14 SimpliSafe Doorbell Known Problems (Solved)

While the SimpliSafe security system offers numerous functionalities and is incredibly reliable, some of its features and products tend to develop problems that can be pretty frustrating. 

A very good example is the SimpliSafe Doorbell. While capable of providing excellent HD resolution and a real-time security feed, it also has its fair share of problems. Below are 14 Simplisafe doorbell problems and effective solutions you can implement.

1. Why Is My SimpliSafe Door Chime Not Working

There are a few reasons why your SimpliSafe door chime may not be working, but here are a few solutions you can implement should you run into a problem like this

• Reboot the Unit

You can start by rebooting the doorbell unit. 

Here’s how to perform a reboot.

1. Unplug the SimpliSafe unit.
2. Unscrew the battery access screw near the plug.
3. Remove and reinstall the rechargeable batteries.
4. After rebooting, you should hear a “Welcome to SimpliSafe” audio message.

Note: The chime should work when an Entry Sensor opens its circuit but not when it closes. This might be normal behavior for the unit.

• Base Station Reset

If rebooting the system doesn’t work, you can try resetting the Base Station. Here’s how.

1. Remove the power plug from the Base Station, revealing a screw.
2. Unscrew the screw and twist the bottom panel to reveal the batteries.
3. Take out one battery, wait 10 seconds, and reinsert it.
4. Reassemble the Base Station, and it should boot up with audio restored.

• Check Secret Alert Settings

If you have a “secret alert” enabled for when the alarm is off, it may prevent the chime from working. Disabling the “off mode” should allow the chime to start working. 

To find the “secret alerts” option

1. Open the SimpliSafe Mobile App on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Navigate to the My System section located at the bottom of the screen.
3. Select Device Settings.
4. Click on the specific device you want to personalize.
5. Under “Alarm Mode,” you can opt for Off, Home, or Away.
6. Proceed to select “Secret Alert” and save your settings.

Note: Users have reported that the chime and “secret alert” might not be supported simultaneously.

• System Testing

Test your system by triggering a sensor to ensure it’s working correctly. Check if you receive text alerts and calls from monitoring and reboot the Base Station if necessary.

• Review System Settings

You can also check your online account to see the settings, especially for Base Station voice/volume. Ensure that voice prompts, chimes, and notifications are enabled according to your preferences.

• Request Feature Enhancement

Some users have expressed the desire for the chime to work even with “secret alert” enabled. You can also request this feature enhancement through SimpliSafe’s support channels or community forums.

• Consider Workarounds

As a temporary workaround, you can devise methods such as using specific settings for different modes (off, home, away) to achieve the desired chime and notification behavior.

2. SimpliSafe Doorbell Not Picking up Motion

If your SimpliSafe doorbell is not consistently picking up motion, there are several troubleshooting steps and solutions you can try.

Connection Check Tool

Use the Connection Check tool in the SimpliSafe app to verify whether your doorbell has connection or reception issues.

Here’s how to use the connection tool

• Open the SimpliSafe mobile app and navigate to the “Cameras” icon at the bottom.
• Click on the gear icon in the screen’s upper right corner.
• Choose your specific camera from the available options.
• Select “Connection” within the camera settings to access the Connection Check feature.
• Initiate the connection check by tapping “Start Connection Check” to assess and determine your camera’s connection strength.

Motion Detection Modes

Check and adjust the motion detection modes on your doorbell. People Only mode analyzes the actual image for person-shaped movements, while All Motion uses infrared motion detection. 

To adjust your motion detection modes

• Open the SimpliSafe App on your mobile device.
• Navigate to the Menu option
• In the Menu, find and select “Settings.”
• Inside the Settings menu, locate and choose “Camera Settings.”
• Select your desired doorbell camera from the list of cameras.
• Within the settings, look for “Motion Detection” and tap on it.
• Find the “Motion Type” option and set it to “All Motion.”
• After making this adjustment, be sure to save the changes.

