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Why Is My IQ Panel 4 Blinking Blue?

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With cutting-edge features, neverending customization options, and industry-leading connectivity, the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 is at the top of everyone’s wish list. In the world of home security, there are constant improvements and this device keeps up with the trends. It allows you to take your home’s security to the next level with an array of personalized features. However, like with any new technology, there are bound to be a few hiccups. One of the most common complaints we see is the IQ Panel 4 blinking blue. This can be a frustrating occurrence for both new and long-time device owners. Today, we will be taking a closer look at this issue, as well as others, and what you can do to fix them. If you have questions about how you can get your own IQ Panel 4, contact the ONIT team! We specialize in simplifying and demystifying home services and can’t wait to speak with you.

The IQ Panel 4 Blinking Blue is Normal!

As we previously mentioned, your IQ Panel 4 blinking blue can be a bit annoying. Especially when you don’t know the reason and are struggling to get it to stop. But don’t fret! In the vast majority of cases, the LED lights on your IQ Panel 4 blinking blue is a normal part of the power-up cycle. When turning on or rebooting your device, the LED lights will go through a cycle of green and then blue.

After pressing and holding the power button for three seconds, the green lights will appear briefly and then turn blue. Once blue, the LEDs will blink in a steady pattern while the screen remains black for a time. This is the beginning of the start-up process, which can take around three minutes on average to complete. However, it’s not uncommon for it to take up to five minutes to fully reboot and for the screen to come on.

Please note that should the blue light remain solid, you may need to contact your seller. This is likely a sign that the device is bricked and you need a replacement.

Other Times Your Panel Might Be Blinking

The IQ Panel 4, like many other smart security systems, has a range of different color schemes designed to indicate certain behavior. Additional colors you may encounter include red, purple, yellow, and white.

  • A permanent purple light indicates that the device is either suspended or there is no subscription. If the purple light is flashing, the node firmware is likely not working correctly.
  • The yellow light flashing every two seconds indicates that there is no connection to the cloud. Flashes every second mean that the router firmware is not working as it should.
  • It’s uncommon to see a permanent white light as it’s not a part of the end-user mode. However, if you do see this light, the device is likely in “initialized” mode.

During start-up, you may experience both green and red flashing lights instead of the IQ Panel 4 blinking blue.

Flashing Green

A flashing green light is the normal state of your device. Typically, the green LEDs will flash once every five minutes to indicate that all is okay. You may also notice a green flash during a reboot or start-up. This is also part of the normal cycle of the device.

Flashing Red

A permanent red light on your device is a sign that the cellular connection has been lost. If that connection is lost for more than one minute, the red light will begin flashing. To correct this, be sure to check your service provider’s signal. If the problem persists, you may need to reset your device. This is done by holding down the reset button at the back of the device for 8-10 seconds. After you have done this, the LED flash reset procedure starts. The full functionality of the IQ Panel 4 should be restored in around two minutes.

a man looking at the qolsys iq panel 4 as someone drives off the driveway at home for security

Common Issues With the IQ Panel 4

IQ Panel 4 Not Powering Up

So you’ve opened your new device, plugged it in, and are unable to turn it on. It’s not unheard of for an IQ Panel 4 to have issues powering up right out of the box. This problem is so well-known that the manufacturer has issued a technical service bulletin to address it. Should the panel not boot up after applying power, there are a few ways to correct it.

When there is no feedback once the power button is pressed, the panel is likely out of power. In this case, ensure that the device is properly plugged in. If this doesn’t work, unplugging and replugging the device may help. If there’s no response from the device at all after it’s connected to power, the panel is probably deeply discharged. To fix a deeply discharged battery, unplug the battery and re-connect it two to three times to give it a jump start.

The Screen is Slow to Respond

A lagging, slow screen can be incredibly frustrating. Fortunately, this is usually something that is simple to fix. Performing a power cycle on the device is your best bet for getting your screen back to its normal operating speed. You can do this in two ways:

  • Tap the Settings icon at the bottom left of the home screen.
  • Choose “Advanced Settings” in the top right
  • Enter the 4-digit master code
  • Choose “Panel Reboot”, then “OK”
  • The screen will turn off and the lights on the front of the device will turn red. After 2-3 minutes, the device will power back on and display the home screen as normal.

Or

  • Locate the house button at the bottom right of the screen
  • Press and hold for about 45-60 seconds or until the screen goes black.
  • The screen will turn off and the lights on the front of the device will turn red. After 2-3 minutes, the device will power back on and display the home screen as normal.

qolsys iq panel 4 model spec

Low Battery Message

The IQ Panel 4 features a battery backup to keep your device running in the event of a power outage. The battery will generally last up to 24 hours on a full charge. Should you notice that your device’s screen is displaying a message about a low battery, there could be a few reasons. These include

  • An incomplete connection between the backup battery and the panel
  • A recent power outage or device unplugging that has drained the battery
  • A defect with the backup battery that is preventing it from holding a charge

If you are unable to get the message to close after ensuring a proper power supply, you may need a new device.

High-Temperature Shut-Down Message

As with any smart device, there will be bugs that occasionally appear, sometimes after an update. This was the case with the firmware version 4.2.0 update released towards the end of 2022. Though this update added new features, fixes, and improvements, it also introduced a small bug to a number of devices. This resulted in a mistakenly displayed error message stating that the panel shut down due to high temperatures.

To fix this issue, firmware version 4.2.1 was released. If you encounter this problem with your device, simply allow the firmware to update. Should your device not update on its own, there are a few ways to manually update it. This can be done by following step-by-step instructions via an access point or contacting your monitoring company.

Communication Failure Message

Another common error message you may see is a communication failure. This means that your device is not communicating with the alarm response center. While this connection is broken, no alarm activity signals will be sent. The disconnect may be caused by

  • A change in the WiFi name or password
  • The power connection being interrupted
  • A local cell service outage
  • A signal interference
  • A system malfunction
  • An interruption to the landline phone service

Depending on which of these factors is causing your problem, you may need to contact your different service providers to solve it. If you have ruled out all of these possibilities, following the steps for a reset may help.

a closeup of the qolsys iq panel camera offering a home security system in tablet form

Looking to Install a Smart Home Security System? ONIT Can Help!

No matter if you need help purchasing and installing a security system or want more information on IQ Panel 4 compatible devices, ONIT is here for you. Our team goes the extra mile to review top home security systems in order to give you the best information possible. We’ll help you compare pricing, features, equipment, and more from a wide range of security providers. With our knowledge and experience behind you, you can be sure to protect what matters most.

Since our humble beginnings in 2010, we’ve prided ourselves on simplifying and demystifying home services for all consumers. With the most reliable monitoring, alarm, and smart home technology on the market, you can protect every corner of your home or business. Start customizing and building the perfect security system for you today!

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