Sim Card Instructions for the Gen 2 Alarm Panel

5 min. readlast update: 05.27.2025

Do I have to install a SIM Card in the Gen 2 alarm system?
You do not need to install a SIM card into the Gen 2, as you can connect it to the Smart Life app via Wi-Fi. When you leave your home or small business, as long as the Gen 2 is connected to Wi-Fi, you will still receive notifications on your mobile device using your phone's cellular data plan. It works the same way as when you browse the web on your phone while away from Wi-Fi.

A SIM card adds an extra layer of security in case of a Wi-Fi disconnection from your ISP (Internet Service Provider).

A SIM card is also useful for customers who live in remote areas or have a cabin without internet access.

* Please note that SIM cards are not included with the Gen 2 Alarm System.

Can the Alarm Panel send an SMS message or Call if I am out of the country?
Yes, the alarm panel can send alarm notifications to your registered phone number even if you are outside the EU— as long as the SIM card used in the panel can make calls or send SMS messages, and your phone can receive them internationally.

  1. Important Note:

    • Roaming charges may apply depending on your phone plan.

    • The SIM card in the alarm panel should also support international dialing (some prepaid cards may restrict this).

Which SIM Card to Use:

  • In Canada: We recommend using a SIM card from Chatr (a sister company of Fido/Rogers).

  • In the USA: We recommend using a SIM card from either SpeedTalk mobile or T-Mobile network.
  • In UK: We recommend using a SIM card from giffgaff

Which Plan to Choose:
You do not need a data plan. A basic Talk/Text plan is sufficient for the Gen 2.

Installing the SIM Card:
Important: Please ensure to power off the Gen 2 ALarm Panel before you insert the Sim Card into the sim card tray.  Unplug the power adapter and turn the back up battery switch to the off position.

Inserting the Nano Sim Card into the sim card try: Video 1 & Video 2
On the right side of the SIM card Tray, you will see arrows that point in the direction to Open or Lock the tray.

1. Push the SIM Card tray locking mechanism forward to unlock the tray.

2. Lift up the SIM Card tray locking mechanism

3. Set the Sim card into the SIM card tray holder, ensuring the cut edge of the sim is on the bottom right side.

4. Put down the SIM card try locking mechanism down on the SIM card

5. Pull the SIM card locking mechanism towards you to lock the Sim card into place. You will hear a slight click.

6. Turn the backup battery back on

7. Plug the Gen 2 power adapter back into the wall.

8. Within 30 to 60 seconds you should see the cell bars turn a solid white.

Alarm Panel Sim Modual specifications:
SIMCom A7670G communication module designed for global 4G connectivity, supporting LTE Cat 1 with uplink speeds up to 5 Mbps and downlink speeds up to 10 Mbps.

Supported Frequency Bands:

  • LTE-TDD: Bands B38, B39, B40, B41
  • LTE-FDD: Bands B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B7, B8, B12, B13, B18, B19, B20, B25, B26, B28, B66
  • GSM: 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz

These bands ensure compatibility across various global regions and network operators.

How to Program phone numbers into the alarm panel: Video 

Phone Dial Interface

Phone Numbers

Setup Example

According to your preference, please enable the corresponding:
Phone icon (to receive a call from the alarm panel) or
SMS icon (to receive an SMS message according to your needs

We recommend enabling only the SMS feature at this time as the Phone option has some limitations.  See explanation below:

When the Alarm Panel is triggered a text message is sent to your cell phone, the call will start from the first phone number. When the first number is dialed three times in a row and no answer, the second phone number will be dialed, and so on. If one of the phone numbers is answered, subsequent phone numbers will not be dialed.  The challenge that is occuring is when a customers voicemail answeres the call. Very
Important: If the 'Phone' option is enabled we have noted that if the first number on the list does not answer and your voicemail picks up, the alarm panel will leave a voice mail, however the alarm panel will not hang up until your cell phone's voice mail time limit runs out.  THis is why at this time we do not recommend enabling the 'Phone' option, unless you know you will pick up right away.

1)     Phone Number Format: If the phone number cannot be successfully dialed or texted, please try adding the area code before the number.

2)     SMS/Phone Alarm Rules:  After the alarm is triggered, the security panel will send SMS messages in the order of the set numbers.

3) Arming or Disarming Alarm Panel by using SMS Commands.
The SMS commands and panel actions were taken are as below:

 The panel will reply with a message to confirm the command is executed successfully.

NOTE: The panel only accepts SMS commands from the phone numbers that you have added to the alarm panel. (Menu-->Phone-->Settings), the SMS commands sent by any other mobile numbers will be not recognized and no action will be taken.

Example below: 
Note that the number below <0987051> indicates the serial number of the Alarm Panel

 

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