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Activity Zones for Cameras
Activity Zones are a great way to limit the number of motion detection alerts you receive from your camera inside and outside of your home. You’ll simply tap on the squares within your Motion Detection settings to exclude zones from triggering a motion event.
Supported Cameras
The following cameras support this functionality:
- Outdoor Camera Series 2
- Outdoor Camera
- Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Security Camera
- Video Doorbell Pro
Setting Up Activity Zones
Activity Zones are managed under the Motion Detection menu, within the Camera Settings page of the SimpliSafe® Mobile App. You can follow these exact steps to navigate to that menu:
1. Open the SimpliSafe® App on your phone or tablet and choose My System
2. Select Camera Settings
3. Tap on the supported camera from the list of available cameras
4. Choose Motion Detection and scroll down to Activity Zone
5. Tap on the squares you wish to exclude from motion detection. The diagonal lines that appear over the square mean that motion will no longer be detected in that zone
6. Choose SAVE in the upper right corner of the app to save your selections
Note: Video Doorbell Pro will ignore Activity Zones when All Motion is selected on the Motion Detection settings. You will need to choose People Only for Video Doorbell Pro in order for it to respect your Activity Zone exclusions.
Turning Off Activity Zones
If you ever need to turn off the Activity Zone exclusions, you can do so at any time from within the SimpliSafe® Mobile App.
1. Open the SimpliSafe® App on your phone or tablet and choose My System
2. Select Camera Settings
3. Tap on the camera you wish to manage Activity Zones for, then select Motion Detection
4. Tap on the squares you wish to include in motion detection. The diagonal lines will disappear indicating that motion detection is now on for that zone
5. Choose SAVE in the upper right corner of the app to save your selections
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Cameras
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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
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Maximizing the Battery Life of the Outdoor Security Camera Series 2
The Outdoor Security Camera Series 2 has a battery life of up to 3 months, depending on settings and usage. To help maximize the life of the camera’s battery, we recommend making the following adjustments to its settings and location.
Camera Location
Your camera is activated by a motion sensor for accurate alerts. If your camera is in the vicinity of a high-traffic area, like a busy road or sidewalk, the motion sensor will be triggered more frequently for unnecessary movement, which can cause the battery to drain.
If your camera is in a high-traffic area:
- Reposition the camera so its field of view does not include the busy road or sidewalk. You can also set up Activity Zones to avoid monitoring these areas.
- Make sure that there are no tree branches or large plants obstructing the camera’s view.
- Be sure to mount your camera 6-8 feet above the ground, with the lens facing downward at a 30-degree angle.
Camera Settings
There are multiple settings that can be adjusted to help extend the battery life of your camera. To access these settings in the SimpliSafe® Mobile App:
1. Select My System from the navigation bar at the bottom of the screen
2. Choose Camera Settings
3. Select your Outdoor Camera Series 2
Battery-saving Settings:
- Lower your camera’s motion sensitivity settings to Medium or Low - this will impact how frequently the camera is triggered.
- Enable People-Only motion detection to ensure your camera only captures humans, and is not unnecessarily triggered by other moving objects or animals.
- Set up Activity Zones to control the areas that the camera will monitor. This is helpful if there is a high-traffic zone in the view that you do not need to monitor.
- Use Standard Night Vision instead of the Spotlight feature.
Charge the Camera’s Battery Fully
Charge it Completely
If the battery for the Outdoor Camera Series 2 isn’t completely charged, it will give the appearance of draining quickly. The camera’s battery takes up to 6 hours to charge completely. When the battery is charging, you will see a blinking white light. You’ll know that the battery is fully charged once all 3 lights are illuminated and no longer blinking.
Use the Correct Power Adapter
The battery for the Outdoor Camera Series 2 requires a USB power adapter with an output of 5.0V, 1.5A+. Failure to use the correct power adapter can result in the battery not charging completely.
A list of power adapters that fit this requirements are:
- The SimpliCam® Wired Indoor Security Camera’s adapter
- The Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Security Camera’s adapter
- Most cell phone adapters
If you don’t know the output of your power adapter, most models will have it printed on the device itself - as seen in the image below.
If you are using the correct power adapter, make sure that you are plugging it into an outlet directly in a wall. Using a USB power strip or USB power hub may not supply efficient power to charge the battery.
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Outdoor Cameras
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Outdoor Camera Power Cable Overview and Installation Guide
Overview
The Outdoor Camera Power Cable is a great way to keep your Outdoor Camera powered at all times. The Outdoor Camera Power Cable comes with an outdoor rated power cable along with cable clips that can be applied to a clean surface with the built-in adhesives, or permanently attached to that surface using screws. We recommend a 5/64” drill bit to adhere the cable clips to a surface when not using the adhesive option.
The Outdoor Camera Series 2 comes with a 16 foot cable, however, if you find your setup needs more flexibility, you can purchase a 25-foot cable from our website.
When the Outdoor Camera is plugged in with the power cable, you’ll see faster live streams and enjoy pre-roll recordings with Performance Mode.
How to Install
1. Locate the port cover on the back of your Outdoor Camera
2. Pull on it gently to remove it and reveal the port
3. Insert the power cable into the port
4. Press firmly with both thumbs or the palm of your hand to create a watertight seal
  1. Remember! The Outdoor Camera is weather resistant - not waterproof. Creating this seal is crucial to ensuring the electrical components stay dry!
