This guide walks you through how to add monitoring for your SimpliSafe video doorbell, whether you’re upgrading your plan or setting it up for the first time. You’ll learn about compatible plans, app settings, and troubleshooting tips to ensure seamless 24/7 protection.
Key Takeaways
- SimpliSafe monitoring plans are required for video doorbell alerts and cloud storage. Without a plan, you won’t receive motion alerts or be able to review past footage.
- Only the Interactive Monitoring plan supports video doorbell features. The Standard plan does not include video storage or live view.
- You can add monitoring at any time via the SimpliSafe app or website. No need to wait for a contract or technician visit.
- Ensure your doorbell is properly installed and connected to Wi-Fi before enabling monitoring. Weak signals can cause delays or missed alerts.
- Customize motion zones and alert settings to reduce false alarms. This helps you focus on real activity near your door.
- Test your setup after enabling monitoring to confirm everything works. A quick test ensures you’re protected from day one.
- Contact SimpliSafe support if you encounter issues during setup. Their team can help with account, app, or connectivity problems.
How to Add Monitoring for Video Doorbell SimpliSafe
If you’ve recently installed a SimpliSafe video doorbell or are looking to get the most out of your existing one, adding monitoring is a crucial step. Without monitoring, your doorbell can still detect motion and send basic alerts, but you’ll miss out on key features like cloud video storage, live viewing, and 24/7 professional monitoring. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to add monitoring for your SimpliSafe video doorbell—step by step.
Whether you’re a new SimpliSafe customer or upgrading your current plan, this guide will help you activate monitoring quickly and correctly. We’ll cover the types of monitoring plans available, how to enable monitoring through the app or website, and tips to optimize your doorbell’s performance. By the end, you’ll have a fully monitored video doorbell that keeps your home secure and gives you peace of mind.
Why Monitoring Matters for Your Video Doorbell
Visual guide about How to Add Monitoring for Video Doorbell Sinplisafe
Image source: i5.walmartimages.com
Your SimpliSafe video doorbell is more than just a camera—it’s a smart security tool designed to protect your home and keep you informed. But to unlock its full potential, you need monitoring. Here’s why:
First, monitoring enables cloud storage. Without it, your doorbell can’t save video clips when motion is detected. That means if someone rings the bell or walks by, you won’t be able to review the footage later. With monitoring, every event is recorded and stored securely in the cloud for up to 30 days, depending on your plan.
Second, monitoring gives you live viewing. This feature lets you see who’s at your door in real time, even if you’re not home. Whether you’re at work, running errands, or on vacation, you can open the SimpliSafe app and check your front door instantly.
Third, monitoring includes professional support. If your doorbell detects suspicious activity, you’ll get instant alerts on your phone. You can then decide whether to talk to the visitor, call the police, or ignore it. Some plans even offer emergency dispatch services if needed.
Finally, monitoring improves reliability. SimpliSafe’s servers ensure your doorbell stays connected and responsive, even during network fluctuations. This means fewer dropped connections and more consistent performance.
In short, monitoring turns your video doorbell from a basic camera into a powerful security system. It’s the difference between seeing a blurry image and having a complete record of every visitor.
Understanding SimpliSafe Monitoring Plans
Before you add monitoring, it’s important to understand which plans support your video doorbell. SimpliSafe offers two main monitoring tiers: Standard and Interactive. Only one of them works with video features.
Standard Monitoring Plan
The Standard plan is the more affordable option, starting at around $17.99 per month. It includes 24/7 professional monitoring for your alarm system, cellular backup, and basic alerts. However, it does not support video doorbell features like cloud storage or live view. If you only have sensors and alarms, this plan may be sufficient. But if you want to use your video doorbell to its fullest, you’ll need to upgrade.
Interactive Monitoring Plan
The Interactive plan is required for video doorbell monitoring. Priced at approximately $27.99 per month, it includes everything in the Standard plan plus:
– Cloud video storage (up to 30 days)
– Live viewing from the app
– Motion and doorbell alerts
– Two-way audio
– Smart home integrations (like Alexa and Google Assistant)
– Extended battery life for wireless devices
This plan is ideal for homeowners who want comprehensive protection and remote access to their security system. It’s the only way to get the most out of your SimpliSafe video doorbell.
