st things first: take stock. We

2021/05/21

First things first: take stock. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are our own. Home SecurityInternet SecurityHome SafetyFamily SafetySenior Safety, Car SafetySmart HomeEmergency PrepPet SafetyPersonal Safety. SimpliSafe systems sometimes stop working after losing the cellular connection to the base station.

Pull existing doorbell wires through the mounting bracket. Use the SimpliSafe app to begin the installation.

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With your base station hub plugged in and the keypad ready to go, all thats left to do is install the individual sensors.

Next, enter your Master PIN, then navigate to System Settings, then select Wi-Fi and continue setting up your Wi-Fi like you would any other wireless device.

Next, youll connect SimpliSafe to your local Wi-Fi network and choose a 4-digit master PIN (make it memorable!). With this in mind, we made the chart below that shows SimpliSafe installation side-by-side with other top DIY home security systems. Is there a trick to resetting it?

Insert Micro-USB into the port on the back of the camera.

The bottom line is that SimpliSafe is a great value if youre looking for an affordable, user-friendly system that sets up in a jiffy and offers basic-to-intermediate home protection. Wired or Wireless: Wired video doorbell that must replace an existing doorbell.

But honestly, its growing on us.

This is a great alternative to rolling up your sleeves. Plug it into a power outlet that is not controlled by a light switch using the included power cord. Disclosure: We are a professional review site that receives compensation from some of the companies whose products we review. See which DIY Find the right alarm system to protect your UK home.

You can use the provided adhesive tabs if youd like, just be sure not to cover any of the six metal contact points on the bottom of the sensor. If youre a cat person, place the motion sensor where your cat cannot climb near it and with the button-side up about 6-10 feet off the ground.

One quick tip that will save you some time is to take the wireless keypad with you as you go from room to room mounting the sensors. This felt strange at first, but we got used to it pretty quickly. As Managing Editor for SafeHome.org, Rob Gabriele has written and edited over 1,000 articles in home security.

This is important to us, as we want our security system to blend in with our homes decor, not stick out like a sore thumb.

Requirements: Wi-Fi connection (2.4Ghz), existing doorbell setup (8V to 24V) with an analog (mechanical) door chime. This way you can name each sensor as you go.

Although Wi-Fi isnt as fast or reliable as cellular systems like Vivint or Frontpoint, we still think its a solid connection.

And guess what, ease-of-installation was a big part of that. SimpliSafe also has a practice mode that temporarily disables professional monitoring for 72 hours after first activating your system. Place your Base Station in a centrally located area of your home. Contact SimpliSafe customer support if these solutions don't fix your doorbell.

Youll also find plenty of third-party installation videos online; but the truth is, you really wont need them since the system is so simple to install. Dont worry, if youre not handy around the house, SimpliSafe offers a professional installation service as well (see below). His expertise is in smart home automation and home protection with thousands of hours of testing and research under his belt.

This little-known secret allows you to easily pop off the sensors from your door frame or walls, which is great for changing batteries and moving the system to a different address.

Each individuals unique needs should be considered when deciding on chosen products.

Plug the base station in and wait a minute or two for a new connection. Turning off notifications doesn't deactivate alerts from visitors pressing the doorbell button. You can re-establish a connection with a simple reset: The SimpliSafe base station uses colored LED lights to show the system's status: White represents test mode, setting changes, and setup. You may occasionally experience issues with your SimpliSafe devices without any idea of how to fix them. This manual is quite detailed and offers more than enough information to install your system quickly and easily. FYI: The SimpliSafe keypad might take some getting used to.

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It should be mounted about the height of your light switches. Adjusting the doorbell's motion sensitivity cuts down on excess notifications.

Red means a minor error or a recent alarm. Here are a few common problems with easy fixes.

Arm your system to test that it works properly.

John holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism emphasis from Utah Valley University.

SafeWise is an independent review site. The system will not contact dispatch while test mode is active. You should set aside about 20-30 minutes to complete the installation.

A place to discuss http://simplisafe.com/, Press J to jump to the feed. Its a new design that we havent seen before. Just like SimpliSafe's sensors, the keypad won't work if it's too far from or isn't paired with the base station.

As youll recall, youll connect the hub to your Wi-Fi at the beginning of the installation process; its a quick and intuitive connection. This is not a guarantee.

Whether you have your eye on a SimpliSafe package, or its already on order or even if the kit is already sitting on your kitchen table, staring at you and taunting you this ones for you.

Test alignment before adhering each piece using the included adhesive. Should I just buy a new one? Setup Time: 30 minutes on average for most people.

But then again, this means theres less technology to trip you up. FYI: Note that while SimpliSafe is powered by Wi-Fi, it also has cellular backup in case your power cuts out or your Wi-Fi lags. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

In the box youll find a little card that tells you to plug in the base station. We highly recommend unboxing your system and laying the individual components on a clean, flat service.

If you have a dog over 30 pounds, install the motion sensor button-side down about 4 feet off the ground.

The word simple is in the name.

SimpliSafe also offers an online Installation Manual with complete installation instructions for each of the components, as well as instructions on how to use everything once youre up-and-running. SimpliSafe sensors won't work correctly if the battery is too low, they're still in the box from your order, or the device is too far from the base station. Not SimpliSafe!

Youll find a few helpful videos on the SimpliSafe website. To set up the Wi-Fi, press the Menu button on your keypad. Either way, we think youll find loads of great information in this hands-on SimpliSafe installation guide. So I have the SimpliSafe safe system and have had no prior issues.

So we ended up using our iPhone to manage the system 95% of the time.

Thinking about ordering SimpliSafe? How Much Does a Home Security System Cost?

In our experience, we didnt have any connection issues during testing.

You can tell if the keypad is too far away by looking at its built-in display, which shows Keypad Out of Range.

The smart lock sends occasional notifications when the batteries start to die so you know when to replace them.

There is no battery option available.

Dont worry, youll see a little blue light blink on the sensor when its working correctly.

Complete College Safety Guide during Covid, Personal Safety Devices for Every Situation, Best Medical Alert Systems for Fall Detection, Home Home Security Troubleshooting SimpliSafe. Their live customer support hours are some of the best weve seen in the industry. I accidentally got one of them wet and it immediately went off.

Most SimpliSafe products can be installed with adhesive tabs, which are included in the box.

Were going to take you step-by-step through our experience setting up SimpliSafe. We found it to be super-intuitive and actually sort of enjoyable.

Learn More, We may receive compensation from some providers listed on this page. Line up the magnet and sensor on your door or window so the grooves align and both pieces are less than two inches apart when the window/door is closed.

Youll then turn on the wireless keypad, which will automatically link to the hub. Of course, SimpliSafe isnt the most advanced system out there it lacks certain features like a touchscreen keypad, extensive home automation integrations, and an outdoor camera. *SafeWise has conducted impartial research to recommend products.

Our SimpliSafe Equipment Before Installation.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get the latest deals, home security tips, and in-depth reviews. You can enter and exit test mode using the menu on the SimpliSafe Keypad. Follow the onscreen instructions for setting up the Master PIN. Remove the battery cover on the bottom of the device using a Phillips-head screwdriver.

Even if youve been burnt by DIY projects in the past with parts and pieces still strewn about your house we dont think youll have trouble getting SimpliSafe working for you.

We review each product thoroughly and consistently and give high marks to only the very best. Amber indicates an ongoing system update. But we understand that installing new technology can be intimidating (even downright scary). The blue light should flash once when a door/window opens and twice when its closed.

Worked flawlessly.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. Were seeing this more and more with DIY brands.

Just be sure you have a Phillips head screwdriver handy if you order SimpliSafes doorbell camera, the Video Doorbell Pro.

Install and name your sensors with the Keypad by doing the following: Place on a shelf or adhere to your wall about 4-5 feet off the ground with the Test button facing upwards. Did You Know: Like most DIY security systems, SimpliSafe offers all kinds of installation support. I have placed water sensors under every sink in my house. And we appreciate that the company is (almost) always around for phone support in case you hit a roadblock. Youll press the sides of the screen to toggle from window to window. Mount the Keypad to a wall (we put ours near our main entrance).

Now, we know that context is everything. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. https://www.safehome.org/author/rob-gabriele/, A Complete Guide to Medical Alert Systems, Cyberbullying and Social Media Negativity.

SimpliSafe has certified installation partners who will come to your home and set up your entire system in less than an hour for only $79.00.

But then again, theres something to be said about installing a new system all by yourself. Did You Know: With the exception of Abode, SimpliSafes door/window sensors are the smallest sensors weve seen in the industry.

We put ours near our entryway. I even let it air dry for over a week?!? We use cookies on our websites for a number of purposes, including analytics and performance, functionality and advertising. Overall, we were quite impressed with SimpliSafe in the DIY installation department. 10/10.

I tried calling customer service, but I was really unhappy with the associate I got a hold of. SimpliSafe provides shorter screws upon request through the customer support department.

In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, photography, cooking, and starting countless DIY projects he has yet to complete. But we think youll like this next section if you just want a handy at-a-glance guide for a little boost of confidence.

This content is provided as is and is subject to change or removal at any time.

Ultimately as long as both contacts on the bottom of the sensor are dry then you shouldn't get an alarm.

Formerly a reporter and producer for the USAToday network, Rob has been a writer and editor for over 10 years.

Weve found that this simple step makes all the difference in the world, and saves you from minutes of frantically searching the box your system came in when its time to set up the components.

Test mode allows you to check that your sensors and connection to the monitoring center work properly. It shows you exactly what you can expect with each individual SimpliSafe component. Weve spent lots of time (nearly 100 hours!) This should put it in perspective for you. SafeHome.org may receive compensation from some providers listed on this page.

