Motion Sensor Gen 1

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What's the difference between Entry Delay, Exit Delay, and Instant Trigger?
Your Entry-, Motion-, and Glassbreak Sensors come equipped with several modes that can help you with arming your system, disarming it, and triggering an alarm event the moment the sensor is triggered. Below you can learn more about what each mode does and how it impacts the usage of your system.
Entry Delay
When enabled, the Entry Delay is the amount of time between when a sensor is tripped and when the alarm begins to sound when your system is in an armed state. That way, you have time to disarm your system without the alarm immediately going off. Once a sensor is triggered, your Keypad(s) will begin to beep, indicating that the system is counting down to the predetermined time at which the alarm will sound.
The Entry Delay can be set anywhere from 0 - 255 seconds. The default setting for your system is 30 seconds. It can also have different settings for Home and Away modes.
SimpliSafe® Mobile App
Open the SimpliSafe® mobile app on your phone or tablet
Choose My System from the bottom navigation bar
Select Base Station Settings
Select Exit and Entry Delays
Under Entry Delays, adjust your timing, as needed, for Home and Away modes
Once done, click Save in the upper right corner to save your settings
Keypad
Press Menu on the Keypad
Enter your Primary PIN
Choose System Settings
Scroll down for Entry Delay
Use the rocker to choose Edit, then press the Keypad buttons to designate a time
Once done, press the rocker to the right for Set to save your settings
SimpliSafe® Online Account
Login to the SimpliSafe® Online Account using the browser of your choice
Select System from the left-hand navigation menu
If you do not see the navigation menu, click the three-bar icon in the upper left corner to reveal it
Adjust your Entry Delay by editing the field and inputting a specific number, or by using the up and down arrows to fine-tune your selection
Once done, click on Save Changes at the bottom of the screen
Exit Delay
The Exit Delay setting is the amount of time allotted for the system to countdown and arm when you set your system to Home or Away mode. This way, you can exit your home without triggering an alarm. By default, the setting is 60 seconds, however, it can be set anywhere from 45 - 255 seconds.
SimpliSafe® Mobile App
Open the SimpliSafe® mobile app on your phone or tablet
Choose My System from the bottom navigation bar
Select Base Station Settings
Select Exit and Entry Delays
Under Exit Delays, adjust your timing, as needed, for Home and Away modes
Once done, click Save in the upper right corner to save your settings
Keypad
Press Menu on the Keypad
Enter your Primary PIN
Choose System Settings
Scroll down for Exit Delay
Use the arrow key to choose Edit, then press the Keypad buttons to designate a time
Once done, press the rocker to the right for Set to save your settings
SimpliSafe® Online Account
Login to the SimpliSafe® Online Account using the browser of your choice
Select System from the left-hand navigation menu
If you do not see the navigation menu, click the three-bar icon in the upper left corner to reveal it
Adjust your Exit Delay by editing the field and inputting a specific number, or by using the up and down arrows to fine-tune your selection
Once done, click on Save Changes at the bottom of the screen
Instant Trigger
When you turn on Instant Trigger, your sensor will sound your alarm right away when it is triggered. This feature can be helpful for areas of your home that you don’t use often—like a cellar door, basement, or skylight. That way, when your system is armed in Home or Away mode, you'll know immediately if a sensor was triggered.
Instant Trigger can be set for each individual sensor by editing your device settings.
SimpliSafe® Mobile App
Open the SimpliSafe® mobile app on your phone or tablet
Choose My System from the bottom navigation bar
Select Device Settings
Tap on the sensor you wish to edit
Toggle Instant Trigger ON or OFF by pressing the button
Keypad
Press Menu on the Keypad
Enter your Primary PIN
Choose Devices
Use the arrow key to select the sensor you wish to edit
Scroll down to Instant Trigger and use the right rocker to toggle between ON and OFF
SimpliSafe® Online Account
Login to the SimpliSafe® Online Account using the browser of your choice
Select Devices from the left-hand navigation menu
If you do not see the navigation menu, click the three-bar icon in the upper left corner to reveal it
Select the sensor you wish to edit
Toggle Instant Trigger ON or OFF by clicking the button
Help Center Article
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Using Your System
How to Find the Serial Number for Your SimpliSafe® Device or Camera
During troubleshooting or for account verification purposes, you may be required to identify the serial number for a product within your system. You can easily find the serial number for your devices or cameras within the SimpliSafe® Mobile App.
Locating the Serial Number for your Base Station in the SimpliSafe® App
Open the SimpliSafe® Mobile App on your phone or tablet
Tap on the three-bar menu (hamburger menu) in the upper left corner of the app screen
Choose Help & Support
At the top of the menu you’ll see an Account Number
This is the serial number for your Base Station
Locating the Serial Number for your Devices or Cameras in the SimpliSafe® App
Open the SimpliSafe® Mobile App on your phone or tablet
Choose My System from the bottom navigation bar
Tap on the Device or Camera you wish to manage
Scroll down to Basic Info
Your device or camera’s Serial Number will be listed here
There may be a point where you need to find the serial number on the physical device itself. The rest of the article will guide you through finding the serial number for each product. Click to expand the collapsible section for the product type you wish to learn more about.