5. Plug in your power cable to a nearby outlet that is waterproof or rated for weather
And that's it! Your Outdoor Camera will now receive power from a continuous power source, ensuring its always on and ready to capture motion events as they occur.
Shop Compatible Products
- Outdoor Camera Series 2
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Cameras
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Performance Mode for Cameras
When connected to a continuous power source, the Outdoor Camera and Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Security Camera can enter performance mode.
When performance mode is enabled for a camera, the camera will remain awake allowing for faster live streams versus battery power. This feature is available to the Outdoor Camera and Smart Alarm Indoor Camera when running firmware version 1.20 or higher, and occurs automatically when the camera is plugged into a power source and it has at least 90% charge. If your camera battery ever drops below 70%, your camera will automatically exit performance mode to conserve battery.
Performance mode also allows the cameras to begin recording while it determines whether or not the observed motion event was a person or another object (such as a passing car, a tree blowing in the wind, or an indoor pet). This allows for more complete recordings of motion events delivered to your timeline in the SimpliSafe® Mobile App.
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Cameras
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How to Reorder Cameras in the SimpliSafe® App
An exciting feature of the SimpliSafe® App is the ability to reorder your list of cameras in the Cameras tab in the app*. This is helpful if you want to see your cameras in alphabetical order, or organized in any specific way.
To Reorder Your Cameras in the SimpliSafe® App:
1. Open the SimpliSafe® App on your phone or tablet
2. Select Cameras from the navigation bar on the bottom of the screen
3. Tap on the reorder icon on the upper right corner of the screen
4. Press and hold a camera to drag and reorder it
5. Follow step 4 again for any other cameras you want to reorder
*Note: This feature is only to reorder your cameras in the SimpliSafe® app. Changing the order of your sensors is currently not supported.
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Outdoor Cameras
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Too Many Motion Alerts From the Outdoor Security Camera Series 2
If you find that your Outdoor Security Camera Series 2 is detecting motion and you’re receiving too many notifications or alerts, there are some recommended placement and settings changes you can make to reduce the number of notifications.
Adjust the Placement of the Camera
If your Outdoor Camera Series 2 is facing a high-traffic area like a busy street or sidewalk, we recommend angling the camera down to remove this area from its field of view, as seen in the image below.
Change the Camera’s Settings
If you cannot change the angle of the Outdoor Camera, there are settings you can adjust in the SimpliSafe® Mobile App to minimize the amount of motion it detects.
Sensitivity
By default, the Outdoor Camera’s sensitivity is set to High, but you can adjust this setting to Medium or Low to limit the number of motion events you receive.
You can adjust the sensitivity of your Outdoor Camera by taking the following steps:

SimpliSafe® Mobile App:
1. Open up the SimpliSafe® Mobile App on your mobile device or tablet
2. Choose My System from the bottom navigation bar
3. Select Camera Settings from the list of menu options
4. Choose the Outdoor Camera you’d like to adjust
5. Tap Motion Detection
6. Under Sensitivity, move the slider to Low
7. Tap Save in the top right corner to save this change
SimpliSafe® Online Account:
1. Log into your SimpliSafe® Online Account using the browser of your choice from a computer
2. Select Devices from the navigation bar on the left side of the screen
3. Select the camera you want to update
4. A pop up menu will appear on the right hand side of the screen
5. Scroll down to Motion Sensitivity and move the slider to Low
6. When you are done, click Save Changes on the bottom of the pop up to save your selections
Motion Detection Type
The Outdoor Camera has two motion detection options: All Motion and People Only. When set to All Motion, the camera will record any motion it senses - which may cause excess motion events. However, if the camera is set to People Only it will only respond to people-shaped objects.
Note: When your Outdoor Camera Series 2 is enrolled in SimpliSafe® Active Guard Outdoor Protection, you will have different Motion Detection setting options available.
To minimize the amount of motion your Outdoor Camera detects, you can change its motion setting to People Only by following these steps:
1. Open up the SimpliSafe® Mobile App on your mobile device or tablet
2. Select My System from the bottom navigation bar
3. Choose Camera Settings
4. Tap the Outdoor Camera you’d like to adjust
5. Select Motion Detection
6. Under Motion Type, select People Only
7. Tap Save in the top right corner to save this change
Activtiy Zones
By setting up Activity Zones, you can block unnecessary sources of motion from the camera’s view, like tree branches, sidewalks, or busy streets.
To create Activity Zones, take the following steps:
1. Open up the SimpliSafe® Mobile App on your mobile device or tablet
2. Choose My System from the bottom navigation bar
3. Select Camera Settings
4. Tap the Outdoor Camera you’d like to adjust
5. Choose Motion Detection
6. Under Activity Zone, tap the boxes in the frame where you do not want your camera to record
7. Tap SAVE in the top right corner to save your selections
Additional Troubleshooting
If you’re still getting too many motion alerts when your camera is set to People Only mode, we recommend trying the following tricks:
- Change your camera’s motion detection setting to All Motion
- Turn your camera’s sensitivity down to Medium or Low
- Set up Activity Zones around the perimeter of the camera’s field of view
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Outdoor Cameras