How to manually configure Insteon devices.

Programming and configuring Insteon devices without a hub or software.

When you think of smart lighting, what comes to mind is the ability to “connect” to them with an app or using your voice with a voice assistant. This typically requires the addition of a hub to connect the devices with the app and/or a smart speaker. While that is where other products start, Insteon takes a more fundamental approach.

Here are a few examples where Insteon products can be used without a Hub:

  • Solving wiring dilemmas - many homes have that mystery switch that does not appear to control anything OR it switches power to an outlet that is out of use. With Insteon products, you can swap out that switch and pair it manually (without a Hub 2 or app) to another Insteon switch or outlet elsewhere in the room or within the home. That way you can reclaim or repurpose that old switch to do something more useful like control the porch lights or turn off hallway lighting, etc.

  • Extend the reach of your finger - For those looking to control lighting across the home from a single wall switch, you can install Insteon keypads in places like the master bedroom or entryway. Then swap out any lights you wish to control throughout the home with Insteon devices and manually (no Hub or app) pair them with buttons on the keypad. In this way, you can control the lighting from a single location as you come and go or as you get ready for bed.

  • Wall dressing – simply looking for a more refined and attractive wall switch? Insteon switches themselves are an instant design upgrade. The minimal yet elegant designs enhance any wall space. They will operate as would any standard switch or dimmer and include features that are programmable using your finger such as customizing the level at which your lights turn on and how fast (or slowly) they get there. No Hub or app required.

While all the above examples can be accomplished without a Hub, you can always add one later when you are ready to take things to the next level.

However, adding a Insteon Hub does more than provide you with app and voice assistant control. Here is a list of additional features that the Hub 2 and Director app provide:

  • Create scenes from the comfort of your mobile phone - no need to go around your home, tapping and pressing set buttons - Insteon Hub 2 and Director app allow you to create and modify scenes from your living room or while away from home.

  • Automations, schedules and more – easily create and control groups of your favorite devices and create schedules that can track the sunset and sunrise in your area with adjustable offsets and many more features.

  • Programming lock – the Director app features the ability to lock programming on devices to prevent manually overriding your configurations. This prevents family members or guests from reconfiguring your lighting.

  • And perhaps most importantly, when configuring your devices from the Insteon Hub 2 and Director app, the configuration is backed up in the cloud.

Manually Change Switch Modes: Dimmer or On/Off Mode

This feature is exclusive to the i3 Paddle, Dial, and Keypad.

i3 Paddle

Out of the box (and also after factory reset), your i3 Paddle is set to on/off switch mode. If it’s wired to a dimmable bulb or fixture, change the mode using the Director app (Insteon Hub 2 and subscription required) or manually following the instructions below.

  1. Pull out the set button to engage the air gap (status LED will turn off)

  2. For dimmer mode: press and hold the top of the paddle, for on/off mode: press and hold the bottom of the paddle.

  3. While pressing the paddle, push the set button back in place.

  4. Continue pressing the paddle until the status LED turns blue and the device beeps once (dimmer mode) or beeps twice (on/off mode)

i3 Dial 

Out of the box (and also after factory reset), your i3 Dial is set to dimmer switch mode. If it’s not wired to a dimmable bulb or fixture, change the mode using the Director app (Insteon Hub 2 and subscription required) or manually following the instructions below.

  1. Pull out the set button to engage the air gap (so switch is powered off). 

  2. Press and hold the Dial. 

  3. While pressing the Dial, push set button back in place. Continue pressing the Dial. The LED will turn blue and when the mode is changed it will beep (double beep for on/off mode, single beep for dimmer mode). 

i3 Keypad

Out of the box (and also after factory reset), your Keypad is set to dimmer switch mode. If it’s not wired to a dimmable bulb or fixture, change the mode using the Director app (Insteon Hub 2 and subscription required) or manually by following the instructions below:

Set to on/off mode

  1. Pull out the set button to engage the air gap (so keypad is powered off).

  2. Press and hold the first and third keypad buttons.

  3. While pressing the buttons, push set button back in place. Continue pressing the first and third buttons. The first button LED will turn blue and when the mode is changed, it will beep twice.

