SimpliSafe Smoke Detector False Alarm? – (Instant Fix)

How do you deal with SimpliSafe smoke detector false alarm? Let’s discuss it in detail. 

A false alarm disrupts your peace and causes unnecessary stress and panic.

If this happens frequently, it undermines your confidence in your device and puts you at risk in case of a real fire. 

To stop your SimpliSafe smoke detector from sounding false alarms, replace the battery with a new one. Cleaning your smoke detector and relocating it away from usual sources like the kitchen also helps.

Fantastic, now, let’s dive into the specifics!

SimpliSafe Smoke Detector False Alarm – Best 10 Methods

Here are the 10 best methods, sorted from easiest to hardest. Start with the first solution and work your way down until you find one that works. 

1. Replace the Battery

The first and easiest solution to address SimpliSafe issues is to replace the battery of your smoke detector.

A low battery causes various problems with your device, including false alarms and decreased sensitivity to smoke and fire. 

To replace the battery, follow these steps:

1. Twist the smoke detector counterclockwise to remove it from the base. 
2. Remove the old battery from the battery compartment.
3. Insert a new CR123A lithium battery into the battery compartment.
4. Align the tabs of the smoke detector with the slots on the base.
5. Twist your device clockwise to lock it into place. 
6. Press and hold the test button for 3 seconds. 

Note: Record the replacement date and establish a schedule for checking and replacing batteries to ensure reliability.   

2. Clean Your Smoke Detector

Dust or dirt interferes with the sensor of the smoke detector, causing it to give off a false alarm.

To address the issue, regularly clean your device using a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to maintain sensitivity.

To clean your SimpliSafe smoke detector, follow these steps:

1. Remove the smoke detector from its base. 
2. Remove dust or dirt from the sensor chamber with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner.
3. Use a damp cloth or cotton swab to wipe away any residue or stains from the exterior.
4. Reinstall the smoke detector to its base. 
5. Test to see if it still gives off false alarms. 

Note: Make it a routine to clean your smoke detector at least every six months to maintain optimum performance. 

3. Relocate Away From Kitchen or Bathroom

Your kitchen and bathroom are potent heat, moisture, or smoke sources. These trigger your device unnecessarily and cause false alarms.

Moving your smoke detector away from them reduces the likelihood of false alarms and improves your device’s performance. 

To do this, follow these steps:

1. Remove the smoke detector from its base. 
2. Select a new location for your smoke detector. 
3. Keep it at least 10 feet away from cooking appliances, fireplaces, or humidifiers.
4. Install a new base for your smoke detectors.  
5. Reinstall the smoke detector and test it. 

Note: Don’t place your smoke detector near windows, vents, doors, fans, air conditioners, and others that cause drafts or temperature changes. Also, avoid corners, peaks, or walls.

4. Check the Expiration Date and Replace Your Detector

Smoke detectors have a limited lifespan and become less effective or malfunction over time.

Be sure to check the expiration date of your device and replace it if it’s past due its useful life.

Doing this will ensure your smoke detector works optimally. 

1. Remove the smoke detector from its base. 
2. Look for a label on the back to check the manufacturer’s date and expiration.
3. Add 10 years to the manufacturer’s date to get the expiration date.
4. If you see the expiration date, compare it with the current date.
5. If the current date exceeds the expiration date, replace your smoke detector.
6. Reinstall the smoke detector and test it. 

Note: When purchasing a replacement, get the same or a compatible model to maintain consistency with your SimpliSafe system.    

5. Adjust the Sensitivity of Your Smoke Detector

The sensitivity of your SimpliSafe smoke detector determines how easily it detects smoke or heat and sounds an alarm.

If your device gives off a false alarm, adjust the sensitivity using the SimpliSafe app or keypad. 

To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open the SimpliSafe app or keypad.
2. Go to the Menu.
3. Select Devices, then choose your smoke detector.
4. Tap on Settings.
5. Select Sensitivity.
6. Choose Low, Medium, or High.
7. Save your changes and exit the menu. 