The serial number for the Base Station can be found on the bottom of the unit, right underneath the QR code.

The serial number for the Keypad can be found underneath the battery cover, at the bottom of the device. Simply slide the Keypad off the bracket (battery cover), then turn it around and look towards the bottom of the battery compartment to see it. The serial number will be listed above the manufacturing date.

The serial number for the Key Fob is found on the tab at the bottom of the device. Flip the Key Fob over so its back is facing you and look at the tab to find its number.
Entry Sensor

To find the serial number on the Entry Sensor, simply remove the Entry Sensor from its bracket. To remove it from the bracket, locate the pairing button on the sensor, then slide the sensor up towards the button. Once the sensor has been removed from the bracket, look at the battery and the serial number will be right above it.
Motion Sensor Gen 1

The serial number for the Motion Sensor Gen 1 is located right above the sensitivity slider. To expose the battery compartment for viewing, gently grip the Motion Sensor and slide it up and off its bracket. You may need to wiggle it or use light force to push the sensor off the bracket. Once removed, look for the “sensitivity” embossed on the plastic. The serial number will be above it.
Motion Sensor Gen 2

The serial number for the Motion Sensor Gen 2 is located on the back side of the sensor in the upper right corner underneath the QR code. To locate it, remove the Motion Sensor Gen 2 from its’ bracket, by either wiggling it side to side then pushing up towards the pairing button. You may need to use light force to accomplish this. Once the battery is exposed, you’ll find the serial number in white text underneath the QR code.
Glassbreak Sensor

The serial number for the Glassbreak Sensor is located above the sensitivity slider on the back of the device. To expose this area and the battery compartment, simply slide the Glassbreak Sensor off its bracket by wiggling it back and forth then up towards the pairing button. You may need to use light force to accomplish this. Once exposed, locate “sensitivity” embossed in the plastic, and you’ll find the serial number right above that.
Panic Button

The serial number for the Panic Button is located within the battery compartment for the product. To expose the battery compartment, slide the front of the Panic Button up and off its bracket - being careful not to press the Panic Button during this process! Once exposed, you’ll find the serial number at the bottom of the device.
Extra Siren

The serial number for the Extra Siren can be found on the back of the device, underneath the bracket. To remove the Extra Siren from the bracket, simply slide it up and off the bracket. You may need to use light force to accomplish this. You do not need to remove the battery cover to see the serial number. You can find it at the bottom of the product, next to the QR code or in between the two screws at the bottom of the product.
Temperature Sensor

The serial number for the Temperature Sensor (Freeze Sensor) can be found within the battery compartment on the device. Simply slide the product off its bracket by wiggling it side to side then pushing up towards the pairing button on the product. You may need to use light force to accomplish this. Once the sensor is removed from its bracket, you can locate the serial number next to the QR code, at the bottom of the battery compartment.
Water Sensor