Set to dimmer mode

  1. Pull out the set button to engage the air gap (so keypad is powered off).

  2. Press and hold the first and second keypad buttons.

  3. While pressing the buttons, push set button back in place. Continue pressing the first and second buttons. The LED will turn blue and when the mode is changed, it will beep once.

Manually Adjust Dimming Behavior 

Resume to Last Used on Level 

When resume dim is enabled on an Insteon dimmer, when you turn it on locally, it will go to the previously used dim level. All Insteon dimmers, except for the i3 Dial, come with this feature disabled. To enable, select the product from the list below and follow the instructions.

Tip: when in this mode, double-tapping the paddle/button/dial will bypass any resume level and go to 100% instantly.

i3 Paddle

Out of the box (and also after factory reset), your i3 Paddle is set to on/off switch mode. Before you can change it to resume dim, be sure to change it to dimmer switch mode. The is set to always return to 100% when operated locally. To set the switch to remember the last Brightness Level when operated locally: 

  1. Turn off the light. 

  2. Press set button once, switch will beep once.  

i3 Dial

Out of the box (and also after factory reset), your i3 Dial is set to resume dim when tapping the dial to turn on. If you’ve changed it to a custom on level, but wish to change it back, follow these steps:

  1. Turn off the light by pressing the dial.
    Note: with some LED bulbs, rotating counterclockwise on the i3 Dial all the way may appear to have turned off the lights but the dimmer may still consider them on. To ensure resume dim gets enabled, push the dial so the lights are truly off.

  2. Press the set button once, switch will beep once.

i3 Keypad

Out of the box (and also after factory reset), your i3 Keypad’s wired fixture is set to always return to 100% when operated locally. To set the keypad’s wired fixture to remember the last Brightness Level when operated locally:

  1. Turn off the light by tapping the button set to control the keypad’s wired fixture (default is top button).

  2. Press the set button once, keypad will beep once.

Custom on Level 

Set the switch to always return to a preferred light level when operated locally:  

  1. Adjust the light to the desired brightness level (e.g., 10%, 75%, 100%). 

  2. Tap set button once. It will beep and your custom on level will be programmed. 

Adjusting Fade Speed 

Fade speed refers to the speed at which the light turns on and off when operated locally: 

  • Adjust brightness level: the lower the brightness, the slower the fade speed* 

Brightness — Fade Speed 

91%-100% — Instant 

78%-90% — 0.2 seconds 

65%-77% — 0.3 seconds 

52%-64% — 0.5 seconds 

39%-51% — 2 seconds 

26%-38% — 4.5 seconds 

13%-25% — 6.5 seconds 

1%-12% — 8.5 seconds 

  • Double tap set button. It will beep and a fade speed will be programmed.

    Important: wait four minutes before linking to a device unless you are setting the fade speed for a lighting preset, in which case, complete the link to the controller within four minutes. 

*Note: you have access to an extended range of fade speeds when using with Insteon Hub 2 and Director app. 

Manually Create Lighting Presets and Multi-way Circuits


The process for manually programming lighting presets and virtual 3-way circuits follows similar programming steps so it's important to familiarize yourself with the differences prior to manually pairing your devices.  

Virtual 3-or more Way Circuits (or Group Scenes) 

All members will both respond to and control each other in sync. When any member is tapped On, they all turn on; when any member is tapped Off, they all turn off. When you adjust the brightness at one switch, others will continue to synchronize. Examples of these virtual circuits include: 

  • Existing multi-way circuits (3-way, 4-way) – where there were already 2 or more switches controlling a light fixture. 

  • Virtual multi-way circuits – where you want to use a switch or keypad button to control other switches/devices not originally wired together by an electrician. 

Lighting Presets (or Custom Scenes) 

When an On command is sent – usually from a single keypad button – 1 or more devices go to preset on-levels, turn on at 100% or turn off. When those responding devices are activated locally, they do not trigger the same preset. The user can define which devices initiate the preset, which devices are only responding, or both. Examples of these lighting presets include:  

  • Evening: Lights in various rooms in the home turn on slowly while porch and/or landscape lighting turns on. 

  • Goodnight: Lights in living room, kitchen and other common areas fade off while bedroom lights dim to a lower level, getting you and the family ready for bed. 

