‎Motion Sensors | SimpliSafe Support Home

Conversation List

Filter by

  • 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. Scroll to learn more, or use one of the anchor links to go to that section directly.

    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. Tap on Entry Delay

    5. Adjust your timing, as needed, for Home and Away mode

    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 right arrow to choose Edit, then press the Keypad buttons to designate a time

    6. Once done, press the arrow to the right to save your settings

    SimpliSafe® Web App

    1. Log in to the Web App

    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 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 setting is most useful for main entryways to your home, so you have time to arm your system and leave your home without setting off the 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. Tap on Exit Delay

    5. Adjust your timing, as needed, for Home and Away mode

    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 right arrow to choose Edit, then press the Keypad buttons to designate a time

    6. Once done, press the arrow to the right to save your settings

    SimpliSafe® Web App

    1. Log in to the Web App

    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 at the bottom of the screen

    Instant Trigger

    When you turn on Instant Trigger, your Entry Sensor will sound your alarm right away when it is moved or opened. This feature can be helpful for doors and windows that you don't use as often—like a basement door, basement window, or skylight. That way, when your system is armed, you'll know immediately if one of them is opened.

    Instant Trigger can be set for individual Entry Sensors 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 Entry 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 right arrow to select your Entry Sensor

    5. Scroll down to Instant Trigger and use the right arrow to toggle between ON and OFF

    SimpliSafe® Web App

    1. Log in to the Web App

    2. Choose Devices from the left-hand navigation menu

    3. Select your Entry Sensor

    4. Toggle Instant Trigger ON or OFF by clicking the button

    Help Center Article

  • Motion Sensor Gen 2 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 install your Base Station and make sure it has the latest firmware prior to getting started.

    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

    1. Open the SimpliSafe® 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 Motion Sensor from the list of available products

    How to Pair the Motion Sensor to Your System

    1. Pull out the battery tab from the back of the device

    2. Press and release the setup button on the top of the device

    3. Once the setup button has been pressed, the Base Station should say “Motion Sensor”

    4. 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

    1. Bring the Motion Sensor to its desired location, if you have not already

      1. The Motion Sensor looks out and down with a 90° field of view, so it has the best visibility when mounted in a corner

      2. 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

    2. 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

    1. Clean the desired surface using rubbing alcohol 

    2. Wait for the surface to dry completely 

    3. Peel the plastic backing off of the adhesive strip on the back of the Motion Sensor

    4. Press and hold the Motion Sensor in place for 30 seconds

    How to Mount the Motion Sensor With its Included Screws

    1. Remove the adhesives from the mounting plate

    2. Slide the Motion Sensor up and off its mounting plate

    3. Use a screwdriver to secure the mounting plate to the wall

    4. 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

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

    2. Choose My System from the navigation bar at the bottom of the screen

    3. Select Device Settings

    4. Choose your Motion Sensor Gen 2 from the list of available devices

    5. Toggle Pet Mode ON

    6. 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

    Help Center Article

  • 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 a single 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

  • 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:

      1. Choose My System from the bottom navigation bar

      2. Select Base Station Settings

      3. If an update is available, it will say so to the right of “Firmware”

    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.

    The SimpliSafe® Mobile App overview tab with a 'Firmware Update Available' notification appearing 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

    Help Center Article

  • 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 tab on the Key Fob with a red rectangle highlighting the device's serial number.

    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.

    Base Station Serial Number highlighted at the bottom of the product

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

    Remove the back of the keypad to expose the keypad serial number

    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.

    Entry Sensor

    Entry sensor serial number on the back of product

    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

    Slide the backing off the Motion Sensor Gen 1 to see the serial number

    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

    Slide the backing off of the Motion Sensor Gen 2 to see the serial number

    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.

    Glass Break Sensor

    Slide off the backing of the Glassbreak Sensor to see the serial number

    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

    Slide the front of the Panic Button up and off its bracket to expose the serial number

    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

    Serial number for Extra Sirens are on the back of the device, underneath the bracket

    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

    Serial number can found within the battery compartment on the device

    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

    Serial Number can be found within the battery compartment.

