If you recently purchased a Guardian system, congrats! Smart home security is a very smart choice.
In the beginning, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by all the new information and terminology. But don’t sweat it — we’re going to cover the basics you need to get started. And of course, we’re always here to help. Read below for information on how to:
- Register and log into your Guardian account
- Create key passwords and passcodes
- Get to know your panel
- Arm and disarm your system
- Know when our monitoring team is calling
- Use our 7-day orientation period
- Get the Guardian app
- Set up rules and notifications
- Test your system
- Set up AutoPay
- Set up two-factor authentication
We have also prepared a few quick videos to introduce you to basics such as how to use your panel and the Guardian app. You can find the Welcome playlist here.
How to register and log into your Guardian account
Registering your Guardian account is an important step, and we recommend doing so right away. It’s quick and easy!
Once you register, you’ll have access to important information and services specific to your account.
You can manage your billing, change passwords and emergency contact information, and even test your system online. If you subscribe to our smart home security services, then you will also be able to control your system and home automation devices online (in addition to the Guardian App).
To log into your Guardian account, go to GuardianProtection.com and click Login in the top right corner. Enter your username/email and password and click SIGN IN.
Don’t have an account yet? Let’s get you registered! On that same page, click Not Registered.
You’ll need your customer number or phone number, and the address where your service is located. If you’re unsure of your customer number, it can be located on your billing statement or your emailed statement reminder/confirmation if you’re enrolled in autopay.
Click here to register your account.
Key passwords and passcodes
You will receive several passwords and numerical codes to help protect and operate your system and your account. These are important to ensure only you and people you designate (family, friends, guests) have access. You can find detailed information on your passwords and passcodes here.
While all your credentials are important, we’re going to focus on two very important ones up front:
Your Verbal Alarm Password is a single word used to verify your identity when an alarm is triggered or when speaking to Guardian Protection. This password gives you authority to make changes on your account. You won’t want to share this password with many people.
Your Master Panel Code is a 4-digit numeric code used to arm and disarm your security system at your panel.
Make sure you know your passwords and keep them somewhere safe!
Getting to know your panel
Your Guardian smart security panel is the hub of your smart home. It’s connected to everything. You can use it to arm and disarm your system, view your cameras, answer your doorbell, and even control smart devices like lights, locks, thermostats, and garage doors.
During your install appointment, your Guardian technician helped you set up your four-digit Master Panel Code. Be sure to remember this code, because you’ll need it each time you disarm your system at the panel.
Arming and disarming your system
The first thing you’ll want to learn on your Guardian panel is how to arm and disarm your system.
To arm your system, just tap system status icon, then select Arm Stay or Arm Away.
What’s the difference between Arm Stay and Arm Away?
If you’re arming your system and leaving your home, you’ll want to choose Arm Away — because you’ll be away from home. Your system will begin a countdown to give you time to leave your home without triggering an alarm. By default, the countdown is 60 seconds. Once you leave, the sensors in your home will be armed.
If you’re arming the system and plan on staying home, you’ll want to choose Arm Stay. This deactivates your motion detectors and glass break sensors so you can move around your home freely. But remember: Opening any doors or windows with sensors will trigger the alarm.
To disarm your system, tap the system status icon on the home screen. Your system will start a countdown to give you time to enter your Master Panel Code. The default countdown for disarming is 30 seconds.
Know when our monitoring team is calling
If your alarm goes off, our monitoring center will often call you and your emergency contacts from the same number to make sure you get the help you need. Be sure to program this number into your phone so we can reach you: 1.800.364.3616.
If you have Caller I.D., this number will come up as “GUARDIAN.” This number will only be used by the monitoring center. For all other customer service questions, check out Support Center or call 1.800.PROTECT (1.800.776.8328).
Learn about what to expect if your alarm goes off here.
7-day orientation period
Once your security system is installed and activated, it will be in “orientation” mode for the first 7 days.
We give you this 7-day orientation period so you can get comfortable using your new system without worrying about false alarms and potential fines.
During this time, Guardian will only call your primary phone number when your system sends a burglary, medical, duress, keypad fire, or panic alarm signal. We will only notify emergency responders if you request it.
If you have a monitored smoke or carbon monoxide detector, those alarm signals will be treated normally. We’ll always alert emergency responders when we receive this type of signal from your system, regardless of where you are in the orientation period.
Already got the hang of it? Unless doing so violates a local municipal ordinance, we’re happy to turn this feature off for you early. Just give us a call at 1.800.PROTECT (1.800.776.8328).
Get the Guardian App
The Guardian mobile app lets you control your smart home security system anytime, anywhere from your smartphone. You can find and download the Guardian app on your phone’s app store by searching for Guardian Protection.
There’s so many things you can do on the app, like:
- Arm and disarm your security system
- Set up rules and notifications
- Control your smart home devices
- Set up Scenes
- View and share video clips
And much more!
For quick tips and tricks on how to use the app, check out our App in a Snap video series.
Setting up rules and notifications
To really get the most from the app and your system, you’ll want to set up rules and notifications.
What’s the difference?
A rule makes something happen in your system. For example, you can set up a rule to unlock your door when you disarm your system.
A notification will inform you when something takes place. Using the same example, a notification will alert you when your system was disarmed, and your front door was unlocked.
Here’s more examples of helpful notifications:
Arming Reminders. Be notified if you leave and forget to arm your system.
No Show Alert. Set up an alert so you will be notified if someone is expected to enter your premises during a specific time frame and they do not show up.
Device Notifications. Almost every device in your system can have notifications associated with them.
Unexpected Activity. Get a notification when unusual activity occurs.
Alarm Alerts. Get a notification when an alarm is going off. You will also get a call to your numbers on file, but notifications provide instant awareness via your smartphone.
How to set up notifications:
Testing your system
Testing your system is an important part of its ongoing maintenance. It helps ensure your system is communicating properly with our monitoring center. We recommend testing your system once a month. And no worries — we give you step by step instructions here!
Start by logging into your Guardian account and choose System Info. On your desktop, System Info is in the left-hand navigation bar on your account dashboard. On mobile, it’s in the menu at the top right corner of your screen. Next, choose Test My System.
Please be sure to read the full instructions before placing your system in test mode and let the system siren sound for the recommended 60 seconds.
Once you’ve tested, make sure to check that your test signal was received. If it wasn’t, give us a call at 1.800.PROTECT (1.800.776.8328) so we can help.
You can learn more about how to test your system (and why you should) here.
Set up AutoPay
Our AutoPay feature is a worry-free way to make sure your bill is paid on time and in full each month, automatically. It’s secure and super convenient!
Watch this quick video to learn how to set up AutoPay.
Two-factor authentication
Your Guardian security account uses two-factor authentication (2FA) for an additional layer of security. 2FA is widely recognized as one of the best ways to defend against unauthorized access to login-based accounts. It adds an extra step to the login process requiring users to prove their identity multiple ways before they can access an account — definitely something you’ll want for your home security system!
Learn how to set up two-factor authentication:
