Simplisafe Cameras: Watching Or Not?

SimpliSafe is a home security system that offers a range of security cameras, including the SimpliCam Wired Indoor Camera. The SimpliCam is designed to be easy to set up and use, with features such as a privacy shutter, motion detection, and two-way audio. While the camera offers peace of mind for many users, some have raised concerns about potential privacy breaches. In particular, there have been reports of the camera shutter remaining open even after the alarm has been disabled, leading to worries that someone may be watching through the camera. SimpliSafe has addressed these concerns, assuring users that no one at the company has at-will access to camera feeds and that monitoring agents can only view a live stream during an active alarm.

SimpliSafe's privacy shutter

The privacy shutter is designed to give users peace of mind and ensure that they are not being recorded when they don't want to be. When the privacy shutter is closed, users can be confident that their camera is not capturing any video or audio. The shutter produces an audible click when it opens or closes, so users are always aware of its status.

The privacy shutter can be controlled through the SimpliSafe Mobile App. Users can set the shutter to be open or closed in different arming modes (Off, Home, or Away). The default settings have the shutter closed in Home mode and when the system is Off, and open in Away mode. However, these defaults can be customised in the camera settings.

For the Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Security Camera, the privacy shutter is controlled by the motion detection toggle under each system alarm state. When motion detection is turned off, the shutter remains closed, and no audio or video is captured unless the camera's live view is accessed or an alarm event occurs.

While SimpliSafe assures users that their staff do not have at-will access to camera feeds, some users have reported instances where they suspect their privacy shutter was open and they were being watched. SimpliSafe has acknowledged that there was a rare issue where the privacy shutter remained open after disarming the alarm, but this has been addressed in a firmware update.

Motion detection

SimpliSafe's motion detection technology is designed to protect your home from intruders by alerting you when a person has stepped into its range. The motion sensors can detect changes in infrared energy, as humans and animals give off heat. The system can distinguish between people and pets, so you don't have to worry about your pets triggering the motion detection.

The SimpliSafe Motion Sensor Gen 2 has a 90-degree field of view and a 35-foot range, allowing it to protect an entire room from a single location. It is also easy to set up and can be customised to your home's needs through the settings menu. You can adjust the sensitivity level and choose which armed states will trigger an alarm.

The SimpliCam Wired Indoor Camera also has motion detection capabilities. It features a privacy shutter that gives you control over your camera and privacy. When the privacy shutter is open, the camera's motion sensor will send notifications to your phone if it detects motion. You can also view a live video feed at any time and use the two-way audio feature to speak through the camera and listen to sound transmitted through it.

While SimpliSafe's motion detection technology can provide peace of mind, some users have expressed concerns about potential privacy issues. In one instance, a user noticed that the camera shutter remained open even after disarming the alarm, raising questions about whether someone was watching them through the motion camera. SimpliSafe support responded by assuring the user that no one at SimpliSafe has at-will access to their camera feed and that a monitoring agent can only view the feed during an active alarm.

Video verification

SimpliSafe's indoor camera, SimpliCam, is a security camera that can be stuck to a wall or placed on a table. It comes with a privacy shutter that gives users control over their camera and privacy. The privacy shutter makes a clicking sound when it opens or closes, alerting any intruders that they are being watched.

SimpliSafe does not have at-will access to your camera feed. The only time a monitoring agent can see a live stream or video footage is if 24/7 live guard protection or Video Verification is enabled and there is an active alarm in progress.

A flashing blue light on the camera means that a user has activated a recording or live stream. A flashing amber light means that 24/7 live guard protection is enabled, an alarm is in progress, and a monitoring agent is viewing a live stream.

2-way audio

SimpliSafe's 2-way audio feature allows users to both speak through the camera and listen to sound transmitted through it. This feature is available on the SimpliCam Wired Indoor Camera and the Video Doorbell Pro.

The 2-way audio feature was added to the SimpliCam Wired Indoor Camera in 2019. Users can access the feature by holding down the microphone icon in the app to talk and releasing it to listen. The Video Doorbell Pro also has 2-way audio, but it is unclear when this feature was added.

It is important to note that SimpliSafe charges a monthly fee for access to the live feed and cloud storage for recorded video. The company has been criticised for charging for features that are often free with other security camera systems.

While some users have expressed concerns about potential privacy invasions, SimpliSafe has assured customers that their systems are secure and that no one at the company has at-will access to camera feeds.

Camera compatibility with third-party devices

SimpliSafe is a home security system that offers a range of security cameras, including the SimpliCam Wired Indoor Camera. This camera features a built-in privacy shutter, providing users with control over their camera and privacy. While SimpliSafe does not explicitly mention third-party camera compatibility, it is important to understand how third-party cameras work with other security systems to ensure informed decisions about your home security setup.

Third-party camera compatibility is a significant aspect of security systems, allowing users to incorporate existing cameras into their chosen ecosystem. UniFi Protect, for instance, simplifies the integration of ONVIF-compatible third-party cameras, enabling users to gradually transition to their setup. This flexibility ensures a smooth upgrade path without requiring a complete camera replacement.

To integrate third-party cameras into UniFi Protect, several steps must be followed. Firstly, the camera must be connected to the network, and its IP address must be located using the UniFi Network app. Secondly, users need to navigate to the camera's local web server in their browser and log in with default credentials before setting up a unique username and password. It is also essential to check for any firmware updates and ensure that ONVIF is enabled, with appropriate credentials configured.

Additionally, the date, time, and time zone settings on the camera must be configured correctly. Authentication settings may also need adjustments, depending on the camera model. Once these steps are completed, users can open UniFi Protect, enable the discovery of third-party cameras, and adopt the camera into their UniFi setup.

It is worth noting that advanced camera features, such as audio, detections, and PTZ control, may not be supported when using third-party cameras. Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, third-party camera setups can be significantly more complicated than plug-and-play solutions offered by some security system providers. Therefore, it is essential to carefully review the compatibility and setup requirements of any third-party cameras you consider adding to your security system.

Frequently asked questions