Diane Green
SimpliSafe's outdoor security cameras are battery-powered, with the option of using a solar panel or power cable to keep the battery charged. The batteries are rechargeable and take approximately five hours to charge. The battery life is estimated to last between three to six months, but this can vary depending on usage, placement, and settings. Some users have reported issues with the battery life, with the battery draining quickly or not holding a charge. SimpliSafe has acknowledged these issues and is working on a solution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Battery life | Lasts up to 3-6 months before it needs a recharge. |
| Charging time | Approximately 5 hours |
| Weight | 5.71 ounces (0.35 pounds) |
| Compatibility | SimpliSafe Outdoor Wireless Camera and Home Security System |
What You'll Learn
SimpliSafe outdoor camera batteries last 3-6 months
The SimpliSafe outdoor camera battery is advertised to last up to 3-6 months before requiring a recharge. However, some users have reported that their batteries only last a few days or weeks. The battery life may vary depending on usage, placement, and settings. For example, if the camera is in a high-traffic area or triggering frequently, the battery may drain more quickly. Additionally, factors such as activity level, connection strength, and environment can also affect battery life.
To extend the battery life, users can adjust the camera settings, such as lowering the motion sensitivity, enabling People-Only motion detection, or setting up activity zones to avoid unnecessary motion detection. Users can also ensure that their camera has the latest firmware version, as updates may improve performance and battery life.
If users are still experiencing issues with their outdoor camera battery draining quickly, they can try resetting the camera to factory settings or contacting SimpliSafe support for further assistance. In some cases, a replacement battery or camera may be necessary.
It is worth noting that SimpliSafe offers alternative power options for the outdoor camera, such as a solar panel and a power cable, which can be used to keep the battery charged or power the camera directly. These options can be helpful for users who want to avoid the hassle of frequently replacing or recharging batteries.
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The outdoor camera requires a battery to function
The SimpliSafe outdoor camera requires a battery to function. While the indoor camera and doorbell cameras can be wired to a constant power source, the outdoor camera is battery-powered. The outdoor camera is advertised to last up to 3-6 months before needing a recharge, but this timeframe can vary depending on usage, placement, and settings. Some users have reported that their outdoor camera batteries drain quickly, sometimes lasting only a few days.
To address this issue, SimpliSafe offers a solar panel and a power cable to keep the outdoor camera's battery charged. The solar panel is a good option for those who don't want to constantly swap batteries. The power cable allows users to keep the camera plugged into an AC outlet. Additionally, there are camera settings in the SimpliSafe app that can be adjusted to extend the camera's battery life. These settings include lowering motion sensitivity and enabling People-Only motion detection.
It is important to note that even when the outdoor camera is plugged in, it still behaves like a battery-powered camera. It has to sleep and wake up when events happen, rather than being always on like the indoor camera. This is a notable difference between the two types of cameras.
For optimal performance, it is recommended to keep the outdoor camera's firmware up to date and ensure that it is positioned in an area with strong connectivity. If the camera is facing a busy street or a high-traffic area, creating activity zones can help reduce the number of motion detections and preserve battery life.
Overall, while the SimpliSafe outdoor camera does require a battery to function, there are several options available to keep it charged and ensure its optimal performance.
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The indoor camera and doorbell cameras require constant wired power
The SimpliSafe indoor camera and doorbell cameras require constant wired power. This means that, unlike the outdoor cameras, they cannot be powered by a battery. The indoor camera is also known as the SimpliCam.
The outdoor cameras are battery-powered, but there are also additional options to keep them charged. SimpliSafe offers a solar panel and power cable to keep the outdoor camera's battery charged. There are also camera settings that can be adjusted in the app to extend the camera's battery life. For example, you can set up activity zones to avoid motion detection in high-traffic areas, or you can lower the camera's motion sensitivity.
The outdoor camera battery is advertised to last up to 3-6 months before it needs a recharge, but this duration can vary depending on usage, placement, and settings. Some users have reported that the battery life is shorter than expected, especially in high-traffic areas.
If you are experiencing issues with your outdoor camera battery draining quickly, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try. First, check that you are using the correct charging block or cable. Try plugging the battery into a different USB port or charger to see if it charges properly. You can also try resetting the camera by pressing and holding the button on the back for 16 seconds. If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to contact SimpliSafe support for further assistance or to request a replacement battery or camera.
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The outdoor camera battery recharges in about five hours
The SimpliSafe outdoor camera is battery-powered and does not have a constant wired power source. The outdoor camera battery is advertised to last up to 3-6 months before needing a recharge, but this duration can vary depending on usage, placement, and settings. The battery can be recharged using a power cable or a solar panel, and it takes approximately five hours to recharge.
The outdoor camera's battery life is a common issue among SimpliSafe users, with some reporting that the battery drains quickly, sometimes within a few days, despite being on the lowest settings. This may be due to several factors, such as high-traffic areas, frequent motion detection, weak wifi connection, or firmware issues. To improve battery life, SimpliSafe recommends adjusting camera settings, such as lowering motion sensitivity and enabling People-Only motion detection.
Additionally, ensuring the camera has the latest firmware version, version 1.10, can improve performance. In some cases, resetting the camera to factory settings or replacing the battery or camera unit may be necessary.
To address the issue of frequent battery changes, SimpliSafe offers a power cable that allows the outdoor camera to be plugged into an AC outlet. This eliminates the need for constant battery recharging, providing a more convenient and reliable solution for users.
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The outdoor camera can be powered by a solar panel
The SimpliSafe outdoor camera can be powered by a solar panel. This is a great option if you don't want the hassle of constantly swapping batteries. With just three hours of direct sunlight per day, the solar panel will keep your outdoor camera powered 24/7. This is ideal if your camera watches over areas with lots of movement, like a busy street.
The solar panel is water-resistant and designed to work in a range of temperatures, from 32°F to 120°F. It features a 13-foot power cord, giving you flexibility in where you place the panel. The omnidirectional mount allows you to position the panel in any direction to maximise sunlight exposure.
The SimpliSafe solar panel is easy to set up. Simply mount the panel in a location with access to direct sunlight and plug the charging cable into the outdoor camera. The solar panel comes with a mounting bracket, charging cable, screws, and wall anchors.
It's important to note that the SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera battery is only compatible with the official SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera Solar Panel and not with any third-party solar panel devices.
Some customers have reported issues with the solar panel's performance and charging. However, overall, the solar panel accessory is a convenient way to power your SimpliSafe outdoor camera without the need for constant battery replacements.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, SimpliSafe cameras have batteries.
Yes, SimpliSafe cameras need to be battery-powered at all times. However, you can also use a power cable or solar panel to keep the battery charged.
SimpliSafe camera batteries are advertised to last up to 3-6 months before needing a recharge. However, some users have reported that their batteries only last a few days to a few weeks.
It takes approximately 5 hours to charge a SimpliSafe camera battery.
Yes, you can purchase extra batteries for your SimpliSafe camera from retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy.
