Did you just get a SimpliSafe system and you are wondering how you gonna install it all by yourself? They are so many and you are getting overwhelmed already! Don’t worry, this article will guide you on how to install the SimpliSafe devices and also help you to set up the system for your optimal usage. You will aslo learn the three SimpliSafe modes and their meanings.
Installing smart home security in the home is a necessity in this day and age. The SimpliSafe home security system was designed to cover all your home security issues using different devices. This post will guide you on how to install your SimpliSafe devices, including your Base Station, Keypad, and sensors.
The component of a complete SimpliSafe Security System includes a base station, a wireless keypad/control panel, a motion sensor, an entry sensor, a yard sign, and two window decals. When you unbox the security system, make sure you have each of the components listed above. For a Foundation package, you should get sticky adhesive strips in your package. (Some of them may already be included among the equipment for easy installation.) You won’t be needing any drills, screws, or extra brackets with these sticky adhesive strips.
Before you begin the installation process, you need to map out where you want to place all your devices. Ensure you check out your manual for advice on the location to place your devices in your home, like how far these devices should be from each other, the alignment of doors and windows, etc. The manual might even help to mark the spots with tape or sticky notes.
To install the SimpliSafe devices, the first thing to do is to install the “Base Station”, thereafter install the Keypad, and then the sensors and other devices. Finally, ensure to wipe down or clean any spot on the wall that you intend to mount your devices. This will help them stay up attached for long if you decide to use the adhesive tape to mount them. By the end of this article, you will be able to install the SimpliSafe devices.
Components of a Complete SimpliSafe Security System
Unbox the security system and make sure you have each component. For a Foundation package, you should receive:
- A base station
- A motion sensor
- An entry sensor
- A yard sign
- A wireless keypad/control panel
- Two window decals
Extra SimpliSafe Equipment
The following are the extra SimpliSafe system equipment, take a look at the SimpliSafe equipment to know more about the SimpliSafe security products:
- Smoke detectors
- Outdoor camera kits
- Glassbreak sensors
- Water sensors
- Freeze sensors
- Video doorbells with two-way audio
- Panic buttons
- Smart locks
- Key fobs
- Sirens
How to install the SimpliSafe Devices’ system
In contrast to some security systems, which depend majorly on the mobile app to set up installation, most of the setup of the SimpliSafe devices happen using the devices themselves. The system is set up by individuals who use the system manually as an instruction booklet and also make use of the SimpliSafe support page to create the most helpful instructions possible. The first step in installing the SimpliSafe device is to install the base station, follow the steps below to install the SimpliSafe devices successfully:
Installing the base station
The SimpliSafe Base Station costs $114.99 when bought separately. It requires a Wi-Fi network and AC power. It could be Wired (power cord) or Wireless. No tools are needed. It takes less than a minute to set up. You also have access to the online installation guide and In-App Instructions.
First things first. The base station is like the brain of your security system, so you begin from here:
- Locate a central area in your home to place your base station (This must be near an electrical outlet).
- Disconnect the peel-and-stick adhesive on the back of the base station.
- Plug the base station into a power outlet not controlled by a light switch with the aid of the included power cord.
- The Base Station’s LED light will glow with a soft blue when it is armed, and the light turns off once the system is disarmed.
- Kindly note that this is the exact opposite of a Ring Alarm. Therefore if you are a former Ring Alarm user, blue means “armed” not “disarmed”.
SimpliSafe synchronizes the base station and keypad before shipping, so you shouldn’t need to perform any other task. In case you encounter some unexpected pops up during installation, the app may ask you for your master PIN. The default PIN for all new SimpliSafe systems is 1234. Installing the SimpliSafe base station successfully has given you the edge to install the SimpliSafe devices all by yourself.
Installing the keypad
The SimpliSafe keypad costs $69.99 each when bought separately. It is Wireless. No tools are needed. It takes less than a minute to set up. You also have access to the online installation guide and In-App Instructions.
The next step is the installation of the keypad. The keypad will be used to arm and disarm your system. Ensure there are four AAA batteries in the keypad. Follow the steps below:
- Remove the coating of the peel-and-stick adhesive at the bottom of the keypad.
- Ensure there are four AAA batteries in the keypad or else it won’t work.
- Fix the Keypad to a wall (It could be near your main entrance). You will still be able to slide it in and out of the mounting bracket.
- In case you don’t want to mount the keypad, you can place it on a table or counter.
- Once your keypad is on, it connects to the base station automatically.
- Long-press on the side of the screen to navigate the Keypad menu (You might encounter some difficulties at first, but you will get used to it pretty quickly).
- Fix the bracket to the back of your keypad.
- Make use of the adhesive strips to place your keypad on the wall, ensure you press firmly.
