How to Fix Panel Communication Failure on the IQ4 Hub

Receiving a communication failure or radio not responding message on your panel?

This means your system is not communicating with our Alarm Response Center and we won't receive signals for any alarm activity until communication is restored.

Below are possible causes as to why your system is showing a communication failure, as well as some tips on fixing the cause.

Power Outage:

  • • Make sure your alarm system has power. If you are experiencing a prolonged power outage, the system will come back up when power is restored.
  • • If your power has recently been out, the panel battery may be too weak to allow your cell to send signals. Allow 24 hours to recharge the battery.

Loss of Connection to Power Source:

  • • Make sure your plug is connected securely to its outlet.
  • • Make sure the outlet is supplying power - you can check this by plugging something else in to this outlet to see if it's receiving power.

Local Cell Provider Outage:

If there is an interruption of cell service in your area, your system’s communication could be impacted temporarily. Ensure that your Wi-Fi is connected as a backup in this event.


Signal Interference:

  • • Large metal objects and appliances that generate radio frequency can interfere with signaling. If you identify these objects around your alarm system, try increasing their distance from your system if it’s safe to do so.
  • • It’s best if your system is located near an exterior wall, above ground (not in a basement), and not in the middle of a large structure (like an interior closet far from exterior walls).

System Malfunction:

If your communication failure is caused by a system malfunction, you can try to power cycle the system:

  1. Completely power down the panel and the module.
  2. Wait 2 minutes, then power the panel back up.
  3. Test your system to confirm whether communication has been restored. Remember to place the system on test to avoid a false alarm. Click here for steps on how to place your system on test.

Interruption to Landline Phone Service:

  • • Phone service outage in your area.
  • • You have disconnected your home phone service.
  • • You have switched to a new provider.
  • • VoIP and Digital Voice Over Cable may not be compatible with your security system. You may need to switch to a different phone service, or text us to upgrade to cell communication. With cell communication, you get access to remote arming and disarming from your phone. You also open the door to transform your home with smart automation devices like remote cameras, thermostats, lights, and door locks.
  • • Your new provider may not have connected your phone line to your system.

Still having trouble?

See below to review steps to power cycle your Qolsys IQ4 Hub Panel. If communication failure continues, text us at 469.513.8685 for help.


Qolsys IQ4 Hub Power Cycle Instructions:

  1. After attempting shutdown steps, if your panel is still frozen, remove A/C power from the outlet.
  2. With a small phillips screwdriver, undo the locking screw from the back of the panel and remove the SmartMount backplate.
  3. Diagram showing the location of the IQ4 Hub 4-pin Locking Screw indicated by an arrow


  4. Unplug 4 pin battery connector from the board.
  5. Diagram showing the location of the IQ4 Hub 4-pin Battery Connector indicated by an arrow


  6. Allow several minutes to pass before you reconnect the battery, resecure the panel to the SmartMount, and return A/C power.

If you need further assistance, you can text a Support Representative any time at 469.513.8685.


How to Reconnect Your Panel to Wi-Fi:

  1. Swipe down from the time display for the drop down, then press Settings.
  2. Picture of the IQ4 Hub home screen with a finger showing how to swipe down and access the settings Picture of the IQ4 Hub screen with a circle around the settings button


  3. Press Advanced Settings, then enter the default installer code 1111.
  4. Picture of the IQ4 Hub settings screen with a circle around the advanced settings button Picture of the IQ4 Hub screen asking the user to input their code to access the advanced settings menu


    3. Press Wi-Fi, then check the right side box to enable.

    Picture of the IQ4 Hub advanced settings screen with a circle around the Wi-Fi button Picture of the IQ4 Hub Wi-Fi settings screen with a circle around the check box to enable Wi-Fi on the panel


    4. Select Wi-Fi network, enter Wi-Fi encryption, then press OK.

    Picture of the IQ4 Hub Wi-Fi settings screen showing multiple networks, and a circle around the network the customer will select Picture of the IQ4 Hub Wi-Fi settings where the customer will enter their Wi-Fi password, then click OK


    5. Wi-Fi shows Connected if successful, then press either the back arrow or Home to exit.

    Picture of the IQ4 Hub Wi-Fi settings with an arrow pointing to a network showing connected