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How To Check The Firmware Version of SimpliSafe® Devices
At SimpliSafe®, we are always working on our devices by releasing firmware and software updates for system-wide and device-specific improvements. We are always updating our customers on the latest firmware releases in the Device and System Firmware Updates article so you can be informed about the latest and greatest updates that are coming your way.
If you are ever curious about the firmware that your system and cameras are running, take the steps below.
Checking the Base Station’s Firmware
You can view which firmware version your Base Station is running using either the SimpliSafe® Mobile App or Keypad.
Using the SimpliSafe® Mobile App
1. Open the SimpliSafe® Mobile App on your smartphone or tablet
2. Select My System from the navigation bar at the bottom of the screen
3. Choose Base Station Settings
4. Next to Firmware, you will see which version your system is running
Using the Keypad
1. Press the Menu button on your Keypad
2. Enter your Master PIN
3. Select System Settings
4. Scroll down to Diagnostics
5. Press the right arrow until you see Base Station
6. Next to Version, you will see what firmware your system is running
Checking a Camera’s Firmware
You can view your camera’s firmware in the SimpliSafe® Mobile App
1. Open the SimpliSafe® Mobile App on your smartphone or tablet
2. Select My System from the navigation bar at the bottom of the screen
3. Choose Camera Settings
4. Select the camera you want to check
5. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen until you see Basic Info
6. Next to Software Version, you will see what firmware your camera is running
Related Articles
- Updating your SimpliSafe® System
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Base Station
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Why Does My Camera Keep Losing Its Wi-Fi Connection?
There are two main reasons that a camera may lose its Wi-Fi connection. It may be installed too far from your Wi-Fi router, or it may not have sufficient bandwidth.
If Your Camera Will Not Connect to Wi-Fi During Initial Setup
If you are having trouble connecting your camera to Wi-Fi during a first-time setup, we recommend making sure that your home network is configured to meet our system requirements.
- Your Wi-Fi network must be broadcasting 2.4GHz
- Your SSID and password cannot exceed more than 31 characters each
- Your network must be configured as WPA2 or WPA3/2 Mixed Mode
Cox and Xfinity default their network security settings to the WPA3 protocol. To connect the Base Station to Wi-Fi, you’ll need to temporarily change this to WPA2. Once these devices are set up, you can change this setting back to WPA3.
COX subscribers will need to reach out to their Internet Service Provider to temporarily switch the network from WPA3 to WPA2 security.
Xfinity subscribers using the Xfinity gateway should be able to make these changes within the Xfinity Mobile App:
Click on Wi-Fi from the bottom menu
Select Wi-Fi Details
Choose Edit Wi-Fi Settings
Under Security Mode, change this setting to WPA2
Tap Save to save your changes
If Your Camera Will Not Connect After Its Setup
If your camera had previously been set up but is now failing to connect to your Wi-Fi network, the Connection Check tool in the SimpliSafe® mobile app will tell you if there are any issues between your network and camera.
How to Run a Connection Check:
1. Open the SimpliSafe® Mobile App
2. Tap on the Cameras tab on the bottom of the screen
3. Select the gear icon in the upper right corner
4. Choose your camera
5. Select Connection Check and follow the on-screen instructions to test your signal strength and upload speeds
Using your results, you can improve your camera’s connection with the tips below.
Camera Wi-Fi Requirements:
- Signal strength should be above -55dBm. A lower number means a weaker connection between your camera and Wi-Fi router
- Upload speeds need to be above 2Mbps
- If your upload speed is exactly 2Mbps, you should take these steps to improve your upload speed.
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Cameras
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Maximize the Battery Life of your Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Security Camera
The battery within the Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Security Camera can last up to 3 months on a single charge, depending on placement and usage. To charge your camera, we recommend plugging it into power for 6 hours with a 5V, 7.5W USB power adapter that provides 1.5A of current. You will know the battery is fully charged when the LED on the camera turns solid white.
You can maximize your camera’s battery life through its location and various camera settings. The information below will help guide you through our recommendations to improve overall battery life and performance for your Smart Alarm Indoor Camera.
