How to Set Up Modes in Swann Security App

Tags: modes, security app, home mode, night mode, away mode, motion sensitivity, push notifications, automation, schedules, sensitivity settings, indoor siren, security system setup, configuration guide, presets, device customization, app features, smartphone control, system automation, settings adjustment, mode switching, app tutorial

This guide walks you through configuring Modes in the Swann Security app—custom profiles that let you control how your system behaves in different situations like Home, Night, or Away.

With Modes, you can adjust motion sensitivity, push notifications, and even control lights and sirens (for supported cameras).

Before You Start:

1. Ensure your app is updated to the latest version.
2. Only stand-alone cameras (not NVRs/DVRs) support lights and sirens.
3. Logged in and have your cameras already added? You're good to go.
4. Choose Your Phone Type
   Android iOS

Pick Your Starting Point

• Just want to customize a Mode? →
• Want to know what each setting changes? →
• How does Modes update the settings? →
• Getting unusual or unexpected results? →
• Want to automatically change Modes? →

How to Configure Modes

Why this helps? Setting up Modes gives you control over your camera's behavior depending on your location or time of day—no need to change settings manually each time.

Open the Swann Security app then tap on Modes then to edit Modes.

Choose a device you want to configure.

Choose a Mode that you want to configure, adjust its settings based on your needs, then tap to save and exit.

TIP: While in this screen, you can go back and forth of Modes and the settings will stay, but if the app crashes or you closed the app, the settings won't be saved.

1 2 3

Swipe left or right to navigate

Open the Swann Security app then tap on Modes then Edit Modes

Choose a device you want to configure.

Choose a Mode that you want to configure, adjust its settings based on your needs, then tap Edit Modes to save and exit.

TIP: While in this screen, you can go back and forth of Modes and the settings will stay, but if the app crashes or you closed the app, the settings won't be saved.

1 2 3

Swipe left or right to navigate

What Settings Can It Change?

Here’s what you can control inside a Mode:

Sensitivity

Primarily for motion, but some devices also have sound detection. How it shows also differs on device, but the idea is the same: higher value = more sensitive; lower value = less sensitive

NOTE: If sensitivity is set to OFF or 0, lights and siren won't automatically activate.

Push Notifications

Control what alerts you receive when motion is detected.

• Standard Notification: Triggered by motion or sound events.
• Analytic Notification (with Subscription): Person detection (comes free on some cameras), Pet detection, Car detection, and Package detection.
  Why this helps? Customize alerts to stay informed without getting overwhelmed—especially useful if you’re subscribed to extra features.

Learn how push notifications work and how to set them up by visiting this guide

1 2

Swipe left or right to navigate

Lights and Siren (For Stand-alone Cameras Only)

You can now automate your camera's built-in spotlight and siren per Mode. Here’s how it works:

• When motion is detected, and the feature is enabled, your camera can:
  • Flash a light
  • Sound a siren
  • Or do both
• You can set how long each feature stays on:
  • Light duration: e.g., 60 seconds
  • Siren duration: e.g., 30 seconds
  • These durations apply across all Modes.

NOTE: For SWIFI-XTRCM units, the siren duration is at its settings, under Detection Settings

About Mode Switching and Setting Updates

Mode changes and setting updates may not always appear instantly, as they rely on communication between the app, cloud, and device. Here’s what to expect:

1. Manual Mode Switching:
   • Plug-powered devices typically switch within a few seconds.
   • Battery-powered devices may take 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on sleep cycles and connectivity.
2. Scheduled Mode Switching:
   • When following a set schedule, additional seconds may be needed as the cloud triggers the change.
3. Updating Settings in the Current Mode:
   • Changes usually take a short time to apply, and battery-powered devices may take slightly longer.

These timing differences are normal due to the nature of wireless communication and power-saving features.

Special Cases

Troubleshooting Related to Changing Modes

Troubleshooting Related to Lights and Siren

Lights/Sirens not activating? Here’s what to check:

How Can Modes Switch Automatically

You can set your devices to change modes automatically at various times using schedules. From the Modes tab, tap "Schedules Setup (Basic)" or "Add Schedules (Advanced)" to create schedules. ​

Visit How to Set Up Schedules for Modes in Swann Security App to learn how to set a schedule.

Summary & Next Steps

With Modes, you can personalize how your Swann system behaves in real-time—whether you’re home, asleep, or away. You now know how to:

• Customize Modes per device and situation.
• Adjust motion sensitivity, notifications, and lights/siren.
• Troubleshoot common issues.

Still need help? Contact Swann Support.