  • Good morning: Gently fade on lighting to a not-too-bright level to help family wake up and turn on the coffee maker in the kitchen. 

  • Off to Work/School: Turn off lights and outlets that might’ve been left on by you or family members as you leave for the day. 

The primary difference to remember when manually programming is that for lighting presets, you’ll want to adjust the responding devices to their preferred level before linking. For virtual 3-or more way circuits, each member should be linked at On or 100% brightness.  

Virtual 3-Way Linking (two switches controlling the same fixture) 

The following steps assume you have already installed the two switches as defined in the multi-way circuit wiring steps.  

  1. At one of your switches (we’ll call this location 1) press and hold the set button for 3 seconds. It will beep and the LED indicator will start blinking green. 
    Note: if your controller is a Keypad, make sure you tap the button you wish to set as the controller first before pressing and holding the set button.

  2. At the other switch (we’ll call this location 2) make sure it is in the On position at 100% brightness.  
     
    How to make sure the switch is in the on position at 100%: 

    • Dial: quickly rotate the dial clockwise a full rotation. Alternatively, with the Dial in the Off state, quickly double-tap the dial.

    • Dimmer Switches (paddle style): quickly double tap the top of the paddle.

    • Keypads: double tap the button you wish to link. Its LED indicator should be brightly lit. If it isn’t, double tap the button again.

    • Outlets: LED indicator for the corresponding outlet is green. 

  3. While at location 2, press and hold its set button until you hear a double beep. The LED indicator will flash green quickly and return to its previous color (white for switches and keypads or green for Outlet). 

  4. While still at location 2, press and hold its set button for 3 seconds. It will beep and the LED indicator will start blinking green. 

  5. At location 1, make sure it is in the On position at 100% and then press and hold its set button until you hear a double beep. The LED indicator will blinking green quickly and return to its previous color. Location 2 will stop blinking green and return to its previous color. 

  6. You should now be able to control the fixture from both switch locations. 

Virtual 4- or more Way Linking (three or more switches controlling the same fixture) 

These steps are like virtual 3-way linking but to save time from having to go back and forth to different locations, we will use a multi-linking feature: 

  1. At one of your switches (we’ll call this location 1) press and hold the set button for 3 seconds. It will beep and the LED indicator will start blinking green. 
    Note: if your controller is a Keypad, make sure you tap the button you wish to set as the controller first before pressing and holding the set button.

  2. While the LED is blinking green, tap the set button. It will beep and the LED indicator will start double-blinking green – the device is now in multi-link mode. 
    Note: you will have up to 4 minutes to complete each link, after which, the device will automatically exit multi-link mode.

  3. At each of the other switches, follow these steps. Perform both steps at one switch before moving on to the next switch. 

  4. Adjust to the On position at 100% brightness. 

  5. Press and hold the set button until you hear a double beep and LED blinks 

  6. When finished, return to the switch at location 1 and take it out of multi-link mode by tapping the set button once; its LED will stop blinking green and return to white. 

  7. Repeat the steps 1 through 4 above but start with the second switch in the group. Repeat again with the third and so on for each member of the 4- or more way circuit. 

  8. You should now be able to control the fixture from all switch locations. 

Lighting Preset Linking (a switch or button controls any number of devices to a pre-set lighting level) 

  1. Starting at the device you plan to use for controlling the lighting preset, press and hold the set button for 3 seconds. It will beep and the LED indicator will begin blinking green.
    Note: if your controller is a Keypad, make sure you tap the button you wish to set as the controller first before pressing and holding the set button.

  2. While the LED is blinking green, tap the set button. It will beep and the LED indicator will start double-blinking green – the device is now in multi-link mode. 

  3. At each of the other (responder) switches, follow these steps one at a time: 

    • Adjust to your preferred brightness level (On, Off, 50%, etc.).
      Tip: if you also want to adjust the speed at which dimmable switches fade to the brightness level, follow the steps to set the fade speed. When finished, be sure to complete the steps here within 4 minutes.  

    • Press and hold the set button until you hear a double beep. 

  4. When finished, tap the set button on your lighting preset controller. Its LED will stop double blinking green and return to white. 