The serial number for the Water Sensor is within the battery compartment. To expose this, you’ll need to twist the Water Sensor base and top apart from one another, rotating it counterclockwise. Once they are separated, you’ll find the serial number below the battery, opposite of the QR code. If you need to reassemble the Water Sensor, line up the arrow on the top and bottom pieces, then twist them back together. They should seamlessly rotate to create a water-tight seal, so do not apply pressure or force them to go together if the arrows are not lined up.
Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector

The serial number for the Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector can be found on the back of the device, after removing it from its bracket. To remove the Smoke & CO Detector from its bracket, rotate the detector counterclockwise. The serial number will be to the right of the QR code, in white text on the black background, right above the manufacturing date.
To reassemble the Smoke & CO Detector, twist the detector back onto the bracket moving it clockwise. It should click into place once secured. If it’s not fully attached to the bracket, it could result in a tampering error, which can cause your Base Station to beep repeatedly, signifying the trouble signal.Carbon Monoxide Detector

The serial number for the Carbon Monoxide Detector can be found on the back of the device, after removing it from its bracket. To remove the CO Detector from its bracket, rotate the detector counterclockwise. The serial number is right above the center of the device on the back of the product. You can find it by looking for “S/N:” followed by a string of letters and numbers.
To reassemble the CO Detector, twist the detector back onto the bracket moving it clockwise. It should click into place once secured. If it’s not fully attached to the bracket, it could result in a tampering error, which can cause your Base Station to beep repeatedly, signifying the trouble signal.
Smoke Detector

The serial number for the Smoke Detector can be found on the outside of the device, on a sticker that denotes “S/N:” followed by a string of numbers and letters. You may or may not need to remove the Smoke Detector from its bracket to view the serial number. If you need to remove it from its bracket, simply twist it counterclockwise.
To reassemble the Smoke Detector, twist the detector back onto the bracket moving it clockwise. It should click into place once secured. If it’s not fully attached to the bracket, it could result in a tampering error, which can cause your Base Station to beep repeatedly, signifying the trouble signal.
Outdoor Camera Series 2

The serial number for the Outdoor Camera Series 2 is located on the back of the camera lens (or cap, as we call it). To remove the lens from the body of the camera, simply rotate the cap clockwise. Then, turn over the cap to expose the product information. You’ll find the serial number underneath the QR code, in white text on the black background.
Outdoor Camera

The serial number for the Outdoor Camera is located on the back of the camera lens (or cap, as we call it). To remove the lens from the body of the camera, simply rotate the cap clockwise. Then, turn over the cap to expose the product information. You’ll find the serial number to the left of the QR code, in white text on the black background.
Video Doorbell Pro

The serial number for the Video Doorbell Pro can be found on the back of the device. To remove the Video Doorbell Pro to expose the serial number, you’ll need to remove the security screw from the bottom of the device, using a T5 Torx Screwdriver. Once the screw has been removed, gently remove the Video Doorbell Pro faceplate from the bracket. Flip the camera over, and you’ll find the serial number underneath the Model Number, just to the right of the QR code.
Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Security Camera

The serial number on the Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Security Camera can be found on the backside of the camera, right underneath the QR code.
SimpliCam® Wired Indoor Security Camera

The serial number for the SimpliCam® Wired Indoor Security Camera can be found on the back of the SimpliCam®. There is a white sticker towards the top, and you’ll find the serial number underneath the Model Number to the right of the QR code.
Smart Lock Series 2

