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    Outdoor Security Camera Series 2 LED Status Light Colors

    The status light located on the front of your Outdoor Security Camera Series 2 indicates key information about your camera. At a glance, it can tell you if the camera is recording or isn’t connected to Wi-Fi. The chart below shows which colors you can see on your Outdoor Camera Series 2 and what they mean.

    LED Color

    State/Speed

    Activity

    Blue

    Blink

    Live streaming;

    Motion-triggered recording;

    User-triggered recording

    Blue

    Solid/Steady

    Motion detected, Setup success

    Blue

    Pulse

    2-way talk (homeowner)

    Red

    Blink

    Low battery (only shown when battery first inserted)

    White

    Blink

    Firmware update (only during setup)

    White

    Solid

    Booting up

    White

    Pulse

    Ready to setup

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    Outdoor Camera Series 2 UK

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    Maximise 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 maximise 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.

    Mock-up floor plan with closet and utilities room marked as not recommended placement of camera and the living room as recommended.

    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 maximise 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 Optimisation 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

    Smart Alarm Indoor Camera plugged into wall outlet on kitchen counter.

    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.

    Help Center Article

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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 battery inside the Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Security Camera cannot be replaced.

    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, and once charged should last up to 3 months depending on placement and usage. You will know the battery is fully charged when the LED on the camera turns to a solid white.

    If you are having trouble charging your Smart Alarm Indoor Camera, please contact our customer support team for additional assistance.

    Help Center Article

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    Smart Alarm Indoor Camera

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    How to Install SimpliSafe® Cameras

    SimpliSafe® has a variety of different cameras that provide additional eyes and ears for both inside and outside your home. The following article will provide you with the resources you need for installing the specific camera to your SimpliSafe® system.

    HAVING TROUBLE CONNECTING TO WI-FI DURING THE INSTALLATION PROCESS?

    Our cameras are designed to connect seamlessly to most Wi-Fi networks, however, some networks may require additional configurations to be compatible. We recommend confirming that your network meets our system requirements.

    Installing Your Cameras

    Before installing your Outdoor Security Camera Series 2, you’ll need a Gen 3 SimpliSafe® System running the latest firmware version . You can check for any updates to your system using the SimpliSafe® Mobile App:

    1. Open the SimpliSafe® Mobile App on your phone or tablet

    2. There should be a tile on the Overview tab that says “Update Available” if applicable

    3. You may also manually check for updates to your system

      1. Choose My System from the bottom navigation bar

      2. Select Base Station Settings

      3. Look for the field labeled Firmware

      4. To the right this will state “Update Available” if applicable

      5. Tap on “Update Available” and follow the in-app prompts to run the update

    You’ll also want to charge the battery for your Outdoor Camera using the included USB charging cable and your own USB power adapter that outputs 7.5W minimum. It can take up to 6 hours to fully charge your battery.

    In order to successfully set up the Wireless Outdoor Security Camera, you will need the following:

    We also recommend fully charging the battery in your camera prior to beginning the installation process. This will take up to 5-6 hours for the battery to fully charge. You'll know it's charged when all 3 lights on the battery are illuminated, and not pulsing.

    Watch the video below for a hands-on experience from our team of experts for the installation process

    The Video Doorbell Pro is currently compatible with the SimpliSafe® Gen 3 System, and requires an existing wired doorbell setup, a mechanical chime, and a transformer that provides 8-24 VAC, 10-30VA.

    To install the Video Doorbell Pro, you'll need to have your Video Doorbell Pro Kit, which includes a Torx screwdriver. You'll also need your own Phillips screwdriver.

    Watch the video below for a hands-on experience from our team of experts for the installation process

    If you notice that your mechanical chime produces a constant buzzing sound, or it doesn’t sound when the Video Doorbell Pro is pressed, you may need a Chime Connector. If you do not have a Chime Connector, please contact our Support team and they will send one to you free of charge.

    The Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Security Camera is a battery-operated security camera that’s designed for indoor use. It records at 1536p and has a wide field of view at 125 degrees. The battery in the Smart Alarm Indoor Camera can also last up to 3 months on a single charge.

    You will need the following tools before installing your Smart Alarm Indoor Camera:

    • USB Power Adapter (5V, 7.5W minimum)

    • Phillips head screwdriver

    You'll also need to make sure that your Base Station and Keypad are running the latest software versions.

    You can check for any updates by using the Keypad and looking for a gear icon, or by going to Menu > Enter Master PIN > System Settings > Check For Updates

    Watch the video below for a hands-on experience from our team of experts for the installation process

    The SimpliCam® alerts you the instant it detects motion so you can see what’s happening and take action through its 2-way audio. After taking your camera out of the box, we recommend you thread the cord through the stand, plug it into the camera, put the camera on the stand, and plug it into the power source.