  5. If you want to setup additional controller switches (or buttons) to trigger the same lighting preset, repeat the steps above with each additional lighting preset controller. Be sure to include other lighting preset controllers as responders to ensure status is in sync. For example, if you want a button on each of two keypads ("keypad 1" and "keypad 2") controlling the same lighting preset, the button on "keypad 2" should be programmed as a responder of the button on "keypad 1" and the button on "keypad 1" should be programmed as a responder of the button on "keypad 2." 

  6. Test your lighting preset using your lighting preset controller. If you have any changes to make to any presets, you can do so by repeating steps 1-4 and then step 5 for any additional preset controllers you may have. 

Manually Remove Lighting Presets and Multi-way Circuits

Wall Switches and Keypads

Unlink Insteon switches or keypad buttons from controlling another switch or keypad button: 

  1. Press and hold the set button on the controlling switch for 3 seconds. It will beep and the LED indicator will begin blinking green. 
    Note: if your controller is a Keypad, make sure you tap the button set as the controller first before pressing and holding the set button.

  2. While the LED is blinking green, press and hold the set button again for 3 seconds. It will beep and LED will start blinking red. 
    Tip: if you plan on unlinking multiple devices, tap the set button once to put it into multi-unlink mode. It will beep and its LED will begin double-blinking red. This will allow you to unlink multiple devices without repeating these first steps for each device you unlink. When finished with the steps below, return to the controlling switch and tap the set button once to take it out of multi-unlink mode otherwise it will automatically drop out of this mode after 4 minutes of inactivity.

  3. At the other device, press and hold the set button until you hear a double beep.
    Note: if your responding device is a Keypad, make sure you tap the button you wish to remove first before pressing and holding the set button.

  4. The controlling switch LED will stop flashing to indicate the unlink is completed. 

Outlets 

If you no longer wish to have Insteon outlets control another device when tapping on its set button or via Load Sense, follow these steps 

  1. At the controlling outlet, press and hold the set button for the corresponding outlet for 3 seconds. It will beep and LED will start blinking green. 

  2. While the LED is blinking green, press and hold the set button again for 3 seconds. It will beep and LED will start blinking red. 
    Tip: if you plan on unlinking multiple devices, tap the set button once to put it into multi-unlink mode. It will beep and its LED will begin double-blinking red. This will allow you to unlink multiple devices without repeating this first step for each device you unlink. When finished with the steps below, return to the outlet and tap the set button once to take it out of multi-unlink mode otherwise it will automatically drop out of this mode after 4 minutes of inactivity. 

  3. At the other device, press and hold the set until you hear a double beep. 
    Note: if your responding device is a Keypad, make sure you tap the button you wish to remove first before pressing and holding the set button.

  4. The controllers LED will stop blinking red to indicate the unlinking is completed.  

Manually Enable Load Sense on Outlet 

When enabled, the outlet detects when a plugged-in lamp or appliance is turned on from its power switch so that when the outlet is off, turning the power switch on the lamp from on to off then on again will trigger the outlet to turn on. This is useful for turning on a lamp without reaching for a controller or tapping the set button on the outlet. Load Sense is disabled by default. 

To enable Load Sense: 

  1. Press and hold the set button nearest the Outlet you wish to configure for 3 seconds. It will beep and its LED will start blinking green. 

  2. Triple tap the set button. It will beep once and Load Sense will be enabled. 

To disable Load Sense: 

  1. Press and hold the set button nearest the Outlet you wish to configure for 3 seconds. It will beep and its LED will start blinking green. 

  2. Double tap the set button. It will beep once and disable Load Sense. 

Manually Adjust LED Indicator Brightness 

Wall Switches

  1. Press and hold the set button for 3 seconds. It will beep and LED will start blinking green. 

  2. Press and hold the set button again for 3 seconds. It beep and LED will start blinking red. 

  3. Press and hold the set button for 3 seconds. It will beep and LED stops flashing. 

  4. Adjust the brightness level

    • Paddle-style switches: by press and holding top to brighten, and bottom of paddle to dim.

    • Dial: by rotating the Dial clockwise to brighten, and counterclockwise to dim. 