The serial number on the Smart Lock Series 2 can be found right above the battery compartment on the back of the Smart Lock. This is the part that is inside of your home or business, not outside of your door. To access it, slide the battery cover to the right to remove it. Then, locate the serial number in the center on the upper portion of the back of the Smart Lock itself.
Smart Lock
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The serial number on the Smart Lock can be found on the back of the Smart Lock itself, the piece that goes inside your door. To remove this, you’ll need to use the included Release Tool. If you no longer have the release tool, you can always use a small flathead screwdriver, similar to one you would find in an eyeglass kit.
To remove the Smart Lock:
Using the Release Tool (or a small flathead screwdriver) slide out the two wing latches on each side of the device
After sliding out the wing latches, you can pull the Smart Lock off the door.
Once removed, you’ll find the serial number in the center right above the wing latches, right underneath the FCC ID embossed section.
When it comes time to place the Smart Lock back on your door, refer to our Smart Lock Installation Guide on the Help Center.
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Product Support
Testing the Motion Sensor Gen 1
Test Mode is a great way to test the connection between your Base Station and other SimpliSafe® products. We recommend periodically placing your system into Test Mode to ensure that your devices are still communicating with the Base Station without any errors.
Placing Your System Into Test Mode
Disarm your system by pressing OFF on the Keypad
Press the Menu button on your Keypad
Enter your Primary PIN
Scroll until Test Mode is highlighted
Use the right arrow key to enter Test Mode
You’ll know you are in Test Mode when you see a circle on the Keypad appear with the text, “Test each device by pressing its button”.
Note: If are subscribed to a professional monitoring plan, you will receive a robo call from the monitoring center asking you to confirm you placed your system into Test Mode. If you do not answer – no worries! A voicemail will be left to alert you to the system test, and it will not result in a request for dispatch.
Testing the Motion Sensor Gen 1
To test the Motion Sensor Gen 1, first, press the button on the top of the device. You’ll hear the Base Station announce, “Motion Sensor” confirming that the test was successful.
To test the motion aspect of the Motion Sensor Gen 1, press the button on the top of the device and then leave the room for at least 15 seconds. This will allow the Motion Sensor to scan the room during that time. After the time has lapsed, re-enter the room. You’ll hear the Base Station announce, “Motion Sensor” from your motion within the room.
Once you have finished testing the Motion Sensor Gen 1, press the left arrow key on the Keypad’s screen to exit Test Mode.
Troubleshooting the Motion Sensor Gen 1
The Motion Sensor Gen 1 has a sensitivity slider on the back of the device underneath the battery tab to adjust its range of motion within a room. The first thing you’ll want to do is adjust the slider to a higher or lower setting, and see if that makes a difference with the sensor responding to motion.
If you are testing your Motion Sensor and do not hear the Base Station announce, “Motion Sensor”, the second thing you’ll want to do is confirm you can hear the Base Station from the location you’re testing in. You can adjust the Base Station’s volume under the Base Station Settings menu, by selecting Voice Prompts.
As a next step, you’ll want to confirm that the Motion Sensor Gen 1 battery is functioning. The Motion Sensor takes a single CR-123A Lithium 3V battery and has a life expectancy of up to 5 years depending on placement and usage.
If you are still unable to hear the Base Station announce, “Motion Sensor” it’s possible that there could be an issue with the location of the Base Station, or there is Radio Frequency (RF) interference at play.
Other electronic devices within your home may communicate on similar frequencies, resulting in wireless interference between your SimpliSafe® devices. Because of this, we recommend keeping your Base Station and Motion Sensor at least 3-5 feet away from the following devices:
Wi-Fi Routers
Large TVs
Weather Stations
Large Appliances (especially in the kitchen and laundry rooms)
Baby monitors
Remote Controlled Garage Door Openers
LED Lights or Christmas Lights
This above list is to give you an idea of what devices may cause interference within your home, and is in no means an exhaustive list of all devices. There may be other devices that output RF or Wi-Fi signals that could impede the connection between your Base Station and SimpliSafe® devices.
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Motion Sensor Gen 1
Using Motion Sensors with Pets
Pets are such an important part of your family, so we understand that you’d want to keep them safe and secure when you’re away from home.
When using a Motion Sensor, you’ll want to make sure that you position it correctly and adjust settings (as needed) to account for their weight and body heat.
The adjustments you need to make for the motion sensors vary depending on if you have a Motion Sensor Gen 1 or a Motion Sensor Gen 2. Not sure which version of the Motion Sensor you have? The Motion Sensor Gen 1 has a dome in the middle that’s about 1 inch in diameter, where the Motion Sensor Gen 2 has a dome that’s approximately 1 ½ inches in diameter.

