Press the Hush button to stop the alarm temporarily
Most First Alert smoke detectors have a Hush button on the front or side of the unit. Press and hold it for 3 to 5 seconds while the alarm is sounding. The alarm will stop for about 10 minutes, giving you time to open windows, turn on a fan, or clear the air if you've triggered it by cooking or steam.
The Hush feature is designed for false alarms — situations where there is no actual fire but the detector has picked up smoke or steam. After the 10-minute silence period ends, the alarm will sound again if smoke is still present. If it does sound again, leave the area and call 911.
If your First Alert model does not have a visible Hush button, check the manual or the back of the unit. Some models require you to press a button labeled "Test" or have the button recessed so you need a pen or thin object to reach it.
Key Takeaways
- The Hush button silences the alarm for 10 minutes, not permanently — it is meant for false alarms from cooking or steam.
- Press and hold the Hush button for 3 to 5 seconds while the alarm is active.
- If the alarm sounds again after the 10-minute silence ends and smoke is still present, leave the building and call 911.
- Recessed buttons may require a pen or thin object to press, and the exact location varies by model.
Locate the button on your specific First Alert model
First Alert makes several detector types, and the Hush button location differs. On ionization and photoelectric models, the button is usually a round or rectangular pad on the front face. On dual-sensor models, it is often on the side. Look for a button labeled "Hush," "Test," or sometimes just a small circle or square.
If you cannot find the button by looking, consult the manual that came with your detector. You can also find manuals on the First Alert website by searching for your model number, which is printed on the back or bottom of the unit. The model number typically starts with "SA" or "SC."
What happens during the 10-minute silence period
When you press Hush, the detector enters a temporary silence mode. The alarm stops, but the detector is still monitoring the air. If smoke levels drop below the alarm threshold during those 10 minutes, the alarm will not sound again when the silence period ends.
If smoke levels remain high or increase, the alarm will resume after 10 minutes. This is a safety feature — the detector will not stay silent if there is genuine smoke in the air. Do not rely on Hush to permanently stop an alarm if you suspect a real fire.
Why your First Alert keeps alarming after you press Hush
If the alarm sounds again when ready or within seconds of pressing Hush, the detector is sensing active smoke. This usually means cooking smoke, steam from a shower, dust, or humidity is still in the air. Open windows, turn on exhaust fans, and wait a few minutes for the air to clear.
If the alarm continues after you have cleared the source of smoke and pressed Hush multiple times, the detector may be malfunctioning or the battery may be low. A low battery can cause the alarm to behave erratically. Replace the battery first — most First Alert models use 9-volt batteries — and test again.
If the alarm persists after a fresh battery, the detector itself may be faulty. First Alert detectors typically last 5 to 10 years. If yours is older or has been alarming repeatedly without a clear cause, replacement is safer than troubleshooting further.
Difference between Hush and disabling the detector
Hush is temporary and reversible. Disabling a detector — by removing the battery, covering it, or unplugging it — leaves your home unprotected. Never disable a smoke detector permanently, even if it has alarmed during cooking before. Cooking-related alarms are common and manageable with Hush; a real fire is rare but catastrophic.
If your detector alarms too often during normal cooking, you have better options than disabling it. Move it farther from the kitchen, install a detector with a higher sensitivity threshold in that room, or use your range hood exhaust fan more aggressively when cooking. Some First Alert models have adjustable sensitivity settings — check your manual to see if yours does.
When to replace the battery after using Hush
If your First Alert detector has a low-battery warning — usually a chirp every 30 to 60 seconds — replace the battery before relying on Hush. A weak battery can prevent the Hush function from working correctly and may cause the alarm to behave unpredictably.
Most First Alert models use a single 9-volt battery. Open the detector by twisting or unclipping the cover, remove the old battery, and insert a new one. Close the cover and press the Test button to confirm the detector is working. The alarm should sound loudly for a few seconds, then stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Hush silence the alarm?
Hush silences the alarm for 10 minutes. After that time, if smoke is still present, the alarm will sound again. This is a safety feature to prevent the detector from staying silent during an actual fire.
Can I press Hush multiple times in a row?
Yes. Each time you press Hush, it resets the 10-minute silence period. However, if you find yourself pressing Hush repeatedly, address the source of the smoke — open windows, turn on fans, or move away from the detector.
What if the Hush button does not work?
Check the battery first. A low or dead battery can prevent Hush from functioning. If the battery is fresh and Hush still does not work, the detector may be faulty and should be replaced.
Is it safe to ignore the alarm if I press Hush?
Hush is only safe if you know the source of the alarm — cooking, steam, or dust. If you are unsure whether the smoke is from a real fire, leave the building and call 911. Do not stay in a room relying on Hush to manage an unknown alarm.
Will Hush work if the detector is hardwired?
Yes. Hardwired First Alert detectors have a Hush button just like battery-powered models. Press it the same way — hold for 3 to 5 seconds. The 10-minute silence period works the same regardless of how the detector is powered.