Can You Try It First?
Yes! SimpliSafe offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, which includes a free trial of the Interactive plan. When you first set up your system, you’ll automatically be enrolled in the Interactive plan for 60 days. This gives you plenty of time to test your video doorbell, review footage, and decide if the monitoring is worth the cost.
After the trial, you can choose to keep the Interactive plan, downgrade to Standard, or cancel altogether. Just remember: if you downgrade, your video doorbell will stop saving clips and sending live alerts.
Step-by-Step: How to Add Monitoring for Your Video Doorbell
Now that you understand the plans, let’s walk through how to add monitoring for your SimpliSafe video doorbell. The process is simple and can be done in just a few minutes using the SimpliSafe app or website.
Step 1: Ensure Your Doorbell Is Set Up
Before enabling monitoring, make sure your video doorbell is properly installed and connected to your Wi-Fi network. Here’s how to check:
– Confirm the doorbell is powered on (either wired or with a charged battery).
– Open the SimpliSafe app and go to the Devices tab.
– Look for your video doorbell in the list. It should show as “Online.”
– If it’s offline, follow the in-app instructions to reconnect it.
A strong Wi-Fi signal is essential. Your doorbell needs at least -70 dBm signal strength for reliable performance. If your signal is weak, consider moving your router closer or using a Wi-Fi extender.
Step 2: Open the SimpliSafe App
Download the SimpliSafe app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) if you haven’t already. Log in with your account credentials. If you’re new, create an account using the email and phone number associated with your system.
Once logged in, you’ll see your home screen with a list of devices. Your video doorbell should appear here if it’s connected.
Step 3: Check Your Current Monitoring Plan
Tap on the menu icon (usually three lines in the top-left corner) and select “Monitoring” or “Plan & Billing.” Here, you’ll see your current plan and billing details.
If you’re still in the 60-day trial, you’ll see “Interactive Plan (Trial)” listed. If you’re on the Standard plan, you’ll need to upgrade to add video monitoring.
Step 4: Upgrade to the Interactive Plan
To add monitoring for your video doorbell, you must upgrade to the Interactive plan. Here’s how:
– In the app, go to “Plan & Billing.”
– Tap “Change Plan” or “Upgrade.”
– Select the Interactive Monitoring plan.
– Review the features and monthly cost.
– Confirm your payment method (credit card or PayPal).
– Tap “Activate Plan.”
The change takes effect immediately. You’ll receive a confirmation email, and your video doorbell will start saving clips and sending alerts.
Step 5: Enable Video Features
Once monitoring is active, your doorbell should automatically enable video features. But it’s a good idea to double-check the settings:
– Go to the Devices tab.
– Tap on your video doorbell.
– Make sure “Motion Alerts” and “Doorbell Alerts” are turned on.
– Enable “Cloud Storage” if prompted.
– Set up motion zones if desired (more on this below).
You can also adjust notification preferences under “Alerts” in the main menu. Choose whether to receive push notifications, emails, or both.
Step 6: Test Your Setup
After enabling monitoring, test your doorbell to ensure everything works:
– Ring the doorbell and check if you receive an alert.
– Open the app and tap “Live View” to see the camera feed.
– Walk in front of the doorbell to trigger motion detection.
– Review the recorded clip in the app’s “Timeline” or “Events” section.
If any feature isn’t working, go back to the settings or restart your doorbell. Most issues can be resolved with a quick reboot.
Customizing Your Video Doorbell Settings
Once monitoring is active, take a few minutes to customize your doorbell for the best experience. These settings help reduce false alarms and ensure you only get alerts that matter.
Adjust Motion Zones
Your video doorbell can detect motion in a wide area, but not all motion is important. For example, cars driving by or trees swaying in the wind can trigger false alerts.
To fix this, set up motion zones:
– Open the app and go to your doorbell’s settings.
– Tap “Motion Zones” or “Detection Areas.”
– Use your finger to draw boxes around areas you want to monitor (like your front walkway).
– Avoid areas with frequent movement (like streets or busy sidewalks).
