Warning: Internet Explorer is no longer supported by SimpliSafe and will produce unexpected behavior. Please use a more modern browser like Edge, Chrome, or Firefox for the full SimpliSafe experience.
learn more
×

Need help finding something?

Take this short quiz to find the right security system for you.

get recommendations
No thanks

Welcome to the SimpliSafe Help Center

Search for answers to your questions. If you don't find what you're looking for, please contact us or visit our customer support forums where you'll find plenty of helpful suggestions from other customers.

Questions and Answers:

  • Does my SimpliCam that I bought for my SimpliSafe Original system work with the new SimpliSafe system?

    Yes, the SimpliCam is compatible with either of our SimpliSafe systems.

  • How many Sensors can I connect to the New SimpliSafe System?

    The new SimpliSafe can have up to 100 devices programed to it. This includes Keypads and Sirens as well.

  • Will the motion sensor detect motion through walls or windows?

    No, Motion Sensors for your wireless security system will not detect motion through walls or most closed windows. You can put SimpliSafe in test mode using the Keypad menu system to make sure your Motion Sensors are working correctly in your home.

  • Will the Entry Sensors work with all types of windows and doors? Can you provide some example installations?

    SimpliSafe Entry Sensors are designed to work on almost any window or door, including double-doors, double-hung windows, and swinging or sliding doors and windows. Here are a few example installations for your home security system Entry Sensors. If you are not sure if the Entry Sensor will work in your case, or if you are having trouble installing a sensor, please contact us for assistance.

    Basic Installation: There are two parts to an Entry Sensor: the sensor itself and the magnet.  When the magnet is within 2 inches of the grooves on the sensor, it knows the door or window is closed. When more than 2 inches away, the sensor signals that it is open.  In the diagram below, the Entry Sensor has been installed on the doorframe and the magnet on the door.  When the door swings open, it will trigger the sensor.

     Swinging doors

    Sliding Doors: You can put the Sensor on the door frame and the magnet on the door (as shown in the example below), or the other way around.  There is no "right side up" to the Entry Sensor. You can also install the Sensor and magnet at the top of the door if that is easier.

     Sliding doors.

    Double Doors: When installing an Entry Sensory on double doors, make sure to put the Sensor on one door and the magnet on the other.  We do not recommend using the door frame in this case, because it is possible that one of the doors would remain closed while the other opened.

     Swinging doors

    Deep door frame: Door frames that are deeper than 2 inches can make installation more difficult.  If the door opens outward, you can install it as shown in the diagram below.  If the door opens inward, the easiest solution is to use a Motion Sensor to protect this entrance.

    Deep doorframe

    Sliding Windows: You can put the Sensor on the window frame and the magnet on the window (as shown in the example below), or the other way around.  There is no "right side up" to the Entry Sensor. When the window slides open more than 2 inches the light on the Sensor will flash once and the Sensor will tell the Base Station that the window is open.

     Sliding windows

    Swinging windows: You can put the Sensor on the window frame and the magnet on the window (as shown in the example below), or the other way around.  There is no "right side up" to the Entry Sensor. When the window swings open more than 2 inches the light on the Sensor will flash once and the Sensor will tell the Base Station that the window is open.

    Swinging windows

    Additional installation options: Some windows can make Entry Sensor installation more difficult.  Here are several additional installation options you might consider:

    Other window installation options

    Still have questions?  Please contact us at 800-548-9508 for assistance.

     

  • Can I customize my system so that certain sensors are enabled or disabled?

    To customize the sensors for your wireless security system, simply insert your Keychain Remote into any computer to start the SimpliSafe Easy Setup Wizard. From the Main Menu, select "Adjust Settings". Then click on the "Manage Components" tab.

    From here, you can not only add and remove components, but you can also designate when a sensor will be active.  Entry Sensors can be enabled or disabled.  Motion Sensors can be enabled during both Home and Away mode, only during Away mode, or disabled.  Panic Buttons can be enabled, disabled or set to silent alarm.  Keypads and Keychain Remotes can be enabled, have the panic button disabled, or be fully disabled.

