This guide walks you through how to add SimpliSafe doorbell to your existing SimpliSafe security system. Whether you’re replacing an old doorbell or installing a new one, we cover everything from checking compatibility to final testing—ensuring a smooth, secure setup.
Key Takeaways
- Check compatibility first: Ensure your SimpliSafe system supports the Video Doorbell Pro and that your doorbell wiring meets voltage requirements (16–24V AC).
- Turn off power before installing: Always shut off the breaker to your doorbell circuit to avoid electrical shock or damage to the device.
- Use the SimpliSafe app for setup: The app guides you through pairing, Wi-Fi connection, and camera calibration—no need for extra tools.
- Mount securely and test alignment: Position the doorbell at 4–5 feet high and angled toward your walkway for optimal motion detection and video quality.
- Troubleshoot common issues: If the doorbell won’t connect, check Wi-Fi signal strength, power supply, or reset the device using the app.
- Enable notifications and recording: Customize motion zones and alerts in the app to get notified only when needed.
- Maintain regularly: Clean the lens monthly and update firmware via the app to ensure peak performance.
How to Add SimpliSafe Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Adding a SimpliSafe doorbell to your home security system is a smart move. It gives you real-time alerts, two-way audio, and crystal-clear video footage—all from your smartphone. Whether you’re upgrading from a basic doorbell or installing one for the first time, this guide will walk you through how to add SimpliSafe doorbell safely and correctly.
In this comprehensive tutorial, you’ll learn:
– How to check if your home and SimpliSafe system are compatible
– The tools and materials you’ll need
– Step-by-step wiring and mounting instructions
– How to connect the doorbell to the SimpliSafe app
– Tips for optimizing placement and settings
– Troubleshooting common installation issues
By the end, you’ll have a fully functional SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro that enhances your home’s security and convenience.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Visual guide about How to Add Simplisafe Doorbell
Image source: media.printables.com
Before you begin, gather the following items to ensure a smooth installation:
- SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro – Make sure you’ve purchased the correct model compatible with your SimpliSafe system.
- Smartphone or tablet – With the SimpliSafe app installed (available on iOS and Android).
- Phillips-head screwdriver – For removing your old doorbell and mounting the new one.
- Voltage tester (optional but recommended) – To confirm your doorbell wires are live and meet voltage requirements.
- Drill and drill bits (if needed) – For creating new mounting holes or securing the bracket.
- Level – To ensure your doorbell is straight.
- Wire strippers (if reusing old wires) – To expose fresh wire ends for better connection.
- Electrical tape – For securing wire connections.
Having these tools ready will save time and reduce frustration during installation.
Step 1: Check Compatibility and Power Requirements
Not all homes or SimpliSafe systems are ready for the Video Doorbell Pro. Before you start, verify compatibility.
SimpliSafe System Compatibility
The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro works with:
– SimpliSafe Base Station (3rd generation or newer)
– SimpliSafe monitoring plan (required for video recording and cloud storage)
If you have an older base station, you may need to upgrade. Check your system in the SimpliSafe app under System Settings > Device Compatibility.
Doorbell Wiring and Voltage
SimpliSafe’s doorbell requires a wired connection with:
– 16–24 volts AC (alternating current)
– At least 20VA (volt-amperes) of power
Most homes built after the 1980s meet this standard, but older homes may have lower voltage. Use a multimeter or voltage tester to check your existing doorbell transformer.
How to test voltage:
1. Turn off power at the breaker.
2. Remove your old doorbell.
3. Touch the voltage tester probes to the two doorbell wires.
4. Turn the breaker back on.
5. If the reading is between 16–24V AC, you’re good to go.
If the voltage is too low, you may need to replace the transformer or consider a wireless doorbell alternative.
Wi-Fi Signal Strength
The doorbell connects to your home Wi-Fi network. It requires:
– 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (5 GHz is not supported)
– Strong signal at the doorbell location
Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app (like NetSpot or Wi-Fi Analyzer) to check signal strength at your front door. If it’s weak, consider installing a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network node nearby.
Step 2: Turn Off Power and Remove Old Doorbell
Safety first! Always disconnect power before working with electrical wiring.
