Insteon Director Guide

Introduction

The Insteon app, Director, has been completely redesigned with updated features and a new look, serving as your control and monitoring center for all Insteon devices. This guide provides essential information to get you started with Insteon.

Requirements

• Insteon Hub 2
• Access Subscription
• Apple mobile device running iOS version 11 or greater
• Android device running OS version 6 or greater

For more details on Director and compatible devices, visit insteon.com/directordetails.

Devices Overview

The app interface allows navigation through different sections: Devices, Scenes, Schedules, and Settings & Support. Rooms can be swiped through or selected by name to view their associated devices. Device tiles display the device name, current state, and a circle icon for quick On/Off control. Tapping the circle icon toggles the device's state (Green ? indicates On, Gray ⚪ indicates Off). Tapping anywhere else on the tile provides more detailed control and access to device settings. Options to add new devices and resize device tiles are also available.

Scenes Overview

Scenes allow you to group multiple Insteon devices together to control them simultaneously with a single command. The overview displays the total number of scenes and lists each scene by name, along with the number of devices (members) it controls. You can add new scenes, activate a scene (Group On) by tapping its circle icon, or deactivate it (Group Off). Tapping anywhere else on a scene tile opens the scene editor.

Schedules Overview

The Schedules section lists all your automated schedules. Each entry details the On and/or Off times, the days the schedule is active, and the name of the device or scene being controlled. You can add new schedules from this screen.

Settings & Help Overview

The Settings section displays your account email, home location, and current Hub time. It allows you to manage Daylight Savings Time and define offsets for sunrise/sunset times used in schedules. You can sign out or delete your account, add or switch between multiple homes, and access support and feedback forms. Location can be re-synced if incorrect. Rooms can also be viewed and edited here.

Insteon Hub Information and Permissions

View detailed information about your Insteon Hub. Director requires permissions for mobile device location to set Hub time and solar schedules (sunrise/sunset). Camera access is used for scanning QR codes during Hub onboarding. Permission to send push notifications allows alerts for local device activations. You can also check for Hub firmware updates. The app displays the Director version, provides a link to the Director Guide, and offers debug logs for customer support.

Getting Started

To begin using Insteon Director, ensure you have the following:

• Insteon Hub 2. Purchase information is available via a link.
• An Insteon Hub Account Access subscription. New accounts typically include a trial period.
• The latest version of the Director app installed from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Create an Account

Select "Create Account" and follow the on-screen instructions. It is important to use the same email address associated with your Hub Account Access subscription.

Add an Insteon Hub

Follow the in-app instructions to connect your Insteon Hub. For optimal performance, avoid plugging the Hub into a UPS, power conditioner, surge-protected power strip, or any other filtering power source, as Insteon communicates via power lines and radio frequency.

During setup, the app requests camera permission to scan the QR code on the Hub's underside label. Alternatively, you can manually enter the Hub's User Name and Password, also found on the underside label, by tapping the question mark icon [❓].

After connecting to the Hub, the app will ask for location permission to configure the timezone and solar schedule (e.g., activating lights at sunset/sunrise). You can also enter your location manually via zip code. The location can be confirmed or adjusted later in the Settings tab.

You will be prompted to name your Insteon Hub, which is useful for managing multiple properties. You can change this name later in Settings. The app will also ask for permission to send notifications for local device activations. This can be enabled later in your mobile device's settings if initially declined.

Adding Devices

Select your device type from the list and follow the specific instructions for adding it to Director. If you are unsure of the device type, select "Other Device". For devices not powered by battery, you can use the "Add by Insteon ID" option if you know the device's unique Insteon ID.

Control and Status of Devices

On/Off Devices

On/Off devices, such as switches and outlets, are controlled via a circle icon on their tile. Green ? indicates the device is On, while Gray ⚪ indicates it is Off. The current state is also displayed below the device name. Tapping the circle icon toggles the state. For more advanced control and access to device details, tap anywhere else on the tile. A heart icon ❤️ can be tapped to add the device to Favorites, and a gear icon ⚙️ accesses device details. The visual representation of the switch shows the white toggle at the top when On and at the bottom when Off.

Dimmable Devices

Dimmable devices, including wall switches and plug-in modules, offer brightness control. Similar to On/Off devices, a circle icon indicates the On/Off state (Green ? for On, Gray ⚪ for Off). Tapping anywhere else on the tile reveals more controls, including a brightness slider. The current brightness level is displayed when the device is On. The slider can be used to adjust the level. To turn the device Off, tap the "Off" button or slide the bar all the way to the bottom.

Keypads

Insteon Keypads can control loads directly, functioning like On/Off or Dimmable devices depending on their configuration. If keypad buttons are associated with scenes, these scene controls are accessed via the Scene tab. The app displays the name of the associated scene for programmed buttons.

Mini Remotes

Insteon Mini Remotes are wireless controllers configurable for single devices or scenes, available in 1, 4, and 8 scene configurations. Device tiles display the assigned name. Tapping the tile opens a full view. If no scenes are assigned, a prompt guides the user to set them up. Control is typically via paddle taps: tapping the top of a paddle activates the associated scene (Group On), and tapping the bottom deactivates it (Group Off). For 4 and 8 scene remotes, specific sides of buttons can be tapped for scene control. Unassigned buttons display "unassigned". Note: Director app does not support press-and-hold for dimming/brightening as some Mini Remotes allow.

Ceiling Fan Controller

The Ceiling Fan Controller allows wireless control of fan speed and lighting kits. From the device tile, you can monitor and control both. Tapping the fan icon ? cycles through fan speeds: Low, Medium, High, and Off. The fan's state is displayed below the name. Tapping the light bulb icon ? toggles the light kit On/Off, with its state also shown. More detailed control, including fan speed and light brightness adjustments, is available by tapping anywhere else on the tile.