By following these steps, you should successfully adjust the motion detection type for your doorbell. Experiment with these modes to find the best one for your environment.

Horizontal Wedge

If the doorbell struggles with lateral movement detection, consider using a Horizontal Wedge provided by SimpliSafe. This wedge can be installed to turn the doorbell 15 degrees left or right, improving its ability to pick up motion.

Software Update

Ensure your SimpliSafe system runs the latest software updates, including the doorbell. Updates may include improvements or bug fixes that can address motion detection issues.

Hard Reset

Perform a hard reset by removing the doorbell from the system, resetting the device, and then adding it back. This can help refresh the doorbell’s functionality.

WIFI Extender

If you use a network extender, ensure it is correctly set up and positioned close to the doorbell for optimal signal strength.

Remember to document any changes you make during troubleshooting, and if the problem persists, don’t hesitate to contact SimpliSafe support for personalized assistance.

3. SimpliSafe Doorbell Notifications Not Working

If you’re experiencing issues with receiving push notifications for your SimpliSafe system on your smartphone, follow these steps to troubleshoot and resolve the problem:

Verify System Compatibility

Confirm that you have the Gen 3 SimpliSafe Keypad. If unsure, check the appearance of your keypad or refer to the provided link for identification.

Check Monitoring Subscription

Ensure you have an active monitoring subscription, as push notifications are only available with an active plan.

Configure Critical Alarm Notifications

Check your device settings to enable critical alarm notifications for the SimpliSafe app, ensuring you receive system updates even when your phone is silent.

Disable Work Profile or Focus Mode

If you have a work profile or focus mode enabled, it might affect push notifications. Consult your manual for details on configuring these modes.

Verify Push Notifications Settings

To verify your Push Notification Settings

• Open the SimpliSafe mobile app and navigate to “My System.”
• Select “Alerts & Notifications.”
• Toggle on Push Notifications for sections like Alarm Triggered, Warnings, and General Activity.

Enable Camera Notifications

• Navigate to the Cameras tab in the app.
• Access Camera Settings by tapping the gear icon.
• Choose the specific camera and enable motion event notifications under Motion Detection.

Check SimpliCam and Smart Alarm Indoor Camera

Ensure that SimpliCam and Smart Alarm Indoor Camera open their privacy shutters to receive motion alerts.

Adjust Push Notification Settings on iOS and Android.

iOS

• For iOS users, go to your phone’s “Settings” and “Notifications.”
• Find the SimpliSafe app and ensure notifications are turned on.

Android

• For Android users, go to “Settings,” then “Apps” or “Application Manager.”
• Locate the SimpliSafe app and ensure “Show Notifications” is enabled.

By implementing these steps, you can effectively resolve the problem of SimpliSafe doorbell notifications not functioning on your smartphone.

4. SimpliSafe Doorbell Keeps Going Offline

If your SimpliSafe doorbell keeps going offline, here are some practical solutions you can try

Evaluate Local Network Issues

• Check for interference from other devices or neighbors’ routers using tools like Acrylic WiFi.
• Verify that your doorbell operates at a 2.4 GHz frequency and explore any co-channel interference.

Adjust Motion Detection Settings

• Ensure the doorbell’s motion detection settings, especially People Only Detection, are configured appropriately.
• Adjust the coverage area (motion-sensitive zone) to exclude any potential triggers, like shadows or moving objects.

Run Connection Check

• Use the Connection Check tool in the SimpliSafe mobile app to identify and troubleshoot connection issues. (See issue 2 on how to do this)
• Follow the step-by-step instructions in the Help Center article for running the Connection Check.

WiFi Network Configuration

Consider changing your WiFi network settings from “802.11 (b or g or n)” to just “802.11n” if applicable.

802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n are types of wireless standards, which determine how devices communicate wirelessly. You can think of them as being different generations of technology. 802.11b is the oldest, and 802.11n is the newest.

The main differences between these standards are speed (how fast data can be transferred) and range (how far the WiFi signal can reach).