  5. Tap the set button once more to save the brightness level. 

Keypads

6-Button:

  1. Simultaneously tap buttons A & D (or if using custom-etched buttons: top left small button & bottom right small button).

  2. To brighten, press and hold the large top button. To dim, press and hold the large bottom button.

  3. When ready to save, simultaneously tap the same A & D buttons and the keypad will beep.

8-Button:

  1. Simultaneously tap buttons C & F buttons (or if using custom-etched buttons: 2nd button down on left & 3rd button down on right).

  2. Press and hold top left button to brighten , then release and press and hold again to dim the LED, alternating between brightening and dimming until you reach the desired level.

  3. When ready to save, simultaneously tap the same C & F buttons and the keypad will beep.

i3 Keypad: 

  • Press and hold buttons 1 and 3 for one second, then while still holding down the buttons, tap the set button and you should hear a beep.

  • Press and hold button 1 to brighten, then release and press and hold again to dim the LED, alternating between brightening and dimming until you reach the desired level.

  • Tap the set button once more to save the brightness level.

Outlet 

 The i3 Outlet has two brightness options:  

 Bright: 

  1. Turn on the top outlet so the LED is green. 

  2. Press and hold the top set button for 3 seconds until it beeps and flashes green, then release. 

  3. Press and hold the top set button again for 3 seconds until it beeps and flashes red, then release. 

  4. Press and hold the top set button one more time for 3 seconds until it beeps and has a solid bright green light, then release. 

  5. Tap the top set button one more time to set the LED to bright. 

Dim: 

  1. Turn off the top Outlet so the LED is red. 

  2. Press and hold the top set button for 3 seconds until it beeps and flashes green, then release. 

  3. Press and hold the top set button again for 3 seconds until it beeps and flashes red, then release. 

  4. Press and hold the top set button one more time for 3 seconds until it beeps and has a solid dim red light, then release. 

  5. Tap the top set button one more time to set the LED to dim. 

Test Wireless Range 


If you encounter any issues linking devices together (i.e., unable to link devices together), you may want to test the range to ensure that the devices are within range. If you find during this test that the other devices are outside of range, we recommend finishing any other device installations as each device added to the house increases range and reliability. Otherwise, consider selecting another location or adding one or more Insteon devices to your home.  

Wall Switches and Keypads

  1. Tap set button 4 times, switch will begin beeping once per second and LED indicator will flashing white. 

  2. Any Insteon devices within wireless range will be flashing its LED 

  3. To exit, tap set button once. 

Outlets

  1. Tap Upper or Lower set button 4 times quickly, Outlet will continue beeping once per second and both Upper and Lower LED will turn green. 

  2. Any devices within wireless range will start blinking LED. 

  3. To exit Wireless Range Test, tap set button once. 

Air Gap 

All Insteon switches and keypads use the air gap feature to disconnect power to your wired fixture when replacing bulbs or installing a new fixture housing: 

  1. Pull set button forward until it locks in place. LED will turn off and power to your fixture will be removed. 
    Note: despite cutting power to the fixture at the switch, it is recommended that you test power with a voltage detector if you plan on touching wires in the fixture box if installing a new fixture 

  2. Complete the work on the fixture (replace bulb, install a new fixture, etc.) 

  3. When work is completed, push the set button back into place to re-power the switch/keypad and fixture. 

Factory Reset


The following process will reset your device back to its factory setting. Things such as on-levels, fade speeds, and links to other devices will be removed.

Wall Switches and Keypads

  1. Air gap the switch by pulling out the set button, LED will turn off 

  2. Press and hold set button all the way in and hold down. You will hear a long beep. Keep the set button held down until the end of the beep, then release. 

  3. Switch will double beep. Then, LED and connected fixture will turn on to indicate factory reset is completed.  

Outlets

  1. Press and hold top button for 3 seconds. It will beep, and LED will start blinking green. 

  2. While the LED is blinking green, press and hold top button again for 3 seconds. It will beep and its LED will start blinking red. 

  3. Quickly double tap top button and wait for the beep, then immediately press and hold top button. It will emit a long beep. Keep the top button held down until the beeping stops, then release. 

  4. Outlet will double beep and both top and bottom LEDs will turn on green to indicate factory reset is completed. 









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