3 Key Features to Look for In a Home Security App

Many home security companies offer an app that allows you to remotely control aspects of your home security system, such as cameras, door locks, thermostats, lights, and more. When deciding on a home security company, if they have an app—and what their app offers---could be a tie breaker if you’re deciding between multiple options. When looking for a security company, you will want to consider what features their app has, as well as how easy it is to use, as a clunky interface can lead to a poor experience.

Many companies also offer online customer portals that allow you to manage other aspects of your system. You may be able to pay your monthly monitoring bill, order new products, put your system in test mode, or update your personal information on the online portal. While an app typically helps you manage the day-to-day needs of your system, having access to a customer portal or profile may allow you to check on the overall health and maintenance of your system.

Some features you may want your home security app to have include:

1. Home Automation

The best home security systems on the market integrate your smart home equipment with your system. Smart home automation means you can control your system through an app on your phone with just a few clicks. Some questions you may want to ask yourself:

• How easy is it to manage and control your integrated system from wherever you are? You should be able to set your alarm, adjust an attached smart thermostat, and receive notifications when a sensor or camera is activated – even if it’s just caused by your dog playing in the backyard.

• Can you set up rules that will automate the management of your system? You may want to set rules for your system like having your alarm switched to “Armed” by a certain time every night, or be able to change your thermostat’s temperature when you aren’t at home.

• Can you receive real-time video updates from your cameras? When you open your app, you may want the ability to view the live stream of a specific camera. You may also want to be able to set rules to notify you of movement that you do or don’t want to see. For example, you can make sure your package arrives on your porch, but ignore the bird that lands on your planter.

• Does the app have the ability to provide a comprehensive view of your home and property? Some apps allow you to see a brief summary of selected events from both your camera and your sensors.

2. Geofencing

Geofencing is a technology that relies on GPS services of your phone to give your security system knowledge of your location. This so that you can establish security actions and automations based on where you are in relation to your home. This technology is intended to integrate safety and convenience, allowing you to protect your space and prepare your home for both your arrival and departure.

Rules can be set up directing your system to take specified actions based on your phone’s location. For example:

• Your smart thermostat can be set to a certain temperature as soon as you get home. You can tell your system to turn down the thermostat when it picks up that your phone is only a couple of miles away from home. When you leave that same perimeter, you can have the thermostat change to a different preset temperature.

• Smart lights, in comparison, can be turned on to welcome you home as you drive up to your house, and can turn off when you leave.

• Automated system arming can also remind you to arm your system when all connected phones have left the home, or you can set your system to automatically arm when you leave.

3. Voice Assistant Integration

Many modern security systems offer the ability to integrate with your existing voice assistant or voice AI, such as Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, or Google Home. With these assets, you may be able to control your integrated home with the sound of your voice, including arming and disarming your system. If you have smart lighting in your home, you can connect it to your smart device to turn the lights on or off with a simple voice command.

Download the Brinks Home™ app today to explore all of its home automation and customer account features.