Unable to Establish a Connection with Insteon's Servers

 
 

When signing into the Insteon App, you may occasionally encounter an alert informing you that the App was unable to establish a connection with Insteon's servers. There are several reasons why this may occur.

  • Your internet connection is offline

  • Insteon's servers have become unreachable

 

Your Internet Connection is Offline

  • Check that your device is still connected to the internet by attempting to browse to a website using your device's internet browser.

  • If you are on a hotel or business WiFi network, you may need to visit a website to accept the location's terms of service before your device is allowed to browse normally.

 

Insteon's Servers Have Become Unreachable

Check to see if Insteon's servers have encountered a service disruption by checking our System Status page.

If a service disruption or outage has occurred, you will be unable to access your Insteon Hub until service has been restored.

If you are still unable to connect to your Insteon Hub after following the above steps and no known system or service outages are in progress, contact Insteon Support and reference the steps in this article.

 

Insteon Hub Not Found During Initial Setup

 
 

Notice: If you are receiving the following HSC-1-0 error message when attempting to add the hub, cancel out of setup, force-close the app and restart. Then attempt to log back in and add hub again. We are working on a fix to resolve this issue. Thank you for your patience. 

 

When initially setting up your Insteon Hub, you may encounter an alert informing you that the app was unable to establish a connection to the Insteon Hub. There are several reasons why this may occur.

  • Your home's internet connection is offline

  • Your home's internet router or modem is not functioning properly

  • Insteon Hub may have become unplugged from ethernet or power

 

Basic Troubleshooting

  1. Ensure that your Insteon Hub is connected to a working power outlet and that the ethernet cable is firmly seated. It may be helpful to unplug and reinsert the ethernet cable. If your Hub shows a solid red status LED, your Hub is unable to connect to the internet.

  2. Confirm that your internet router and cable or DSL modem are connected to power and turned on. Learn how to Identify your router and cable or DSL modem.

  3. Check that your internet connection is working by attempting to browse to a website using another device or computer in your home.

  4. With Insteon Hub (2012), ensure that your smartphone or tablet is connected to the same WiFi network as your Insteon Hub.

  5. Try restarting your Insteon Hub by unplugging its power cord. Wait about 30 seconds and then reconnect your Hub to power.

  6. Try restarting your router and cable or DSL modem.

If none of the above steps resolved your issue, follow the steps outlined in this article to perform a network reset.

 
 
 

Setting Up Insteon Hub (2012)

  • To setup and configure Insteon Hub (2012), connect your Insteon Hub to your router using the provided ethernet cable and power using the provided power cable.

  • You must be connected to the same WiFi network as your Insteon Hub.

    • If you have more than one WiFi router in your home, connect your Insteon Hub to the WiFi Router broadcasting the WiFi network that you regularly use.

    • If you are unsure which router broadcasts the WiFi network that you regularly use, try the following:

      • Unplug all of your routers from power

      • One at a time, connect a router to power and wait about 60 seconds

      • Check to see if your WiFi network is available from your device's settings

      • If nothing appears, unplug the just-connected router and try the next router

  • Download and install the Insteon app from your device's app store.

  • Create an account.

  • When asked to scan the label on the bottom of your Hub, tap Help.

  • Tap My Hub Doesn't Have a QR Code.

  • The Insteon App should find your Hub and complete setup.

  • After setup is complete, you may need to connect your Insteon Hub to a different router to configure port forwarding if you would like to control and monitor your home when you are away.

 
 
 

Setting Up Insteon Hub (2014)

To setup and configure Insteon Hub (2014), connect your Insteon Hub to your router using the provided ethernet cable and power using the provided power cable.

  • After about 30 seconds, you should hear a single beep and the status LED will glow solid green. If the status LED turns red, your Hub is not connected to the internet.

  • Download and install the Insteon app from your device's app store.

  • Create an account.

  • When asked to scan the label on the bottom of your Hub, align the QR Code displayed on screen with the QR Code printed on the bottom of the Hub. The Insteon app should find your Hub and complete setup.

Troubleshooting Push Notifications on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch

 

After configuring push notifications in the Insteon app, you may occasional encounter a situation where you do not receive alerts. There are several reasons why this might occur.

