SimpliSafe Doorbell Camera Not Working? (7 Instant Fix!)

SimpliSafe doorbell camera not working can be frustrating as it’s not immediately apparent what has caused your device to malfunction.

Even if this is the issue you face, don’t worry; this guide will give you some solutions.

To fix your SimpliSafe doorbell camera, start by checking the power supply and its connections. Next, ensure its firmware is up-to-date, and power cycle your camera.

Now that you know a few of the fixes we will be attempting in this guide, let’s first try to better understand the underlying causes.

Why is My SimpliSafe Doorbell Camera Not Working?

You might experience that your camera is not powering on or that it turns on but doesn’t function as intended or shuts down abruptly.

These are likely due to the camera itself being incorrectly connected or due to some configuration error. 

Here is a list of the most frequent causes of SimpliSafe doorbell cameras malfunctioning:

Now that you have a more precise understanding of why your SimpliSafe camera is malfunctioning let’s move on to the actual fixes.

How to Fix SimpliSafe Doorbell Camera Not Working?

Tip: It's not suggested to install your device exposed to direct sunlight, as it can interfere with it.

Solution 1: Check the Power Supply and Connections

If you face the issue of the SimpliSafe doorbell camera stopped working, one of the first fixes is to verify that it was correctly wired and that its power supply isn’t faulty.

If your device receives unstable voltage, it won’t power on properly.

Here are some general ways to ensure your SimpliSafe is properly connected to power:

1. Confirm that the Doorbell Camera is connected to a stable power supply.
2. Ensure the wall outlet is functioning and providing adequate power.
3. Try a different power outlet if the current one seems to be causing issues.
4. Verify that all power connections to the camera are secure.
5. Check for any visible damage to cords or plugs on your SimpliSafe.
6. Restart the camera after changing the power source.

If the issue persists, consider checking the internal wiring​​ – refer to the owner manual for a detailed guide on how to install the wiring if applicable.

Note: SimpliSafe doorbells bought within the US work with only a specific voltage standard.

Solution 2: Reset Your Doorbell Camera

A frequent reason your SimpliSafe does not work properly is an internal software glitch or temporary error.

This can cause an array of malfunctions but is relatively simple to fix.

Here is how to properly power cycle your SimpliSafe doorbell camera:

1. Unmount the SimpliSafe Camera from its mounting plate.
2. Ensure the camera is powered on by turning on the power knob if present.
3. Locate the reset button above the micro-USB port.
4. Press and hold the reset button for 16 seconds.
5. Release the button and allow time for the camera to revert to factory settings.
6. Carefully remount the camera to its plate and secure it.
7. Reconnect the camera to the app and configure settings​​.

Note: Remember that a factory reset will revert your device and erase any stored data.

Solution 3: Update the SimpliSafe Camera Firmware and SimpliSafe App

A frequently overlooked cause of your SimpliSafe malfunctioning is if its software is not running on the latest available version.

This can lead to not only performance issues but also crashes or data loss.

Here are the steps to update your SimpliSafe Camera software to the latest version:

1. Open the SimpliSafe app on your device.
2. Navigate to ‘Devices‘ and select your doorbell camera.
3. Go to ‘Settings‘ and then select ‘Firmware Update‘.
4. Allow the app to check for and install any available updates.
5. Ensure your SimpliSafe app is also updated to the latest version.
6. Restart the doorbell camera after the update.

After performing the updates, you might be prompted to reconfigure your device when adding it through the app again.

When reconfiguration is done, check if the camera is functioning properly​​.

Note: Ensure your network is set up to broadcast in 2.4GHz  for compatibility reasons.

Solution 4: Adjust Your Camera Motion Settings

If your SimpliSafe doorbell doesn’t properly focus or the picture appears blurry, likely, that its motion settings are not correctly calibrated.

To fix this, you have to modify them through the SimpliSafe app.

Here are the steps to adjust your SimpliSafe camera motion settings:

1. Log in to the SimpliSafe app with your credentials and select your device.
2. Go to ‘Settings‘ and then to the ‘Motion Detection‘ page.
3. Adjust the motion detection settings as needed.
4. Save the changes and exit the settings menu.
5. Test the motion detection feature for signs of blurriness or poor quality.
6. Adjust again if needed for optimal performance.

When you are done adjusting the camera, monitor it throughout the day to see if it now has consistent motion detection​​.

Note: Check if your camera’s sensors are not obstructed or dirty and clean if needed.

Solution 5: Check and Improve Your Signal Strength

If your SimpliSafe camera is receiving power but not broadcasting a picture or showing that there is no connection, you have to troubleshoot your WiFi signal.

The cause for this is likely the router itself, and you have to ensure that the signal strength is also sufficient.

Here are the guidelines to ensure your SimpliSafe has sufficient signal strength: 

1. Log in to the SimpliSafe app and check the Wi-Fi signal strength.
2. Move the router closer to the doorbell camera if the signal is weak.
3. Remove any Wi-Fi interferences near the camera or router, like other electronics.
4. Consider adding any suitable Wi-Fi extender to improve your home’s signal strength.
5. Reset or restart your Wi-Fi router to fix potential software issues.
6. Add and then reconnect the doorbell camera to the Wi-Fi network.
7. When ready, test the connection for stability and range​​​​ again.

During the process of adding your camera through the app, pause any large downloads or streaming to ensure good connectivity.

Note: If you notice poor WiFi speeds, get in touch with your internet service provider.

Solution 6: Verify Your SimpliSafe Subscription Status

Depending on the package you have selected, your SimpliSafe subscription might have timed out, preventing you from utilizing all of its features and functionality.

In this case, you have to manually check if your subscription has been paused.

Here are some general steps to ensure your SimpliSafe subscription is active:

1. Check your SimpliSafe subscription status in the app.
2. Ensure that your plan is active and has not exceeded its limits.
3. Upgrade the plan if necessary.
4. Confirm the activation of your subscription post-upgrade.
5. Restart the doorbell camera.
6. Test the camera to ensure it’s working under the new plan.

Note: Check to see if your home’s circuit breaker is not disabling power to your camera.

Solution 7: Reset Your SimpliSafe Base Station 

If you have tried all of the steps so far, but your SimpliSafe is still not working as intended, you can try to manually reset its base station.

Note that the steps on this might vary based on your model.

Here is how to reset your SimpliSafe base station:

1. Unplug the SimpliSafe base station.
2. Remove the battery cover using a Phillips-head screwdriver.
3. Remove one battery for at least 10-15 seconds to let it discharge any residual power.
4. Replace the battery and battery cover.
5. Plug the base station back in and note the proper orientation when reattaching it.
6. Wait a minute or two for a new connection.
7. Arm the system to test that it works properly​​.

When you have reset your base station, test if the doorbell chime is working.

If the camera is still malfunctioning, then it’s likely that your issue is related to a hardware defect. In this case, consider contacting SimpliSafe support.

Note: Ensure the screws holding the power cables are tightly fastened.

Quick Recap

To fix the SimpliSafe doorbell camera not working, start by power cycling your device and checking all of its power connections.

Next, update your app and camera firmware.