Here are the theoretical speeds for each standard:

• 802.11b: 11 Megabits per second (Mbps)
• 802.11g: 54 Mbps
• 802.11n: 300 Mbps

So, 802.11n is faster than 802.11g and 802.11b. It also has better range and reliability than 802.11g, which, in turn, is better than 802.11b.

Remember, addressing connectivity problems might require a combination of these steps. Stay patient, and don’t hesitate to contact SimpliSafe Support for personalized assistance.

5. SimpliSafe Doorbell Won’t Scan QR Code

Setting up your SimpliCam or Video Doorbell Pro involves scanning a QR code with your camera. If you’re having trouble with this step, the following troubleshooting tips might help.

Well-lit Environment

• If installing indoors, ensure the room is well-lit. Move the camera to the desired location after installation.
• For Video Doorbell Pro, install it during daylight.

Avoid Glare and Reflections

• Ensure no bright lights, glares, or reflections directly affect the camera.

Remove Lens Cover

• Confirm the plastic cover has been removed from the camera’s lens.

Night Vision and Setup Mode

• Check that the Night Vision light (small red dot near the lens) is off.
• Verify the camera’s light is blinking white, indicating it’s in setup mode.

Privacy Shutter (For SimpliCam)

• If installing SimpliCam, ensure the Privacy Shutter is open.
• The Privacy Shutter is a metal disc over the lens; make sure it’s open.

Optimize QR Code Display

• Ensure your smartphone or tablet displays the QR code entirely.
• Maximize the phone’s brightness.

Adjust Phone Distance

• Slowly move the phone closer and then further away from the camera.
• Be patient; it may take a few minutes to scan.

WiFi Network Details

• Sometimes, your network might be the issue. If your WiFi network’s name or password includes a semicolon (;) or backslash (\), remove it.

If you tried the above tips and the issues persist, try these additional tips:

Optimal Positioning

• Place the camera and phone about a foot apart on a flat surface, facing each other upright.

Lens Covering

• Cover the top of the lens with one hand.

Zoom in on the QR Code Photo

• Take a screenshot of the QR code, then zoom in on the photo in your camera’s library.

Use Another Device

• Try scanning the code from another device.

6. SimpliSafe Doorbell Not Charging

If you encounter issues with your SimpliSafe Doorbell not charging, these effective solutions can help.

Soft Reset

First, you can perform try performing a soft reset. Here’s how to do this

• Press the small button on the back of your doorbell.
• Place it back on the charging mount to initiate a reboot.

Hard Reset

• Press the large button on the back of your doorbell for 10 seconds.
• Put it back on the charging mount to perform a reboot.

Reinstallation

If the issue persists, you may have to perform a reinstallation. To do this, follow the installation steps again as given in the user manual.

Contact Customer Support

• If the above solutions don’t resolve the issue, it might be a hardware problem, and you’ll need to contact SimpliSafe customer support for assistance.

7. SimpliSafe Doorbell Not Recording

If your SimpliSafe Doorbell is not recording all motion, follow these effective solutions based on user experiences:

Check Motion Detection Settings

• Ensure your Motion Type is set to “All Motion.” (Steps on how to do this mentioned in issue 2)
• Verify that all motion zones are actively monitored.

Perform a Soft Reset

• Press the small button on the back of the doorbell.
• Place it back on the charging mount to initiate a reboot.

Review Motion Sensitivity

• Adjust motion sensitivity settings in the SimpliSafe app or online portal.
• Fine-tune settings to minimize excess notifications while ensuring vital motion is captured.

WiFi and Connection Check

• Ensure a stable WiFi connection.
• Run a connection check through the SimpliSafe app to assess speed and strength.

Reset Doorbell Settings

• Perform a hard reset by pressing the large button on the back for 10 seconds.
• Place it back on the charging mount to reboot.

Update Software (if applicable)

• Check for any available firmware or software updates for the doorbell and update to the latest version.

Evaluate Upload Speed

• Slow upload speeds can affect video recordings.
• Confirm your internet upload speed is sufficient for video transmission.