    Watch the video below for a hands-on experience from our team of experts for the installation process

    Help Center Article

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    Cameras

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    Camera Motion Detection by System Arming State

    Overview

    You can customise 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 service plans include push or SMS notifications on our Help Centre.

    Supported Cameras

    The following cameras are compatible with motion detection set by arming state:

    • Wireless Outdoor Security Camera

    • Outdoor Camera Series 2

    • 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.

    Help Center Article

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    Cameras

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    Outdoor Security Camera Series 2 Installation Guide

    ​Overview

    The Outdoor Security Camera Series 2 is a battery-operated security camera that boasts AI-powered motion detection to help identify potential threats outside your home. Its rugged design holds up to the elements, with an IP65 water-resistant and dustproof rating. The Outdoor Camera Series 2 also features 1080p HD video capture with a 140-degree field of view, all while hosting a built-in 90 dB siren.

    Looking to purchase an Outdoor Camera Series 2? You can find it available for purchase on our website.

    Requirements

    Before Getting Started

    Before installing your Outdoor Security Camera Series 2, you’ll need a Gen 3 SimpliSafe® System running the latest firmware version. You can check for any updates to your system using the SimpliSafe® Mobile App.

    You’ll also want to charge the battery for your Outdoor Camera using the included USB charging cable and your own USB power adapter that outputs 7.5W minimum. It can take up to 6 hours to fully charge your battery.

    You should also remove the protective film on the face of the Outdoor Camera Series 2 to ensure video quality is not impacted.

    What’s in the Box?

    • Outdoor Security Camera Series 2

    • Rechargeable Battery

    • USB Battery Charging Cable

    • Magnetic Mount

    • Mounting Hardware

    What You’ll Need

    • A USB Power Adapter (7.5W minimum)

    • Phillips Head Screwdriver

    • Optional: Ladder or Step Stool

    • Optional: Power Drill

    Completely Charge the Outdoor Camera’s Battery

    If you have not done so already, you will need to charge the Outdoor Camera’s battery completely before installing it, even if you intend on plugging the camera into a power cable.

    1. Plug the micro USB end of the included charging cable into the Outdoor Camera’s battery and the USB end of the cable into an adapter that outputs 7.5W minimum (this adapter is not included)

    2. Once plugged in, the LED lights on the battery will begin to blink to indicate that the camera is charging

    3. Charge the battery for at least 6 hours, or until all three lights on the battery are solid

    Add the Outdoor Camera in the SimpliSafe® Mobile App

    1. Open the SimpliSafe® Mobile App on your smartphone or tablet

    2. Navigate to the three-bar menu on the upper left corner and select Add Device or Camera

    3. Select Cameras from the list of available products, and then Outdoor Camera Series 2

    Assemble the Outdoor Camera

    After the Outdoor Camera’s battery has been charged completely, you will need to insert the battery in the camera.

    1. Remove the camera’s lens by twisting it counterclockwise

    2. Insert the battery so the metal contacts on it are facing upwards and align with the contacts inside the camera

    3. Place the camera lens back on and twist it clockwise until it clicks into place

    4. You’ll know that the Outdoor Camera has been assembled properly when it chimes and begins to flash white

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    Outdoor Camera Isn’t Flashing White?

    If the Outdoor Camera doesn’t begin to flash white, it could be due to a few reasons. Either the battery isn’t charged, the battery was inserted incorrectly, or the camera’s lens was not twisted on all the way.

    First, remove the battery from the Outdoor Camera and connect it to power again by using the included USB power cable and your own power adapter. If the battery is fully charged, all three LED lights will be solid. 

    Once you have confirmed that all 3 lights are solid on the battery, reinsert it into the camera, making sure that the charging contacts are facing up and the battery tab is facing out towards you. Then twist the lens back on the camera until it clicks into place. 

    If the light still does not flash white after reassembling the camera, you will need to reset the Outdoor Camera.

    How to Pair the Outdoor Camera to Your System

    1. Firmly press and release the pairing button on the back of the camera

    2. The Base Station will announce, “Camera added”

    3. On the mobile app, choose a name for the camera by selecting one of our pre-populated names, or select Custom Name at the bottom of the screen to input your own

    Connect the Outdoor Camera to Wi-Fi

    1. By default, the SimpliSafe® App will prompt you to connect the Outdoor Camera to the same Wi-Fi network as your Base station

    2. You may choose either “Yes, Connect” to connect it to this network, or “Choose a Different Network” to select another one

    3. After your Outdoor Camera has connected to Wi-Fi, it will check for and apply any available updates 

    ​

    Outdoor Camera Didn’t Connect to Wi-Fi?

    If your Outdoor Camera did not connect to your Wi-Fi network, please refer to the Camera Can’t Connect to Wi-Fi During Setup article.

