Unlocking the Full Potential of Your SimpliSafe System
So, you've set up your new SimpliSafe security system, but you've noticed that some of the features you were expecting to use are unavailable. Perhaps your camera isn't recording, you're not getting notifications on your phone, or you can't see a history of events. This isn't a fault with your system; it's all about which subscription plan you've chosen.
SimpliSafe's hardware is powerful, but many of its best features—like professional monitoring, mobile app controls, and video recording—are enabled through a monthly subscription. This guide will explain what you get with and without a plan, helping you understand why you might have limited features and how to unlock them.
Feature Breakdown: With vs. Without a Subscription
Understanding the different service tiers is key to getting the most out of your system. SimpliSafe's features are primarily divided between having no plan and having a monitoring plan.
Without a Subscription (Self-Monitoring, No Fee)
If you choose not to subscribe to a plan, your SimpliSafe system will function as a basic, local alarm.
- What Works:
- You can arm and disarm your system using the Keypad and Key Fob.
- If a sensor (like an entry or motion sensor) is triggered while the system is armed, the Base Station siren will sound.
- You can view a live video stream from your cameras through the SimpliSafe app.
- What Doesn't Work (Limited Features):
- No Professional Monitoring: The system will not contact emergency services (police, fire) for you. It's a local siren only.
- No Mobile App Alerts: You will not receive any push notifications on your phone if an alarm is triggered.
- No Remote Control: You cannot arm or disarm the system from the SimpliSafe app. This must be done locally.
- No Video Recording: Your cameras will not record any video clips. You can only watch the live feed.
- No Event History: The app will not show you a timeline of events, such as when doors were opened or when the system was armed/disarmed.
- No Smart Home Integrations: You cannot connect your system to Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
With a Subscription Plan
To unlock the remote access and security features, you need to choose a monitoring plan. The most popular plan that enables all features is the Interactive Monitoring plan.
Camera-Only Subscription
If you only have cameras and no security system, you can get a plan that just enables video features.
- Includes: Video recording and cloud storage for up to five cameras.
Standard Monitoring Plan
This is a professional monitoring plan with limited features.
- Includes: 24/7 professional monitoring and emergency dispatch.
- Does NOT Include: App alerts, remote control, video recording, or secret alerts.
Interactive Monitoring Plan (Unlocks All Features)
This is the top-tier plan that gives you access to every feature SimpliSafe offers.
- You Get Everything:
- 24/7 Professional Monitoring: The core of the service. If an alarm is triggered, SimpliSafe's monitoring centre will call you and dispatch emergency services if needed.
- Full Mobile App Control: Arm/disarm your system from anywhere, receive instant alerts and notifications for all events.
- Unlimited Camera Recording: All your cameras will record video clips during alarms, motion events, and more. These are stored in the cloud for you to review.
- Complete Event History: See a full timeline of every event in your app.
- Secret Alerts: Set specific sensors to send you a discreet notification without triggering a full alarm (e.g., on a liquor cabinet or safe).
- Smart Home Integrations: Connect your system to Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.
How to Unlock Your System's Features
If you are experiencing limited features, it's almost certainly because you are on the no-fee plan or a plan that doesn't include the functionality you want.
- Identify Your Needs: Do you want to be able to get alerts on your phone and control the system remotely? Do you want your cameras to record video? If yes, you need a subscription.
- Choose the Right Plan: For the vast majority of users, the Interactive Monitoring plan provides the experience they expect when they buy a SimpliSafe system.
- Activate Your Subscription: You can easily activate or upgrade your monitoring plan through the SimpliSafe website. Log in to your account, select the system you wish to manage, and choose the plan that best fits your needs.
Once your new plan is active, your system will update, and the features included in that plan will become available in your app almost immediately.