How to Fix SimpliSafe Cloud Storage and Recording Issues
Having a video record of events is one of the most critical features of a modern security system. If your SimpliSafe cameras are not saving recordings to the cloud, it leaves a major gap in your home's security.
This guide will help you troubleshoot the common reasons why your recordings might be missing and how to fix them.
## Step 1: Verify Your Monitoring Plan
This is the most fundamental requirement for cloud storage. SimpliSafe requires a paid subscription for camera recordings.
- Check Your Plan: Log in to your account on the SimpliSafe website (not just the app). Navigate to your subscription or monitoring plan details.
- Required Plans: You need to be subscribed to either the Interactive Monitoring plan (which includes video storage) or a standalone camera subscription. The lower-tiered "Standard" monitoring plan does not include cloud video storage.
- Payment Status: Ensure your payment method is up to date and your subscription is active.
If you do not have the correct plan, your cameras can be used for live streaming, but no video clips will be recorded or stored.
## Step 2: Troubleshoot the Camera's Wi-Fi Connection
A weak or unstable Wi-Fi connection is the most common technical cause of failed recordings. The camera needs a strong upload speed to send the video file to SimpliSafe's servers.
- Check Signal Strength: In the SimpliSafe app, go to your camera's settings and look for a Wi-Fi signal strength indicator. If it's low (one or two bars), this is likely the problem.
- Improve the Signal:
- Move your Wi-Fi router closer to the camera if possible.
- If you can't move the router, consider installing a Wi-Fi extender or mesh node near the camera to boost the signal.
- Minimise obstructions between the router and the camera. Dense materials like brick, concrete, and large metal appliances can severely degrade the Wi-Fi signal.
- Run a Speed Test: Use a speed test app on your phone while standing next to the camera. You need a stable upload speed of at least 2 Mbps per camera.
## Step 3: Check Individual Camera Settings
Each camera has its own settings that can affect recording.
- Privacy Shutter (for SimpliCam): The indoor SimpliCam has a physical privacy shutter. In the app's camera settings, you can control when this shutter is open or closed based on the system's status (Off, Home, Away). If the shutter is set to be closed, it will not record. Ensure the shutter is set to "Open" for the modes you want it to record in.
- Motion Detection: Go to the camera's settings and ensure that motion detection is turned on and the sensitivity is set appropriately. If sensitivity is too low, it may not trigger a recording.
## Step 4: Power Cycle the Camera and Router
A simple reboot can often clear up temporary software glitches.
- Unplug your camera from its power source.
- Unplug your Wi-Fi router from its power source.
- Wait for 60 seconds.
- Plug the router back in first and wait for it to fully connect to the internet (about 3-5 minutes).
- Plug your camera back in and give it a few minutes to reconnect to the network.
After the camera is back online, trigger a test event (e.g., walk in front of the camera) and check your timeline in the app to see if a new recording appears. It may take a minute or two for the video to upload and process.