SimpliSafe is one of our best DIY systems, best wireless security systems, and best security systems with cameras. We like it for its flexibility and relatively inexpensive monitoring.
When you get your security system, though, you might feel overwhelmed and not sure where to start. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the setup for a SimpliSafe $229 Foundation package.
>>Get started by buying a SimpliSafe alarm package or checking out SimpliSafe cost.
Unbox the security system and make sure you have each component. For a Foundation package, you should receive:
Look for sticky adhesive strips included in your package. (Some of them may already come on the equipment for easy installation.) You won’t need any drills, screws, or extra brackets with this stick-on equipment.
We’ve tested a lot of home security systems, so we’re not newbies to the installation scene. Still, SimpliSafe surprised us. Unlike some security systems, which rely heavily on the mobile app to set up installation, the bulk of a SimpliSafe alarm setup occurs using the devices themselves.
We set up the system ourselves and also looked over the instruction booklet and the SimpliSafe support page to create the most helpful instructions possible.
First things first. The base station is the center of your security system, so you should start here.
SimpliSafe syncs the base station and keypad before shipping, so you shouldn’t need to do anything else.
If something unexpected pops up during installation, the app may ask you for your master PIN. The default PIN for all new SimpliSafe systems is 1234.
You’ll press the sides of the keypad screen to navigate through and select options.
This step is interchangeable with installing the entry sensor; you can do these in either order and it shouldn’t make a difference.
You don’t want your motion sensor near a heater or air conditioner, lamps, or electronic devices. SimpliSafe also recommends keeping the sensor about four to five feet off the ground. If you have a cat, the brand suggests putting it higher, at about six feet.
Use the adhesive strips on the back of the sensor to place it on the wall. Press firmly.
Bring your keypad to your motion sensor’s location.
If your keypad doesn’t automatically go into naming mode, select Menu.
Enter your master PIN.
Select Setup and Naming.
Select Press a button on a device to test and name.
Press the test button on the top of the motion sensor.
When the motion sensor flashes blue, the keypad will prompt you to enter a name.
Enter a name for the motion sensor.
Entry sensor installations can get a bit tricky. For a successful installation, the two pieces need to be aligned so that the magnet-based tech can work.
If you have a Foundation package, a camera’s not included. But you may get one added through a promotion or spend extra for it. With that in mind, here are SimpliCam instructions.
Before getting started, download the SimpliSafe app on your smartphone. Even if you’re not using the Interactive Plan with mobile monitoring, you can still set up the camera using the app. If you’d rather not download the app at all, you should be able to use your SimpliSafe account on your computer.
If you’d like other extras to go along with your SimpliSafe system, take a look at our SimpliSafe equipment page to learn more about SimpliSafe security products:
A SimpliSafe security system is primarily connected through cellular, though you can add a Wi-Fi connection for better performance. As we mentioned before, the base station and keypad are paired together before you receive the system, cutting down on installation time.
The base station contains the siren that goes off when the alarm is tripped. The keypad lets you arm and disarm your system and connect all the equipment to the base station. Finally, the motion and entry sensors trip the alarm when they’re disturbed.
Permits are often used as a way to either cut down on false alarms or levy fees for the disturbance. Whether you need one depends on where you live. Check with your police department to find out if your city requires permits.
Since the base station is the system brain, we suggest putting it in an easily-accessible, central area of your home.
Most users like to put their keypad near their door for easy arming and disarming as they enter and exit. You can slide the keypad off the bracket if you need to take it to a different area of the home.
There are two approaches to sensor placement.
You can put sensors in the most visible, highest-traffic areas of your home. For you example, place them in the front room or on the street-facing window. Or you can put them in areas where an intruder’s less likely to be seen or caught upon entry, like in your basement or on the door leading from the garage to the mudroom.
Whatever you choose to do, we suggest not placing your motion sensor and entry sensor too close together. Spaced-out placement will give you a larger system coverage area.
If you’d like more sensors (whether you need extra motion sensors or more entry sensors for your doors and windows), you can buy them on the SimpliSafe site.
Sure, it’s marketed as DIY, but that doesn’t mean you have to do it yourself.
When you buy a SimpliSafe package, you can add professional setup help at extra cost. But if you already purchased a system and decided last minute that DIY installation isn’t for you, here’s a guide to finding a professional installer. Or, if you’re already familiar with Thumbtack and Taskrabbit, you can jump straight to one of those.
Conversely, if you selected the professional option at checkout but changed your mind, it’s not too late. SimpliSafe won’t charge you for the pro installation until you schedule it. If you want to take a whack, you’ll be out nothing for the attempt, and you’ll still be able to schedule the appointment if you need it after all.
>>Haven’t bought a SimpliSafe system yet? Get a customized system recommendation.
>>SimpliSafe sound like too much trouble? Check out our alternatives to SimpliSafe.
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