- Follow the onscreen instructions for setting up the Master PIN from the default.
- Remove the keypad from the bracket to take it with you as you install your motion detector and door/window sensor.
- Install and name your sensors with the Keypad by doing the following:
- Click on the “Test” button on a sensor to test and name it. Once the Keypad prompts you, then you can remove the battery tab on the device/sensor you want to install.
Simply tab the sides of the keypad screen to navigate through and select options. Installing the Keypad successfully has given you an edge to install the SimpliSafe devices all by yourself.
Installing the Motion Sensor
The SimpliSafe Motion sensor cost $29.99 each. It is Wireless. No tools are needed. It takes about two minutes to set up. You also have access to the online installation guide and In-App Instructions.
The steps involved in installing the Motion Sensor are interchangeable with the entry sensor installation; you can do these in either order and it shouldn’t make much difference.
Do not fix your motion sensor near a heater or air conditioner, lamps, or electronic devices. SimpliSafe also recommends you fix the sensor about four to five feet off the ground. In case you have a cat, the brand suggests you place it a little higher, at about six feet.
- Remove the coating of the peel-and-stick adhesive from the motion sensor.
- Fix your motion sensor at your desired location. SimpliSafe suggests you put it in a corner.
- Make use of the adhesive strips on the back of the sensor to fix it on the wall. Press it firmly so it can stay up for as long as you want it.
- Place your keypad beside your motion sensor’s location.
- In case your keypad doesn’t automatically go into the naming mode, click Menu.
- Input your master PIN.
- Choose Setup and Naming.
- Click Press a button on a device to test and name.
- Tap the test button at the top of the motion sensor.
- Once the motion sensor flashes blue, the keypad will prompt you to enter a name.
- Input a name for the motion sensor.
- That’s it!
You can also place your motion sensor on a shelf rather than fixing it to a wall. Installing the SimpliSafe Motion sensor successfully has given you an edge to install the SimpliSafe devices all by yourself.
Installing the entry sensor
The SimpliSafe Entry Sensor cost $14.99 each. It is Wireless. No tools are needed. It takes about five to ten minutes to set up. You also have access to the online installation guide and In-App Instructions.
Installing the Entry sensor can be a bit tricky. For a successful installation, the two pieces need to be aligned so that the magnet-based tech can work perfectly. Follow the steps below:
- Remove the coating of the peel-and-stick adhesive from the entry sensor.
- Place the two pieces side-by-side with one on the frame of the closed-door/window and one on the edge of the door/window itself. The pieces must be less than two inches apart, and the oval grooves must align.
- Ensure the pieces are held in place, open and close the door/window to verify the alignment is accurate. A blue light will flash when the pieces pull apart and come together.
- Make use of the adhesive strips on the back of the sensor pieces to place them on the frame by pressing them firmly.
- Navigate your keypad to your entry sensor’s location.
- In case your keypad doesn’t automatically go into the naming mode, choose Menu.
- Input your master PIN.
- Choose Setup and Naming.
- Select Press a button on a device to test and name.
- Tap the test button on the top of the entry sensor. (If the test button ends up on the bottom during installation, that’s not a problem. The entry sensor will still work.)
- Once the entry sensor flashes blue, the keypad will prompt you to submit a name.
- Enter a name for the entry sensor.
Note that you might need to get used to the SimpliSafe keypad. You will tab the sides of the screen to switch from window to window. It’s a new design that hasn’t been seen before. But honestly, it’s growing. Installing the SimpliSafe Entry Sensor successfully has given you an edge to install the SimpliSafe devices all by yourself.
Installing the Water/Flood Sensors
The SimpliSafe Water/Flood Sensor cost $19.99 each. It could be Wireless. No tools are needed. It takes less than a minute to set up. You also have access to an online installation guide but you do not have access to In-App Instructions. Follow the steps below to install the Water/Flood sensors:
- Place your SimpliSafe water/flood sensor(s) on the floor, right in the drip pan of your water heater, behind your washing machine, or near your bathroom or kitchen, plumbing to discover overflows or broken pipes.
- You can use the provided peel-and-stick adhesive coatings if you wish, just ensure not to cover any of the six metal contact points at the bottom of the sensor.
Installing the SimpliSafe Water/Flood sensors successfully has given you an edge to install the SimpliSafe devices all by yourself.
Installing SimpliSafe SimpliCam
The SimpliSafe SimpliCam cost $99 each. It requires a Wi-Fi network and AC power. This device doesn’t use a cellular signal, therefore if your Wifi goes off, your cameras will stop working. It is Wired (power cord). No tools are required. It takes up to about five to ten minutes to set up. You also have access to the online installation guide and In-App Instructions.
