# Brinks Home \| Protect America — user reviews

> 83 indexed App Store user reviews of Brinks Home | Protect America by Protect America, Inc., rated 2.20/5 from 206 ratings.

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brinks-home-protect-america/id438114009/reviews
- App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brinks-home-protect-america/id438114009.md
- Rating breakdown: 5★ 41 · 4★ 9 · 3★ 11 · 2★ 27 · 1★ 118

## What do users think of Brinks Home | Protect America?

Overall sentiment: negative

**Pros**

- 📱 Remote arm/disarm capability when working
- 📹 Camera integration and monitoring
- 🎛️ Smart home control features (lights, locks, thermostat)
- ⚡ Fast response times (when functional)
- 👍 User-friendly interface design (when updated)

**Cons**

- 🔴 Constant 'system offline' errors despite working hardware
- 🐛 Unreliable connectivity and frequent disconnections
- ⏱️ Slow app performance and sluggish loading
- 🔐 Login failures and password authentication issues
- 📵 Missing push notifications on iOS devices
- 😤 Poor customer service with long wait times
- 📉 Significant degradation after Brinks acquisition
- 🔄 Requires frequent app reinstalls and workarounds
- ❌ False alarm issues causing police dispatch
- 💰 Expensive service with declining quality

**Commonly reported bugs**

- System shows offline when panel is online and hardwired
- App fails to arm/disarm despite multiple attempts
- SSL connection errors on iPhone 15 and newer
- Incorrect password errors with correct credentials
- Notifications not working on iOS after updates
- App crashes on launch or during use
- Login loop preventing account access
- Garage door status display shows 'close' instead of 'closed'
- Calendar date selection non-functional
- Time scroll inaccessible on iPhone 11+
- False alarms triggered while system disarmed
- App shows disarmed when system is armed
- Inconsistent status between panel and app display
- Camera timestamp not persisting correctly
- Audio features non-functional
- App incompatible with iPhone X notch design

**Most requested features**

- Touch ID/Face ID support for authentication
- Clearer UI labels for arm/disarm buttons
- Sensor identification by door/window name instead of numbers
- Event history with better date/time filtering
- MyQ Chamberlain garage door integration
- Minimize camera feature on iPad while using other apps
- Email notification preferences separate from banner notifications
- Better accessibility support for VoiceOver users
- Automatic app updates without manual intervention
- Improved notification system for maintenance windows
- Dark mode option

## Newest reviews (20 of 83)

### 2/5 — Bogus

*2026-02-18, version 6.4.5*

Either the app or brinks in general, I no longer receive any notifications on my phone. Customer service no longer exists. It just automatically sends you a link that is supposed to help you troubleshoot your issues yourself.

### 2/5 — App is unreliable

*2023-08-03, version 6.4.5*

We’ve been Protect America customers for years. The app never worked that great.  When Brinks bought them, I was hoping to see much improvement of the app since Brinks was a more known brand. I have been disappointed in the amount of times my app says “system offline”. Here lately, it keeps telling me I have an incorrect password, which I don’t because I use it to disarm from inside the house control unit.  I can’t tell you how many times I have to run into the house to disarm after opening my garage because I couldn’t disarm my system from the app. It’s such a convenience to have the app, I just wish it worked better.  And I do not want to have to carry another fob!

### 2/5 — Very glitchy, basically doesn’t work anymore

*2022-11-25, version 6.4.5*

It had been working fine when I first downloaded it, now a couple years later and no updates it does not work at all. I can’t lock the security from my phone, nor view my cameras at my house. we will be cancelling our subscription very soon

### 2/5 — Rarely works.

*2022-07-27, version 6.4.5*

When l log in, the bar either says offline, or disarmed when I know it’s armed. And I never seem to be able to disarm from my phone when entering my house. Pretty useless other than the camera, which I do appreciate.

