Tired of Constant False Notifications From Your SimpliSafe System?
A home security system should provide peace of mind, but receiving a constant stream of false notifications can quickly turn it into a nuisance. False alerts from your SimpliSafe system, whether from a motion sensor or a camera, are not only annoying but can also lead to "alarm fatigue," where you begin to ignore notifications, potentially missing a real event. The good news is that most false alarms are preventable with a few strategic adjustments to your sensor placement and system settings. This guide will show you how to troubleshoot and eliminate them.
Step 1: Identify the Culprit Sensor
The first step is to figure out which specific sensor is causing the false alerts. Your SimpliSafe event log is the best tool for this.
- Open the SimpliSafe App or Web Dashboard.
- Navigate to your Timeline or Event Log.
- Review the Recent Events: Look for the motion alerts and note which sensor's name is associated with them (e.g., "Motion Detected in Living Room"). This tells you exactly which device needs attention.
Step 2: Adjust Motion Sensor Placement
SimpliSafe motion sensors work by detecting sources of heat moving within a space. Incorrect placement is the number one cause of false alarms.
### Key Placement Rules to Follow:
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Do not point the sensor at a window where direct sunlight can shine on it. A passing cloud that causes a sudden change in light and heat can be enough to trigger the sensor.
- Keep Away From Heat Sources: Do not install the sensor directly opposite or above radiators, heating vents, fireplaces, or powerful lamps. A sudden blast of hot air can be mistaken for body heat.
- Secure the Mounting: Ensure the sensor is firmly attached to the wall. A loose sensor could shift slightly and trigger itself.
- Check for Moving Objects: Look for things within the sensor's 90-degree field of view that could move, such as curtains near a vent, balloons, or hanging decorations.
### Making Your System Pet-Friendly
If you have pets, they are a likely cause.
- For Pets Under 13-22 kg (30-50 lbs): Mount the motion sensor upside down. The sensor's field of view is primarily straight out and down. By turning it upside down, it looks straight out and up. When mounted about 1.2 to 1.5 metres (4-5 feet) off the floor, this creates a pet-immune zone below, allowing your pets to roam freely without triggering the alarm.
Step 3: Adjust Sensitivity Settings
If placement isn't the issue, the sensor's sensitivity may be too high for its environment.
- For Standard Motion Sensors: On the back of the sensor, there is a small switch. You can set this to 'Low', 'Medium', or 'High'. If you are getting false alarms, move it down one level (e.g., from High to Medium).
- For the SimpliCam: Camera sensitivity is adjusted within the app. Go to the camera's settings, find 'Motion Detection', and lower the sensitivity slider.
Step 4: For Camera-Specific False Alerts
If the false notifications are coming from a SimpliCam or Video Doorbell, the issue is often with pixel-based motion detection.
- Use Activity Zones: If your subscription plan allows, set up activity zones. Draw a zone around the specific area you care about, like a walkway or a doorway, and instruct the camera to ignore motion outside of that zone. This is very effective for outdoor cameras to ignore cars on the street or swaying trees.
- Enable Smart Detection: In the camera's settings, ensure 'Smart Person Detection' is enabled. This tells the camera to only notify you when it identifies the shape of a person, rather than just any general motion like a blowing plastic bag.
By methodically checking the source of the alerts and carefully adjusting the placement and sensitivity of your devices, you can dramatically reduce or eliminate false notifications, making your SimpliSafe system a reliable and welcome part of your home.