Troubleshooting the Simplisafe App When It's Not Working
The Simplisafe app is your remote control for your home security system. When it's not working, you can't arm or disarm your system, check your camera feeds, or receive important notifications. Issues like being unable to log in, the app getting stuck on a loading screen, or controls being unresponsive can be frustrating, but they are usually fixable.
This guide will take you through the most common solutions to get your Simplisafe app working correctly again.
## Step 1: Check the Simplisafe Service Status
Before you troubleshoot your own phone or network, the very first step is to see if the problem is on Simplisafe's end.
- Visit the Status Page: Search online for "Simplisafe status" to find their official service status page. This page will inform you if they are experiencing a system-wide outage or undergoing maintenance that could be affecting app performance. If there is an outage, you'll simply have to wait for them to resolve it.
## Step 2: Verify Your Internet Connection
The Simplisafe app needs a solid internet connection to communicate with the Base Station.
- Switch Between Wifi and Mobile Data: If you're on wifi, turn it off on your phone and try using the app over your mobile data connection. If it works, the problem is likely with your home wifi network. If you're on mobile data, connect to a reliable wifi network and try again. A weak or unstable signal on either can cause connection errors.
- Reboot Your Router: If you suspect your home wifi is the issue, unplug your router from power for 60 seconds and then plug it back in. This simple step resolves many connectivity problems.
## Step 3: Check Your Monitoring Plan Subscription
Full app functionality is a feature of Simplisafe's paid monitoring plans.
- Interactive Plan Required: To use features like remote arming/disarming and to receive push notifications, you must be subscribed to an interactive monitoring plan (like the Fast Protect™ plan). If your subscription has lapsed or been downgraded, the app's core features will stop working. Log into your account on the Simplisafe website to verify your plan's status.
## Step 4: Basic App Troubleshooting
Like any app, the Simplisafe app can experience temporary glitches that can be cleared with a few simple steps.
- Force Close the App: This is different from just swiping away from it.
- iOS: Swipe up from the bottom of your screen to open the app switcher, then swipe up on the Simplisafe app preview to close it.
- Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Simplisafe > Force stop.
- Clear App Cache (Android Only):
- Go to Settings > Apps > Simplisafe > Storage & cache.
- Tap "Clear cache". This removes temporary files without deleting your login details.
- Check for Updates: Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and ensure you have the latest version of the Simplisafe app installed.
## Step 5: The Full Reinstall
If nothing else has worked, reinstalling the app will give you a completely fresh start.
- Uninstall the App: Delete the Simplisafe app from your phone.
- Restart Your Phone: This is a crucial step to clear out any residual data.
- Reinstall the App: Download and install the Simplisafe app again from your device's app store.
- Log In: You will need to enter your username and password again.
By following these steps, you can solve the majority of problems preventing the Simplisafe app from working, restoring your remote access and control over your home security system.