March 23, 2026
Qolsys IQ Panel 4 & 5 Explained: Features, Setup, and Alarm.com Integration
IQ Panel 4 vs IQ Panel 5: Which Should You Get?
If you’re shopping for a new Alarm.com security panel, the Qolsys IQ Panel 5 is the one to get. It runs Android 14 on a Qualcomm DragonWing quad-core processor, includes PowerG+ out of the box, has a 13MP PortraitView camera, and supports Z-Wave Long Range. It’s a meaningful generational upgrade in processing power, wireless range, and future-proofing.
That said, if you already own an IQ Panel 4, there’s no urgent reason to replace it. The IQ Panel 4 remains fully supported, receives firmware updates, and handles everything most households need — PowerG sensors, Z-Wave automation, 4G LTE cellular backup, and full Alarm.com integration. Firmware 4.6.1 even brought PowerG+ support to the IQ Panel 4, narrowing the gap between the two generations.
For budget-conscious new buyers, the IQ 5 Hub shares the same processor, Android 14 platform, PowerG+, and Z-Wave Long Range as the full IQ Panel 5 — but at a lower price point. It omits the built-in camera and has a single speaker instead of dual 4-watt speakers, making it a smart choice if you don’t need a camera in the panel itself.
IQ Panel 4 Overview: Still a Capable System
The Qolsys IQ Panel 4 features a 7-inch color touchscreen (1280×800 resolution), 4G LTE cellular communication, dual-band Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.2. It runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor with Android 9. The panel supports up to 128 security sensors via PowerG encrypted wireless (915 MHz, with range up to approximately 2,000 feet in open air) and up to 242 Z-Wave Plus 800-series devices for smart home automation — locks, lights, thermostats, and more. A built-in 9MP camera enables visual verification, sending images to Alarm.com when an alarm event occurs. The backup battery provides up to 24 hours of standby power.
The IQ Panel 4 comes in three variants. The full IQ Panel 4 includes the built-in camera, glass break detector, quad speakers, and dual SRF daughter card slots for legacy sensor frequencies (319.5 MHz, 345 MHz, or 433 MHz). The IQ4 Hub is a more affordable option with a single speaker and single SRF slot — it omits the camera but retains the same core processing and wireless capabilities.
If you already have an IQ Panel 4 installed and working, it’s an excellent system. Firmware updates continue to arrive over the air, and the latest release (4.6.1) added PowerG+ device support, analytic video thumbnails, and a dark mode interface. For buyers considering a used or refurbished unit, the IQ Panel 4 is still a solid choice — just verify the panel isn’t already registered with an Alarm.com account before purchasing. You can find more details on the IQ Panel 4 firmware release page.
IQ Panel 5 Overview: The New Standard
The IQ Panel 5 represents a full platform refresh. The most significant upgrade is under the hood: a Qualcomm DragonWing quad-core processor running Android 14. This translates to faster navigation, better long-term software support, and a more modern security posture compared to the Android 9 foundation of the IQ Panel 4.
PowerG+ is built into every IQ Panel 5 variant — no daughter card required for encrypted sensor communication. If you have legacy 319.5 MHz, 345 MHz, or 433 MHz sensors from an older system, an optional SRF daughter card is available. Z-Wave support moves to the 800-series with Z-Wave Long Range, supporting up to 167 devices. Wi-Fi upgrades to 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac dual-band, and Bluetooth moves to 5.0.
The camera improves to a 13MP PortraitView sensor with a fixed portrait orientation and 120-degree field of view. The portrait framing is intentional — it captures a full-height view of people approaching the panel, producing clearer identification images for adults and children alike. The panel supports up to 128 PowerG+ security sensors, 100 PowerG automation devices, 242 user codes, and up to 4 partitions. Hardware improvements include a redesigned mounting plate, a 12VDC power supply that supports longer wire runs, a new terminal block to prevent power fluctuations, and an improved tamper switch. The 3,000 mAh lithium-ion battery provides the same 24-hour backup.
The IQ 5 Hub is the budget variant. It shares the DragonWing processor, Android 14, built-in PowerG+, and Z-Wave Long Range of the full IQ Panel 5. The differences are primarily in multimedia hardware: the display is 1080×600 (versus 1280×800), it has a single front-facing 2W speaker with an 85 dB siren (versus dual 4W speakers), a single MEMS microphone (versus two), one RGB LED indicator (versus three), and no built-in camera. The dimensions are identical at 6.1″H × 7.5″W × 1″D. If video and visual identification from the panel and premium audio aren’t priorities, the IQ 5 Hub delivers the same core security and automation capabilities at a lower cost.