Make sure your camera isn't too far from the wireless router.

We watched the Install Core Devices videos and we found them to be well-made and to-the-point. If were being honest, we didnt love the push-button keypad, but thankfully SimpliSafes Interactive plan also comes with app-based controls. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Youll still be able to slide it in and out of the mounting bracket.

Be sure not to place the sensor near a heater, air conditioner, lamp, or any other electronics including your Wi-Fi router. This helps you familiarize yourself with the system free of false alarms. Maybe your new SimpliSafe system just arrived and youre wondering how to get started.

Remove the coating of the peel-and-stick adhesive on back of the Keypad.

If a touchscreen keypad is important to you, we recommend checking out Vivint or even the new ADT Pulse systems.

Mount the sensor on your door and the smaller magnet on the doorframe, or vice versa.

This will also make it easier to upgrade your system; SimpliSafe is currently on its third generation, and its not unlikely that theyll launch new (and better components) in the future. So if youre a former.

Consider buying a Wi-Fi extender like the. So far, so easy. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Note that you dont have to mount the keypad, you can place it on a table or counter. Senior Staff Writer, Security & Smart Home. Most SimpliSafe camera issues stem from a poor Wi-Fi connection: If your SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro stops working, you can perform a soft reset, hard reset, or reinstall the device. Because the SimpliSafe Smart Lock uses your existing deadbolt, you can unlock your door using a key at any time. An alternative is to use Velcro strips, which is a method were big fans of.

Check that the camera has the latest password to your network. Learn how to protect your home, your loved ones, yourself and your belongings. Subscribe to SafeWise for updates on safety news, product releases, and deals!

You can adjust the motion sensitivity in the settings section of the SimpliSafe app and the online portal. As youll see in our full SimpliSafe review, we rated this DIY home security system a 9.7 in the ease-of-use category, which includes setup and installation.

When mounting the little magnetic sensors, youll want to be sure to keep the magnet within 2 inches of the sensor, otherwise it wont work.

That is, we might say something is easy, but your easy might be way different than ours.

It actually ranks #1 on our Top 10 Best list. Thats all there is to it! Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | How We Rank and Review |. Either way, you have options.

testing and reviewing this popular home security system. Theres an online help center, troubleshooting guide, owners manuals, user forums, and live customer service every day from 8 am to midnight EST.

Remove one battery for at least 1015 seconds before putting it back in. Press down on the side of the screen to navigate the Keypad menus.

This is nice, but weve found that most companies have online manuals these days.

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Were telling you, Velcros can help you future-proof your home.

Learn More, Read all about our hands-on experience installing SimpliSafe in our home. I dont think theres a problem- just call them back - how old is the water sensor? He has over nine years of experience researching, testing, and reviewing the latest techhe was the Smart Home Editor for Top Ten Reviews and wrote for ASecureLife before joining SafeWise as a Staff Writer in 2020.

DIY install home security systems are cost-efficient, effective, and easy to install. Take this quick and easy quiz to find out!

Youll hear a soothing female voice say Welcome to SimpliSafe. If you read our in-depth SimpliSafe review, youll know that the voice nearly transported us into a dream-like state. Now every time I reconnect it, it sets off the alarm.

But dont just plug it in anywhere, try to place it central in your house, as it has a built-in siren that must reach into every nook and cranny of your home. I disconnected the sensor after disarming it and dried it off.

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We looked at price, features, SimpliSafe doorbell installation instructions.

Youll mount the door/window sensors using the included adhesive strips.

John is a technology journalist specializing in smart home devices, security cameras, and home security systems. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

It took about 20-30 minutes for us to install our system, from start to finish.

The Base Stations LED light will glow with a soft blue when it is armed, and the light turns off when the system is disarmed.

Thats the highest rating weve ever given a product, and SimpliSafe earned it.

These renter-friendly home security systems keep your house or apartment safe and require less commitment Find the best home alarm system to protect your house. I read old batteries can cause problems, maybe replace it? Unethical life tip, buy a new one and reurn that old one back in it's place. We think the best way to learn how to set up SimpliSafe is by going along for the ride with us. SimpliSafe Equipment Compatibility: How Does It Work? Note that this device doesnt use a cellular signal, so if your internet goes out, your cameras wont work.

When your base station powers on, a blue light will emit from the bottom of the unit.

Note that this is the exact opposite of Ring Alarm. He holds a Masters of Science with an emphasis on writing from the University of Montana, and he currently lives in the Reno/Tahoe area of Nevada.

Place your SimpliSafe water/flood sensor(s) on the floor, in the drip pan of your water heater, behind your washing machine, or near your bathroom or kitchen plumbing to detect overflows or broken pipes.

Thats why we shared our full experience above. Sure, its easy to do-it-yourself but its even easier to have someone else do it!

Im just getting started with my system but they say all hardware is warranted for three years. Requirements: Wi-Fi connection, AC power.