Use the collapsible sections below to find the best ways to optimize your motion sensor and its settings to account for your furry friends within your home.
The Motion Sensor Gen 1 is designed to work with both small and large pets within your home.
For Small Pets:
To install your motion sensor in a home with smaller pets, you’ll want to place it on a wall or a shelf/ledge approximately 6-10 feet from the ground with the test button facing up.
For Larger Pets:
To install your motion sensor in a home with larger pets, you’ll want to place it on a wall or at the edge of a shelf/ledge approximately 4 feet from the ground with the test button on it facing down towards the ground. This will allow the sensor to look straight out and upwards, allowing for pets to pass freely within your home.
For the Motion Sensor Gen 2, you’ll want to enable Pet Mode either during the installation or later on in Device Settings. Pet Mode allows your pets to roam freely around your home, so long as they are under 60 pounds. Note, Pet Mode should allow for your pets to roam freely without having to mount your sensor at a certain height. We still recommend mounting your Motion Sensor at 6 feet off the ground, regardless if it’s on the wall or placing it on the edge of a shelf or ledge.
To Enable Pet Mode:
Open the SimpliSafe® Mobile App on your phone or tablet
Choose My System from the bottom navigation bar
Select Device Settings from the list of available menu options
Choose your Motion Sensor Gen 2 from the list of available products
Scroll down to Motion Sensitivity, then tap on Pet Mode
Toggle Pet Mode ON
Tap on SAVE in the upper right corner to save your selections
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Motion Sensors
Motion Sensor Gen 1 Overview and Installation Guide
Overview
Motion Sensors are always on the lookout for uninvited guests. They can detect motion within 30 feet, with a 90-degree field of view. They’re also designed to distinguish between people and pets. If you have a pet in your home, check out the Pet Owners video on this page for additional installation instructions.
Before Getting Started
You’ll need to install your Base Station prior to getting started. If you have pets, please watch both of the installation videos below.
What’s in the Box
Motion Sensor Gen 1 with mounting plate
Screws (optional for permanent installation)
If you want to mount your Motion Sensor Gen 1 on a wall using its adhesive backing, make sure the surface has been wiped clean and has had time to dry.
If you plan on wall mounting your Motion Sensor Gen 1 with the included screws, you’ll want to also have a Phillips head screwdriver available.
How to add the Motion Sensor in the SimpliSafe® Mobile App
Open the SimpliSafe® Mobile App on your smartphone or tablet
Navigate to the three-bar menu on the upper left corner and select Add Device or Camera
Select Motion Sensor from the list of available products
How to Pair the Motion Sensor to Your System
Pull out the battery tab from the back of the device
Press and release the setup button on the top of the device
Once the setup button has been pressed, the Base Station should say “Motion Sensor”
Choose a name for the device by selecting one of our pre-populated names, or select Custom Name at the bottom of the screen to input your own
Where to Put the Motion Sensor
Bring the Motion Sensor to its desired location, if you have not already
The Motion Sensor looks out and down with a 90° field of view, so it has the best visibility when mounted in a corner
We do not recommend installing the Motion Sensor near AC units, vents, or heat-generating objects, as changes in heat signatures within a room have the potential to trigger false alarms
Choose a spot 4-6 feet off the ground to mount the Motion Sensor, making sure that its setup button is facing up
If you have pets that are 30 pounds or more, we recommend installing the Motion Sensor 4 feet off the ground with its setup button facing down
If you have pets that are under 30 pounds, install the Motion Sensor 6-10 feet off the ground with its setup button facing up
How to Mount the Motion Sensor With its Adhesives
Clean the desired surface using rubbing alcohol
Wait for the surface to dry completely
Peel the plastic backing off of the adhesive strip on the back of the Motion Sensor
Press and hold the Motion Sensor in place for 30 seconds
How to Mount the Motion Sensor With its Included Screws
Remove the adhesives from the mounting plate
Slide the Motion Sensor up and off its mounting plate
Use a screwdriver to secure the mounting plate to the wall
Slide the Motion Sensor back on the mounting plate
Watch the video below for a hands-on experience from our team of experts for the installation process
Pet Owners - Additional Information
Troubleshooting
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Motion Sensor Gen 1
Motion Sensor Gen 1 Settings & Customizations
The Motion Sensor Gen 1 has a variety of settings that can be customized to fit your home or business’ needs. You can make adjustments to the sensor’s settings and the way it behaves during different armed states in the SimpliSafe® Mobile App.
Using the SimpliSafe® Mobile App
Open the SimpliSafe® Mobile App on your phone or tablet
Choose My System from the navigation bar at the bottom of the screen
Select Device Settings
Choose your Motion Sensor Gen 1 from the list of available devices
Device Behaviors
Off
This setting manages how the Motion Sensor behaves when triggered in Off mode. The Motion Sensor will not be active when the SimpliSafe® system is disarmed in Off mode, so this setting cannot be customized.
Home
This setting manages how the Motion Sensor behaves when triggered in Home mode. This setting is disabled by default, but to customize the setting you may pick between Alarm or Disabled.
Away
This setting manages how the Motion Sensor behaves when triggered in Away mode. This setting is set to Alarm by default, but to customize the setting you may pick between Alarm or Disabled.
Instant Trigger
When Instant Trigger is enabled, your Motion Sensor will trigger an alarm right away when it detects motion, bypassing the system’s Entry Delay. This feature is helpful when monitoring areas of your home or business that you do not enter often.
To customize this setting, simply toggle it On or Off in the SimpliSafe® App.
Note: When enabled, your Motion Sensor will always scan for motion in both Home and Away Mode.
Motion Sensitivity
The Motion Sensitivity setting allows you to increase or decrease the Motion Sensor’s detection range. The Motion Sensor’s sensitivity is set to Medium by default, but you can increase it to High to make it more sensitive to motion, or decrease it to Low to make it less sensitive.
This adjustment is made on the sensor itself rather than in the SimpliSafe® App. To customize this setting:
Slide the Motion Sensor up and off its bracket
You will see a switch labeled Sensitivity above its battery
Slide the switch to the left to decrease the Motion Sensor’s sensitivity, or to the right to increase it
Related Articles
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Motion Sensor Gen 1
Motion Sensor Gen 1 False Alarms