Key Features Shared by Both Generations
Both the IQ Panel 4 and IQ Panel 5 integrate fully with Alarm.com, which is the backbone of Surety’s monitoring and automation service. Through Alarm.com, you get real-time push notifications, custom rules and schedules, geofencing, video camera integration, and remote arming and disarming from the Alarm.com app. The panels act as the hub for your entire security and smart home ecosystem, not just an alarm keypad.
Visual verification is available on both generations (on models with a built-in camera). When an alarm is triggered, the panel camera captures images and sends them to Alarm.com and the central monitoring station. This provides visual context for alarm events, helping dispatchers assess whether a verified intrusion is occurring. You can learn more about enabling this feature in the visual verification setup guide.
PowerG long-range, encrypted sensors are supported across both generations, delivering AES-128 encryption, frequency hopping, and long wireless range. Z-Wave 800-series support is standard on both, giving you compatibility with a wide ecosystem of smart locks, light switches, dimmers, thermostats, and garage door controllers. Both panels communicate over 4G LTE cellular and Wi-Fi simultaneously, providing dual-path communication so your system stays connected even if your internet goes down. Firmware updates are delivered over the air through Alarm.com, so the panel improves over time without any manual intervention. And both panels include a 24-hour backup battery for protection during power outages.
Compatible Sensors and Z-Wave Devices
Both panels work with the PowerG family of encrypted wireless sensors. This includes door and window contacts, motion detectors, smoke and heat detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, flood and temperature sensors, glass break detectors, keyfobs, and panic buttons. The IQ Panel 5 natively supports the newer PowerG+ protocol, while the IQ Panel 4 gained PowerG+ device support with firmware 4.6.1. PowerG sensors are known for their long range, long battery life (typically 5–8 years), and strong encryption — they’re among the most reliable wireless security sensors available.
On the Z-Wave side, both panels support a broad range of smart home devices. Popular categories include smart door locks (Yale, Schlage, Kwikset), light switches and dimmers, smart thermostats, and garage door controllers. Z-Wave devices pair directly to the panel and then appear in your Alarm.com account for remote control, scheduling, and automation rules. The IQ Panel 5 adds Z-Wave Long Range support, which extends wireless range for compatible Z-Wave LR devices.
If you’re migrating from an older system and have legacy wireless sensors on 319.5 MHz, 345 MHz, or 433 MHz frequencies, both panels can accommodate them via optional SRF daughter cards. This is helpful if you’re replacing an older DSC, Honeywell, or GE panel and want to keep your existing sensors during the transition.
Setting Up Your Panel with Surety
The setup process is straightforward and applies to both the IQ Panel 4 and IQ Panel 5. Start by mounting the panel or placing it on a flat surface near a power outlet. Connect the included power supply and allow the panel to boot up. Once it reaches the home screen, connect to your Wi-Fi network through the panel’s settings menu.
Next, enroll your sensors. On both panels, navigate to Settings → Advanced Settings → Installation → Devices, then select Auto Learn. Trip each sensor (open a door, walk in front of a motion detector) and the panel will detect it and prompt you to assign a name, zone number, and sensor group. Repeat for each sensor and Z-Wave device in your system.
Activate your Alarm.com account through Surety. Surety’s getting started guide walks you through creating your account, linking the panel, and configuring monitoring. After activation, you can install the Alarm.com app on your phone and begin managing your system remotely. The entire process — from unboxing to a fully monitored system — typically takes under an hour. For a detailed walkthrough, see the getting started guide.
Firmware Updates
Firmware updates for both panels are delivered over the air, with no USB drives or manual downloads required. Updates not installed automatically. It’s best to subscribe to Surety’s forum topic or newsletter to be notified when updates are available.
The IQ Panel 4 has received regular updates since its launch. The latest release, firmware 4.6.1, added PowerG+ device support, analytic video thumbnails for Alarm.com, and a dark mode interface option. Earlier notable updates include 4.5.1 (settle delay timer, PIR camera support for up to 20 devices) and 4.5.0 (IQ Lock PowerG rules, shutter and blinds control). Firmware 4.4.0 or later is required for wireless OTA updates. Full release notes are available on the firmware release information page.
The IQ Panel 5 launches on a new firmware branch. Over-the-air updates will continue in the same way, keeping the panel current with new features, security patches, and device compatibility improvements as they become available.
Migrating from IQ Panel 2 or Another System
If you’re upgrading from an IQ Panel 2 to an IQ Panel 4 or IQ Panel 5, the process is manageable. Qolsys panels support a backup and restore function that saves your panel configuration (sensor names, zones, settings) to Alarm.com’s servers. You can back up your old panel, then restore the configuration on your new panel to speed up setup. Full instructions are in the backup and restore guide.
