A method comprising: providing a control panel of a security system that protects a secured geographic area, wherein the control panel includes a user interface outside of the control panel and an access door secured by a lock; the access door being opened to provide access to an electronic controller of the security system for at least troubleshooting or control of the electronic controller; the electronic controller entering a set-up mode in response to detecting entry of a code through the user interface and opening of the access door; the electronic controller wirelessly pairing a portable device with the control panel and registering the portable device with the electronic controller while in the set-up mode; the electronic controller exiting the set-up mode and entering a normal operating mode; the electronic controller, operating in the normal operating mode, detecting the portable device when the portable device is proximate to the electronic controller and forming a wireless control connection between the portable device and the control panel; and the electronic controller abandoning the wireless control connection when the portable device moves away from the electronic controller, wherein the wireless control connection is formed by activating an icon displayed on the user interface receiving a password through the user interface, and accepting the password, wherein the icon appears on the user interface when the portable device comes within range of the electronic controller, wherein a login screen having a user account name prepopulated appears on the user interface in response to activating the icon, and wherein accepting the password enables service and control of the control panel from the portable device. providing a control panel of a security system that protects a secured geographic area, wherein the control panel includes a user interface outside of the control panel and an access door secured by a lock; the access door being opened to provide access to an electronic controller of the security system for at least troubleshooting or control of the electronic controller; the electronic controller entering a set-up mode in response to detecting entry of a code through the user interface and opening of the access door; the electronic controller wirelessly pairing a portable device with the control panel and registering the portable device with the electronic controller while in the set-up mode; the electronic controller exiting the set-up mode and entering a normal operating mode; the electronic controller, operating in the normal operating mode, detecting the portable device when the portable device is proximate to the electronic controller and forming a wireless control connection between the portable device and the control panel; and the electronic controller abandoning the wireless control connection when the portable device moves away from the electronic controller, wherein the wireless control connection is formed by activating an icon displayed on the user interface receiving a password through the user interface, and accepting the password, wherein the icon appears on the user interface when the portable device comes within range of the electronic controller, wherein a login screen having a user account name prepopulated appears on the user interface in response to activating the icon, and wherein accepting the password enables service and control of the control panel from the portable device.