IO Modules

I/O Modules feature a flexible output relay that can control various low-voltage devices (e.g., pool valves, electric door strikes, garage doors) using different relay modes (extended or momentary). The relay state is shown on the tile (Gray ⚪ for Open, Clear for Closed). If a sensor is wired, its state is also displayed (Green ? for Open, Red ? for Closed). Tapping anywhere on the tile accesses more control options. The full view allows sending On/Close Relay commands by tapping the top of the paddle, and Off/Open Relay commands by tapping the bottom.

Monitoring Sensors

Insteon wireless sensors (Open/Close, Hidden Door, Motion, Leak) can be configured to control devices via scenes or trigger push/email notifications upon activation. The sensor tile displays its state: Red ? typically means Open, Motion Detected, or Water detected; Gray ⚪ means Closed, No Motion, or Dry. In-app notifications appear at the top of the screen. Tapping the tile provides access to device details and alert notification configuration. The app also notifies if sensors miss check-ins, though some sensors do not report.

For more information on sensor monitoring, visit insteon.com/support-knowledgebase/director-app-sensor-monitoring.

Sensor Response Issues

If a sensor loses connection (e.g., due to a dead battery or communication issue), the app will display "No response" and change the tile color to indicate a problem. Tapping the tile provides steps to resolve the issue. For more details on sensors reporting this message, visit insteon.com/support-knowledgebase/director-app-sensor-no-response.

Scenes

Scenes are a powerful way to control multiple devices simultaneously, allowing each device to perform a specific action (e.g., set a light to 50%, another to 25%, and turn a third off). Creating scenes in Director enables fast, instantaneous response across all grouped devices, regardless of their quantity. You can also schedule scenes to trigger automatically based on time or sunrise/sunset.

Creating a Scene

When creating a scene, you first select a "Director," which is the device or method that will initiate the scene (e.g., a keypad button, wall switch, sensor, or the app itself). For multi-button devices like keypads or mini remotes, tapping the device name expands to show available buttons. Buttons already assigned to a scene are grayed out. Tapping an available button selects it (it turns green).

After selecting directors and tapping "Done," you proceed to choose "Actors" – the devices that will respond to the scene. You can select specific buttons on multi-button devices as actors. Tap "Next" when finished.

On the next screen, you define the specific actions for each selected actor. Dimmable devices allow setting a percentage and Fade Speed. For scenes with many actors, "Shortcut Reactions" offer quick On/Off control for all members or a specific dim level ("Dim to..."). Note that Fade Speed is not available as a shortcut and must be adjusted individually. Tap "Next" after making adjustments.

The final step is the "Review and Save" page, where you can see a summary of scene directors and actors. You can edit any aspect by tapping the edit buttons. Tap "Save Scene" to finalize. If battery-powered devices are included, you may be prompted to wake them up for programming. Scene programming can take a few seconds to several minutes depending on the number of devices.

Control and Edit Scenes

Scenes can be activated (Group On) or deactivated (Group Off) by tapping their respective circle icons. To edit an existing scene, tap anywhere else on its tile. You can then edit the scene's name, room, directors, or actors. Remember to tap "Save Scene" to apply any changes. Saving without edits is also possible, useful if a device failed to save correctly previously.

Schedules

Schedules allow you to automate device or scene actions by setting specific days and times for them to turn on and off. For detailed instructions on creating and editing schedules, please visit insteon.com/support-knowledgebase/2016/3/22/creating-a-schedule-wit.

Monitor Your Home with Email and Push Notification Alerts

Configure Insteon devices to send email and/or push notifications when they are activated locally. This is primarily used with sensors (e.g., motion, leak, door/window) but can also alert you when a light switch is operated locally. Note: Alerts are generated only for local control, not for actions initiated via the app, scenes, or voice assistants.

To set up notifications, tap the gear icon ⚙️ on a device tile and then select "Notifications". Most devices offer alert options for two states (e.g., a leak sensor can alert when water is detected and when it is clear). For push notifications, you can edit the default Subject and Body messages. If critical alerts are needed at all times, ensure Insteon Director notifications are allowed in your mobile device's operating system settings, as push notifications may not bypass Do Not Disturb/Sleep/Focus modes.

Email notifications use the same message content as push notifications but require an Email field for the recipient's address(es). Multiple addresses can be entered, separated by commas. A tip is provided for sending alerts via SMS using a mobile carrier's email-to-text service, with a link to further information: insteon.com/supportknowledgebase/2015/4/8/send-alerts-viasms-using-email-on-your-mobile-phone. If you enter email addresses other than your account's primary one, recipients will need to approve alerts via an email confirmation.

Going Further

Linking to Amazon Alexa

Instructions for linking your Insteon account with Amazon Alexa can be found at insteon.com/support-knowledgebase/2015/9/10/control-insteon-devices-from-your-amazon-echo.

Linking to Google Home

Instructions for linking your Insteon account with Google Home can be found at insteon.com/support-knowledgebase/2018/1/8/control-insteon-devices-from-google-home.

Support and Feedback

For assistance and to provide feedback:

• Director App Feedback: insteon.com/director-app-feedback
• Director App Support: insteon.com/contact-support-insteon-hub-and-app
• General Insteon Feedback: insteon.com/general-feedback
• General Insteon Support: insteon.com/contact-support-other-support

Coming soon: an overview of settings (gear icon ⚙️) for dimmers, on/off devices, keypads, and more.