Receiving Too Many Simplisafe Alerts? Here's How to Fine-Tune Your System
A Simplisafe security system is an excellent way to protect your home, but the constant chime of notifications can sometimes feel overwhelming. Whether it's the motion sensor being triggered by your cat or the camera alerting you to every car that passes, excessive alerts can be a major annoyance. More importantly, they can lead to "alert fatigue," where you become so used to the notifications that you might ignore a real one.
If you're being bombarded with alerts, don't worry. Your Simplisafe system is highly customisable, and with a few simple adjustments to your sensors and app settings, you can significantly cut down on the noise. This guide will walk you through the most effective ways to reduce unwanted notifications and make your system smarter.
## Identifying the Source of the Extra Alerts
The first step is to figure out which device is causing the problem. Is it a specific motion sensor, an entry sensor, or your SimpliCam? The most common culprits are typically motion sensors and cameras placed in high-traffic or environmentally challenging areas.
- Motion Sensors: Often triggered by pets, direct sunlight, or air vents causing curtains to move.
- SimpliCams: Can be set off by activity outside of your property, like people on the pavement or cars on the street.
- Entry Sensors: May trigger if a door or window isn't fully secure and moves slightly.
## Your Guide to Calming the Notifications
Let's go through the practical steps you can take to regain control over your Simplisafe alerts.
### 1. Adjust Motion Sensor Sensitivity and Placement
This is the key to preventing false alarms from your motion sensors.
- Physical Sensitivity Switch: On the back of your Simplisafe motion sensor, there is a small switch. You can set it to Low (L), Medium (M), or High (H). If you're getting false alerts, try moving it down a level, for example from High to Medium.
- Pet-Friendly Installation: Simplisafe sensors are designed to be pet-friendly for pets up to 50 lbs, but only if installed correctly. For best results, place the sensor upside down, with the test button on the bottom, about 4 to 5 feet off the floor. This directs the sensor's field of view straight out and slightly up, creating a "pet alley" for your furry friends to walk under without triggering the alarm.
- Strategic Placement: Avoid pointing motion sensors directly at windows, radiators, or air conditioning vents. Sudden changes in light or temperature can cause false triggers.
### 2. Customise Your SimpliCam Settings
If your camera is the problem, you can adjust its settings directly in the Simplisafe app.
- Reduce Motion Sensitivity: In the app, go to Cameras, select the settings for the camera you want to adjust, and find the Motion Detection settings. Here, you'll see a sensitivity slider. Lower it to reduce alerts from minor movements.
- Set Up Motion Zones (for outdoor cameras): If you have a Simplisafe outdoor camera, you can define specific activity zones. This allows you to draw a box around the area you want to monitor (like your driveway) and ignore motion in other areas (like the street).
### 3. Manage Your Smart Alert Preferences
You have granular control over which events trigger a push notification to your phone.
- Open the Simplisafe App: Go to the main menu (☰), select Alerts & Notifications (or Manage Account > Alerts).
- Customise Push Notifications: Here, you can toggle alerts on or off for a wide range of events, such as "Alarm," "Activity," and "Errors." If you're getting too many general activity alerts, you might choose to disable notifications for when the system is armed or disarmed by a user, while still keeping critical alarm notifications active.
By taking the time to properly place your sensors and customise your app settings, you can create a more intelligent and less "chatty" Simplisafe system that provides security without the constant interruptions.