  • Push notifications for the Insteon app are disabled
  • Alerts for the desired device are disabled
  • The Insteon app may need to be restarted

 

Push notifications on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Apple Watch

  • You will not receive push notifications on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch while using the Insteon app.
  • You will only receive notifications on Apple Watch when your iPhone's display is locked.

 

Ensure Push Notifications are Enabled

With iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, the Insteon app needs approval to send push notifications. If this approval has been revoked, Insteon will be unable to notify you of device updates via push notifications.

1. Navigate to Settings

IMG_0497.png

2. Scroll down in the list and tap Insteon

IMG_0498.png

3. Tap Notifications

IMG_0499.png

4. Ensure that the Allow Notifications switch is on

IMG_0500.png
 

Enable Alerts for the Desired Device

If you wish to receive alerts from an Insteon device, that device must be configured to send alerts. Different devices can send alerts for different events including on, off, open, closed, wet and dry.

1. In the Insteon App, navigate to Settings

IMG_0501.png

2. Tap Devices

IMG_0502.png

3. Tap the desired device

IMG_0503.png

4. Tap Alerts

IMG_0504.png

5. Ensure that the switch for the desired alert is enabled then tap Message & Recipients

IMG_0506.png

6. Ensure that the switch for Push Notification is enabled

IMG_0507.png
 

Quit and Relaunch the Insteon App

If your alerts are configured correctly and you are not receiving them, try quitting and relaunching the Insteon app.

1. With the Insteon app open, double-tap the Home button

double-tap-home-button.png

2. Swipe up to quit the Insteon app. Relaunch the Insteon app.

swipe-up.png
 

Force Quit the Insteon App

If quitting the Insteon app does not resolve issues with receiving alerts, try force quitting the Insteon app.

1. With the Insteon app open, press and hold the power button on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch

power-button.png

2. Release the power button and press and hold the Home button until the Insteon app disappears. Relaunch the Insteon app.

home-button.png
 

Additional Troubleshooting

If, even after following all of the above-listed steps, you are still not receiving alerts from devices, try the following.

  • Remove the affected Insteon device and re-add it to the Insteon app. Ensure that alerts are configured after re-adding the device.
  • Remove and reinstall the Insteon app from your mobile device
 
 

Already Configured Alert when Setting up an Insteon Hub

 
 

When setting up an Insteon Hub, you may encounter an alert informing you that your Insteon Hub has already been configured with a different account. There are several reasons why this may occur.

  • You have more than one Insteon account and are attempting to setup your Insteon Hub using a different account than the one originally used to configure it.

  • You have created a new Insteon account and are attempting to setup your Insteon Hub that is still associated with your old account.

  • If you have purchased Insteon Hub from another Insteon user, their account may still be associated to the Insteon Hub.

Basic Troubleshooting

Before you can setup your Insteon Hub with a different account, you must first delete your account using the Insteon App.

  1. On iOS, launch the Insteon App and open the drawer by swiping from the right of the display, then tap Settings.
    On Android, tap Settings > Edit This.
    On Windows Phone, swipe through the carousel until you reach Settings.

  2. Tap Account

  3. Tap Delete Account

If you are unable to sign in to the Insteon App, contact Insteon Support and they can help reset access to your Insteon Hub. Be sure to have your Hub's Insteon ID. You can find the Insteon ID on the bottom of the Hub.

 

Incorrect Hub User Name or Password During Hub Setup

 
 

When configuring your Insteon Hub, you may encounter an alert informing you that the user name or password provided is incorrect. There are several reasons why this may occur.

  • The user name or password was mistyped when entering the Hub credentials manually.
     
  • The user name or password was changed from the default credentials printed on the bottom of the Hub (This should only happen if the Hub in question has been previously configured and should not be encountered with a new-out-of-the-box Hub). If you believe this to be the case, attempt a network reset to reset the Hub user name and password and attempt setup again. If you are not the original owner of your Insteon Hub, it would also be advisable to perform a factory reset.
     
  • The QR Code containing the Hub user name and password does not match the credentials stored on the Hub. If you believe this to be the case, first attempt a network reset by following the instructions in this article. If you still encounter the user name or password alert, contact Insteon Support.
 
 
 

User Name and Password for Insteon Hub (2012)

 

This Insteon Hub ships with a default user name and password which is automatically changed the first time it is added using the Insteon App. 

