SimpliSafe Camera Audio Not Working? Here’s How to Fix It
Audio is a vital part of your SimpliSafe security system. The ability to hear what's happening and use the two-way talk feature adds a significant layer of security and convenience. If you've discovered that your SimpliSafe camera has no sound, it can be a real concern.
The good news is that the cause is often a simple setting rather than a hardware fault. This guide will walk you through the most common reasons for audio issues and how to resolve them quickly, with a special focus on SimpliSafe's unique privacy features.
The Number One Cause: The Privacy Shutter
Before we dive into other possibilities, it's crucial to understand how the SimpliSafe indoor cameras (SimpliCam and Smart Alarm Indoor Camera) work.
- Privacy by Design: These cameras are equipped with a physical privacy shutter. When this shutter is closed, it doesn't just block the video; it also completely disables the microphone at a hardware level. This is a deliberate feature to guarantee your privacy.
If you are experiencing no audio, the very first thing to check is the status of your privacy shutter.
How to Troubleshoot SimpliSafe Audio Issues
Let's go through the steps to get your sound back on.
1. Check the Privacy Shutter Status
This is the most important step for indoor cameras.
- Open the SimpliSafe App: On the main screen, find the camera you are having issues with.
- Check the Shutter: The app will tell you if the camera's privacy shutter is 'Open' or 'Closed'.
- Open the Shutter: If it's closed, go into the camera's settings (tap the gear icon) and set the shutter to 'Open'. You can also set it to open automatically based on your system's armed state (e.g., open in 'Away' mode).
- Listen Again: Once the shutter is open, go back to the live view and check for audio.
2. Enable the Microphone in Camera Settings (Outdoor Camera)
The SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Camera does not have a privacy shutter, but its microphone can be disabled in the settings.
- Navigate to Camera Settings: In the app, select your outdoor camera and tap the gear icon.
- Go to 'Audio Settings': Find the audio menu.
- Toggle 'Microphone' On: Make sure the microphone is enabled.
3. Verify App Permissions for Two-Way Talk
If you can hear audio from the camera but others can't hear you through the two-way talk feature, the issue is likely on your phone.
- Go to Your Phone's Settings: Exit the SimpliSafe app and open your phone's main settings menu.
- Find App Permissions: Go to 'Apps' (on Android) or scroll down to the app list (on iOS).
- Select SimpliSafe: Tap on the SimpliSafe app.
- Allow Microphone Access: Go to 'Permissions' and ensure that the app is allowed to access your phone's microphone.
4. Check Your Phone's Volume
It's a simple mistake to make.
- View Live Stream: Open the camera's live stream in the SimpliSafe app.
- Increase Media Volume: Use the volume-up button on your phone to increase the media volume. Make sure it's not on silent or vibrate.
5. Update and Reboot
If the steps above haven't worked, a classic reboot can often help.
- Update the App: Check your phone's app store to ensure you have the latest version of the SimpliSafe app.
- Reboot Your Camera: Unplug the camera from its power source (or remove the battery for the outdoor camera), wait for a minute, and then reconnect it.
- Reboot Your Wi-Fi Router: This can help resolve any network glitches that might be interfering with the audio stream.