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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
1. Open the SimpliSafe® mobile app on your phone or tablet
2. Choose My System from the bottom navigation bar
3. Select Base Station Settings
4. Select Exit and Entry Delays
5. Under Entry Delays, adjust your timing, as needed, for Home and Away modes
6. Once done, click Save in the upper right corner to save your settings
Keypad
1. Press Menu on the Keypad
2. Enter your Primary PIN
3. Choose System Settings
4. Scroll down for Entry Delay
5. Use the rocker to choose Edit, then press the Keypad buttons to designate a time
6. Once done, press the rocker to the right for Set to save your settings
SimpliSafe® Online Account
1. Login to the SimpliSafe® Online Account using the browser of your choice
2. Select System from the left-hand navigation menu
3. 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
4. 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
1. Open the SimpliSafe® mobile app on your phone or tablet
2. Choose My System from the bottom navigation bar
3. Select Base Station Settings
4. Select Exit and Entry Delays
5. Under Exit Delays, adjust your timing, as needed, for Home and Away modes
6. Once done, click Save in the upper right corner to save your settings
Keypad
1. Press Menu on the Keypad
2. Enter your Primary PIN
3. Choose System Settings
4. Scroll down for Exit Delay
5. Use the arrow key to choose Edit, then press the Keypad buttons to designate a time
6. Once done, press the rocker to the right for Set to save your settings
SimpliSafe® Online Account
1. Login to the SimpliSafe® Online Account using the browser of your choice
2. Select System from the left-hand navigation menu
3. 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
4. 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
1. Open the SimpliSafe® mobile app on your phone or tablet
2. Choose My System from the bottom navigation bar
3. Select Device Settings
4. Tap on the sensor you wish to edit
5. Toggle Instant Trigger ON or OFF by pressing the button
Keypad
1. Press Menu on the Keypad
2. Enter your Primary PIN
3. Choose Devices
4. Use the arrow key to select the sensor you wish to edit
5. Scroll down to Instant Trigger and use the right rocker to toggle between ON and OFF
SimpliSafe® Online Account
1. Login to the SimpliSafe® Online Account using the browser of your choice
2. Select Devices from the left-hand navigation menu
3. Select the sensor you wish to edit
4. Toggle Instant Trigger ON or OFF by clicking the button
Help Center Article
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Using Your System
Motion Sensor Gen 2 Overview and Installation Guide
Overview
Motion Sensors are always on the lookout for uninvited guests. They can detect motion within 35 feet, with a 90-degree field of view. The Motion Sensor Gen 2 also has Pet Mode to distinguish between people and pets.
Need to purchase a Motion Sensor? You can find it available for purchase on our website.
Before Getting Started
You’ll need to have a Gen 3 SimpliSafe® System installed at this location.
What’s in the Box
- Motion Sensor Gen 2 with mounting plate
- Screws (optional for permanent mounting)
If you want to mount your Motion Sensor Gen 2 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 2 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 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

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
Do You Have Pets?
If you have pets within your home, we recommend enabling Pet Mode. This will allow your pets (up to 60 pounds) to roam around your home freely without triggering any alarms.
To Enable Pet Mode
Open the SimpliSafe® 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 2 from the list of available devices
Toggle Pet Mode ON
Press Save in the upper right corner to save this change
Watch the video below for a hands-on experience from our team of experts for the installation process
Troubleshooting
Related Articles
- How to Rename a SimpliSafe® Sensor
- Motion Sensor Gen 2 Settings & Customizations
Help Center Article
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Motion Sensor Gen 2
How to Replace Motion Sensor Gen 2 Battery
Are you receiving a low battery warning on your Motion Sensor Gen 2 shortly after installing the sensor?
If so, this may be related to a firmware issue rather than a low battery within the device.
The Motion Sensor Gen 2 takes one CR-123A Lithium 3V battery and has a life expectancy of up to 4 years depending on placement and usage.
To change your Motion Sensor Gen 2 battery, slide the sensor up and off its bracket. Then, replace the battery and slide it back onto its bracket.