User Name admin
Password Insteon ID, all uppercase and without punctuation. For example "A1B2C3"
Insteon ID Printed on the bottom of the Hub
 
 
 
 

User Name and Password for Insteon Hub (2014)

The user name and password for this Hub is stored in a label applied to the bottom of the Hub. The label contains both an app-readable QR Code as well as human-readable text that includes the Hub user name, password and Insteon ID. When entering the user name and password manually, type slowly to verify that no mistakes are made.

 
User Name Printed on the bottom of the Hub
Password Printed on the bottom of the Hub
Insteon ID Printed on the bottom of the Hub
hub-2-bottom-credentials.png
 
 

Entering the Hub User Name and Password manually

When entering the Hub credentials manually, it is possible to misread some letters of the user name or password. Use the table below for potential alternate letters and numbers that may appear alike.

I, 1, l, i lower case i
upper case I
lower case L
number 1
O, 0, o, Q lower case o
upper case 0
upper case Q
lower case c
upper case C
number 0
B, 8 upper case B
number 8
E, 3 upper case E
number 3
U, V lower case u
upper case U
lower case v
upper case V
 
 

Identify your home's WiFi Router and Cable or DSL Modem

Generally, a home network will consist of a cable or DSL modem and a WiFi router. Many homes have a combination modem and router provided by your Internet Service Provider. It is also possible that you may have additional routers which unintentionally complicate your home network (a combination modem/router provided by your Internet Service Provider and an Apple Time Capsule, for example).

If you know which device is functioning as your home's router, connect your Insteon Hub to this device.

 
 
 

 

Identify your home's WiFi Router

If you are unsure which device is which on your home network, follow the steps below.

  • Trace the telephone or cable wire from the wall plate to the first device in the chain.
     

  • If this device has visible antennas or multiple ethernet ports, you likely have a combination modem and router. Ensure that your Insteon Hub is connected to this device.
     

  • If this device has only a single cable/DSL connection, single ethernet port or USB port, you likely have a separate modem and router.

    • Trace the ethernet cable from this device to the next device in the chain. If it connects to a device with visible antennas or multiple ethernet ports, this is likely your home's router. Ensure that your Insteon Hub is connected to this device.
       

  • If there are multiple devices connected together with antennas and multiple ethernet ports, you most likely have multiple routers in your home. Insteon Hub should be connected to the first router after your cable or DSL modem.

If you are still unsure which device is which on your home network, contact Insteon Support or your Internet Service Provider.

 

Identifying your Devices by ports

Use the images below to help identify your networking devices by their rear ports. Use these images only as guidelines as no two modems or routers are alike.

 

DSL Modem

A "modem-only" DSL Modem usually has one port for your DSL telephone wire, one ethernet port and one power connector.

Cable Modem

A "modem-only" Cable Modem usually has one threaded F-connector for your cable connection, one ethernet port and one power connector.

 
 
 

WiFi Router

A "router-only" WiFi Router usually has one WAN ethernet port for connecting to a modem and four or more ethernet ports for hard-wired computers and devices. Many WiFi Routers also have visible antennas.

Combination Modem and Router

A combination modem and router usually has a threaded F-connector or telephone port for your DSL or cable connection, multiple ethernet ports for hard-wired computers and devices and possibly additional ports for wired telephone service or television distribution.

 

Reset Network Settings on Insteon Hub

If you are unable to connect to your Insteon Hub and have followed the steps outlined to resolve any internet connection issues, follow the steps in this article to perform a network reset.

Identify your Insteon Hub version →

For Insteon Hub (2012), a network reset will perform these actions:

  • Clears the Hub back end user name and password

  • Clears the Hub IP Address and enables DHCP

For Insteon Hub (2014), a network reset will perform these actions:

  • Clears the Hub and server connection cache

  • Resets the Hub user name and password to match the label on the bottom of the Hub

  • Restarts the Hub

 

 
 
 

Reset Network Settings on Insteon Hub (2012)

  1. With the Insteon Hub powered on, press and hold the set button until the Hub beeps

  2. Slowly tap the set button six (6x) times

  3. Unplug Insteon Hub and wait for about 30 seconds

  4. Reconnect power to the Insteon Hub

 

 
 
 

Reset Network Settings on Insteon Hub (2014)

  1. With the Insteon Hub powered on, quickly tap the set button three (3x) times

  2. Insteon Hub will beep three times

  3. After several moments, Insteon Hub will restart and the status LED will turn steady green.

  4. Unplug Insteon Hub and wait for about 30 seconds

  5. Reconnect power to the Insteon Hub

 

Unable to establish a connection with your Insteon Hub

 
 

When signing into the Insteon app, you may occasionally encounter an alert informing you that the app was unable to establish a connection to the Insteon Hub. There are several reasons why this may occur.

