Match Verkada alarm arming and disarming to supported access methods

Test the alarm effect of every intended access method instead of equating a successful door unlock with disarming.

Source facts

Verkada New Alarms can use selected access-controlled doors to arm and disarm associated partitions. The supported methods differ: the guide allows Bluetooth unlock to disarm but not to perform double-badge arming, and it excludes remote and nearby unlock from supported disarming events. Selected doors must be in the same site as the alarm site. Camera-partition actions use the cloud, while sensor partitions with an alarm panel use local peer-to-peer communication for the documented disarm interaction.

Source: Verkada Help — Configure New Alarms Site Settings.

Applicability

Applies to New Alarms, not the separate Classic Alarms product. Confirm the actual partition type and supported method list before adding an access-controlled entrance to an alarm workflow.

DSE recommendation

DSE recommends creating a method-by-partition acceptance table with the alarm owner. Staff should know whether presenting a badge, using Bluetooth, or pressing remote unlock has the expected alarm effect. Identify entry and exit procedures for employees and cleaners and preserve any panic-related protection in the approved alarm design. Test under a scheduled maintenance arrangement with monitoring personnel as required; do not assume a successful door unlock proves a partition disarmed.

Verification

Use the approved alarm test process to check each intended credential method and inspect the actual partition state. Include a remote unlock as a negative case if staff might expect it to disarm. Record site, partition type, method, reader feedback, and state without generating an uncoordinated dispatch or leaving protection unintentionally disabled.

Official reference

Verkada Help — Configure New Alarms Site Settings. Reviewed October 15, 2026.