8. SimpliSafe Doorbell Won’t Stop Ringing

If you find that your SimpliSafe doorbell won’t stop ringing, you can consider these practical solutions to troubleshoot the issue:

Set Motion Zones

Sometimes, your time zone may be the problem. To set it correctly, follow these steps.

• Open the SimpliSafe mobile app.
• Tap “Cameras”
• Click the gear icon.
• Select “Video Doorbell.”
• Find “Motion Detection.”
• Tap zones where you don’t want the doorbell to detect movement.

Check for Stuck Button or Loose Wires

• Remove the front panel using the mini screwdriver.
• Ensure the chime button is secure.
• Check for loose wires on the mounting bracket.
• Tighten terminal screws to secure any loose wires.

Address Moisture Issues

• Keep the doorbell dry, especially in humid conditions.
• Use dehumidifiers and thermostats to regulate moisture.
• Moisture can damage circuitry, so preventative measures are crucial.

Optimize Router Placement

• Place your router near the doorbell for a stable connection.
• Use WiFi extenders from brands like Linksys, TP-Link, or NetGear if not possible.

Remove Interfering Devices

• SimpliSafe doorbells connect to a 2.4 GHz connection.
• Disconnect devices using the same frequency, such as microwaves or Bluetooth devices.
• Devices using 5 GHz frequency cause less interference.

Relocate the Doorbell

• Concrete, metal, or thick materials can interfere with WiFi signals.
• Find a suitable spot for the doorbell by testing internet speed in different locations.
• Mirrors can also interfere, so choose locations wisely.

Perform a Reset

• Soft Reset: Press the small button on the back and mount it on the rack.
• Hard Reset: Press and hold the big button for 10 seconds, then reboot.

Check Electrical Connection:

• Ensure the doorbell operates within the required power range (8 to 24-volt AC).
• Use a low-voltage transformer if needed.
• Resistors can help control electricity flow.

Use SimpliSafe’s Chime Connector

• If your chime buzzes or only “dings,” using a chime connector may be necessary.

Switch to a Mechanical Chime Box

• Digital chime boxes may be incompatible.
• Use a mechanical chime to ensure compatibility with SimpliSafe doorbells.

Reinstall the Doorbell

• If all else fails, reinstall the doorbell following the installation guide.
• Ensure proper wiring and configuration during reinstallation.

Remember, some solutions may require professional assistance. If the issue persists, contacting SimpliSafe customer support is highly recommended. They can provide further guidance or address potential product defects.

9. Why Is My SimpliSafe Doorbell Camera Not Working

If your SimpliSafe doorbell camera is stuck in a reboot loop, showing a yellow light for a few seconds and then turning off repeatedly, or just not turning on at all, Here are some practical solutions that can help:

Perform a Hard Reset

• Remove the doorbell from its charging plate.
• Press the small button on the back of the doorbell for 10 seconds and then release.
• Place the doorbell back on its charging plate. A yellow light should appear as it boots back up.

Reinstallation and Removal

• Take the doorbell off the wall.
• Reinstall it after performing a hard reset.
• If the issue persists, remove the doorbell from the SimpliSafe system.

Check Warranty Coverage

• If your doorbell is still within the warranty period, inquire about coverage for replacement or repair.
• SimpliSafe offers a limited lifetime warranty on hardware for Interactive Monitoring Subscribers, and other subscription tiers may have extended warranty options.

Verify Power Source

• Ensure the doorbell is receiving a stable power supply.
• Check the charging plate and connections to rule out any issues with the power source.

Physical Damage

• Examine the doorbell for any signs of physical damage or wear.
• If there’s visible damage, it may be contributing to the malfunction.

Check WiFi Connectivity

• Ensure that your doorbell is connected to a stable WiFi network.
• Unstable or weak WiFi signals can affect the performance of the doorbell.

Firmware and Software Updates

• Verify if there are any pending firmware or software updates for the doorbell.
• Keeping the device software up-to-date can resolve compatibility issues.

