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.