Camera Location
Your camera is activated by a motion sensor for accurate alerts. Because of this, we recommend the following for camera placement:
- Place the camera in a room or area where subjects are likely to spend time in if there is an alarm
- The motion detector is most sensitive to side-to-side motion with its 125-degree field of view
- Do not position the camera so that only a doorway is in frame
- Do not position the camera to look outside through a window or doorway
Using the recommendations above, we created a placement guide for the Smart Alarm Indoor Camera with a mock-up floor plan. This floor plan is inserted below and can help provide guidance as to where we’d place the Smart Alarm Indoor Camera in a home with this layout.
Camera Settings
There are many settings that can be adjusted to help extend the battery life of your Smart Alarm Indoor Camera. To access the settings in the SimpliSafe® Mobile App, navigate to:
1. Click the Cameras tab at the bottom of the navigation bar
2. Choose the gear icon for Camera Settings in the upper right corner
3. Select your Smart Alarm Indoor Camera
4. Adjust your camera’s settings, as needed
Once on the settings menu for your camera, you’ll have the option to change settings. To maximize your battery life, we recommend the following:
- Under Motion Detection:
  - Lower your camera's motion sensitivity setting to low
    This will impact how frequently your camera is triggered
- Enable People Only detection to ensure your camera is only capturing humans, and is not unnecessarily triggered by other moving objects or animals
- Set up Activity Zones for your camera to exclude zones that you don’t want to receive alerts for
Additional Battery Optimization Tips
If you find that your Smart Alarm Indoor Camera’s battery drains quickly despite following the placement and settings tips above, we also recommend considering the number of times you view a live stream through your camera every day, or how often Secret Alerts are triggered.
Frequently viewing a live stream through your Smart Alarm Indoor Camera will cause its battery to drain faster, so if you use it to monitor babies, children, pets, or vacation homes, expect the battery to last fewer than 3 months. If you do use your Smart Alarm Indoor Camera to constantly monitor a room, we recommend keeping it plugged in with its power adapter mentioned below.
If you have any sensors set to Secret Alert and it is triggered, your camera(s) will record a 10-second clip. Over time, this can cause the Smart Alarm Indoor Camera’s battery to drain faster than expected. If you have a sensor that is constantly being triggered, and it does not need to be set to Secret Alert, we recommend turning off the setting for the sensor to preserve the Smart Alarm Indoor Camera’s battery life. If it does need to be set to Secret Alert, we recommend keeping the Smart Alarm Indoor Camera plugged in with its power adapter mentioned below.
Indoor Camera Power Adapter
The Smart Alarm Indoor Camera requires a 5V, 7.5W USB power adapter that supplies 1.5A of current. You may use any compatible power adapter, or you can purchase the Indoor Camera Power Adapter from our online store or through select retailers. The Indoor Camera Power Adapter is a power brick that will allow you to plug in your Smart Alarm Indoor Camera to provide continuous power to the camera.
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Smart Alarm Indoor Camera
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How to Recharge the Battery in the Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Security Camera
The Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Security Camera has a rechargeable battery, that should last up to 3 months depending on placement and usage.
The battery may take up to 6 hours to fully charge on a 5V, 7.5W USB power adapter with a 1.5A of current. You will know the battery is fully charged when the LED on the camera turns to a solid white.
Help Center Article
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Smart Alarm Indoor Camera
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Camera Motion Detection by System Arming State
Overview
You can customize your SimpliSafe® cameras even further by changing the motion detection to coincide with your system’s arming state. This means you can now adjust when your camera records as it is directly tied to your system’s arming state.
For example, if you don’t want your camera to record when the system is set to OFF, but do want it to record when it is in AWAY mode, you can now control these settings.
Motion notifications are determined by your monitoring subscription. You can learn more about which monitoring plans include push or SMS notifications on our Help Center.
Supported Cameras
The following cameras are compatible with motion detection set by arming state:
- Outdoor Camera Series 2
- Wireless Outdoor Security Camera
- Smart Alarm Indoor Camera
How to Change These Settings
To change your motion detection based on the arming state:
1. Open the SimpliSafe® Mobile App on your phone or tablet
2. Choose My System from the bottom navigation bar
3. Select Camera Settings
4. Tap on the camera you wish to manage
5. Under Camera Behavior, tap on your arming state to adjust the settings
6. Toggle ON or OFF Motion Detection, as needed
7. Choose SAVE in the upper right corner of the app to save your selections
NOTE: your camera will not record unless motion is detected in any arming state when the arming state is configured to detect motion.
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Cameras
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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
Help Center Article
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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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