How to Add Your Qolsys Alarm to Apple HomeKit with Homebridge

Introduction

I've been stuck at home dealing with COVID, and while isolation isn't ideal, it has provided something I rarely get: uninterrupted time to dive into projects I've been wanting to tackle. At the top of that list? Integrating my Qolsys alarm system with Apple HomeKit, something I've been craving for months.

The good news? It worked beautifully—and now my home automation is better than ever. Here’s how I did it, and how you can too.

Prerequisites

Before diving in, you'll need:

• Homebridge: An open-source tool that bridges devices not natively supported by Apple HomeKit, allowing you to integrate virtually anything with your Apple devices. Learn more here.
• Qolsys Alarm Panel: Specifically, a compatible panel (check compatibility here).
• Time and Patience: Especially if you're new to this.

If you're already familiar with these basics, feel free to skip ahead to the integration steps below.

What is a Qolsys Alarm Panel?

A Qolsys Alarm Panel is a modern, touchscreen security system that integrates wireless and wired sensors throughout your home. It's known for reliability, ease of use, and extensive integration capabilities with professional monitoring services, such as Alarm.com. My home came with a Qolsys system preinstalled, so I kept it and looked for ways to integrate it into my smart home.

What is Apple HomeKit?

Apple HomeKit is Apple's smart home platform. It lets you control compatible smart devices—lights, cameras, locks, sensors, and now your Qolsys alarm—from your iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, or via Siri voice commands. It’s incredibly convenient, secure, and user-friendly.

Of course, Qolsys isn't exactly Home Kit compatible out of the box. But that's where Homebridge comes in.

What is Homebridge?

Homebridge is an open-source solution that allows non-HomeKit devices (like Qolsys alarm systems) to integrate smoothly into the Apple Home ecosystem. Essentially, it bridges the gap between devices Apple doesn't officially support and HomeKit itself.

How to Integrate Your Qolsys Panel with HomeKit via Homebridge

Here's exactly what I did to integrate my system:

Step 1: Install the Homebridge Qolsys Plugin

• Open your Homebridge interface, navigate to the Plugins section, search for "Qolsys," and install the plugin developed by EHylands.

Step 2: Obtain Secure Token

Instructions are included in the documentation but be aware that it requires that you log into your alarm panel with an installer code. It sounds a lot scarier than it is but if you're installing this plugin, you should be aware in case your installer code is different than the default listed in the documentation.

Step 3: Configure the Plugin

• You'll need a bit of information from your Qolsys panel during configuration. Specifically, you’ll need your panel’s IP address, User Pin Code and a secure token
• If you’ve never accessed your installer code, don’t worry—typically it’s listed in your panel's documentation, or you can find defaults here.

This step initially sounded intimidating to me (anything involving installer codes can seem daunting!), but honestly, it was straightforward once I started.

The Results (and why this is so exciting!)

Now, the fun part! What exactly does this integration do?

• Instant control: I can now arm and disarm my alarm directly from Apple Home, Siri, or automations.
• Real-time sensor data: All wired sensors—doors, windows, and motion sensors—are exposed directly in HomeKit, giving me instant visibility and control.
• Speed and Reliability: Previously, I tried Alarm.com's integration via Home Assistant, but the delays made automations unusable. The Homebridge plugin works locally, making responses instantaneous and reliable.

For example, my wired sensors now trigger immediate actions like turning on lights or sending notifications exactly when I want them. The integration feels seamless, as if Apple natively supported Qolsys from the start.

Wrapping Up

Integrating my Qolsys panel with Apple HomeKit via Homebridge genuinely elevated my home automation experience. If you've been on the fence, trust me—it’s worth it.

I'm glad I was able to knock out this little project and also write a post about it. I'd love to hear if you’ve tried this or if you run into any issues—let me know how it goes!

You can find me on Threads, Mastadon, Bluesky and Twitter.