If you’re migrating from a Frontpoint, Vivint, ADT, or other provider’s system that uses compatible sensors, you can often re-enroll those sensors on a new Qolsys panel. PowerG sensors can be enrolled on any panel that supports the protocol. Legacy wireless sensors (319.5 MHz, 345 MHz, 433 MHz) require the appropriate SRF daughter card installed in the new panel. You’ll need to factory-default or delete any PowerG sensors from the old panel first, then auto-learn them on the new one. Legacy RF sensors don’t need to be deleted from the old panel first.
For those moving from an IQ Panel 4 to an IQ Panel 5 specifically, the upgrade path is straightforward. Your PowerG sensors are compatible with both panels. You will need to delete each sensor from the IQ Panel 4 and re-enroll it on the IQ Panel 5 — the backup/restore process handles much of this, though some manual re-enrollment may be needed. Contact Surety support for help with the panel swap.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your panel is stuck in a boot loop or won’t start, the first step is to disconnect both the power supply and the backup battery, wait 30 seconds, then reconnect power. This resolves most boot-related issues. If the problem persists, check the panel boot troubleshooting guide for additional steps.
For Wi-Fi connectivity problems, navigate to the panel’s Wi-Fi settings, forget the current network, and reconnect. Ensure your router is broadcasting on a compatible frequency band — both panels support 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, but some routers have band-steering features that can cause connection drops. If the panel shows cellular-only communication, verify your Wi-Fi password and check that your router isn’t blocking the panel’s MAC address.
Z-Wave devices that won’t pair should first be excluded (removed) from any previous Z-Wave network. On the panel, go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Installation → Devices → Z-Wave Devices → Clear Device, then follow the device manufacturer’s instructions to put it in exclusion mode. After exclusion, try pairing the device again. For tamper alerts, make sure the panel is firmly seated on its mounting plate — an improperly seated panel will trigger the tamper switch continuously.
FAQs
IQ Panel 5 vs IQ 5 Hub — which should I choose? The full IQ Panel 5 includes a 13MP PortraitView camera for visual verification, dual 4W speakers, dual microphones, a higher-resolution display (1280×800), and triple LED indicators. The IQ 5 Hub has the same processor, operating system, PowerG+, and Z-Wave Long Range at a lower price — but no camera, a single speaker, and a 1080×600 display. Choose the IQ Panel 5 if you want visual verification and user identification from the panel itself. Choose the IQ 5 Hub if you’re using separate Alarm.com cameras for video and want to save on the panel cost.
I have an IQ Panel 4 — should I upgrade to the IQ Panel 5? Not necessarily. The IQ Panel 4 is still fully supported with ongoing firmware updates and full Alarm.com integration. The IQ Panel 5 offers a faster processor, Android 14, native PowerG+, Z-Wave Long Range, and a better camera — meaningful upgrades, but not essential if your IQ Panel 4 is working well. Consider upgrading when you want the latest hardware or if you’re expanding your system significantly.
What’s the difference between PowerG and PowerG+? PowerG+ is the next generation of the PowerG protocol, offering improved performance characteristics while maintaining backward compatibility. The IQ Panel 5 supports PowerG+ natively. The IQ Panel 4 gained PowerG+ device support with firmware 4.6.1. Both protocols use AES-128 encryption and frequency hopping for secure, reliable communication.
Does the panel work if my internet goes down? Yes. Both panels include dual-path communication with 4G LTE cellular communication as a backup (and primary) path to the monitoring station. If your Wi-Fi or home internet fails, the panel automatically communicates over cellular. The system remains fully monitored and will dispatch authorities if an alarm is triggered, regardless of your internet status.
How many sensors can I add? Both the IQ Panel 4 and IQ Panel 5 support up to 128 PowerG/PowerG+ security sensors. The IQ Panel 5 additionally supports up to 100 PowerG automation devices. Both panels support up to 242 Z-Wave devices (167 on the IQ Panel 5 with Z-Wave Long Range). For most residential installations, these limits are more than sufficient.
Can I self-monitor instead of using professional monitoring? Surety offers both professional 24/7 central station monitoring and self-monitoring features like push notifications and app alerts. With professional monitoring, you get an extra layer of security so you’re informed by the app and backed by a monitoring center simultaneously.
Ready to get started? Shop the IQ Panel 5 or the IQ 5 Hub at SuretyHome.com. If you have questions about upgrading from an IQ Panel 4 or migrating from another system, the Surety support forum is a great place to ask.