How to Fix Simplisafe Two-Way Audio Delay and Lag
The two-way audio feature on Simplisafe cameras is incredibly useful, allowing you to speak with visitors, instruct delivery drivers, or deter potential intruders right from your smartphone. However, a significant delay or lag during these conversations can make communication impossible and frustrating. If you're experiencing a noticeable gap between when you speak and when your voice is heard, this guide will help you troubleshoot the problem.
Why Real-Time Audio Matters
Effective communication relies on a near-instantaneous back-and-forth. When there's a delay, conversations become a confusing mess of interruptions and repeated phrases. For security purposes, this delay could mean losing the opportunity to give a critical, timely instruction. Let's resolve the lag and restore clarity to your conversations.
Step 1: Analyse Your Network and Wi-Fi Connection
The journey your voice takes from your phone, to the Simplisafe servers, to your camera, and back again is complex. The most common bottleneck is your own network.
Check Your Upload Speed
While download speed is important for streaming content, upload speed is critical for features like two-way talk. It determines how quickly you can send your voice data from your phone to the camera.
- Run a Speed Test: Use a reliable speed testing website or app on your smartphone while it's connected to your home Wi-Fi.
- Evaluate the Results: For smooth two-way audio, you need a stable upload speed, ideally above the 2 Mbps minimum required for the video stream itself. If your upload speed is low or fluctuating, this is a likely cause of the delay. You may need to contact your internet service provider (ISP) about a better plan.
Strengthen Your Wi-Fi Signal
The quality of the connection between your camera and your router is just as important.
- Check Camera's Signal: In the Simplisafe app, check the Wi-Fi signal strength for the camera in question. A weak or poor signal will inevitably lead to data loss and delays.
- Reduce Distance and Obstructions: Move your router closer to your camera if possible. Walls (especially brick or concrete) and large metal appliances can significantly degrade the signal.
- Use a Wi-Fi Extender: If you can't improve the signal by moving things, a Wi-Fi range extender or a mesh network can provide a much-needed boost to the camera's location.
Step 2: Check Your Mobile Device's Connection
The problem isn't always with your home network. The connection on your smartphone plays an equally important role.
Are You on Wi-Fi or Mobile Data?
- Mobile Data (4G/5G): If you are away from home and using mobile data, the quality of your cellular connection will directly impact audio performance. A weak signal with only one or two bars will almost certainly cause a delay. Try to find a location with a stronger signal.
- Public Wi-Fi: Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks (e.g., in a coffee shop or airport). They are often congested and slow, which is not ideal for real-time communication.
- Test on a Strong Connection: As a test, try using the two-way audio feature while your phone is connected to a fast and reliable Wi-Fi network. If the performance improves dramatically, you know the issue lies with the connection you were using previously.
Step 3: Basic Device and Software Troubleshooting
If your network connections seem robust, some simple resets and updates can often clear up unforeseen software glitches.
Reboot All Components
- Restart Your Camera: Unplug the Simplisafe camera from its power source. Wait for 60 seconds before plugging it back in.
- Restart Your Router: Do the same for your home Wi-Fi router. This can resolve many minor network-related bugs.
- Restart Your Phone: A simple reboot of your smartphone can clear its memory and resolve background app conflicts.
Update Everything
- SimpliSafe App: Go to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and ensure you have the most recent version of the Simplisafe app.
- Camera Firmware: Check for firmware updates within the app's camera settings. These updates often include performance enhancements that can improve audio-video synchronisation.
By methodically checking your home network, your mobile connection, and performing basic device maintenance, you can significantly reduce or eliminate the frustrating delay in your Simplisafe's two-way audio.