Can't Find Certain Features on Your Scout Alarm?
Scout Alarm is a flexible and powerful security system, but it can be confusing if a feature you were expecting to use seems to be missing. Whether it's an integration, a specific sensor setting, or an alert option, the absence of a feature is usually due to one of a few common reasons.
This guide will help you understand why certain features might not be visible or accessible on your Scout Alarm system and what you can do to enable them.
The Role of Subscription Plans
The most common reason for 'missing' features is the subscription plan you are on. Scout offers different tiers of service, and advanced functionalities are reserved for the paid plans.
- Basic (Self-Monitoring): This plan provides the core functionality of arming and disarming your system and receiving basic push notifications.
- Always On Plan: This tier typically adds features like 4G LTE cellular backup, ensuring your system stays online even if your internet goes down.
- Always On+ Plan: This is the top-tier plan that includes everything from the other plans plus professional, 24/7 monitoring, and potential emergency service dispatch.
If you are trying to access professional monitoring, cellular backup, or SMS/call alerts, you must be subscribed to the appropriate paid plan.
How to Check Your Plan:
- Log in to your account on the Scout Alarm web dashboard or app.
- Navigate to the account or settings section.
- Your current subscription plan should be clearly displayed. You can upgrade from here if needed.
Essential Software and Firmware Updates
New features and improvements are often released through software updates.
Step 1: Update the Scout Alarm App
Ensure you are running the latest version of the Scout Alarm app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Go to the App Store (on iOS) or Google Play Store (on Android).
- Search for 'Scout Alarm'.
- If an 'Update' button is visible, tap it to install the latest version. An older app may not have the user interface elements for newer features.
Step 2: Update the System Firmware
The firmware on your Scout Hub and sensors also needs to be up to date. These updates are typically pushed automatically by Scout, but you can check the status in your app. Ensuring your system is on the latest firmware can resolve bugs and enable new capabilities.
Hardware and Integration Requirements
Some features are dependent on having the right hardware or properly configured integrations.
- Check Your Hardware: You cannot use a feature if you don't have the corresponding sensor. For example, you will not see options for glass break detection if you have not purchased and installed a glass break sensor. Review the sensors and components that make up your system.
- Enable Integrations: Scout can connect with other smart home ecosystems like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and others. These integrations must be manually enabled and authenticated. Look for an 'Integrations' section within the Scout app or web dashboard to link your accounts. If you can't control Scout with your voice, it's likely the integration has not been set up.
Reviewing Modes and Settings
Finally, some features are only active in certain system 'modes'. For example, specific notification rules might only apply when the system is armed in 'Away' mode. Explore the 'Modes' and 'Notifications' settings in your app to ensure everything is configured to your preferences.