    For example, if you have a friend with a large dog visiting your apartment for a few days, you may want to disable your Motion Sensor (set it to be "disabled") during her visit. When she leaves, you can change it back to the previous setting (the default is "Away mode"). If you have a large dog and will likely never be using the Motion Sensor at all, you can select "Remove" to remove it from your system. You can always add it on again later by going to Manage Components and then "Add Component".

    Don't forget to insert your Keychain Remote into the Base Station after you are finished changing your settings so that your system is fully updated for the changes.

  • How do I order additional components for my System?

    The additional DIY Security System components that you can order are: Keychain Remote, Extra Keypad, Motion Sensor, Entry Sensor, Panic Button, Smoke Detector, Carbon Monoxide Detector, Glassbreak Sensor, Water Sensor, and Freeze Sensor. Cameras will be available in the future. You can have up to 41 total components programmed into your system (note: the Base Station and additional Sirens are not considered components).

    Click here to expand your system.
  • Do I need to have a computer or a wireless Internet connection to use SimpliSafe?
    No. Everything you need to set up the SimpliSafe Home Security System is included. If you do have access to a computer, you will have access to additional features and settings, but it is not required. Just plug your Keychain Remote (which has a built in USB device) into a USB port of your computer and the SimpliSafe Easy Setup Wizard will launch and guide you through setting up and using your home security system.
  • I live on the ground floor and have a lot of windows. Will SimpliSafe work for me?
    Absolutely. The Entry Sensors purchased with your do-it-yourself security system can be used to protect doors or windows. The Motion Sensor can be used to fill in coverage in a room with lots of windows. Plus, SimpliSafe was designed to be expandable - you can easily order extra Entry Sensors along with your system if there are additional windows that you’d like to protect. According to the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association, almost 80% of all home invasions occur through the front door, back door or a first floor window.
  • Is SimpliSafe right for me?

    The SimpliSafe Home Security System is designed to work in homes of all sizes. The most basic SimpliSafe custom system is perfect for most 1-2 bedroom apartments. If you have a larger home or a lot of doors and windows (particularly on the ground floor), you can easily order additional components (such as door/window Entry Sensors and Motion Sensors) to supplement your system and provide additional coverage.

    Roommates are no problem. You can order additional Keychain Remotes so that you each have your own. You can even each choose an individual PIN (up to 5 total) to use with the wireless Keypad.

    Best of all, SimpliSafe is easy to install and easy to remove in case you move to a new home. The entire system can be taken down quickly and it’s easy to change your monitoring service to reflect your new location.

  • What are the components that make up the SimpliSafe Home Security System?
    • Base Station: The Base Station is the control center of the system. It wirelessly connects to the Emergency Dispatch Service to notify you and the authorities of any trouble. The Base Station also provides voice prompts during daily operation and sounds the alarm siren in the event of an intrusion. No home telephone line is required (although may use a land-line as an alternate connection if you like).
    • Keypad: The Keypad is placed by the main entrance to your home. It allows you to turn your alarm on and off; tells you which mode the alarm is currently in; provides notice of any warnings, such as leaving a window open; and also has a panic button for emergencies. You can also use the Keypad Menu to adjust your system settings.
    • Keychain Remote: The Keychain Remote can be used to turn your alarm on and off and is small enough to be carried with you as a keychain. It also has a panic button for emergencies. The SimpliSafe Easy Setup Wizard is stored on the Keychain Remote. You can order additional Keychain Remotes for roommates or family members.
    • Motion Sensor: A Motion Sensor detects motion up to 30 feet away and 45 degrees to the left and right. It should not detect pets under 50 pounds as long as the pet can’t get within 2 feet of the sensor. By default, the Motion Sensor is only active when the system is in the Away mode and becomes active approximately 5 minutes after the alarm is turned on.
    • Entry Sensor: An Entry Sensor detects the opening of a window or door. There are two parts to an Entry Sensor: the Sensor itself and its corresponding magnet.
    • Panic Button: The Panic Button triggers your burglar alarm immediately after it is pressed. It should be placed in a location that is easy to reach in the event of an emergency, such as by your bed. To reduce the likelihood of a false alarm, the button must be held down for 1 second. The Panic Button is functional whether the alarm is off or on. There is also a panic button on the Keypad and Keychain Remote.