Does your Keypad look like the one pictured to the left? Then you're in the right place! You've got the Gen 3 SimpliSafe® system. If you purchased a system in 2017 or earlier, you have the Original SimpliSafe®. You can learn more about the differences between the two systems on our Help Center.
False Alarm Causes
SimpliSafe’s® Motion Sensors have been designed to avoid false alarms. However, if you’ve experienced one, there are a few potential issues that may cause them:
Direct sunlight hitting the sensor can trigger a false alarm.
Heating vents located in the room. If they are located within the sensor’s field of vision, they may cause false alarms.
Pets that are able to get too close to the sensor. Pets under 30 pounds generally don’t trigger Motion Sensors, but if they get close enough to the sensor, smaller dogs or cats may still be able to trigger it.
Avoiding False Alarm Triggers
Sunlight can be avoided by placing your Motion Sensor in a corner where it will not be directly hit by sunlight throughout the day.
If you suspect that heating vents may be responsible for false alarms, position your sensor in a part of the room where it will not see the hot or cold air vent. As long as the change in the room’s ambient temperature is gradual, the sensor should not trigger.
Pets may require small adjustments to your motion sensor placement. You can view this video to learn more about adjusting your motion sensors with pets in the home.
Cancelling a False Alarm
If an Entry-, Motion-, or Glassbreak-triggered alarm is disarmed within 30 seconds of the initial alarm signal, our Monitoring Center will consider this a false alarm. That means you will not receive a phone call and a request for emergency services will not be issued.
After 30 seconds, the Monitoring Center will attempt to reach the Primary Contacts for your system to inform you of the alarm and determine whether or not emergency services are needed. They'll ask for your Safe Word if you wish to cancel the request for dispatch (not send the police). Otherwise, the Monitoring Center will request police dispatch to the location of your system.
Please note, giving the wrong safeword will result in an immediate request for dispatch and you won't be told you got it wrong to protect anyone who may be under duress. Missing the phone calls to your primary contacts will also result in a request for police dispatch. See our What Happens During the Event of an Alarm? article for more information on what happens during an alarm.
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Motion Sensor Gen 1
