Dashboard: you will be presented with information about the feature and an option to "setup now."
• By navigating to Settings, Account, Pro Monitoring: tap "Continue to Setup" to begin.
For new users (iOS or Android in-app setup)
1. Navigate to plans and subscribe to the Standard Plan.
2. After the Standard Plan purchase, the User Initiated Professional Monitoring screen will appear.
3. Tap "Continue to Setup" to begin.
4. Agree to the Terms and Conditions.
5. Enter your PIN code.
6. Complete the remaining setup steps. The app will reload and display the dashboard.
Using User Initiated Monitoring
When enabled
When an alarm is triggered, the alarm screen will present two options:
• Escalate Alarm
• Disable Alarm
If you tap Escalate Alarm, two new options appear: "Refer to monitoring center" and "Call 911."
If you tap "Refer to monitoring center," a popup will advise that the monitoring center will contact you and ask for your alarm PIN. Once referred, the screen confirms the center has been notified and shows your PIN for easy reference.
When disabled
When an alarm is triggered, the alarm screen will show "Call 911" and "Disable Alarm." Tapping "Call 911" will attempt to dial from your phone. Tapping "Disable Alarm" will prompt you to confirm your choice.
Available Options
• Media Access: you can disable or enable media access for professional monitoring. If disabled, Abode will not share any videos or images with the monitoring center for verification.
• Disable Pro Monitoring: if disabled, triggered alarms cannot be referred to the monitoring center.
Insurance Discounts
With user-initiated monitoring, you can access professional monitoring insurance discounts. Use the guided insurance discount discovery tool in the app to see how much you are eligible to save on your homeowners or renters policy. Call your insurance agent to have the discount applied.
FAQ
What is the cost of User Initiated Monitoring?
There is no additional cost. It is included as part of the Standard Plan.
Can I activate User Initiated Monitoring during an active alarm?
No. If you attempt to activate monitoring while the alarm is active, you will receive a warning: "Not allowed during active alarm."
When do I get my Monitoring PIN code?
The Monitoring PIN is created when you set up User Initiated Professional Monitoring. When an alarm is triggered and referred to the monitoring center, the PIN will appear on your screen.
When will I need my Monitoring PIN code?
When you attempt to modify Pro Monitoring settings, and when the monitoring center contacts you to verify an active alarm.
What's the benefit of routing an alarm to the professional monitoring center compared to calling 911 myself?
One major benefit is the insurance discount that having monitored security provides. Additionally, the monitoring center can handle the dispatch process quickly and efficiently, providing an extra layer of security and convenience.
What happens if I don't answer the phone?
If the monitoring center calls and it goes unanswered, they will dispatch the police by default.
What happens if I want to disarm an alarm after sending it to the monitoring center?
You can disable an alarm from the Abode app before the monitoring center calls. If you cannot disarm before they call, you can tell the monitoring center that emergency service dispatch is not required.