How Do I Change My Scout System Arming Delay?
- WiFi connection unstable or device too far from router
- Device firmware or app needs updating
- Device not properly set up during initial pairing
Problem Description
You want to change the arming and entry/exit delay times on your Scout alarm system. The default delays give you time to leave after arming and enter before the alarm triggers. Scout lets you customize these delays in the app. This guide covers understanding the default times, adjusting entry and exit delays, and which sensors use delays vs. instant trigger.
Symptoms
- Device shows as offline in the app
- Device does not respond to commands
- App cannot connect to device
- Features not working as expected
- Device disconnects frequently
- Automations fail to trigger
- Voice commands not recognized
Recognize these? Here's what usually causes it.
Common Causes
- WiFi connection unstable or device too far from router
- Device firmware or app needs updating
- Device not properly set up during initial pairing
- Power supply issue or loose connection
- Account not linked correctly
- Too many devices causing network congestion
- Interference from other wireless devices
Most fixes happen in the first 3 steps.
Always notify your monitoring provider before performing system tests to prevent dispatching emergency services unnecessarily. Never disable your security system for extended periods. If you smell gas or suspect a real emergency call 911 directly rather than relying on your smart system.
Tools & Requirements
These tools will help you complete this fix.
Ethernet cable
Jadaol Cat 6 Ethernet Cable 25 ft, 10Gbps Support Ca...
Replacement batteries
Duracell Coppertop Double AA Batteries with Power Bo...
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Step-by-Step Solution
Understand the default arming delays
The Scout system has two delays: Exit Delay (time after arming to leave without triggering the alarm — default 60 seconds) and Entry Delay (time after opening a designated entry door to disarm before the alarm sounds — default 30 seconds). These delays only apply to sensors configured as entry/exit sensors. Interior sensors, glass break detectors, and panic buttons trigger immediately with no delay.
Adjust the exit delay
In the Scout app, go to Settings > Security > Exit Delay. Increase the delay if you need more time to leave after arming (e.g., 90 seconds for a large house). Decrease it if 60 seconds is too long (shorter delays mean the system is armed sooner). Exit delay starts when you tap 'Arm Away' in the app or on a key fob. The hub beeps during the countdown. After the delay expires, all sensors are active.
Adjust the entry delay
In the Scout app, go to Settings > Security > Entry Delay. The default 30 seconds gives you time to reach the phone and disarm after opening the front door. If the delay is too short (you cannot disarm in time), increase it to 45-60 seconds. If you want faster alarm response, reduce it to 15-20 seconds. The hub beeps faster as the entry delay countdown approaches zero, creating urgency to disarm.
Configure which sensors use delays
Only sensors marked as 'Entry/Exit' in the Scout app have delays. In the Devices section, tap each sensor > Response Type. Set your main entry door to Entry/Exit. Set secondary doors, windows, glass break sensors, and motion sensors to Instant (alarm fires immediately with no delay). This way, the front door gives you time to disarm, but a broken window or back door entry triggers the alarm instantly.
Test the delays
Arm the system in Away mode and walk out the front door during the exit delay. Return and open the front door — the entry delay countdown should start. Disarm before it expires. If the alarm triggers immediately without a delay: the sensor is set to Instant, not Entry/Exit. Check the sensor's response type in the app and change it. If the delay is present but too fast to count, increase the seconds. Always test after making changes.
Quick Solutions
Still having issues? This is usually the deeper cause below.
If this comes back after following these steps, check whether a recent app or firmware update reset a default setting — the fix works, but the setting gets reverted silently.
Set up geofencing so your system arms automatically when everyone leaves home and disarms when the first person returns. This eliminates the chance of forgetting to arm the system and provides seamless daily security.
Notification delays over 2 minutes are almost never the device's fault — background app restrictions quietly re-enable themselves after every OS update.
- WiFi connection unstable or device too far from router
- Device firmware or app needs updating
- Device not properly set up during initial pairing
- Power supply issue or loose connection
- Account not linked correctly
Before you go — try one of these (they fix most cases).
Official Manufacturer Manual
Scout Alarm provides official product documentation through their online manual rather than downloadable PDF. Access setup guides, troubleshooting steps, and product specifications for your Scout Alarm.
Source: scoutalarm.com
Need More Help? Scout Alarm Support
Note: The contact information below connects you directly to Scout Alarm's official customer support team, not Trunetto. They can help with warranty claims, device replacements, and advanced technical issues.