Arming Stay vs. Away: Which Alarm System Mode Is Right for You?

September 2, 2025 by Anas Mustafa

Ever wonder why your alarm system contains more buttons than you typically use daily? All those different modes, like “Stay” and “Away,” are not a set of features to be ignored. They are meant to keep pace with your daily rhythm, adapting your home security based on whether you are snuggled up on the couch or out for the day.

Each mode customizes your system so that it is not only safe, but also smart about how it guards you and your home. Most modern alarm systems have a number of modes in order to provide you with a tiered approach to security.

You can think of these modes as different “profiles” your system can switch between, depending on where you are (home, in the office, or on the other side of the world). These modes condition how your system’s sensors and alerts react, so it works with you rather than against you. Instead of a one-size-fits-all solution, you have complete authority over how your home is protected. It is not just a matter of activating an alarm; it is about matching your security with your needs.

The Differences Between Stay and Away Modes on Alarm Systems

Although alarm systems often come with various modes, if you are not familiar with switching between them and maximizing their benefits, you may not know where to begin.

When setting up your home alarm system, the two main modes are “Stay mode” and “Away mode.” The following are some of the biggest differences between the “Stay” and “Away modes” on alarm systems, as well as how to figure out which is best for you:

Understanding “Stay Mode”: Silent Protection When You Are Not Home

If you need the protection of a fully armed alarm system without the hassle of triggering it whenever you get up in the middle of the night for a snack, the Stay mode alarm is for you. It is a mode in which your home’s outer perimeter, including the windows, doors, and sometimes glass break sensors, is armed, but interior motion detectors are left off.

That leaves you free to move around within your home as you please without ever triggering anything. This is especially convenient for households with kids or live-in relatives who might come home late at night.

Another advantage of the Stay mode is its built-in exit and entry delay, which most systems provide, giving you a 30-second to two-minute window to enter or leave before sensors trigger.

This little delay prevents alarms from activating every time you step outside to walk the dog or retrieve a package. Also, it is a wonderful solution for parents with latchkey kids who get home from school before the grownups, so that the children can feel safe indoors without inadvertently activating interior alarms.

Pet owners enjoy this mode as well. Large pets who would otherwise activate motion sensors can roam and play while your house’s perimeter remains locked down. Simply put, Stay mode allows you to get on with your normal life and keep threats outside where they should be.

How “Away Mode” Works: When You Need Complete Protection

When you lock up and leave for the day or the week, you want to feel like your house is protected from the inside out. This is what Away mode is designed for. This setting, which is integrated into many alarm systems, does not just monitor doors and windows; it activates all the sensors within your security system, including motion sensors inside your home.

The moment you secure it, your entire home becomes a guarded zone. Any unusual activity, including forced opening of doors or windows or the sound of shattering glass, activates the alarm. Depending on your setup, an instant alert is sent to you and/or your monitoring station.

Away mode is designed to respond quickly and comprehensively, especially when no one is around to witness a problem firsthand. This mode also has a time delay for entry and exit. Thus, you can leave without the system turning on immediately, but once this timer expires, your home becomes a secure space with no movement expected. This mode is a good option if you are heading to work, leaving for the weekend, or going away for an extended period.

Naturally, though, if you have pets, especially larger or more active ones, you will need to be careful. Most alarm systems incorporate pet-sensitive motion sensors that can ignore motion under a certain weight (usually below 80 pounds), but no system is completely foolproof in this regard.

A playful cat or a rowdy dog may still create enough motion to trigger a false alarm. Under such circumstances, it is worth inquiring with your provider about how to set the motion sensitivity on these units or exclude certain rooms from being armed in this mode.

How Canadian Security Professionals Can Set You Up With Optimal Alarm Systems

If you are interested in home alarm systems with Stay and Away mode, Canadian Security Professionals can help. As a trusted industry leader and one of the largest privately-owned home security companies in Ontario, we offer a full spectrum of home alarm systems designed to keep your property safe 24/7.

No matter how large your property is or what specific security requirements you have, our home alarm systems can accommodate them, as they come with a variety of features, like video monitoring, home automation, and smart capabilities.

We also offer comprehensive monitoring services. Our monitoring centres are spread across Canada, each equipped with state-of-the-art technology and highly trained emergency response operators. Therefore, whether you are away from your home for the day, the week, or several months, you can have peace of mind knowing there is always a watchful eye looking over your home.

If you are uncertain about the exact kind of alarm system that best suits your needs, one of our home security professionals is happy to help.

For more information about our home alarm systems or to learn more about the various  system modes, call Canadian Security Professionals at 1-877-494-9911 or contact us here.