How to Adjust Your SimpliSafe Motion Sensor and Stop False Alarms
A false alarm from your SimpliSafe system can be a stressful experience, both for you and your neighbours. The most common cause of these false triggers is a motion sensor that is either poorly positioned or set to a sensitivity level that is too high for its environment. This guide will walk you through the steps to adjust your sensors and ensure they only alert you to genuine threats.
Understanding How SimpliSafe Motion Sensors Work
SimpliSafe motion sensors use passive infrared (PIR) technology. They are designed to detect the heat signature of a person moving across their field of view. This is important because it means they can be triggered by anything that causes a rapid change in heat, not just intruders. Common culprits for false alarms include:
- Pets moving around the home.
- Direct sunlight hitting the sensor.
- Air currents from heating or air conditioning vents.
- Heat from radiators or kitchen appliances.
Step 1: Adjusting the Physical Motion Sensor's Sensitivity
For the standalone SimpliSafe motion sensor (not the camera), the sensitivity is controlled by a physical switch inside the unit.
- Disarm Your System: Make sure your SimpliSafe system is turned off before you handle any sensors.
- Remove the Sensor: Slide the motion sensor up and off its mounting bracket.
- Open the Casing: The back of the sensor can be removed to access the battery compartment.
- Locate the Switch: Inside, you will find a small switch, often labelled with "L," "M," and "H" for Low, Medium, and High sensitivity. The default setting is typically High.
- Change the Setting: If you are experiencing false alarms, move the switch to Medium or Low.
- Reassemble and Test: Put the sensor back together, slide it onto its bracket, and test the system.
Step 2: Optimising Sensor Placement
Correct placement is the most critical factor in preventing false alarms, especially if you have pets.
- Height: Install sensors at a height of 1.5 metres (5 feet) from the floor.
- Location: Place them in the corner of a room, looking down on the main living area and across doorways. This provides the best coverage.
- Avoid Heat Sources: Never point a motion sensor directly at or near radiators, heating vents, fireplaces, or windows that receive direct, bright sunlight.
- Pet-Friendly Installation: If you have pets, you can make the sensor more pet-immune by turning it upside down. The sensor's field of view is angled downwards from the unit. By flipping it, you make it look straight out and slightly up, creating a "pet alley" underneath where they can move around undetected. Ensure it's still mounted at 1.5 metres high.
Step 3: Adjusting the SimpliCam's Motion Sensitivity
If your false alerts are coming from a SimpliCam security camera, the sensitivity is adjusted through the app.
- Open the SimpliSafe app on your smartphone.
- Tap on the "Cameras" tab at the bottom.
- Select the gear icon for the camera you wish to adjust.
- Go to "Motion Detection" settings.
- Here you will find a slider for Motion Sensitivity. If you're getting too many alerts, move the slider to a lower setting (Low or Medium).
- Save your settings and monitor the camera's performance.
By correctly setting the sensitivity and, most importantly, ensuring optimal placement away from heat sources and with pet-friendly techniques in mind, you can drastically reduce the occurrence of false alarms and trust that your SimpliSafe system is ready to respond to a real emergency.