  • Your home's internet connection is offline

  • Your home's internet router or modem is not functioning properly

  • Insteon Hub may have become unplugged from ethernet or power

 

Basic Troubleshooting

  1. Ensure that your Insteon Hub is connected to a working power outlet and that the ethernet cable is firmly seated. It may be helpful to unplug and reinsert the ethernet cable. If your Hub shows a solid red status LED, your Hub is unable to connect to the internet.

  2. Confirm that your internet router and cable or DSL modem are connected to power and turned on. Learn how to Identify your router and cable or DSL modem.

  3. Check that your internet connection is working by attempting to browse to a website using another device or computer in your home.

  4. Try restarting your Insteon Hub by unplugging its power cord. Wait about 30 seconds and then reconnect your Hub to power.

  5. Try restarting your router and cable or DSL modem.

If none of the above steps resolved your issue, follow the steps outlined in this article to perform a network reset.

If you are still unable to connect to your Insteon Hub after following the above steps, contact Insteon Support and reference this article.

 

Calibrate Temperature and Humidity on Insteon Wired and Wireless Thermsotats

If you believe that the temperature reading in your thermostat is incorrect, you can recalibrate the Thermostat by following these steps. It is strongly recommended that you use a known-good reference source for the calibrated temperature.

  1. Press and hold the Program button until the screen changes. This should take about five seconds.
  2. Tap the Time/Sensor button to enter temperature calibration mode.
  3. Tap the Mode button to switch between temperature and humidity calibration.

 

Temperature Calibration

  • The top left number is the current temperature as read by the temperature sensor
  • The larger number in the middle of the display is the calibrated temperature
  1. Tap the Up or Down buttons to adjust the displayed temperature to match the calibrated source.
  2. Press the Program button to exit calibration mode

 

Humidity Calibration

  • The top left number is the current humidity level as read by the humidity sensor
  • The lower left number is the calibrated humidity
  1. Press the Up or Down buttons to select the current humidity level
  2. Press the Program button to exit calibration mode
,

Sensor Shows Unknown Status

,
 
 

A sensor or other battery-powered device will show a yellow status circle and report "Unknown" if the Insteon Hub is unable to ascertain a sensor's status.

  • If your sensor was recently added to the Insteon App, tap the sensor's set button. This should update the status in the Insteon Hub and the app should begin tracking the status of the sensor.
  • If your sensor has been added to the Insteon App for a while and has only recently begun showing Unknown, it is possible that the Sensor's battery is low and needs to be replaced.

A wall-powered device may also show Unknown status. Ensure that the device is still connected to power and shows a red, green or white status LED. If not, check the power to the device. If power is normal, contact Insteon Support for additional troubleshooting or consult the product's Owner's Manual.

Control your Insteon Hub from your Android Wear Device using Tasker

If you would like to get more out of your Android Wear Watch, why not use it to control your Insteon home automation devices?  By using the WearTasker App, it is now possible to run any Insteon task created on your Android smartphone (using the Tasker App) from an Android Wear watch.  Using Tasker on your smartphone, build a list of the Insteon tasks you want to have available on your wrist. Once complete, simply tap the clock on your Android Wear watch, scroll down, and start WearTasker.  Then, simply tap an Insteon task and it will execute on your smartphone.  Enjoy convenient Insteon control - from your wrist!

 

Insteon is unable to offer support for the steps outlined in this article. Please consult this thread on the Insteon Support Forum to share your experiences with other Insteon customers.

 

Required Devices

  • A compatible Android smartphone (most devices running Android 4.4 or higher will work)

  • The Tasker Android App

  • An Android Wear-compatible device

  • The Wear Tasker Android App

  • An Insteon Hub (2012) or Insteon Hub (2014)

 

Getting Started

Before starting with Tasker and WearTasker, there are some pieces information you will need to get your devices setup with Insteon. Take a moment to gather the following information.

  • Insteon Hub User Name and Password. These credentials are different from your Insteon Connect account.

