SimpliSafe Smoke Detector Blinking Red? (8 Easy Fixes)

If you see your Simplisafe smoke detector blinking red, don’t panic. We’re here to help!

SimpliSafe is a highly recommended basic smoke detector, but it isn’t perfect. Sometimes, you’ll experience a blinking red light that indicates a low battery or faulty device. 

To fix your SimpliSafe smoke detector that’s blinking red, replace the batteries on your smoke detector. If the issue persists, reset your device by removing it from your SimpliSafe system and re-adding it. 

Awesome, now, let’s dive into the solutions!

SimpliSafe Smoke Detector Blinking Red – 8 Easy Fixes to Do

Here are 10 easy troubleshooting methods to fix the blinking red issue. Explore them until you find one that works for you. 

#1: Replace the Batteries on Your Smoke Detector

If you see your SimpliSafe smoke detector red light blinking 4 times, it usually indicates a low battery.

Your device will blink red every 45 seconds and make a beeping sound every 15 minutes when the battery level is low. To resolve this, replace the batteries. 

Here are the steps to do this:

1. Turn your smoke detector counterclockwise.
2. Open the battery compartment on the back. 
3. Remove the old batteries.
4. Insert four new AAA lithium batteries into the compartment.
5. Close the battery compartment. 
6. Twist the smoke detector clockwise to mount it back. 
7. Check your app to see if the low battery alert is cleared. 

Note: When inserting the new batteries, align the positive and negative terminals in the correct orientation. 

#2: Check If Your Detector Works by Pressing the Test Button

Next, check your smoke detector works by pressing the test button. You should hear a loud beep and see a green light when you do this.

You should also receive a notification on your app or keypad that says Smoke Detector Test. 

If you don’t hear a beep, see a green light, or receive a notification, your detector is faulty and needs to be replaced.

In this case, contact SimpliSafe customer support for assistance. 

1. Visit the SimpliSafe website.
2. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and hit Help Center.
3. Click on Support.
4. Click on Contact Us at the bottom of the page. 
5. Choose between email or chat. 
6. If you choose to chat, a representative will assist you immediately.
7. If you choose email, fill out a form with your name, address, and problem. 
8. Submit your message, and a representative will respond as soon as possible. 

Info: The test button is on the front of the smoke detector and has a small flame icon.

#3: Get Rid of Dust and Dirt Around Your Smoke Detector

Check for dust or dirt if your SimpliSafe smoke detector continues to blink red. The accumulation of dust and dirt potentially obstructs the sensors, reducing your device’s effectiveness.

To fix this, clean your smoke detector regularly with a soft cloth or vacuum cleaner.

Here’s how to do this:

1. Remove the smoke detector from its mounting bracket. 
2. Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner with a nozzle attachment to remove dirt or dust.
3. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. 
4. Let your device dry completely. 
5. Install it back to its mounting bracket. 
6. Test if the blinking red light is gone. 

Tip: Avoid using water or cleaning agents, as they will damage your device. 

#4: Check for Smoke or Dust Sources Triggering the Alarm

Another possible cause is smoke or dust from various sources. Cooking, candles, cigarettes, incense, fireplaces, and aerosols create small particles that enter the detector and set off the alarm.

To fix this, check for sources around your device and eliminate or move them away. 

Here are the steps to do this:

1. Don’t cook or burn anything near your smoke detector. 
2. Use a fan or vent to clear the air in the kitchen.
3. Keep your smoke detector at least 20 feet away from smoke and dust sources.
4. Don’t use your SimpliSafe smoke detector near these sources:

• cigarettes or tobacco
• aerosols, paints, sprays, or other chemicals
• Candles, incense, or other scented products

Tip: If you have to use the above smoke and dust sources, do it in a small, enclosed place or a well-ventilated area.  

#5: Inspect the Wiring for Loose or Broken Wires

Loose or broken wires connecting the SimpliSafe smoke detector to the base station and power source are also possible causes of the blinking red issue.

To fix this, inspect the wiring for any damage and repair it if necessary. 

Here are the steps to do this:

1. Turn off your smoke detector at the circuit breaker or fuse box. 
2. Remove it from its mounting bracket. 
3. Check the back and the wall wires for fraying, cracking, or burning.
4. Cut off the damaged part if you find signs of wear and tear.
5. Strip about half an inch of insulation on both ends.   
6. Use wire connectors or electrical tape to join the wires together. 
7. Reattach the smoke detector to its mounting bracket and turn it on. 

Tip: Handle the wires and connections gently. Don’t pull or tug on the cables to prevent further damage. 

#6: Check Your Smoke Detector’s Placement

Another possible explanation is incorrect placement. Your smoke detector won’t work properly if placed too low, too high, too close, or too far from other devices or objects.

Its performance and sensitivity will be affected, causing the blinking red. 

To fix this, check your device’s placement and adjust it. Follow these guidelines:

1. Keep your smoke detector at least 3 feet from windows, doors, fans, vents, or ACs.
2. Install it at least 4 inches from the corners or edges of the wall or high on the ceiling.
3. Position it at least 10 feet away from kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures.
4. Place it at least 20 feet away from devices that cause interference, such as:

• Microwave ovens
• Cordless phones
• Wireless routers

Tip: Periodically check your detector’s placement and clean it to ensure it remains functional and free from obstructions. 

#7: Power Cycle Your Simplisafe Base Station

The base station is the main hub of the SimpliSafe system that communicates with all your sensors and devices.

Sometimes, it experiences glitches or errors that affect its connection with your smoke detector and cause it to blink red. To fix this, power cycle the base station. 

Here are the steps to do this:

1. Unplug the base station from the power source.
2. Wait for at least 30 seconds.
3. Plug the base station back into the power source. 
4. Wait for your device to boot up.
5. Check if your smoke detector is online and connected to the base station.

Note: If your base station has a backup battery, remove it after unplugging the power for a more thorough reset.  

#8: Reset Your Smoke Detector

If none of the above solutions work, reset your SimpliSafe smoke detector. It will erase its settings and restore it to its factory defaults, so only do this as a last resort.

To reset your smoke detector, remove it from your SimpliSafe system and add it again. 

Here are the steps to do it:

Removing the SimpliSafe smoke detector:

1. Open the SimpliSafe app on your smartphone. 
2. Tap on Menu.
3. Select Devices.
4. Tap Smoke Detector.
5. Choose Remove Device.
6. Confirm your action and wait for a confirmation message.
7. Remove the smoke detector from its mounting bracket. 
8. Open the battery compartment on the back. 
9. Remove the batteries for 10 seconds.
10. Reinsert the batteries and close the battery compartment.
11. Put the smoke detector back onto its mounting bracket.  
12. Press the test button until you hear a loud beep or see a green light. 

Adding the SimpliSafe smoke detector:

1. Open the SimpliSafe app.
2. Tap on Menu.
3. Select Devices.
4. Tap Add Device.
5. Choose Smoke Detector.
6. Follow the instructions on the app to pair your device with your base station. 

Tip: Before re-adding your smoke detector, check its expiration date. SimpliSafe smoke detectors need to be replaced every 10 years or sooner. If expired, they won’t work properly and blink red. 

Quick Recap

If you see a SimpliSafe smoke detector blinking red, stay calm. It usually signals a low battery or a device issue.

To fix this, replace the batteries and reset your device by removing and re-adding it to the SimpliSafe system.

Access our blog to access more troubleshooting insights and articles on SimpliSafe.