SimpliSafe Glass Break Sensor Not Responding? (Fix Now!)

SimpliSafe glass break sensor not responding can be worrisome, as you rely on it to alert you of unwanted intrusions.

If your glass break does not respond, don’t worry; we will show you how to fix it.

To fix your SimpliSafe glass break sensor not responding, start by checking its battery levels. Next, verify it’s positioned properly and check for sound-dampening issues.

Now that you know some of the solutions that we will try, let’s first see the causes behind them.

Why Is My SimpliSafe Glass Break Sensor Not Responding?

You might notice a warning or error message similar to “Sensor Is Not Responding” or that your device doesn’t pair or connect to its base station.

In both situations, the underlying cause is likely due to power or placement issues.

Here are some of the most common causes of your glass break sensor not responding:

Now that you know why your sensor or device is not responding properly, we can move on to the troubleshooting solutions.

How To Fix SimpliSafe Glass Break Sensor Not Responding?

Tip: Dense materials used in walls and buildings severely reduce wireless signal range.

Solution 1: Checking Your Glass Break Sensor Battery

Perhaps the most frequent cause of a SimpliSafe glass break sensor not working is because it’s not receiving sufficient power, leading it to break down or malfunction.

To prevent this, you have to ensure it has a fresh battery installed.

Here is how to check and replace the glass break sensors’ depleted batteries:

1. Slide the glass break sensor off its bracket by pushing it towards the wall and up.
2. Remove the battery from your SimpliSafe glass break sensor.
3. Wait for 15 seconds, then reinstall the battery into the sensor.
4. Place your SimpliSafe system into Test Mode.
5. Use your Keypad and press this combination: Menu > Enter Master PIN > Test Mode.
6. Press and release the button on the glass break sensor. 
7. The Base Station should announce that your anti-break-in sensor is live.

Afterward, check if the timeline shows “Glassbreak Sensor Test” on your SimpliSafe mobile app, confirming that your device is working properly now.

If the Base Station does not respond, it may indicate that the battery within the glass break sensor needs replacement.

Note: The SimpliSafe glass break sensor takes a single CR-123A Lithium 3V battery. 

Solution 2: Check Your Sensor Placement

If you replaced the battery, but the glass break sensor still does not respond, you have to check how it’s placed relative to the Base Station.

Improper placement can cause signal issues, including your sensor not responding to sound.

Here are some guidelines to ensure the glass break sensor is correctly positioned:

• Temporarily move the glass break sensor closer to the Base Station.
• See if it appears on your device list through the app after moving it closer.
• Check for factors like thick walls or electronics that interfere with the sensor’s signal.
• Ensure the sensor is placed within a close distance from the Base Station.
• Don’t have thick furniture pieces blocking or obstructing your SimpliSafe device.

When you are done repositioning your device, re-run the Test Mode to confirm if the sensor responds when closer to the Base Station.

Note: Confirm that the sensor is not placed in rooms with strong sound echoing.

Solution 3: Perform a Clap Test in Test Mode

A clever way to check if your SimpliSafe sensor is armed and properly positioned or installed is to do the clap test.

This test aims to see if your SimpliSafe works correctly by registering sound inputs.

Here are the steps on how to perform the clap test for your glass break sensor:

1. Put the SimpliSafe sensor into test mode by pressing the small button on its side.
2. Perform a clap test by clapping your hands about 20 feet away from the sensor.
3. Look for an amber light signal on the sensor, indicating it has detected the clap.
4. Ensure the sensor is placed 20 feet away from the protected glass for optimal detection.
5. Adjust the sensor’s location closer to 10 feet if heavy curtains are present.

After this test, complete the setup by ensuring the sensor is securely mounted on the wall or ceiling within the specified range from potential break-in points​​.

Note: Test if your router WiFi signal strength is enough to reach your Base Station device.

Solution 4: Resetting the Base Station

A possible cause for the glass break sensor to not respond is that there is a software error with it or your base station.

To prevent this scenario from affecting your device, you can try a simple reset procedure.

Here is how to properly have your base station and glass break sensor reset:

1. Unplug the SimpliSafe base station from the power source.
2. Remove the battery cover of the base station using a Phillips-head screwdriver.
3. Take out one battery from your SimpliSafe station.
4. Wait for about 12-16 seconds before reinserting the battery into the base station.
5. Replace the battery cover and plug the base station back in.
6. Wait for a minute or two for the base station to establish a new connection.
7. Place the system in Test Mode to ensure it recognizes the glass break sensor correctly.

Note: Try to add and remove your SimpliSafe sensor through the app to fix pairing issues.

Solution 5: Update System Firmware Version

If the SimpliSafe sensor runs on firmware that is not up to standard or outdated, it can cause multiple issues, including non-responsiveness.

To fix such issues, you have to manually verify if any updates are available and install them.

Here is how to ensure that the glass break sensor has the latest firmware version:

1. Take your smartphone or tablet device where your SimpliSafe app is installed.
2. Ensure your glass break sensor is properly paired and added to the app.
3. From the app, find and then tap on the glass break sensor from the device list.
4. Look for a notification that says “Update Pending” or “Update Available”.
5. Note that the steps above might vary depending on your SimpliSafe app version.
6. Tap on install update and let your device finish getting updated.

When the update is done, check your sensor’s responsiveness by performing the clap test again, and be sure to check frequently for new updates.

Note: Always have your SimpliSafe app configured to have automatic updates.

Solution 6: Reset Your SimpliSafe Glass Break Sensor

After you reset your base station, but your glass break sensor still won’t respond, you can try resetting it as well.

Remember to pair your sensor through the app and base station again when you finish the steps below.

Here is how to properly reset your SimpliSafe glass break sensor:

1. Identify the reset button on the SimpliSafe glass break sensor.
2. Unplug the base station to prepare for the sensor reset.
3. Press and hold the reset button on the sensor for at least 10 seconds.
4. Release the button when you hear a beep indicating it has reset.
5. Reinsert the battery and ensure the battery cover is securely in place.
6. Replug the base station and wait for it to reconnect to the sensor.
7. Test the sensor again in Test Mode to check for proper response.

If the sensor still does not respond, your unit likely has hardware damage or a defect.

Note: Hard resetting the glass break sensor will erase any stored settings or data.

Solution 7: Check for Signs of Hardware Damage

If you followed through with all of the steps to fix your glass break sensor, but it still won’t respond, your unit may have some type of hardware or wiring defect.

Here is how to check the glass break sensor for any damaged components:

1. Carefully remove your SimpliSafe glass break detector from its position to inspect it.
2. Look around the sensor housing for signs of dents, cracks, or plastic warping.
3. Clean your sensor’s microphone area with pressurized air and a soft cloth.
4. If you find any signs of damage or defects, check if your device is still under warranty.
5. Be careful in attempting to repair any damaged wires on your own by resoldering them.

If your sensor still does not respond, consider contacting SimpliSafe support for further assistance​​.

Note: Some SimpliSafe devices won't pair over WiFi that is not set to broadcast on 2.4GHz.

Quick Recap

To fix your SimpliSafe glass break sensor not responding, check its battery and position relative to your base station.

Next, reset the glass break sensor and check for damage.