### 2/5 — App is unreliable

*2022-06-10, version 6.4.5*

We’ve been Protect America customers for years. When Brinks bought them, I was excited to see much improvement of the app since Brinks was a more known brand.  I have been disappointed in the amount of times my app says “system offline”. I can’t tell you how many times I have to run into the house to disarm after opening my garage because I couldn’t disarm my system from the app.  It’s such a convenience to have the app, I just wish it worked better.

### 1/5 — Terrible app 😢

*2022-03-23, version 6.4.5*

Really wish Brinks would prioritize the app functionality more, as it’s such a crucial component of a security system. Incredibly jenky and half the time says “system offline”. I’m sometimes unable to remotely monitor my system for 24 hours at a time.

### 1/5 — Worked Perfectly Until Brinks Took Over

*2022-03-18, version 6.4.5*

Never had an issue with this App until brinks took over. System says offline majority of the time and now I don’t get app notifications. Wish this switch over didn’t happen.

### 1/5 — Horrible Company

*2022-02-10, version 6.4.5*

Avoid like the plague.

### 1/5 — ANNOYING!!!

*2021-08-31, version 6.4.5*

This app NEVER works right, always saying “offline”

### 1/5 — Unbelievably horrible

*2021-07-30, version 6.4.5*

As I wait on hold for over 40 minutes, let me notify you on what’s going on: the app says my system is offline. On the actual base, there is no error message and I’m able to arm and disarm the system. This situation occurred after the technician came to my house. Speaking of the technician, Brinks used a third party company to upgrade the base. Same base, added a chip. My appointment for the technician was between 1 - 5pm. I requested to be contacted when he was on his way because I had to work. He did not. Instead, my 15 yrs old daughter let 2 men in who didn’t ask if someone 18 or older was home. Also, my children are not vaccinated and the 2 men did not have on a mask. A mask is required when entering my home. 
It’s now almost an hour of me being on hold. This isn’t the first time I’ve had an issue with this app. A few months ago, it wouldn’t let me log in. 
After 54 minutes wait time, I’m finally speaking to someone smh.

### 1/5 — App always offline

*2021-07-10, version 6.4.5*

The app worked when it was managed by Protect America but once Brinks took over, the app went offline and has not been available since. Customer service had no idea how to fix it. This is really disappointing as I set my system via the app regularly - at least I did. Without this working feature, Brinks is much less appealing to me. We will start looking around for alternative service.

### 1/5 — AVOID!!! Worst app and company to buy from

*2021-06-17, version 6.4.5*

If you’re considering Brinks Home Security: don’t. This company doesn’t care about you as the consumer. My unit was non operational for FOUR MONTHS and it wasn’t until I pointed out that it wasn’t working that they noticed. Of course, they billed me for that entire time even though my unit would not have alerted law enforcement in the event of a home breach. They then sent a technician to replace THEIR faulty unit and billed me for it. What a joke. The app hasn’t worked for me for almost a year; technical support forwards my call in a continuous loop. I’ll have one technician tell me they can’t do something, then be transferred eight time to somebody who, magically, can do it! It’s incredible how terrible these guys and the app are.

### 1/5 — Useless

*2021-06-06, version 6.4.5*

I do not leave a negative review unless I have tried to resolve the issues. I am a migrated account from Protect America. I was happy with them for about 6 years. Customer service was a 5 star rating with Protect America.
Unfortunately, the app is not the only issue that I have with Brinks. With calling for assistance, every employee tells you to call another department. Instead of giving quality service, they seem to find a way to just get you off of the phone. The staff does not appear to be very knowledgeable, or possibly do not care. I have never gotten this app to work, but many people are having issues with it stating offline. I am looking to move my service to a company that values their customers. I do not feel that this one does.

### 2/5 — Could be much better with some UX care

*2021-05-21, version 6.4.5*

The functionality and feedback for the UX isn’t great. Even logging out and logging back in has sent me on an endless loop of incorrect username/password even though logging in through the website I can verify things are correct. The performance of the app isn’t up to 2021 standards and is sluggish. I literally only use the app for disarming and setting the alarm and even then it can’t do that flawlessly, often requiring me to just use a key fob, or the keypad.

