As part of the Pro Plan, Abode offers an emergency cell backup service in the event you temporarily lose the internet connection to your Iota Hub or Security Hub. Although cellular services are available in most areas of the USA, and Canada, there are some locations were the cell services are either too weak or not available for the cell providers that Abode utilizes for its cell backup service. Abode cannot not guarantee that the cellular radio that is built into the hub will work with the cellular services that's located in its proximity.
Note
The hub utilizes either AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon cellular services depending on which has the strongest signal to the hub. Placing the hub on the floor, in a closet, or in a basement can weaken the cellular signal.
If your hub did not receive a SIM card, please reach out to us at support@goabode.com. Abode hub only support SIM cards from Abode and cannot be used with 3rd party SIM cards or cellular services.
Installing the Sim Card in Your Hub
Security Hubs and Iota Hubs shipped after May 2016 already have a SIM card installed, and should start working after the purchase of a Standard Plan or Pro Plan.
Turn OFF the hub battery backup switch and unplug it from power. The Smart Hub power switch is found on the back of the device (push down to turn OFF). The Iota power switch is found at the bottom of the device (push towards back of device to turn OFF)
Location of backup battery switch on Security Hub and Iota Hub
Locate the SIM card slot on the back of the hub behind the rubber cover.
Location of SIM card slot on Security Hub and Iota Hub
Pop the new SIM card out of the card holder. Insert the SIM into the hub until it clicks into place. You may use the side of the larger SIM card holder (that you just snapped the new SIM card out of) to aid in pushing the SIM card into place. The SIM card with click into place and remain flush once seated properly.
Note
The gold pins on the SIM card should be facing to the left when installed in the Security Hub, and to the right when installed in the Iota Hub. The one angled corner of the SIM card should be facing the hub. Reference the below image for direction guidance. Installing the SIM card backwards can damage the SIM card and the hub.
Once the SIM card is installed, connect the power back to the gateway, then slide the battery switch ON.
Testing Your Cellular Connection
Wait for up to 15 minutes after installation to ensure your hub has come back to power and online, and be sure to have an active Pro Plan.
To verify your cellular connection is working properly remove the Ethernet cable from your hub (if applicable) and wait for 3 minutes. If you have an Iota hub and it's on Wi-Fi, temporarily disable your home internet Wi-Fi to allow your Iota to connect to cellular backup.
Open the Abode App. Perform a simple test such as opening and closing a door that has a door sensor installed to ensure the events show up on the timeline of events.
Your test is complete! Reconnect your Ethernet cable and re-enable your home Wi-Fi if needed.
Cell Backup & SIM Card Troubleshooting
My cellular backup has stopped working
My cellular backup has stopped working
Hub Not Receiving Cell Signal
Try moving your hub to another part of your house. If the hub is placed on the floor, in a closet, in a basement, or an area of the house without a strong cell signal your cell backup feature may not work.
3G Shutdown "GSM Signal Error"
Over the course of late 2021 and into 2022, the 3G cell networks across the US have/will be gradually switched off to make room from the 5G network. The decision for this is out of Abode's control and will happen on a rolling basis, so we do not have exact times these services will cease. If you currently have an older style Gen 1 Hub, and utilize the cell backup feature from the Pro Plan (or Connect Plan), you may find that your hub will report a "GSM Signal Error" at some point, and no longer be able to switch to cell backup in the event of an internet outage. If this occurs, then it is likely 3G cell service has been turned off in your area. You have a few options:
1. Continue to use the system as normal, just without the cell backup feature. If you wish to remove the error message, please contact us at support@goabode.com
2. Change plan from Pro Plan (or Connect plan) to Standard Plan-- the Standard Plan contains up to date features not available in Connect, but does not include cell backup
3. Upgrade your hub to a new 4G hub or Iota to continue to receive the cell backup feature. These hubs can be purchased from our store at www.goabode.com
My SIM card won't stay in/keeps popping out
My SIM card won't stay in/keeps popping out
If your SIM card will not click into place it is most likely being installed the wrong way. The gold pins on the SIM card should be facing to the left when installed in the Security Hub, and to the right when installed in the Iota Hub. The one angled corner of the SIM card should be facing the hub. The SIM card will audibly click into place when installed correctly. You may need to use the corner of the larger SIM card holder that you snapped the SIM card out of, or the corner of a credit card, to push the SIM card in all the way into place. Reference the below image for direction guidance.
