IQ Panel 4—Tamper Error

Common Terms

Familiarize yourself with these terms related to your panel's tamper error.

Qolsys IQ Panel 4

Your advanced touchscreen security and smart home control panel.

Tamper Error / Tamper Alert

A system notification indicating that the panel's main casing or back cover is detected as open, loose, or not properly secured.

Tamper Switch

One or more small physical switches inside the panel that are depressed when the panel is securely closed. If the casing is opened or not flush, the switch releases and triggers a tamper alert.

Panel Cover / Back Cover

The physical casing of the IQ Panel 4. The tamper switch monitors if these parts are correctly assembled.

Securing Screw

A screw, often at the bottom of the IQ Panel 4, used to lock the main panel unit to its backplate or stand.

Master Code

Your primary 4-digit or 6-digit user code for accessing panel settings.

Installer Code

A specific code (default typically 1111 or 2222 for Qolsys) used to access advanced installation and programming settings, such as disabling tamper alerts.

Settings Menu

The area on the panel where you can configure various system options.

Advanced Settings

A sub-menu within Settings, usually requiring the Master Code or Installer Code, for more in-depth configurations.

Power Down

The process of safely shutting down the panel's operating system before physical interaction.

Message Center / Alerts / Alarms

The section on your panel where you can view and acknowledge system notifications, including tamper alerts.

Acknowledge

Confirming you have seen an alert on the panel, which often silences associated beeping temporarily.

Understanding IQ Panel 4 Tamper Alerts

Learn what triggers a tamper alert and why it's an important security feature.

A tamper alert on your Qolsys IQ Panel 4 is a security measure. It signals that the physical integrity of the panel itself may have been compromised, meaning its casing is not properly secured. This is detected by one or more internal tamper switches.

Common physical causes for a panel tamper alert include:

• The back cover of the panel is not fully snapped into place or is loose.
• The securing screw (usually at the bottom) that locks the panel to its backplate or stand is missing, loose, or not properly tightened.
• Internal components, such as the battery, wires, or antenna, are out of place and obstructing the cover from closing completely, thus preventing the tamper switch(es) from being fully depressed.
• The panel was recently opened for maintenance (e.g., battery replacement, module installation) and not reassembled correctly.
• In rare cases, the tamper switch itself might be damaged or stuck.

It's important to address a tamper alert promptly to ensure your panel is physically secure and your security system is functioning optimally.

How to Resolve a Tamper Error: Step-by-Step

Follow these instructions to safely inspect, secure, and power cycle your IQ Panel 4 to clear a tamper error.

Step 1: Power Down the Panel for Safety

1. On your IQ Panel 4, swipe down from the time display at the top of the screen to open the drop-down menu. Then, press Settings (gear icon).

   

2. Press Advanced Settings. You will be prompted to enter a code. Enter your Master Code (or Installer/Dealer code if required for power down on your software version).

   

3. Press Power Down. A confirmation pop-up will appear. Press Ok to confirm. The IQ Panel 4 will then shut down completely. Wait for the screen to go blank.

   

Step 2: Open the Panel Casing

1. Carefully remove the IQ Panel 4 from its wall mount or desk stand if it's not already detached.
2. Locate the small Phillips head screw on the bottom edge of the panel. Unscrew and remove this securing screw.
3. Gently separate the back cover from the main panel unit. There may be clips holding it in place; release these carefully to avoid damage.

Step 3: Inspect and Prepare the Panel for Closing

1. With the back cover off, inspect the inside. Ensure the backup battery is securely seated in its compartment and its wires are neatly routed.
2. Check that all other internal wires and any antenna cables are properly placed within their designated channels or areas and are not pinched or obstructing the path where the cover will close.
3. Identify the tamper switch(es) – these are usually small spring-loaded plungers or levers on the circuit board that get pressed by the back cover when it's closed. Ensure they are not visibly damaged or stuck.
4. The draft mentions removing "optional screws if needed for a snug fit." This typically refers to ensuring no unintended screws or debris are inside preventing closure, rather than removing essential structural screws.

Step 4: Securely Close the Panel

1. Carefully align the back cover with the main panel unit.
2. Press firmly and evenly around all edges until the cover snaps securely into place, ensuring all clips engage. You should hear or feel it click together.
3. Re-insert and tighten the bottom securing screw that you removed in Step 2. Do not overtighten, but ensure it's snug.
4. If you removed the panel from a wall mount or stand, reattach it now.

Step 5: Power On and Initial Check

1. Press and hold the power button, located on the right side edge of the panel, for approximately 3 seconds to power the IQ Panel 4 back on.
2. Allow the panel a few minutes to fully boot up.
3. Upon startup, the panel may still display a tamper notification from before it was powered down. You will typically need to acknowledge this. Follow instructions in the next section if the message icon appears.

Clearing Tamper Alert Messages from the Panel

Once the panel is physically secured and powered on, clear any lingering tamper messages.

1. After the panel boots, look for a message icon (often an envelope or speech bubble) at the top right of the screen. Tap this icon.

   

2. Select Messages, then Alerts, and then Alarms (or navigate directly to the Alerts/Alarms list if presented).

   

3. You should see the "Panel Tamper" or similar alert listed. Select the alert(s) by tapping the checkbox next to them. Then, tap Ok or an "Acknowledge" button to confirm you have seen the alerts. This should clear them from the active display if the physical tamper condition is now resolved.

   

4. Swipe left or right, or use back/home buttons as appropriate, to exit the message center and return to the main screen. The tamper indication should now be gone if the panel is securely closed.

   

Note: If the tamper error (and associated beeping, if active) returns, it means the panel still detects that its casing is not securely closed. You will need to re-inspect the physical closure (Step 3 & 4 above).

Advanced Workaround: Disabling Panel Tamper Audible Alert (Use with Caution)

This step explains how to disable the audible alert for a panel tamper if the physical issue cannot be immediately resolved, but it does not fix the security vulnerability.

Warning: Disabling the panel tamper alert in software should only be considered a very temporary measure. This action only silences the recurring audible notification; it does not resolve the physical security issue that the panel casing is not properly secured. Leaving your panel physically tampered or unsecured is a security risk. Prioritize fixing the physical closure of the panel.

If the system is not securely closed and an audible alert sounds frequently (e.g., every 30 minutes as mentioned in the draft), you can temporarily disable this specific notification via installer settings:

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the drop-down menu, then press Settings.
2. Select Advanced Settings and enter the default Installer Code (typically 1111 or 2222).
3. Navigate to Installation, then select Security & Arming.
4. Find the option labeled Panel Tamper (or similar, like "Panel Tamper Causes Audible Alarm") and uncheck the box or toggle the setting to disable the audible alert for panel tampers.
5. Press Save or back out of the menus to apply the change.

Remember to re-enable this setting once the physical tamper condition is properly fixed to ensure you are alerted to future panel tampers.

Troubleshooting Persistent Tamper Issues

Tips to help resolve a tamper error if it continues after checking the basics.

• Re-Inspect Internal Components: Carefully re-open the panel (after powering down again for safety). Double-check that the battery is lying flat and not bulging, and that all wires (battery, antenna, any others) are neatly tucked into their channels and not being pinched or preventing the back cover from seating perfectly flush.
• Check Cover Alignment: Ensure the back cover is correctly aligned with all tabs and slots on the main panel unit before attempting to snap it closed. Do not force it.
• Verify Securing Screw: Make sure the bottom securing screw is present, not stripped, and is tightened adequately (snug, but not overtightened to the point of damaging the plastic).
• Inspect Tamper Switch(es): Look closely at the small physical tamper switch(es) on the panel's circuit board. Ensure they are not stuck in the depressed position, bent, broken, or obstructed by debris. Verify that the corresponding part of the back cover that is meant to press these switches is intact and properly aligned.
• Check for Warped Casing: Inspect both the main panel unit and the back cover for any signs of warping or physical damage that might prevent a tight, flush seal.
• If the tamper alert persists despite all these checks, the tamper switch itself might be faulty, or there could be a more complex issue with the panel's casing or board.

Further Assistance

How to get more help if you cannot resolve the tamper error on your IQ Panel 4.

If you have followed these steps and are still experiencing a tamper error, or if you are uncomfortable performing any of these procedures, our Support Representatives are available to help. You can text a Support Representative any time at 469-513-8685. Please be ready to describe the issue with your IQ Panel 4 and the troubleshooting steps you have already attempted.