Locate and Turn Off the Breaker
1. Go to your electrical panel (breaker box).
2. Find the breaker labeled “doorbell,” “chime,” or “front door.” If unsure, turn off the main breaker or test each one.
3. Flip the breaker to the OFF position.
4. Test the old doorbell to confirm it doesn’t ring.
Pro Tip: Place a piece of tape over the breaker switch to prevent someone from accidentally turning it back on.
Remove the Old Doorbell
1. Unscrew the old doorbell from the wall.
2. Gently pull it away to expose the two wires.
3. Loosen the terminal screws and disconnect the wires.
4. Cap the wires with wire nuts or electrical tape to prevent them from touching.
If your old doorbell had a mounting plate, remove it unless it’s compatible with SimpliSafe’s bracket.
Step 3: Install the SimpliSafe Doorbell Mounting Bracket
The SimpliSafe doorbell comes with a universal mounting bracket. You can install it horizontally or vertically, depending on your door and wall setup.
Position the Bracket
1. Hold the bracket against the wall where you want the doorbell.
2. The ideal height is 4–5 feet from the ground—this ensures the camera captures faces clearly.
3. Use a level to make sure the bracket is straight.
4. Mark the screw holes with a pencil.
Tip: If your door swings open, angle the bracket slightly outward so the camera faces the walkway, not the door itself.
Drill Holes and Secure the Bracket
1. Drill pilot holes at the marked spots.
2. Insert wall anchors if mounting into drywall or brick.
3. Screw the bracket into place using the provided screws.
Make sure the bracket is tight and doesn’t wobble. A loose mount can cause video shake and poor motion detection.
Step 4: Connect the Wires to the Doorbell
Now it’s time to connect your home’s doorbell wires to the SimpliSafe device.
Prepare the Wires
1. Strip about 1/4 inch of insulation from each wire end if needed.
2. Twist the exposed copper to keep it neat.
Attach Wires to the Doorbell
1. Locate the two terminal screws on the back of the SimpliSafe doorbell (labeled “Front” and “Trans”).
2. Loosen the screws slightly.
3. Insert one wire into each terminal and tighten the screws securely.
4. Ensure no bare wire is exposed outside the terminals.
Important: The doorbell is not polarity-sensitive, so it doesn’t matter which wire goes where.
Secure the Doorbell to the Bracket
1. Align the doorbell with the mounting bracket.
2. Slide it down until it clicks into place.
3. Use the included security screw and screwdriver to lock it in (this prevents theft).
Double-check that the doorbell is firmly attached and doesn’t move.
Step 5: Power On and Connect to the SimpliSafe App
With the hardware installed, it’s time to power up and pair the device.
Restore Power
1. Go back to the breaker box.
2. Turn the doorbell breaker back on.
3. Wait 30–60 seconds for the doorbell to power up.
You should see a light on the front of the doorbell—usually a blinking white or blue LED.
Open the SimpliSafe App
1. Launch the SimpliSafe app on your smartphone.
2. Log in to your account.
3. Tap the menu icon (three lines) and select Add Device.
Follow the On-Screen Instructions
The app will guide you through the setup process:
1. Select “Video Doorbell Pro” from the list.
2. The app will search for nearby devices.
3. When your doorbell appears, tap it to connect.
4. Enter your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password.
5. Wait while the doorbell connects to your network.
Note: The doorbell only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. If your network broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz under the same name, temporarily rename the 2.4 GHz network (e.g., “HomeWiFi_2.4”) to avoid confusion.
Calibrate the Camera
Once connected, the app will prompt you to calibrate the camera:
1. Stand about 3 feet from the doorbell.
2. Follow the on-screen guide to adjust the angle.
3. Confirm the view includes your walkway and front door.
This ensures motion detection works correctly and you get clear footage.
Step 6: Customize Settings and Enable Features
Now that your doorbell is online, personalize it to fit your lifestyle.
Set Up Motion Zones
1. In the app, go to Device Settings > Motion Zones.
2. Draw zones on the camera view where you want motion alerts (e.g., walkway, driveway).
3. Avoid areas like busy streets or trees that cause false alarms.
You can create up to three custom zones.