10. SimpliSafe Doorbell Not Lighting Up

If your SimpliSafe Doorbell doesn’t light up but chimes, it could be due to different reasons. To fix it, try ensuring the status light is on, adjusting settings, and connecting the doorbell to your account if you’re the new owner. 

If problems persist, contact SimpliSafe Support for help. If you’ve had the doorbell for a while and encountered persistent issues, you might want to explore repair or replacement choices.

11. SimpliSafe Doorbell Not Powering On

Suppose your SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro doesn’t power on correctly after installation. It may be due to compatibility issues with your existing doorbell or power routing problems. 

Ensure you have a wired analog/mechanical doorbell, as the Video Doorbell Pro is only compatible with this type. If you face power-related issues, consider using a Chime Connector, which can be obtained from SimpliSafe Support. 

If problems persist, contacting SimpliSafe’s support team and discussing potential solutions or replacements is recommended.

12. SimpliSafe Doorbell Not Connecting to WiFi

If your SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro has trouble connecting to WiFi, follow these steps for practical solutions.

Check WiFi Network Settings

• Ensure your WiFi network is transmitting a 2.4GHz band.
• Confirm that your SSID and password are not longer than 31 characters each.

Check Mounting Plate Contacts

• If the Video Doorbell is not connected and the status light isn’t blinking, ensure the mounting plate has good contact with the gold pins on the doorbell.
• Avoid overtightening the mounting plate, as it may bend and hinder proper contact.

Verify Installation

• Review the installation guide to ensure the Video Doorbell Pro is installed correctly.

Run Connection Check Test

• Open the SimpliSafe mobile app.
• Navigate to the Cameras tab, select the gear icon, and choose your Video Doorbell.
• Run a Connection Check test to assess signal strength and upload speeds.

Analyze Connection Check Results

• Signal strength above -55dBm indicates a strong connection; troubleshoot if it is lower.
• Ensure the upload speed is above 2Mbps for 720p video; contact ISP if it is below.

Improve Signal Strength

• Troubleshoot your WiFi network to enhance signal strength if needed.

Upgrade Internet Package

• If the upload speed is below 2Mbps, contact your ISP to upgrade your internet package.

These tips should solve any WiFi issues you may encounter.

13. SimpliSafe Doorbell Not Ringing Inside House

If your SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro isn’t ringing inside the house, check and secure the wiring, and ensure it follows the installation guide. 

You might also want to verify the voltage, aiming for around 20 volts, and consider using a Chime Connector for compatibility issues. 

Run a Connection Check test using the mobile app, confirm the transformer supplying power is between 8-24 volts, and consider upgrading it if necessary. Seeking professional help may be required if these steps don’t resolve the issue.

14. SimpliSafe Doorbell Not Ringing at Base

Suppose your SimpliSafe Doorbell isn’t triggering the Base Station chime, and you experience connectivity issues. In that case, you may consider re-entering the WiFi password. This has worked for a few users facing a similar situation. 

However, if this doesn’t work, a complete Base Station reset might be necessary. If you face ongoing problems after trying to reset the battery and keypad with support’s help, ensure they address all possible programming issues. 

If the problems continue or occur again, it’s advised to contact SimpliSafe Support and request to talk to a technical expert for a more in-depth investigation.

Summary

Your SimpliSafe doorbell can have many problems. A simple guide like this is handy when you don’t know what to do. If you encounter any of the problems listed in this article, try out all the suggested solutions. 

If you have trouble understanding or executing any of the solutions, don’t hesitate to ask for help. 

If any of the problems persist even after trying the solutions suggested in this article, don’t try to troubleshoot them further; instead, contact Customer Support for further guidance.

Sources

• SimpliSafe Support, SimpliSafe Support.
• WiFi Standards Explained: 802.11b/g/n/ac/ad/ah/af – Android Authority, Android Authority.
• Troubleshooting – SimpliSafe, SafeWise.