### 1/5 — Horrible customer service, poor support

*2021-05-05, version 6.4.5*

Live chat disappeared for a bot text feature that is a viscous loop. Does not have any options that lead to live agent. The only options to choose from are limited and mostly not appropriate for the situation.

### 2/5 — App function

*2021-02-10, version 4.6.1*

I’ve been a Protect America subscriber for many years now and since it is now Brinks service has not changed but the functionality of the app has. There are a couple of features that were more “straight forward” with the P A app, previously for example, with the Garage Door button it displayed open and closed buttons, with one being highlighted when the door was either “open” or “closed”. With the Brinks version, when the door is “closed” “close” is displayed with no other button displayed to clearly offer to touch to open or close. In my case the first time going to the new app to check the garage door. I saw “close” which would indicate to close the door, no other option was showing and just by chance I tapped on the screen to find that would open the door. There is a difference in the meaning of “close” and “closed”. The developer should update the app to show two buttons with one button being highlighted to indicate that the door is either “opened” or “closed” and the other button to show “open” or “close”. Pardon my wordiness. 

How hard is it to create visible icons!!

### 1/5 — Horrible App Functionality

*2021-01-20, version 4.6.1*

I have been a protect America subscriber for nearly 14 years. The service was always top notch and the phone app always worked flawlessly. Ever since Brinks took over the app almost immediately stopped functioning properly. I have not been able to arm/disarm from any device through the app in well over a year now. I tried calling customer support on two occasions… After a long wait times I was met by a friendly support representative, that had great intentions but was unable to resolve my issue. Matter of fact the last time I called I was told that I would receive a return phone call from the company after they performed research, to provide me with a solution. That phone call never came. I am likely to switch service after all these years due to this long unresolved issue.

### 1/5 — No longer sends notifications on latest iOS

*2020-12-31, version 4.6.1*

Fifteen year PA customer who spent two hours on the phone with tech support trying to get the app to push banner notifications to my phone/iPad. Could not get it to work...period. The app does allow you to log in and see the list of arm/disarm events in the activity but still, no icon or banner notifications show up. We tried enabling all the settings needed plus two complete reinstalls...nada. The instant notifications of alarm/arm/disarm are precisely what make the app so useful. Funny thing is the app works sending notifications to my wife’s android device...but not the iOS devices. My conclusion is the app needed to be debugged and updated. If you have the same problem, let PA know!

### 1/5 — Terrible

*2020-12-31, version 4.6.1*

The Protect America app was bearable, but since the transition to Brinks this app has become useless. It has about a 5% rate of actually connecting to my system now. I’m eager to switch security companies entirely.

### 1/5 — Terrible app

*2020-12-22, version 4.6.1*

I’ve had Protect America for many years. I had no problem with their app. When Brinks took over my app is now constantly saying offline even though the panel is hard wired to the internet. I have two different servers in my home and I have a connection from each one near the panel. I’ve tried both and still get the same thing; System offline. I was ready to blame my internet but after reading the reviews here I believe the problem is with Brinks and their app. Could someone please fix this? We as consumers can’t fix it you have to. There are plenty of other security companies out there, monitored and not, that a lot of customers will be leaving you for one of them. Please fix it!  The app has started to act up again 3 months later. I no longer receive notifications on my phone or watch when the system is armed or disarmed. Might be IOS upgrade. If it is Brinks has to do something about it. I am very close to going with another company.

## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated)

### 1/5 — Barely works on iPhone 15

*2024-09-05, version 6.4.5*

This app constantly reports it cannot connect, or indicates alarm is offline, or most commonly reports an SSL error. My wifes iPhone 14 connects a little more often, but still not consistent. Brinks and protect america just have me do a manual reset on the panel.  This is ridiculous. The poor app performance and inability to connect consistently is the reason I have decided to get away from Brinks and Protect America to something else more reliable and dependable. Had the same issues when i had an Android phone. Junk app. Do not recommend.

