Troubleshooting Simplisafe Third-Party App Issues
Connecting your Simplisafe system to third-party applications like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant unlocks powerful voice control and smart home automation features. However, when this link breaks, it can be a source of major inconvenience. If you're struggling to get your integrations to work, you're in the right place.
This guide is designed to help you diagnose and fix common problems with Simplisafe's third-party app integrations. We'll cover everything from initial setup errors to unresponsive voice commands, helping you restore full functionality to your smart home.
## Step 1: Verify Your Simplisafe Monitoring Plan
One of the most common reasons for integration failure is an incompatible monitoring plan. Many of Simplisafe's advanced features, including third-party integrations, are only available with specific subscription tiers.
- Check Your Plan: Log in to your account on the Simplisafe website.
- Confirm Compatibility: Ensure you are subscribed to the Fast Protect™ or Standard monitoring plan. The basic plan does not support these integrations. If you're on a lower-tier plan, you will need to upgrade to enable these features.
## Step 2: Relink the Skill or Service
The connection between Simplisafe and the third-party app can sometimes be disrupted. The most effective way to fix this is to disable and then re-enable the integration, which forces a fresh authentication.
For Amazon Alexa:
- Open the Amazon Alexa app.
- Go to
More>Skills & Games. - Find the "SimpliSafe Home Control" skill and select it.
- Tap
Disable Skilland confirm. - After it's disabled, tap
Enable to Useand sign in with your Simplisafe account credentials.
For Google Assistant:
- Open the Google Home app.
- Tap
Devices>Add>Works with Google. - Find Simplisafe in the list (you may need to search).
- If it's already linked, select it and choose
Unlink account. - Once unlinked, add it again and complete the sign-in process.
## Step 3: Check for App and Firmware Updates
Outdated software can lead to compatibility issues. Ensure everything is up to date.
- SimpliSafe App: Go to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store on your smartphone and check for any available updates for the Simplisafe app.
- Third-Party App: Do the same for your Amazon Alexa or Google Home app.
- Device Firmware: While you are in the apps, check that your smart speakers (e.g., Echo, Google Nest) have the latest firmware installed. This usually happens automatically, but a restart can help trigger an update.
## Step 4: Use Precise Voice Commands
Sometimes, the issue isn't a technical problem but rather the phrasing of your commands. Both Alexa and Google Assistant require specific syntax to control your Simplisafe system.
- Correct Phrasing: Use clear and standard commands.
- "Alexa, ask SimpliSafe to arm my system in Home mode."
- "Hey Google, what's the status of my security system?"
- "Alexa, tell SimpliSafe I'm leaving." (To arm in Away mode)
- Avoid Ambiguity: Don't use vague commands like "turn on the alarm." Be specific about the mode (Home or Away).
## Step 5: Power Cycle Your Devices
A simple restart can often clear up temporary glitches.
- Unplug your SimpliSafe Base Station: Remove the power cord and, if possible, the backup batteries. Wait for 60 seconds.
- Unplug your Smart Hub/Speaker: Unplug your Amazon Echo or Google Nest device.
- Restart your Router: It's also a good idea to restart your Wi-Fi router.
- Reconnect: Plug everything back in, starting with the router, then the Simplisafe Base Station, and finally your smart speaker. Give the system a few minutes to fully reboot and reconnect before trying a command again.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve most third-party app integration issues with your Simplisafe system.