You can create up to three zones and adjust their sensitivity. Lower sensitivity reduces alerts but may miss some activity. Higher sensitivity catches more events but increases false alarms.
Set Alert Schedules
You don’t need alerts at 3 a.m. if you’re home and expecting guests. Use alert schedules to control when you receive notifications:
– In the doorbell settings, tap “Alert Schedule.”
– Choose “Always On,” “Custom,” or “Off.”
– If you select “Custom,” set start and end times for each day.
For example, you might want alerts from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends. This keeps you informed without constant interruptions.
Enable Two-Way Audio
One of the best features of your video doorbell is the ability to talk to visitors. Make sure two-way audio is enabled:
– Go to your doorbell’s settings.
– Toggle “Two-Way Audio” to “On.”
– Test it by ringing the doorbell and speaking through the app.
This feature is great for greeting delivery drivers, scaring off intruders, or telling kids you’re on your way home.
Review and Delete Clips
Your doorbell saves clips for up to 30 days (with the Interactive plan). To manage storage:
– Go to the “Timeline” or “Events” tab in the app.
– Browse recent clips by date and time.
– Tap any clip to watch, save, or delete it.
– Use the “Save” option to keep important footage longer.
Deleting old clips frees up space and keeps your timeline organized.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with monitoring enabled, you might run into problems. Here are some common issues and how to fix them.
No Alerts or Delayed Alerts
If you’re not receiving alerts or they’re delayed, check the following:
– Ensure your phone’s notifications are enabled for the SimpliSafe app.
– Check your Wi-Fi signal strength at the doorbell location.
– Restart your doorbell by removing the battery or turning off power for 10 seconds.
– Update the SimpliSafe app to the latest version.
If the problem persists, contact SimpliSafe support. They can check your account and device status remotely.
Can’t View Live Feed
If live view isn’t working, try these steps:
– Make sure you’re on the Interactive plan.
– Check your internet connection on your phone.
– Close and reopen the app.
– Reconnect your doorbell to Wi-Fi through the app.
Sometimes, the camera takes a few seconds to load. Be patient, especially if your internet is slow.
Clips Not Saving
If motion events aren’t being recorded:
– Confirm cloud storage is enabled in the doorbell settings.
– Check that you haven’t reached your storage limit (unlikely with 30-day retention).
– Ensure motion detection is turned on.
– Verify your doorbell is online and not in “Do Not Disturb” mode.
If clips still don’t save, restart the device and contact support.
Poor Video Quality
Blurry or dark footage can be frustrating. Improve video quality by:
– Cleaning the camera lens with a soft cloth.
– Ensuring the doorbell is mounted at the correct height (48–60 inches).
– Adding outdoor lighting if the area is too dark at night.
– Checking for obstructions like overgrown plants or decorations.
Your doorbell uses night vision, but it works best in low-light conditions—not complete darkness.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Monitored Doorbell
Now that your video doorbell is monitored, here are some pro tips to maximize its effectiveness:
– Name your doorbell clearly in the app (e.g., “Front Door” or “Side Entrance”) so you can easily identify it.
– Share access with family members by inviting them to your SimpliSafe account. They’ll get alerts and can view live footage too.
– Use smart integrations like Alexa or Google Assistant to view your doorbell on a smart display or get voice alerts.
– Check battery levels regularly if you have a wireless model. Low batteries can cause performance issues.
– Review your timeline weekly to spot patterns or unusual activity.
By staying proactive, you’ll get the most value from your monitoring plan and keep your home secure year-round.
Conclusion
Adding monitoring for your SimpliSafe video doorbell is a simple but essential step to unlocking its full security potential. With the Interactive Monitoring plan, you gain cloud storage, live viewing, motion alerts, and peace of mind knowing your home is protected 24/7.
The process takes just a few minutes through the app or website, and the benefits far outweigh the monthly cost. Whether you’re watching for package thieves, greeting guests, or monitoring your property while away, a monitored video doorbell gives you control and confidence.
Remember to customize your settings, test your setup, and troubleshoot any issues promptly. And if you ever need help, SimpliSafe’s customer support team is available to assist.
By following this guide, you’ve taken a big step toward a smarter, safer home. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy the convenience of knowing who’s at your door—anytime, anywhere.