### 1/5 — MAJOR GLITCH: Alarms set off constantly

*2024-06-23, version 6.4.5*

False alarms constantly being set off silently while I am home and the house is DISARMED. 

I get phone calls from the security call center telling me the alarms have been set off!! 

I tell them no but if I miss the call, the police arrive at my door!! Happened once already!! 
They also start charging you if too many false alarms are called because you are wasting the police’s time and resources. 

I don’t have the house armed at all and these alarms keep being set off!! 

Technical support is over an hour wait on the phone. This is the worst organization ever.

### 1/5 — Horrible App, horrible company

*2024-01-07, version 6.4.5*

I was a customer of Protect America before the Brinks takeover. Since then, the app is barely functioning and the customer service has been horrible. I would not recommend this company to anyone. They are also more expensive than most of their competitors for lower quality service. I am in the process of switching (which is a massive pain) so to avoid this issue for yourself in the future, heed my warning- AVOID!

### 1/5 — 0 stars not possible

*2023-09-19, version 6.4.5*

Not worth the time or money jus leave it in the App Store get ring or nest or something this is extremely terrible quality cameras bad alarm system is bad all of the above I’d give it negative stars if I could

### 1/5 — WORTHLESS APP

*2022-09-15, version 6.4.5*

You’ll not find a worse app on the App Store. This is, without a doubt, the most worthless app of it’s kind ever created. Constantly says it’s offline, when in fact it isn’t. They don’t update the app, the live chat feature is now a text message to a phone number that they don’t reply to you quickly enough to be of any help. Don’t waste your time on this piece of junk app.

### 1/5 — When you can catch it working

*2022-09-11, version 6.4.5*

This is crazy that we have to set off Alarm system because the App the goes along with it never works. The funny part was I needed to update my CC and Brinks stated to in the letter instructions for the mobile app. Guess what! It can’t even do a simple command as updating my credit card it just spins like it always does when opening this app. Since Brinks has taking over from our original company Protect America as far as I’m concerned it’s gone down hill from day 1. I can’t wait until this contract expires

### 1/5 — I would love for it to work for once

*2022-09-07, version 6.4.5*

“System offline” every time. We can’t disarm it and we have to just set the alarm off and run to the physical base to turn it off before police communication gets sent out. It’s worse when you have physical leg pain and have to do this each time. I’m about to send you guys my medical bill for that.

### 1/5 — Unreliable

*2022-05-27, version 6.4.5*

This app is very poorly managed. Ever since protect America sold out to Brinks the app basically never works.

### 1/5 — Brinks/Brinks app total failure. Just go under already.

*2022-04-30, version 6.4.5*

Feb 2022: We were inherited from Protect America (which we loved) pre-pandemic. And now Brinks is failing due to mismanagement and ADT is looking to buy, but is not a better option. Bottom line: Brinks is falling apart under COVID. Failure in customer service and equipment. ADT is buying Brinks and we learned this during a installation assessment. ADT will charge us $2000 for Brinks equivalent replacement equipment to function with their 4G system plus $383 for install which bumps it from $57/mo to $69/mo. No free equipment with ADT installs even with buying out Brinks-even if you’re an existing ADT customer at another location. -The Brinks base will stop working in 2022 as soon as the cellular companies switch to fully 5G which is now any month. Brinks will charge $350 for the replacement base which you must have to operate the system. -Customer service texting with Brinks doesn’t work and there are very few English writers/speakers. We’ve tried for 2 years and this nightmare continues. -Brinks Customer Service phone wait times are 2-6 hours = hopefully your house isn’t on fire while you wait. The problem isn’t solved so you wait another 2-6 hours for someone to readdress the problem including testing your system. -Equipment failures = The fire monitoring device quit 2 years ago and the Brinks replacement we paid $80 doesn’t work. The motion sensors never did work after Brinks took over from Protect America and they want $40 for each sensor. -Accessing your Brinks account online is a whole different nightmare as they will not send monthly billings/statements electronically to your email and the bills go back 6 months only which is impossible to get a year-end statement for taxes. Again, good luck getting any help from Brinks Customer Service on this one. So, we’re moving to another company for monitoring. Theirs is $500 equipment/$27 per mo monitoring, NO CONTRACT. Brinks replacement ADT wants 24 mo contract plus all equipment bought and will charge for install (total $2383 up front or finance for 5 years which is in addition to the $69/mo they want). Avoid Brinks as they’re going under. ADT is buying a lemon with Brinks and $2383 to replace what we have is basically a mortgage payment for many when it should be free since they’re buying out Brinks. Find another company and make sure they’re cellular 4G/5G compliant for 2022. Brinks, if you do respond to this, you offer crap service since early 2019 and you deserve to fail. No one can save or revamp Brinks. We were really patient with you, but now we just give up on your service.