In case you have a Foundation package, a camera is not always included. However, you may get one added via a promotion or buy it separately.
Before getting started, make sure you download the SimpliSafe app on your smartphone. Even if you are not using the Interactive Plan with mobile monitoring, you can always set up the camera using the app. In case you don’t want to download the app at all, you should be able to use your SimpliSafe account on your computer. Follow the steps below to install SimpliSafe SimpliCam:
- Open the box carefully.
- Gently slide the camera off of the stand.
- Insert Micro-USB into the port located at the back of the camera.
- Replace the camera stand.
- Plugin the SimpliCam (You will have to remove the stand at the back).
- Using the SimpliSafe app, choose Set up my SimpliCam.
- Choose Indoor Camera.
- Verify if you are setting the camera up at your home or not.
- Choose your preferred Wi-Fi network.
- Input the preferred Wi-Fi network password.
- Wait for a few seconds till you see a blinking white light at the top of the SimpliCam.
- The SimpliCam may also inform you verbally that it’s ready for installation.
- Make use of the SimpliCam lens to scan the QR code displayed by the app.
- The SimpliCam should then automatically connect to your base station.
- That’s it! Quite simple!
Installing the SimpliSafe SimpliCam successfully has given you an edge to install the SimpliSafe devices all by yourself.
Installing the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro
The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell cost $169 each. It requires a Wi-Fi connection (2.4Ghz), an existing doorbell setup (8V to 24V) with an analog (mechanical) door chime. The wired video doorbell must replace an existing doorbell. There is no battery option available. The Phillips head screwdriver is needed. It takes about thirty minutes on average for most people to set up. You also have access to an online installation guide but you do not have access to In-App Instructions. Follow the steps below to install the SimpliSafe video doorbell Pro:
- Switch off your power at breakers.
- Disconnect your old doorbell.
- Draw the existing doorbell wires via the mounting bracket.
- Fasten the mounting bracket to the wall.
- Connect wires to the mounting bracket.
- Fix the doorbell into place.
- Turn your power back on.
- That’s all! Very straightforward.
Installing the SimpliSafe video doorbell Pro successfully has given you an edge to install the SimpliSafe devices all by yourself.
How to set up Wi-Fi
Since you will need to connect the hub to your Wi-Fi at the beginning of the installation process; it’s a quick and automatic connection. Connect your system to WiFi to act as an additional layer of security. To set up the Wi-Fi, follow the steps below:
- Tap the “Menu” button on your keypad.
- Input your Master PIN.
- Navigate to “System Settings”, then choose “Wi-Fi” and continue with the Wi-Fi setup process like you would with any other wireless device.
- Enter the network password.
Note that SimpliSafe is powered by Wi-Fi, but it also has cellular backup in case your power cuts out or your Wi-Fi lags. Although Wi-Fi isn’t as fast or reliable as cellular systems like Vivint or Frontpoint, it’s still a solid connection. From the reviews gotten so far, there were no connection issues during testing. SimpliSafe systems have built-in cellular connections, but you can always set up your home Wi-Fi network. Setting up Wifi will help you install the SimpliSafe devices successfully.
The Three SimpliSafe Modes
The SimpliSafe system has 3 modes, namely: Off, Home, and Away. Your master PIN code will be required to change between the modes.
Mode Off: This means your SimpliSafe system is turned off and won’t sound the alarm whenever the sensors go off.
Mode Home: This means your system is active, but since you are home, the Motion Sensors are turned off, and it can’t be triggered accidentally. There is an adjustable delay period between when you enter your door (installed with an Entry Sensor) and when you tap the Home button on your Keypad and input your master PIN.
Mode Away: This means all your SimpliSafe devices are on and armed. Whenever you are leaving your house, always tab the “Away” button on the Keypad. There is usually a default 45-second delay for you to lock your door and leave. You can also adjust this time frame in your setup. After 45 seconds, your Base Station verifies with “Alarm on, away”. Thereafter, your sensors will trigger the siren on the Base Station. You will need to enter your PIN here to disable the siren.
Finally, test your sensors and system to be sure you have installed every device correctly. Your home is now secured with SimpliSafe. I hope you are quite impressed with the SimpliSafe DIY installation department. It usually takes an average of about 20 to 30 minutes to install the system, from the beginning to the end. The company is however always reachable for phone support whenever you hit a roadblock. The main thing is that SimpliSafe is a great value if you are looking for an affordable, user-friendly system that enables you to set up within a few minutes and provides basic-to-intermediate home protection to you optimally.
Feel free and do well to get back to us if you were able to successfully install the SimpliSafe devices all by yourself by commenting in the section below. Thank you for reading this far. Stay tuned for more informative articles from our domain.