  • For Insteon Hub (2012), this information is located on the bottom of the device

  • For Insteon Hub (2014), this information can be found by navigating to Settings > House Settings > Hub User Name and Password

  • IP Address. Either your Hub's local IP address or if you wish for remote control when you are outside of your home's WiFi network, you will need to configure a DDNS setup.

  • Hub port number. The default port number is 25105. If this has been changed, you can find it by navigating to Settings > House > Port.

  • The to-be-controlled device(s) Insteon ID. See Locate your Device's Insteon ID for more information.

Understanding the URL String

Once you get a feel for the fundamentals, coding commands with the Tasker and WearTasker Apps will become easy. Commands are capable of turning devices on and off, brightening and dimming lights, or having lights dim to a preset brightness level. By taking the information collected above and combining it with Insteon Commands and Variables a command string can be created which will be sent to your hub as a post command. 

Here is the URL String template

http://[User Name]:[Password]@[IP Address]:[Port]/3?0262[Insteon ID]0F[Command Type][Command Variable]=I=3

Here is a sample URL with information

http://danny:insteon@10.0.1.5:25105/3?02623256b80f11FF=I=3

Component Function
User Name Insteon Hub User Name
Password Insteon Hub Password
IP Address Local or public IP address for the Insteon Hub. If a DDNS service has been configured, use the DDNS URL instead
Port Insteon Hub port number. By default, the port is 25105
3?0262 Indicates the beginning of a direct Insteon command. This does not change.
Insteon ID Insteon ID for the controlled device. ID should be formatted without periods: aa00bb
0F This does not change
Insteon Command Two digit command from table A1
Command Variable Two digit dimming variable from table A2
=I=3 Indicates the end of the command. This does not change.

Device Command String Examples

This will turn on a device with ID 12.6E.8D to 75% brightness

http://admin:admin@10.0.1.5:25105/3?026212ce8d0f11bf=I=3

This command will slightly dim the same light

http://admin:admin@10.0.1.5:25105/3?026212ce8d0f1300=i=3

Scene Command String Examples

Command strings for scenes are created in a similar fashion; however, instead of using an Insteon ID, the command string will use a Scene ID. A Scene ID can be found within the Insteon for Hub App by going to Settings > Scenes, select the scene and identify the Group number.  Scenes are limited to on and off commands only.

To turn group 1 on, the command would be

http://admin:admin@10.0.1.5:25105/0?111=I=0

To turn group 1 off, the command would be

http://admin:admin@10.0.1.5:25105/0?131=I=0

Adding Commands into Tasker

  • Open Tasker and navigate to Tasks

  • Tap the + button to create a new task and give it a name

  • After the Edit screen appears, tap the + button again and select Net > HTTP Post and enter your command in the server:port field

  • Go back and tap the Play button to test your command

Adding Control to your Android Wear Device

  • Create a new Task by tapping the + button on the task screen and give it a name

  • On the Edit Task screen, tap + and select Plugin > Wear Tasker

  • Tap the Edit button to configure the task

Configure a Location Profile for quick access to lighting commands

  • Every time your phone connects to a specified WiFi network, your watch will display the desired controls.

  • Go to Profiles and tap the + button

  • Select State > Net > WiFi Connected and then browse for your home's WiFi Network SSID

  • Tap Back and select a Task

  • Select the Task you created for Wear Tasker

General Insteon Control

Insteon Command Function
11 On - Can Be used with Variable to set default brightness level
12 Fast On - Will go immediately to full brightness - No ramp rate
13 Off - Can Be used with Variable to set default brightness level
14 Fast Off - Will go immediately off - No ramp rate
15 Brighten - Incrementally increase brightness of a dimmable device
16 Dim - Incrementally decrease brightness of a dimmable device
 

Brightness

Insteon Command Function
0 0%
19 10%
40 25%
7F 50%
BF 75%
E6 90%
FF 100%
 

Thermostat Control

For the heat and cool set point command strings, ** denotes the desired set point. This command example will switch a Thermostat to Heat:

http://admin:admin@10.0.1.5:25105/3?02623093181F6B040000000000000000000000000091=I=3

Insteon Command Function
1F6B040000000000000000000000000091 Heat On
1F6B050000000000000000000000000090 Cool On
1F6B06000000000000000000000000008F Auto On
1F6B07000000000000000000000000008E Fan On
1F6B08000000000000000000000000008D Fan Off
1F6B09000000000000000000000000008C All Off
1F6C6400000000000000000000000000** Cool Set Point
1F6D6400000000000000000000000000** Heat Set Point

Useful Resources

Probably the most useful resource for generating Insteon Direct Commands, this will allow you to generate the commands automatically for the most useful functions, such as setting brightness levels or changing your thermostat’s temperature.

