Troubleshooting Common Secondary Keypad Issues
Summary: Your Brinks Home™ Secondary Keypad gives you an extra control point for your security system. This guide walks you through simple, step-by-step instructions to resolve common issues—power failures, frozen or flickering screens, connection problems, tamper alerts, moving or mounting the keypad, and handling a damaged unit.
Table of Contents
- Common Terms
- No Power
- Screen Frozen or Flickering
- Connectivity Issues
- Clear a Tamper Error
- Moving Your Secondary Keypad
- Handle a Damaged Keypad
- Need More Help?
Common Terms
- Secondary Keypad
- An additional touchpad (hardwired or wireless) that lets you arm/disarm and control your system away from the main panel.
- Transformer (Power Brick, Plug-in Adapter, Wall Wart)
-
A small low-voltage power supply that plugs into a standard outlet to power a hardwired keypad.
Also called: power brick, plug adapter, wall wart. - House Code
- A numeric code used by some panels (e.g. Honeywell Lynx) to pair the keypad; must match the main panel’s code.
- RF Interference (Wireless Interference, Signal Blockage)
- Radio-frequency noise or obstacles—like baby monitors, large appliances, or metal surfaces—that can block wireless keypad communication.
- AP Mode (Access Point Mode)
- A setup mode where the keypad broadcasts its own Wi-Fi network so you can connect directly for configuration.
No Power
If your keypad has no lights or beeps, follow these steps:
- Check for an outage: If your home recently lost power, wait until it’s restored before troubleshooting.
- Verify the transformer (power brick):
- Locate the transformer plug—usually near the main panel.
- Make sure it’s fully plugged into a working outlet. If not, plug it in and wait up to 24 hours for the backup battery to recharge.
- Test the outlet:
- Unplug the transformer.
- Plug in another device (e.g., a lamp). If it powers on, the outlet is OK; if not, you’ll need an electrician.
- Inspect the wiring:
- With the transformer unplugged, open the keypad housing (remove screws or tabs).
- Ensure the red and black wires are firmly attached to the connector screws.
- Re-close the housing, plug the transformer back in, then power-cycle the keypad by unplugging and re-plugging it.
- If the keypad still has no power, contact us to arrange a service visit.
Screen Frozen or Flickering
If your keypad display is unresponsive, stuck or shows doubled images:
- Power-cycle the keypad: Unplug the transformer (power brick) for 10 seconds, then plug it back in.
- If the screen still misbehaves, try a different outlet using an extension cord.
- If moving outlets fixes it, your original outlet may be over- or under-powered—consider having an electrician inspect it.
- If the screen remains frozen or flickers, contact us to schedule a technician visit.
Connectivity Issues
If your keypad isn’t communicating with the main panel:
- Check distance: Wireless keypads should be within 40 ft of the main panel. If farther, try moving it closer.
- Remove interference: Look for devices (baby monitors, radios, large appliances) or metal surfaces—move either the keypad or the interfering device.
- Verify pairing:
- Honeywell Lynx: Ensure the main panel and keypad share the same House Code.
- 2GIG / GC2 / GC3 / Edge: On the main panel, power down, reseat the wireless receiver, then reboot both panel and keypad (hold Home button on keypad for 10 sec).
- If your panel instructions include it, delete and re-learn the secondary keypad to the panel.
- If you still cannot connect, contact us for further assistance.
Clear a Tamper Error
A tamper alert means the system thinks the keypad housing was opened. To clear it:
- Secure the keypad: Snap the cover firmly into place until you hear a click.
- Press the tamper switch: Inside the housing, press and hold the small tamper button for 5 seconds.
- Clear on your main panel:
- IQ Panel 2 / IQ Panel 4:
- Swipe down from the top of the home screen and tap Settings.
- Tap Advanced Settings and enter your master code.
- Select Installation → Security & Arming.
- Toggle off Panel Tamper.
- If you have another panel type, follow its instructions to clear alerts in the menu.
- IQ Panel 2 / IQ Panel 4:
- If the tamper message remains, contact us to arrange a technician visit.
Moving Your Secondary Keypad
If you’d like to reposition your keypad:
- Check for in-wall wiring: If wires feed through the wall, a technician must relocate it—contact us.
- No hardwiring?—DIY move:
- Unplug the transformer (power brick) or remove batteries if wireless.
- Mount the backplate in the new location using the provided screws.
- Re-install the keypad, plug in the transformer or re-insert batteries.
- Verify operation: Wake the keypad and ensure the screen lights up and you can enter your code.
- If it won’t power on or connect, contact us for help.
Handle a Damaged Keypad
If the keypad is cracked, corroded, or buttons are broken:
- Remove it from the wall/backplate and inspect for cracks or loose parts.
- Contact us to arrange a replacement or a technician visit for installation.
Need More Help?
If you’re still having trouble with your secondary keypad, please contact us at 469-513-8685 or start a chat through our Help Center. We’re here to assist you!