Get offer plus promotions and updates. Review our privacy policy.

Back to BlogHome Security Systems

Keychain Remote - What is it, How to Use it, What are its Uses?

By:
Gilbert Cho
|February 28, 2020

This post was originally published on October 13, 2015. It was updated on February 28, 2020, with current product information.

Control your home security system with Frontpoint’s Keychain Remote

The Keychain Remote helps you get the most out of your Frontpoint system. Let’s dive into how it works:

What is a security keychain remote?

A security keychain remote (also called a key fob or panic button keychain) is a small, portable device that lets you control your home security system remotely.

Frontpoint’s Keychain Remote has four simple actions—arm stay, arm away, disarm, and smart lights on/off. The battery life of the keychain remote is up to five years. It’s a convenient way for you to arm and disarm your home security—just like a key fob you use to lock and unlock a car door.

How to use security keychain alarms

The following describes how to use your keychain remote with the Frontpoint Hub. Note, different Frontpoint Hubs and Control Panels impact how you use the keychain remote. Read our support guide on the keychain remote for more information.

You can use the security keychain remote within 100 feet of your Frontpoint Hub to manage your connected home devices.

When you need to program your keychain, just call Frontpoint Customer Care at 1-877-602-5276.

Graphic of the Frontpoint Keychain RemoteGraphic of the Frontpoint Keychain Remote

Use the Lock button to arm your home

There are a few ways to use the Lock button to keep your home secure. Simply press it twice to arm your system in Arm Away mode as you leave the house. Arm Away mode is the traditional arming method for your Door and Window, Glass Break, and Motion Sensors.

The keychain is also perfect for securing the exterior of your home when you’re inside. To arm your system in Stay mode, press the Lock button once and hold it for one second. Arming in Stay mode only arms Door and Window and Glass Break Sensors. This allows you to roam freely throughout your home while still being protected from outside intrusions. This mode gives you a 30-second entry delay and a 60-second exit delay.

Disarm your home with the Unlock button

When it’s time to come home or disarm your system, just press the Unlock button once. With your security keychain, you can disarm your Frontpoint system easily, without having to enter your master code on your keypad or touchscreen.

Press the lightbulb button to turn on home lights

The Keychain Remote can control your lights if you’re using any Frontpoint Wireless Light Controls and smart light bulbs. Clicking the button with the light bulb icon will turn your lights on and off.

If you don't want to come home to a dark house, hit the button when you’re outside and watch as your lights turn on. The keychain remote has a range of 100 feet, allowing you to light up your house from the driveway.

Use your keychain as a remote panic alarm at home

One of the best features of the Frontpoint Keychain Remote is its ability to double as a portable panic button. To activate this hidden panic alarm, press both the Lock and Unlock buttons at the same time and hold for 3 seconds.

The monitoring center will call you after receiving the panic alarm. If you don’t respond, they will immediately dispatch the police.

Who can benefit from a keychain remote?

Its easy-to-use interface and portable size make the Frontpoint Keychain Remote perfect for every member of your household. And each remote can be personalized, so you'll be able to see who is arming and disarming the system in your account history.

This key fob can also provide comfort to older family members. Using it as a wireless panic button for elderly individuals gives both you and them peace of mind.

When to use your security keychain remote

Some of the most popular reasons Frontpoint customers use their keychains include:

To easily arm and disarm your system

As the name implies, the Keychain Remote was primarily intended to go onto your keychain, so it's always within reach. Keep it nearby to arm your system as you step out the front door or turn on the lights when you come home.

To make sure your home is secure before bed

Gone to bed only to realize that you forgot to arm your system? Not a problem when you’ve got your Keychain Remote by your bedside table.

Keep track of kids

Know when your kids are coming and going. Just give them their own Keychain Remotes so you can monitor their movements by viewing the system’s activity. Setting up unique user codes is another way to track your kids—with or without a keychain.

To quickly signal for help in an emergency

A spare Keychain Remote is especially useful for backup or emergency situations. Place one in a kitchen drawer or any space where it's easily accessible.

Frontpoint Keychain Remote troubleshooting

If you ever experience an issue or failure of your Frontpoint Keychain Remote, the best thing to do is contact Customer Care at 1-877-602-5276. You can also refer to the user guide for a refresher on what each button does.

The Keychain Remote offers a lot of convenience and utility in a very small package, making it a great tool to manage your home’s safety on the go.


Frontpoint keeps homes safe whether families are there or not. We've been revolutionizing the home security industry for over a decade. And we're just getting started. To shop DIY home security systems, check out our Security Packages. If you have questions or would like to discuss a quote, contact us at 1-877-602-5276.