SimpliSafe Smoke Detector Yellow Light? (Easy Fix Guide)

Did you notice your Simplisafe smoke detector yellow light? We’ve got you covered.

Are you in danger, or is this a malfunction with your detector? If you see a steady or flashing yellow light, it’s likely caused by low batteries or an issue with your device.

To fix your Simplisafe smoke detector’s yellow light, make sure it’s mounted properly by twisting it until the lock snaps. Replace the batteries, as it’s a warning that lets you know it’s low.

Let’s get to the bottom of this issue!

8 Easy Simplisafe Smoke Detector Yellow Light Fixes

Several solutions will help you fix the yellow light issue on your smoke detector.

We have arranged them from easiest to most complex ones so you can do them in order.

#1: Twist the Smoke Detector Fully Until You Hear a Snap

Tightening your device is the most effective solution when your SimpliSafe smoke detector’s solid yellow light is illuminated.

If the detector is not secured to the mounting bracket, the tamper switch is not pressed down, which causes this issue.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Locate your smoke detector.
2. Make sure that it’s not sounding an alarm.
3. Grab the device and twist it clockwise.
4. Continue twisting until you hear a snap.
5. Check if the yellow light has turned off.

Note: You’ll also need to listen for the chirp alert, as this essentially tells you that you need to tighten your smoke detector.

#2: Unmount the Unit and Mount it Again to the Bracket

If twisting the smoke detector does not resolve the issue, you’ll need to take a much closer look.

You need to unmount the sensor and check if a warped or loose bracket is causing the tamper switch to not press down properly.

Here’s how to do this:

1. Grab your smoke detector and twist it counterclockwise.
2. Continue turning until it comes off.
3. Check for screws holding the mounting bracket to your wall or ceiling.
4. If there are screws, tighten them slightly using a screwdriver.
5. Align the smoke detector with the mounting bracket.
6. Twist it clockwise until you hear a snap.
7. Check if the yellow light is illuminated or not.

#3: Test the Tamper Switch on the Smoke Detector

After you’ve tightened your smoke detector and the yellow light on the SimpliSafe smoke detector is still on, you want to look at the tamper switch.

It might be faulty or stuck, which causes the device to turn on the yellow light to alert you something is wrong.

Here’s how to check the tamper switch:

1. Turn the smoke detector counterclockwise to remove it from the bracket.
2. Find the tamper switch at the back of the unit.
3. Press and release the tamper switch with your fingers.
4. Check the button is not stuck.
5. Before returning it, make sure the yellow light is turned off.
6. Mount the device back into the bracket.
7. Twist it clockwise until you hear a snap.

Note: The tamper switch is a small button near the battery compartment.

These solutions are centered around the tamper switch and its behavior.

However, if none of these steps work, proceed to more advanced solutions below.

#4: Replace the Batteries of Your Smoke Detector

If testing the tamper switch is not the solution to fix this error, you want to look closer at the batteries. It may need replacing, especially if the batteries are low or dead.

The yellow light and chirp alerts also let you know that the batteries are not able to power your smoke detector sufficiently.

To replace the batteries, follow these steps:

1. Turn the smoke detector counterclockwise until it comes off from the bracket.
2. Press and hold the gray button under the DO NOT PAINT sign.
3. Slide the front panel off to open the battery compartment.
4. Remove the old batteries.
5. Insert the new batteries according to their polarity markings.
6. Replace the front panel and slide it until you hear a click.
7. Mount the device back into the bracket.
8. Turn it clockwise until you hear a click.

Tip: Make sure that you dispose of your old batteries properly.

#5: Clean Your Smoke Detector Sensor and Bracket

If changing the batteries does not do the trick, you must clean your smoke detector’s sensor and bracket. Dust, dirt, and debris on or near the sensor will cause interference with your detector.

There’s a possibility that it will trigger a false alarm and get the yellow light to illuminate.

Ensure the sensor is clean so you don’t run into any issues.

To clean the sensors, follow these steps:

1. Twist your smoke detector counterclockwise until it comes off.
2. Gently remove dust, dirt, and debris from the sensor using a soft brush or cloth.
3. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt around the bracket.
4. Mount the device back into the bracket.
5. Turn it clockwise until you hear a snap.

Pro Tip: We recommend that you do not use water, soap, or other cleaning agents, as they will cause damage to your smoke detector.

#6: Check the Wiring of Your Smoke Detector

There are SimpliSafe smoke detector models that need to be hardwired. If you’re using one, you want to ensure the wiring is intact so it delivers power to your detector.

Check this ensures you can spot loose or broken wires that cause issues with your smoke detector.

To check the wiring, follow these steps:

1. Twist the detector counterclockwise until it comes off of the bracket.
2. Check if there are wires attached to the base of the unit.
3. If there are none, you have a model that uses a battery, so skip this step.
4. If there are wires, inspect them for any signs of damage, corrosion, or looseness.
5. If you find any, you’ll need to replace them.
6. If there are no problems with the wires, return your detector to the bracket.

Note: Wiring problems mean you must contact SimpliSafe Support to get it fixed by an authorized technician.

#7: Move the Position of Your Smoke Detector

One problem that smoke detectors often encounter is that it’s not in a suitable location.

You may have installed it in an area exposed to a lot of interference, causing false alarms and the yellow light to turn on.

Putting it in the wrong place in your home will affect its performance and accuracy. You must reposition it to minimize triggering or blocking the signal.

Here’s how you do it:

1. Get your smoke detector from the mounting bracket.
2. Unscrew the mounting bracket from the wall or ceiling.
3. Find a suitable location for your smoke detector.
4. Install the mounting bracket in the new place.
5. Mount the smoke detector and turn it clockwise.

Here are some tips on the best place to position your smoke detector:

• Make sure it’s at least 10 feet away from interference sources.
• Keep it away from ceiling fans or other sources of wind and draft.
• Don’t put it in the garage or basement with dust and dirt.

#8: Reset Your Smoke Detector

If none of these solutions resolve the yellow light issue on your SimpliSafe smoke detector, it’s likely suffering from a glitch or error.

To remedy this, you must reset your device to clear the errors.

To reset your smoke detector, here’s how you do this:

1. Remove your smoke detector by turning it counterclockwise.
2. Look for the test button on your device.
3. Press the button and hold it for at least 30 seconds.
4. Wait for your smoke detector to beep.
5. Check if the yellow light is turned off after the reset.
6. Reinstall the smoke detector into the mounting bracket.

Important: If you ever hear your SimpliSafe smoke detector alarming, evacuate your home immediately and call 911. Do not try to investigate the source of the alarm yourself.

Quick Recap

The SimpliSafe smoke detector yellow light issue means there is an issue with the tamper switch.

It’s not pressed, as that signals your smoke detectors that it’s installed flush to the wall or ceiling. Check your unit and test the button to make sure it’s moving.

Check out our blog for more troubleshooting guides with your SimpliSafe smoke detector and other devices.