    Choose a Location for the Outdoor Camera

    Next, you will be prompted to move your Outdoor Camera to its desired location and test its connection there before mounting the camera. This allows you to ensure your camera has a strong connection, or move your camera to a different location where the connection is stronger.

    When finding a location for the Outdoor Camera, we recommend the following:

    1. The Outdoor Camera should be mounted 6.5 feet off the ground and angled 30° down

      • If mounting above 6.5 feet, we recommend using the permanent mount to secure the camera to the surface

    2. The Outdoor Camera’s motion sensor is most sensitive to side-by-side movement, so choose a location where subjects are likely to move horizontally across its field of view

    3. Make sure the Outdoor Camera’s field of view is not obstructed by branches, flags, or other objects 

    Check the Outdoor Camera’s Connection

    After finding a location for the Outdoor Camera, tap “Begin Test” in the SimpliSafe® App to test its Wi-Fi upload speed and signal strength. 

    Good Results

    If your results were good, that indicates that the Outdoor Camera should stream and record video smoothly from its location. Please move forward to mounting the camera.

    ​

    Poor Signal Strength, Good Upload Speed

    This result unusually indicates that the camera is not in range of the Wi-Fi router. Try moving the router closer to the camera or purchase a Wi-Fi extender.  

    ​

    Poor Signal Strength, Poor Upload Speed

    This result indicates that the camera is not in range of the Wi-Fi router, and the Wi-Fi is not providing the minimum 2 Mbps upload speed. Move the camera closer to the router and try live streaming again. If this helps, you can either move the router closer to the camera or purchase a Wi-Fi extender.  

    You may also need to contact your internet service provider to upgrade your package to one that includes higher upload speeds.

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    Good Signal Strength, Poor Upload Speed

    SimpliSafe® cameras require 2-3 Mbps per camera. If you have multiple cameras on your system, multiply the number of cameras by 2 to determine the minimum upload speed required. 

    To improve your upload speed, you may either contact your internet service provider to upgrade your package, or move other Wi-Fi-enabled devices to a different network.

    How to Mount the Outdoor Camera

    When installing the Outdoor Camera, you may mount it using either the included magnetic mount or the permanent mount. If you are installing the permanent mount, please refer to the Outdoor Camera Permanent Mount Overview and Installation Guide.

    1. Remove the mounting plate from the magnetic dome by turning it counterclockwise 

    2. If your are installing the Outdoor Camera on a stone, brick, or stucco surface, drill 2 pilot holes into the surface using a 3/16-inch drill bit and gently tap the included wall anchors into the holes using a hammer or mallet

    3. Attach the mounting plate to the surface using the provided screws and your own Phillips head screwdriver

    4. Twist the magnetic dome back on the mounting plate until you hear it click into place

    5. Place the camera on the magnetic mount

    How to Power the Outdoor Camera

    After mounting the Outdoor Camera, you will be prompted to install your Outdoor Power Cable or Solar Panel to keep the battery charged, or you can choose to run the Outdoor Camera off its battery power. 

    How to Install the Power Cable

    1. Lift the cover off of the charging port that is located on the back of the Outdoor Camera

    2. Firmly plug the micro USB end of the Power Cable into the camera, making sure that the micro USB is flush to the camera

    3. Snap the included strain-relief clip to the cable at the top near the camera

    4. Screw the clip into the surface near your camera, approximately 6 inches away

      1. If you are installing the Outdoor Camera on a brick, stone, or stucco surface, you will need to drill a single pilot hole using a 1/4 inch masonry drill bit and insert the wall anchor first

    5. Plug the power adapter into an outdoor-rated power outlet with a waterproof cover

    How to Install the Solar Panel

    If you are powering the Outdoor Camera with the Solar Panel, please refer to the Solar Panel Installation Guide in the Help Centre.

    Fine-Tune the Outdoor Camera’s Position

    Next, you’ll want to check your camera’s view to ensure that it is capturing your desired area. Tap the “Check Live View” button in the app to see your camera’s live stream. From there, you can adjust your camera’s angle to ensure it is capturing the area you want to watch over. For the best performance, the camera should be angled 30° down.

    Related Content

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    Help Center Article

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    Outdoor Camera Series 2 UK

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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.A sample of activity zones within the SimpliSafe® App, where the squares are being selected to eliminate motion events from a busy street.

    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

    2. Choose My System

    3. Select Camera Settings​

    4. Tap on the supported camera from the list of available cameras

    5. Choose Motion Detection

    6. Scroll down to Activity Zone

    7. 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

      1. Note: you can tap on the squares again to remove the exclusion

    8. 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

    2. Choose My System

    3. Select Camera Settings

    4. Tap on the camera you wish to manage Activity Zones for

    5. Select Motion Detection

    6. 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

    7. Choose SAVE in the upper right corner of the app to save your selections

    Help Center Article

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    Cameras