Is Your SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera Battery Not Charging?
The SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Camera is a fantastic tool for keeping your property secure, but its effectiveness relies on a charged battery. If you've plugged in your camera and the battery percentage isn't increasing, or if the solar panel doesn't seem to be working, it can be a major concern.
This issue is usually caused by a few simple, easy-to-fix problems related to power sources, connections, or environmental factors. This guide will walk you through the troubleshooting process to get your camera charging correctly and your home protected.
Common Symptoms of a Charging Problem
You might be encountering one of these common charging-related issues:
- No Charging Indicator: When plugged in, the app does not show the charging symbol (a lightning bolt) over the battery icon.
- Battery Level Not Increasing: The camera has been plugged in for hours, but the battery percentage in the app hasn't gone up.
- 'Plugged in, not charging' Status: This message may appear in the app, particularly during cold weather.
- Solar Panel Ineffective: Despite being connected to the solar panel in direct sunlight, the battery level continues to drop.
- The Camera is Offline: The battery has completely died and connecting it to a power source does not bring it back online.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Charging Issues
Follow these steps to identify and solve the problem with your SimpliSafe camera.
1. Verify the Physical Connection
The most common cause of charging failure is a connection that isn't secure. The camera's power connection is designed to be very snug to ensure it's weatherproof.
- Push Firmly: Whether you are using the outdoor power cable or the shorter USB charging cable, ensure you push the connector into the port on the back of the camera until you feel a distinct click. It requires more force than you might expect. If it's not fully seated, it won't make a proper connection and will not charge.
- Check the Power Source: Ensure the USB power adapter is plugged into a working wall socket. Test the socket with another device, like a lamp, to confirm it has power.
- Inspect the Cable: Check the charging cable for any signs of damage, such as cuts or bent pins on the connector.
2. Understand Cold Weather Limitations
Lithium-ion batteries have a built-in safety mechanism that prevents them from charging at or below freezing temperatures (0°C / 32°F). Charging a frozen battery can cause permanent damage.
- Check the Temperature: If it's cold outside, your camera will draw power from the cable to operate, but it will not charge the battery until the internal temperature of the battery rises above freezing. This is why you might see a "Plugged in, not charging" status.
- Solution: During periods of extreme cold, the best solution is to bring the battery inside and charge it at room temperature using the shorter USB cable. Once fully charged, it can be returned to the camera.
3. Troubleshooting the Solar Panel
The solar panel is designed for maintenance charging, not for rapid charging of a dead battery.
- Initial Full Charge: Before relying on the solar panel, you must fully charge the battery indoors for 4-5 hours. The solar panel's job is to top up the battery, replacing the energy used during daily operation.
- Direct Sunlight is Key: The panel needs several hours of direct, unobstructed sunlight each day to be effective. A shady spot or an overcast day will significantly reduce its charging capability. Ensure the panel's surface is clean and pointed towards the sun's path.
- Secure Connection: Just like the power cable, ensure the solar panel's cable is firmly pushed into the camera's charging port until it clicks.
4. Reboot the Camera
Sometimes, a software glitch can cause the camera to incorrectly report its battery status.
- How to Reboot: If the camera is online, you can try a soft reset by removing the battery for 30 seconds and then reinserting it. This will force the camera to restart and re-evaluate its power status.
5. Check the Battery and Contacts
A faulty battery or dirty connection points can also be the culprit.
- Clean the Contacts: Remove the battery from the camera. Inspect the metal contact points on both the battery and inside the camera body. If you see any dirt or corrosion, gently clean them with a dry cloth or a pencil eraser.
- Test the Battery: When you plug the battery in for charging (either in the camera or on its own), a status light on the battery should illuminate. If no light appears, the battery itself or the charging cable may be faulty.
If you have followed all these steps and your camera is still not charging, it's time to contact SimpliSafe support for further assistance, as you may have a hardware issue.