Alarm Systems · Technology Explained

Burglar Alarm Arming Modes Explained

Stay, away, night: three settings that turn one alarm into the right protection for the moment.

If someone forced a window tonight, who would hear it?

Read on: it takes a few minutes and could save you a lot more than that.

In this guide you will see:
  • Away arms everything when you leave.
  • Stay arms the perimeter and leaves interior motion off.
  • Night arms the ground floor while you sleep upstairs.
By Qyvea LimitedPublished 2026-10-16Updated 2026-10-162 min read
On this page01. The modes02. Zones and delays03. Everyday routine04. FAQ
Burglar Alarm Arming Modes Explained
Quick answer

Alarms group sensors into zones and arm different zones in different modes. Away mode arms everything when the house is empty; stay (or home) mode arms the doors and windows but leaves interior motion sensors off so you can move around; night mode arms the ground floor and leaves bedrooms free. Entry and exit delays give you time to enter your code before the siren sounds. A good installer sets these up around your routine.

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Key takeaways

  • Away arms everything when you leave.
  • Stay arms the perimeter and leaves interior motion off.
  • Night arms the ground floor while you sleep upstairs.
  • Entry and exit delays give you time to get in and out.
  • Each mode is just a different set of zones.

01The modes

ModeWhat is armedWhen to use it
AwayEvery zoneLeaving the house empty
Stay or homeDoors and windows; interior motion offAt home in the evening
NightGround floor and doors; bedrooms freeSleeping upstairs
Part armChosen zones onlyWorkers or guests inside

02Zones and delays

  • A zone is a sensor or group of sensors, such as the front door or the living room.
  • Exit delay: time to leave before the alarm is fully armed.
  • Entry delay: time to enter your code after opening the door.
  • Bypass lets you ignore a faulty or unwanted zone temporarily.
  • Panic zones sound the siren immediately.

03Everyday routine

  1. 01
    LeavingArm in away mode and leave within the exit delay.
  2. 02
    Evening at homeArm in stay mode so doors and windows are protected.
  3. 03
    NightSwitch to night mode before bed.
  4. 04
    MorningDisarm and check any alerts in the app.
When to call a professionalWe programme the modes around your family's routine and train everyone. Call 0113 301 244 or WhatsApp us.

04Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between stay and night mode?

Stay mode arms doors and windows only; night mode arms more of the ground floor while leaving bedrooms free.

Can I have different codes for family and a house help?

Yes; panels support user codes with different rights.

What if I forget to disarm?

The siren sounds after the entry delay; disarm with your code and silence the alarm.

Can I change modes from the app?

Yes, on app-connected panels.

Why customers choose Qyvea

Genuine brandsManufacturer warranty on what we sell, so you are not gambling on the box.
One team, start to finishThe people who advise you also install and support it.
Fast answersWhatsApp replies usually within 30 minutes, and delivery within 24 hours in Nairobi.
Easy to buyPay by M-Pesa, bank transfer or card. Free delivery in Nairobi on orders over KES 5,000.
Risk taken off you7-day returns and exchanges on products, and a workmanship warranty on installations.
Customers say soRated 4.6/5 from 57 Google reviews.

Your next step takes one minute: send us a photo of the place on WhatsApp and we will tell you what it needs.

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