An excellent rundown and explanation as to just how these direct commands work

 

Locate your device's Insteon ID

All Insteon devices except for WiFi Cameras have an Insteon ID. Use this article to help locate the Insteon ID for your product.

The Insteon ID is usually printed on a small, white rectangular sticker affixed in the locations described below. All Insteon IDs take the form of three hexadecimal pairs (A1.B2.C3).

 
Device Insteon ID Location
Dimmer Module On the back
On/Off Module
Outdoor On/Off Module
LED Bulb On the top of the bulb lens
LED Bulb for Recessed Lights
Dimmer Switch On the metal mounting bracket in one of the four corners
Dimmer Switch (1000W)
Dimmer Switch (2-Wire)
On/Off Switch
Dimmer Keypad (6-Button)
Dimmer Keypad (8-Button)
On/Off Keypad (6-Button)
On/Off Keypad (8-Button)
Dimmer Outlet
On/Off Outlet (2007)
On/Off Outlet (2014)
Wired Thermostat On the inside of the cover as well as near the screw terminals
Wireless Thermostat
Thermostat Adapter On the back
Mini Remote (Wireless Switch) On the back, towards the bottom
Mini Remote (4-Scene)
Mini Remote (8-Scene)
WiFi Camera This device does not have an Insteon ID
HD WiFi Camera
Outdoor WiFi camera
HD Outdoor WiFi Camera
Open/Close Sensor On the circuit board beneath the enclosure cover
Hidden Door Sensor On the circuit board beneath the battery
Motion Sensor On the back, above the battery cover
Leak Sensor On the bottom
Smoke Bridge On the back
IO Module On the back
Ceiling Fan Controller On the bottom
Dimmer Micro Module On the back
On/Off Micro Module
Open/Close Micro Module
Ballast Dimmer On the top
Dimmer In-Line Module On the back
On/Off In-Line Module
220V Load Controller On the front
Dimmer DIN Rail Module On the back
On/Off DIN Rail Module
MorningLinc On the back
IRLinc Transmitter
IRLinc Receiver
SeriaLinc
Range Extender On the back
Energy Display On the back
iMeter Solo On the back
SynchroLinc
 
 

Send Insteon Alerts via SMS Using a Mobile Phone Number Email

Did you know that your mobile phone number has a corresponding email address? You can use it to send an email to a phone number and receive it as a text (SMS) message. With Insteon Director, you can add this email address as a means to receive text messages for alerts.

Requirements:

Insteon Hub with an Account Access subscription

How to configure text message alerts for devices using Insteon Director app:

  1. Navigate to the device for which you would like to enable text alerts

  2. Edit the Device

    • From the rooms view, tap on the device card to enter the full device view

    • Tap the gear icon in the upper right

  3. On the Device Details page tap Notifications

  4. Enable Email Notification for the desired alert and then tap Email field

  5. In the Email field, enter your phone's carrier-specific email address
    Note: if you are entering multiple emails, separate each with a comma

    • AT&T: 10digitphonenumber@txt.att.net

    • Verizon: 10digitphonenumber@vtext.com

    • T-Mobile: 10digitphonenumber@tmomail.net

    • If your carrier isn’t listed above, contact your mobile phone service provider.

  6. Tap Save

  7. An alert approval message will be sent to the phone number provided as a text.

  8. Check your messages for an text message from Insteon. Tap the confirmation link to connect.insteon.com. You will be taken to your phone's web browser for final confirmation.

Repeat steps 1 through 7 for any additional alerts that you wish to receive via text. Please note that as these messages will be sent via text, your carrier's standard messaging rates may apply.

 
 
,

Transitioning from Text Messages to Push Notifications

,
 
 

Our SMS (Text Message) alert service is changing to push notifications.

For those that prefer SMS, you can continue to receive alerts via SMS by using a mobile phone number email address. Follow the link below to learn more. 