Adjust Alert Sensitivity
1. Go to Device Settings > Motion Sensitivity.
2. Choose from Low, Medium, or High.
3. Start with Medium and adjust based on false alerts.
Tip: Lower sensitivity if you get alerts from passing cars or wind-blown objects.
Enable Two-Way Audio
This feature lets you speak to visitors through your phone:
1. Tap the microphone icon during a live view.
2. Speak clearly—your voice will play through the doorbell speaker.
Test it with a family member to ensure volume and clarity are good.
Turn On Smart Alerts
SimpliSafe uses AI to detect people, packages, and motion:
1. Go to Device Settings > Smart Alerts.
2. Toggle on “Person Detection” and “Package Detection.”
3. You’ll only get alerts when these events occur—reducing noise.
Set Up Recording and Cloud Storage
To save video clips:
1. Ensure you have an active SimpliSafe monitoring plan.
2. Go to Settings > Recording.
3. Choose “Record on Motion” or “Continuous Recording” (if available).
Clips are stored in the cloud for 30 days and can be downloaded or shared.
Step 7: Test the Doorbell
Before considering the job done, test everything.
Test the Doorbell Button
1. Press the button on the doorbell.
2. Check that your SimpliSafe base station chimes.
3. Open the app and confirm you receive a notification.
4. Verify the live video feed loads quickly.
Test Motion Detection
1. Walk through your motion zones.
2. Check that you receive an alert within 10–15 seconds.
3. Review the recorded clip to ensure quality.
Test Two-Way Audio
1. Have someone stand at the door.
2. Use the app to talk to them.
3. Confirm they can hear you clearly.
If any feature fails, go to the troubleshooting section below.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful installation, problems can arise. Here’s how to fix the most common ones.
Doorbell Won’t Power On
- Check the breaker: Make sure power is restored to the doorbell circuit.
- Test voltage: Use a multimeter to confirm 16–24V AC at the wires.
- Inspect connections: Ensure wires are tight and not touching each other.
- Try a different transformer: If voltage is low, replace the transformer with a 16V or 24V model.
Wi-Fi Connection Fails
- Move closer to the router: Weak signal is the #1 cause of connection issues.
- Restart the doorbell: Remove it from the bracket, wait 10 seconds, and reattach.
- Reset network settings: In the app, go to Device Settings > Reset Wi-Fi.
- Update router firmware: Outdated routers may not support newer devices.
No Video or Poor Image Quality
- Clean the lens: Use a microfiber cloth to wipe off dust or smudges.
- Check lighting: The doorbell has night vision, but very dark areas may appear grainy.
- Adjust angle: Reposition the bracket if the view is obstructed.
- Update firmware: The app will notify you of updates—install them promptly.
False Motion Alerts
- Narrow motion zones: Exclude areas with trees, flags, or passing cars.
- Lower sensitivity: Reduce from High to Medium or Low.
- Enable Smart Alerts: Use person and package detection to filter out irrelevant motion.
Doorbell Disconnects Frequently
- Check Wi-Fi stability: Run a speed test near the door.
- Add a Wi-Fi extender: Place one within 10–15 feet of the doorbell.
- Reduce interference: Keep the doorbell away from microwaves, cordless phones, or metal walls.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Performance
To keep your SimpliSafe doorbell working perfectly:
- Clean the lens monthly: Use a soft, dry cloth to remove dirt and fingerprints.
- Update firmware regularly: The app will prompt you—don’t ignore these updates.
- Check connections annually: Ensure wires are secure and the mount is tight.
- Test the button and alerts: Do a quick test every few months.
- Monitor battery (if using wireless mode): Though the Pro model is wired, some users add a backup battery—check its charge.
Regular maintenance prevents issues and extends the life of your device.
Final Thoughts
Adding a SimpliSafe doorbell is a straightforward process when you follow the right steps. From checking compatibility to customizing alerts, this guide ensures you get the most out of your investment. The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro not only enhances security but also adds convenience—letting you see, hear, and speak to visitors from anywhere.
Remember, the key to success is preparation. Turn off the power, test your wiring, and use the app to guide you. If you run into issues, don’t panic—most problems have simple fixes.
With your new doorbell installed, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is protected 24/7. Whether it’s a delivery person, a neighbor, or an unexpected visitor, you’ll always be in the loop.
Welcome to the future of home security.