### 1/5 — Awful service

*2022-03-29, version 6.4.5*

Do yourself a favor and run from this company. You can not get in contact with anyone. After being on hold for close to an hour you will get someone with very broken English who can not solve any of the issues. RUN!!

## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated)

### 5/5 — Works every time!

*2019-03-04, version 4.5.6*

I am really enjoying the Protect America app. It lets me do a lot of cool things with my smart home system and it works well!

### 5/5 — Added feature

*2019-02-03*

I reallly love the protect America app. I use a camera for my son in his nursery and I would say that the only think I would suggest for your app is to have a feature where you can minimize the camera in a iPad while not on the protect America app; so that parents like me who use their iPad to do other stuff but still check on their kid via camera would not have to reopen the app every time. That would be really appreciated

### 5/5 — Super easy!

*2018-12-02, version 4.5.5*

The updates have made the app much better! I use this to control my system now, even more fun since I have Zwave lights and locks I can control here too!

### 5/5 — A step above

*2018-11-29, version 4.5.5*

This app is very user friendly and actually rated in the top 5 among security company mobile applications. I definitely recommend it.

### 5/5 — Just switched from ADT

*2018-11-28*

I mainly use the app to arm and disarm and to connect with my indoor camera. I have been impressed so far with the speed of the protect America app in terms of interacting with my system. There was a substantial lag with my old previous provider that made using my camera pointless at times. Big thumbs up for the protect America app.

### 5/5 — Works for me.

*2018-07-28, version 4.5.5*

I installed my system yesterday and have been using this app just for a short time, but haven’t had any issues with it controlling my thermostat, door locks, or lights. Haven’t had any issues with it arming or disarming the panel either.

### 5/5 — Very solid

*2018-04-12, version 4.5.2*

The app has been a lot better since the update. Ive been using this application frequently and its been really solid. Its great to be able to control my home.

### 5/5 — App used to work

*2018-03-03*

This app has become useless as far as setting my alarm. I’ve been a customer for a almost 5 years and for the last two months or so this app has just been taking up space on my phone as it doesn’t communicate with the system.

It’s since been rectified with a service update and now it works flawlessly. We should not have to call in for the update as paying customers it should be automatic or we should be called,emailed or messaged through the app. This is home security not candy crush.

**Developer response:** I'm terribly sorry your experience with our app hasn't met expectations.  We would love to troubleshoot if you'll give us the opportunity.  Please give our Customer Care team a call at 800-951-5111, or Chat in from our website and we'll have a Team Member standing by to assist.  If you prefer, we can investigate unilaterally if you'd be so kind to provide your first/last name, or your system address/phone number.

### 5/5 — Director

*2016-06-08, version 4.1.5*

Hey PA
Your new app looks awesome so simple to use.

### 5/5 — Protect america app

*2011-05-20, version 1.0.19*

Awesome app!! I can remotely control my alarm system as well view high res video and control cameras in my home all from my phone. It even sends me video if my alarm triggers. Really cool!!

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-09.*