If your sensor is still offline after taking these steps, skip to the section below for troubleshooting steps.
Is your Motion Sensor Gen 2 offline after replacing the battery?
If the sensor does not come back online after changing the battery, it’s possible that your sensor has been offline for too long. The best step would be to remove the sensor from the SimpliSafe® Mobile App and then add it back to your system.
To remove your Motion Sensor Gen 2:
1. Open the SimpliSafe® Mobile App on your phone or tablet
2. Choose My System from the bottom navigation bar
3. Select Device Settings
4. Tap on the sensor you wish to remove
5. Choose Remove Device
Once you have removed your sensor, you can add it back using our Installation Guide.
Help Center Article
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Motion Sensor Gen 2
Motion Sensor Gen 2 Not Responding
If your Motion Sensor Gen 2 reports a ‘Not Responding’ error through the SimpliSafe® Mobile App, there are 3 quick steps you can take to resolve this. The following article will walk you through the steps needed to solve the issue and clear the error from your app.
Step 1: Updating Your Base Station Firmware
It’s always a best practice to keep your system updated with the latest firmware. If you are on version 2.15 or higher, your Base Station will do this automatically. However, you can also manually check for updates at any time using the SimpliSafe® Mobile App:
1. Open the SimpliSafe® Mobile App on your phone or tablet
2. You should see a tile on the Overview tab detailing there’s an “Update Available”
3. You may also manually check for updates using the following steps:
You’ll also be notified of updates through the Message Center, which is an inbox in the app labeled with an envelope and a red dot on it.
Step 2: Power Cycle Your Sensor
As a next step, you’ll want to power cycle the Motion Sensor Gen 2. Follow the steps below to do this:
1. Slide the sensor up and off its bracket. This may require some light force to add leverage to, especially if you did not wall mount the sensor
2. Remove the battery from the sensor and leave it out for at least 10 seconds
3. Place the battery back in the sensor
4. Slide the sensor back onto its bracket
This step should clear out the error within the SimpliSafe® App. However, if you are still running into any issues after taking these steps, feel free to contact our support team for additional troubleshooting.
Related Articles
- Which Version of the Motion Sensor do I have?
- Motion Sensor Gen 1 Not Responding
Help Center Article
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Motion Sensor Gen 2
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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
1. Open the SimpliSafe® Mobile App on your phone or tablet
2. Tap on the three-bar menu (hamburger menu) in the upper left corner of the app screen
3. Choose Help & Support
4. At the top of the menu you’ll see an Account Number
5. This is the serial number for your Base Station
Locating the Serial Number for your Devices or Cameras in the SimpliSafe® App
1. Open the SimpliSafe® Mobile App on your phone or tablet
2. Choose My System from the bottom navigation bar
3. Select either Devices or Cameras to continue
4. Tap on the Device or Camera you wish to manage
5. Scroll down to Basic Info
6. 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
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
Motion Sensor Gen 2 Not Detecting Motion
If your Motion Sensor Gen 2 is not detecting motion, it’s likely the result of the placement of the Sensor itself.
We recommend mounting the Motion Sensor Gen 2 in the corner of your room. For optimal performance, the sensor must be mounted 6 feet from the ground. This ensures proper coverage throughout the room. The Motion Sensor Gen 2 has a 90-degree field of view, and can see outwards 35 feet. You can also mount the Motion Sensor Gen 2 to a flat wall. If opting for this, note that the Sensor will only capture the 90 degrees out from its center, meaning that 45 degrees on either side will not be captured.
If you are placing the Motion Sensor Gen 2 on a flat surface rather than mounting it, we recommend having it as close to the edge of the surface as possible.
Once you have made any changes to your Motion Sensor Gen 2, you can then begin to test the sensor.
1. Use your Keypad to place the system into Test Mode
2. Arm your system to AWAY mode and leave the room during the exit delay
3. After the exit delay has counted down and the system is armed, wait 2-3 minutes and then enter the room
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Motion Sensor Gen 2
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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
Help Center Article
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Motion Sensors