    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 Detector

    Serial number can be found on the outside of the device

    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

    Serial number can be located on the back of the camera lens

    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

    Serial number can be located on the back of the camera lens

    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

    Serial number can be found on the back of the 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

    Serial number can be located on the back of the 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

    Serial number can be found on the back of the 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.

    Help Center Article

  • Testing the Motion Sensor Gen 1

    Test Mode is a great way to test the connection between your Base Station and other sensors. We recommend periodically placing your system into Test Mode to ensure that your sensors are still communicating with the Base Station without any errors.

    Placing Your System Into Test Mode

    1. Disarm your system by pressing OFF on the Keypad

    2. Press the Menu button on your Keypad

    3. Enter your Primary PIN

    4. Scroll until Test Mode is highlighted

    5. Use the right arrow key to enter Test Mode

    You’ll know you are in Test Mode when you see a circle on the Keypad appear with the text, “Test each device by pressing its button”.

    Note: If you subscribe to monitoring, you will receive a robo call from the monitoring centre asking you to confirm you placed your system into Test Mode. If you do not answer – no worries! A voicemail will be left to alert you to the system test, and it will not result in a request for dispatch.

    Testing the Motion Sensor Gen 1

    To test the Motion Sensor Gen 1, first, press the button on the top of the Motion Sensor Gen 1. You’ll hear the Base Station announce, “Motion Sensor” confirming that the test was successful.

    To test the motion aspect of the Motion Sensor Gen 1, press the button on the top of the Motion Sensor Gen 1 and then leave the room for at least 60 seconds. This will allow the Motion Sensor to scan the room during that time. After the time has lapsed, re-enter the room. You’ll hear the Base Station announce, “Motion Sensor” from your motion within the room.

    Troubleshooting the Motion Sensor Gen 1

    The Motion Sensor Gen 1 has a sensitivity slider on the back of the device underneath the battery tab to adjust its range of motion within a room. The first thing you’ll want to do is adjust the slider to a higher or lower setting, and see if that makes a difference with the sensor responding to motion.

    If you are testing your Motion Sensor and do not hear the Base Station announce, “Motion Sensor”, the second thing you’ll want to do is confirm you can hear the Base Station from the location you’re testing in. You can adjust the Base Station’s volume under the Base Station Settings menu, by selecting Voice Prompts.

    As a next step, you’ll want to confirm that the Motion Sensor Gen 1 battery is functioning. The Motion Sensor takes a single CR-123A Lithium 3V battery and has a life expectancy of up to 5 years depending on placement and usage.

    If you are still unable to hear the Base Station announce, “Motion Sensor” it’s possible that there could be an issue with the location of the Base Station, or there is Radio Frequency (RF) interference at play.

    Other electronic devices within your home may communicate on similar frequencies, resulting in wireless interferencebetween your SimpliSafe® devices. Because of this, we recommend keeping your Base Station and Motion Sensor at least 3-5 feet away from the following devices:

    • Wi-Fi Routers

    • Large TVs

    • Weather Stations

    • Large Appliances (especially in the kitchen and laundry rooms)

    • Baby monitors

    • Remote Controlled Garage Door Openers

    • LED Lights or Christmas Lights

    This above list is to give you an idea of what devices may cause interference within your home, and is in no means an exhaustive list of all devices. There may be other devices that output RF or Wi-Fi signals that could impede the connection between your Base Station and SimpliSafe® devices.

    Help Center Article

  • 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.

    Diagram of Motion Sensor placements - A sensor placed in corner with uninterrupted field of view vs. a sensor placed in the middle of the wall with two 45 degree blind spots.

    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

      1. Tap the Menu Button

      2. Enter your PIN

      3. Use the arrow keys to scroll until Test Mode is highlighted

    2. Arm your system to AWAY mode and leave the room during the exit delay

      1. Pro-tip, bring your Keypad with you for the next steps

    3. After the exit delay has counted down and the system is armed, wait 2-3 minutes and then enter the room

      1. You should begin to hear your system count down for the entry delay. You can now disarm your system using your Keypad.

    If you did not hear the entry delay trigger and waited 2-3 minutes before re-entering the room, please contact support for additional troubleshooting.

    Help Center Article