Can I Control My Home Security from My Phone?

Many modern home security systems are controllable via smartphone apps. Systems with app compatibility are known as smart home security systems. Just don’t confuse a system’s smart capabilities with the method of professional monitoring it uses—the two are different. You can, for instance, have a smart security system and still get professional cellular alarm monitoring.

There are several components in a security system that might be controllable with a smartphone or tablet. Here are some of the most popular smart security elements.

Smart lighting is becoming increasingly common, and it isn’t just convenient for everyday use—it also has major implications for home security. Gone are the days of having to worry about whether you forgot to leave a light on to make your home look occupied. With smart lighting, you can turn any light you choose on (or off) from your phone, no matter where you happen to be. You can also set and adjust timers for your lights remotely.

You can achieve this with smart light bulbs or smart light switches. Both are great options, but installing a smart switch is a little more involved than screwing in a smart lightbulb.

The humble smoke detector benefits quite a bit from smart technology. Not only can the individual alarms communicate with each other to notify you of fires faster, but many models also use voice alerts to let you know exactly which room the smoke is in. Depending on the model you get, you can also silence the alarm from your phone and receive alarm notifications while you’re away.

Check out our roundup of the best smoke alarms—look for options marked “smart.”

Smart cameras allow you to remotely activate and view your security camera feeds right on your phone. Some smart cameras can also detect movement and send alerts to your phone when a person enters a room.

Explore our picks for best home security cameras.

Smart door locks let you lock your doors from anywhere, and certain models can unlock automatically when they detect you approaching. Some locks feature keypads and backup key slots just in case the electronic element isn’t working, while others are completely wireless and work exclusively via smartphone apps.

Look through our guide to the best smart locks.

Many home security systems allow you to arm or disarm the burglar alarm from your smartphone, so you never need to worry about forgetting to set the alarm when you leave. Most providers have their own home security apps, and some are also compatible with the universal apps from Alarm.com.

Take a look at our home automation guide to get a better idea of just how many security devices you can control via your smartphone.

• What Is Home Automation and How Does It Work?
• What Are the Elements of a Home Automation System?
• How Do Home Security Systems Protect Against Fire and Flood?
• How to Keep Your Smart Home Safe From Hackers