What is a push notification?

Push notification alerts are similar to a text alerts but instead of being tied to a phone number, they are connected to your Insteon account and app. Types of notifications include:

  • Sounds/Vibrate: An audible alert plays

  • Alerts/Banners: An alert or banner appears on the screen

Where do I get the Insteon App with push notifications? 

The latest versions of our iOS (v1.9.29) and Android (v1.7.5) apps have push notifications available. Instructions on how to enable push notifications for Insteon devices can be found below. This service will be coming to soon to our Windows apps.

 
 

Requirements for Receiving Push Notifications

  • The Insteon for Hub app must be installed on the mobile device

  • On the log-in screen "Remember me" must be enabled, allowing the app to stay logged in

  • For iOS only, the app must either be in the background or the screen off in order to receive an alert. 

Enabling Push Notifications on iOS

  1. When launching the app with the latest update, you will be asked to allow Insteon to send you push notifications, tap "OK"

  2. Choose the sensor (or device) and swipe left to access the Drawer

  3. Tap Edit 

  4. Tap Alerts

  5. Make sure that the alert is enabled and then tap Message & Recipients

  6. Tap Push Notification to enable push notifications then tap done.

  7. Before testing, ensure that the app is in the background on your mobile device (push notifications will not display if the app is in the foreground). 

 
 
 

Troubleshooting Push Notifications on iOS

If you are not receiving push notifications after following the above steps, try the following troubleshooting steps.

  1. Navigate to settings on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch (not settings from within the Insteon app) and tap Notifications

  2. Tap on Insteon

  3. Flip the switch to enable notifications

  4. Ensure that the Insteon app is running in the background or your mobile devices screen is off

 
 

Enabling Push Notifications on Android

  1. Tap a device

  2. Tap settings followed by Edit This

  3. Tap Alerts

  4. Make sure the alert is turned on and then tap Message and Recipients

  5. Tap Push Notification to enable push notifications then tap the save icon.

 
 
 

Troubleshooting Push Notifications on Android

If you are not receiving push notifications after following the above steps, try the following troubleshooting steps.

  1. Navigate to settings on your Android device (not settings from within the Insteon app) and tap Applications

  2. Tap Application Manager

  3. Tap Insteon

  4. Tap the checkbox for Show Notifications

 
 

Using the Insteon Motion Sensor with the Insteon Hub

When you add the Motion Sensor (2842-222) to the Insteon for Hub application, your motion sensor will have extra settings for you to use. These options can be changed at any time by navigating to the Device's settings.

Tap on the motion sensor. These extra settings can be found by tapping "Device Options." After you expand the options you will see the following:

  • Motion LED – This option turns off the red PIR light that flashes in the front of the motion sensor when it detects motion. (It will still operate during setup)
     
  • Night Only – Tells the motion sensor that you want it to work only at night.
     
  • Motion Countdown – The amount of time that a motion sensor will wait before telling linked devices to turn off.
     
  • Light Sensitivity – How sensitive the motion sensor is to detecting light. The lower the number, the less light is needed for the motion sensor to detect daytime while the higher the setting, more light is needed for the motion sensor to read daytime.
     
  • Occupancy Mode – During normal operation, once the countdown is triggered from the motion sensor, the motion sensor will ignore all other motions until the countdown reaches zero, and then the connected devices are turned off. With “Occupancy Mode” enabled, when the motion sensor detects motion, it will restart the countdown timer over and over again until movement is no longer detected.
     
  • On Only Mode – This mode causes the motion sensor to only send the “ON” command and ignore the countdown. The customer will be responsible for turning off the light when they leave the room.
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Customizing Alerts with Insteon Hub

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With the Insteon Hub, you are able to customize the alerts that you receive from your devices. This can include adding extra email recipients to customizing the subject and body of the message that you receive. This is a good way to tell the difference between a front door and back door using multiple open/close sensors. This process would need to be performed on each alert that you want to change. To do this, follow these steps:

  • Log into your Insteon for Hub application on your phone or mobile device

  • Navigate to "Settings"

  • Tap on "Devices"

  • Tap the device you wish to customize

  • Tap on "Alerts"

  • Tap on "Message and Recipients"  (you will need to customize the "ON" alert and the "Off" alert separately)

  • Configure the email address,  subject and body of your message. You can also enable or disable push notifications.

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