Simplisafe Doorbell Camera: Charging Simplified

The SimpliSafe doorbell camera is designed to be wired into your existing doorbell's electrical port and does not require a battery to function. However, it does come with a backup battery in case of a power failure. The doorbell needs to be connected to your home Wi-Fi network and can be set up using the SimpliSafe app. While the basic features are available for free, storage and assistant integration are available with a subscription.

The SimpliSafe doorbell does not require a battery to function

To install the SimpliSafe doorbell, first turn off the power to your existing doorbell and unscrew it, ensuring that the wires don't fall back into the wall. Tape the wires to prevent this from happening. Take the doorbell wires through the mounting bracket of your SimpliSafe doorbell and screw the mounting bracket to the wall. If installing on a stone, brick, or stucco surface, mark the hole location using the mounting bracket holes as a reference. Drill holes and insert wall anchors, gently tapping them with a hammer or mallet. Connect the wires after carefully loosening the terminal screws. Push your doorbell to the mounting bracket and slide it down until you hear it click.

Now, turn on the power to the doorbell, and it is ready to use! You can test the doorbell by pressing it to ensure the installation was done correctly. The camera battery might take a while to charge before the camera can be connected to Wi-Fi. The LED push button will blink white after you press it when the camera is ready to be set up.

To set up your Wi-Fi, download the SimpliSafe app on your phone and navigate to "Set up my SimpliCam." Tap the 'Menu' bar on the top left and select 'Cameras.' Add the Video Doorbell option, name your doorbell, and select your Wi-Fi network. Tap the 'Get Code' button to get your QR code and scan it using your doorbell camera. If you have followed the steps correctly, you will see a 'connected' message on your phone, and the LED will stop blinking white.

The SimpliSafe doorbell has a sleek design and comes with three faceplates and an angled mounting base plate. It offers a wide range of features, including two-way audio, motion detection, night vision, and smart assistant integration. It is a standalone device that can work seamlessly with the SimpliSafe Home Security system but does not require it.

The doorbell needs to be connected to the home Wi-Fi

To connect your SimpliSafe Doorbell Camera to your home Wi-Fi, follow these steps:

Firstly, ensure that your Wi-Fi network is a 2.4GHz network. The Video Doorbell Pro requires a 2.4GHz network connection to complete the setup. If you do not have a 2.4GHz network, you may need to set up a separate network to accommodate the doorbell.

Next, open your SimpliSafe app and log in to your account. Go to the menu and select 'System Settings'. From there, select 'Wi-Fi' and follow the on-screen instructions to connect your doorbell to your home Wi-Fi network. You may need to enter your Wi-Fi password during this process.

If you are having trouble connecting your doorbell to Wi-Fi, SimpliSafe recommends that you check your signal strength. The location of your base station may need to be adjusted to get the best signal strength. Try placing the base station near a window, as granite counters and other similar materials can interfere with the signal.

Additionally, consider using a Wi-Fi repeater, a power line, or a Wi-Fi hotspot to boost the signal and improve the connection. If you are still experiencing issues, contact the SimpliSafe Support team for further assistance. They can provide guidance and help troubleshoot any problems you may encounter during the setup process.

By connecting your SimpliSafe Doorbell Camera to your home Wi-Fi, you will be able to access all the features of your device, including live streaming, two-way audio, motion detection, and video recording.

The doorbell is not waterproof

The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro is not waterproof, but it is weather-resistant and suitable for use in the rain and snow. It has an IP 65 rating, meaning it can withstand an overnight downpour of rain. However, it is not recommended for use in sub-zero temperatures, as this may void the warranty.

The doorbell requires hardwiring to an existing doorbell setup with an AC transformer between eight and 14 volts. This means that it will not work during a power outage. If you do not have the appropriate wiring setup, you can purchase an adapter from SimpliSafe or plug the doorbell directly into a wall outlet using an adapter.

The doorbell has a small battery, but this is not designed to be charged or replaced by the user. The battery is intended for servicing only and is charged through the wired doorbell system. If your doorbell is failing to stay powered, there may be an issue with the doorbell circuit or a hardware problem, which can be resolved with a replacement.

The doorbell has a two-way audio feature

The SimpliSafe doorbell has a two-way audio feature that allows you to communicate with visitors without leaving your home. This feature is similar to a walkie-talkie, where you press the button to talk and release it to listen.

The two-way audio feature is beneficial when you want your delivery driver to leave a package at your doorstep, or if you are unable to get to the door. You can welcome your guests or deter intruders with clear audio and HD video.

The SimpliSafe doorbell integrates seamlessly with your SimpliSafe Home Security system, allowing you to see and interact with visitors through live streaming. This means you can talk to guests without getting up to answer the door, even if you are not at home.

The doorbell is smart enough to distinguish between people and other objects, so you will only receive thoughtful motion alerts for things that count. You can also adjust the motion sensitivity and set up activity zones in the SimpliSafe app.

The SimpliSafe doorbell is an excellent addition to your front door, providing convenience, security, and peace of mind.

The doorbell has a night vision feature

The SimpliSafe doorbell camera has an auto night vision feature that can be toggled on, off, or set to auto in the Settings menu. In night vision, the video appears in black and white. The camera uses passive infrared (PIR) to detect moving, heat-generating objects in contrast to the environment. This means that the camera is looking for warmer objects, so you may see an increase in motion events during the colder months.

The night vision feature does not always work as expected. Some users have reported that their doorbell camera will not automatically switch to night vision, or that it switches back to day vision during the night. SimpliSafe Support suggests that this issue may be caused by a light source that is messing up the detection. They recommend changing the angle of the camera or turning off the light source if possible. SimpliSafe's engineering team is actively investigating the issue.

If you are experiencing issues with the night vision feature, you can try changing the Night Vision setting from auto to on and saving. If the issue persists, then the problem is likely with the infrared light. If the issue is resolved, then the daylight sensor is likely the root of the problem.

Another potential solution is to reduce the picture quality of the camera to 480p and turn off night vision. One user reported that this solution restored their night vision.

Frequently asked questions