Choose from the options below to suit your preference and environment:

• Low means your smoke detector alarms only with significant smoke or heat.
• Medium means your smoke detector alarms with moderate smoke or heat. 
• High sensitivity triggers your smoke detector with minimal smoke or heat. 

Note: Test the alarm after making changes to ensure proper functionality. 

6. Remove and Add Your Smoke Detector in Your SimpliSafe System

If you’re still experiencing issues with the false alarm on the SimpliSafe smoke detector, remove it and add it back to your SimpliSafe system.

This will reset the smoke detector and fix communication issues with your SimpliSafe system. 

Here’s how to do this:

1. Open your SimpliSafe app and keypad.
2. Go to the Menu.
3. Select Devices, then choose your smoke detector.
4. Select Remove Device and confirm your choice. 
5. Wait for a few seconds until you hear a beep.
6. Press and hold the test button for 3 seconds.
7. Wait until you hear another confirmation beep from the base station.
8. Your smoke detector is now added to your SimpliSafe system. 

Tip: Disable the alarm during the process to prevent false alarms. Then, update your system settings to include the new detector for comprehensive coverage. 

7. Update the Firmware of Your SimpliSafe System

The firmware is the software that runs on your SimpliSafe devices and controls their functions.

If your smoke detector’s alarm goes off even without smoke or fire, update the firmware of your SimpliSafe system. This will fix bugs or glitches causing false alarms. 

To update the firmware, follow these steps:

1. Open your SimpliSafe app and keypad.
2. Go to the Menu.
3. Select System Update.
4. Tap on Check for Updates.
5. If there are available updates, select Download and Install. 
6. Wait for a few minutes until the update is completed. 

Note: Ensure a stable internet connection for the entire update process. 

8. Reset Your Smoke Detector

Resetting your SimpliSafe smoke detector clears any errors or settings that cause false alarms.

When all other troubleshooting methods fail, this is your best bet. However, it will erase all settings and restore them to default values.  

Here’s how to reset your smoke detector:

1. Remove the smoke detector from its base. 
2. Remove the battery from the battery compartment.
3. Press and hold the test button for 10 seconds to drain residual power.
4. Release the test button and wait for a few seconds.
5. Reinsert the battery into the battery compartment.
6. Reinstall your smoke detector and test it.  

Tip: Set up your smoke detector again to ensure it works with your SimpliSafe system after the reset. 

9. Consider Adding More Detectors to Reduce False Alarms

In addition to the above solution, we recommend adding more detectors to your SimpliSafe system to reduce false alarms.

This improves the coverage and accuracy of your smoke and fire detection system, minimizing interference and cross-checking signals. 

Info: Before installing more smoke detectors, check the compatibility with your SimpliSafe system. Then, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and setup. 

To add more detectors, follow these steps:

1. Purchase additional SimpliSafe smoke detectors. 
2. Install the new devices in suitable locations. 
3. Add the new smoke detectors to your SimpliSafe system. 
4. Test them to see if they work properly. 

10. Test Your System Regularly

To avoid false alarms, test your SimpliSafe system regularly. It helps maintain your device in its optimal performance.

Do this by pressing the test button on your smoke detector or the SimpliSafe app. 

To test your system through the app, follow these steps:

1. Open your SimpliSafe app.
2. Go to the Menu.
3. Select Test Mode.
4. Tap on Start Test.
5. Wait for a few seconds until you hear a voice prompt from the base station.
6. Hold the test button for 3 seconds until you hear a beep. 
7. Wait for a few seconds until you hear another voice prompt. 
8. Exit the test mode by selecting End Test on your app or keypad. 

Note: A good practice is to perform a test at least once a month to ensure your SimpliSafe system is functioning properly. 

Quick Recap

Frequent episodes of SimpliSafe smoke detector false alarms create undue anxiety.

The issue often results from low batteries and dirt on your device’s sensors, but they are fixable with a simple battery replacement and cleaning of the smoke detector. 

To discover more SimpliSafe troubleshooting solutions, visit our blog!