Installing and Removing SimpliSafe Sensors: A Comprehensive Guide

SimpliSafe sensors are essential parts of any home security system. These small, nearly invisible products pack a big punch when it comes to protecting your home from intruders, water leaks and extreme temperatures, thereby ensuring the safety of you and your family. 

One major benefit of SimpliSafe’s sensors is that they are designed to be easy to install and remove, so you can take them with you when you move or simply rearrange them as your home security needs change. 

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about installing SimpliSafe sensors, where they should be placed for maximum security, and how to remove them if necessary. 

SimpliSafe Sensors and Where to Place Them

Before we dive in, let’s do a quick review of the suite of sensors SimpliSafe has to offer:

• Entry Sensors: The SimpliSafe entry sensor monitors doors and windows and alerts you when they are opened. It consists of two parts: the sensor and the magnet. The sensor is placed on the door or window, and the magnet is placed on the door or window frame. Install entry sensors on all doors and windows on the first floor of your home, and any other accessible windows or doors to maximize your home’s protection.

• Motion Sensors: Motion sensors detect and alert you of motion in a specific area of your home. They should be placed in high-traffic areas of your home, such as living rooms, hallways and landings. 

• Glass Break Sensors: Glass break sensors work by detecting and alerting you to the sound of breaking glass. They should be placed near windows and glass doors. Install glass break sensors near windows and sliding glass doors in your home, especially those on the first floor, where an intruder would be more inclined to break in. 

• Water Sensors: The water sensor detects and alerts you to early signs of water caused by leaks or open windows. They should be placed near areas where leaks are most likely to occur, such as under sinks and near water heaters.

• Temperature Sensors: The temperature sensor monitors the temperature in your home and sends updates via the SimpliSafe App when the temperature rises too high above or low below your set temperature range. To get accurate readings, a temperature sensor should be placed in a central area of your home, away from direct sunlight, drafts, or other sources of heat or cold.

How to Install and Remove SimpliSafe Sensors

SimpliSafe sensors are famously easy to install. Just peel and stick, and you're good to go! To ensure that your sensors stay secure and work properly, remember to:

1. Clean the area where the sensor will be placed with an alcohol wipe or rubbing alcohol

2. Remember to peel off the battery tab before installing

3. When placing the sensor’s adhesive on the wall, make sure the sensor is level and that the LED light is facing outward

4.  Lastly, test that the sensor is working properly. With an entry sensor, for example, arm your system and then open the window or door to which you affixed the entry sensor. If the alarm sounds, your sensor is working properly. 

To remove the sensor, gently pry it off the wall. Simple! If you feel any resistance when removing the adhesive from the wall,  try rotating or wiggling it before gently pulling it off. 

Many of SimpliSafe’s sensors can also be screwed into the wall if you prefer. The process of screwing a sensor into the wall is just as easy as using the adhesive. Just remember to:

1. Remove the sensor from its attached backplate by sliding it off in the direction of the blue arrow 

2. Screw the backplate to the wall using the two included screws

3. Lastly, slide the sensor back onto its backplate, which should now be affixed to the wall

To remove a screwed-in sensor, simply follow the above steps in reverse order. Easy! 

The Ease of DIY Sensor Installation

SimpliSafe sensors are an important part of any home security system, providing an added layer of protection for your home and peace of mind for you and your family. Whether you're installing entry sensors to monitor your doors and windows or water sensors to monitor for leaks, all of SimpliSafe’s sensors are easy to install and remove no matter which option – adhesive or screw-in – you prefer!