Properly angling your SimpliSafe doorbell ensures better motion detection, clearer video footage, and fewer false alerts. This guide walks you through the best practices, tools, and techniques to position your doorbell perfectly.
Key Takeaways
- Correct angling improves motion detection: A slight downward and outward tilt helps the doorbell detect visitors while minimizing false triggers from passing cars or animals.
- Height matters: Mount the doorbell between 48 and 60 inches from the ground for optimal field of view and facial recognition.
- Use the SimpliSafe app for alignment: The live view feature lets you fine-tune the angle before finalizing the installation.
- Avoid obstructions: Ensure trees, walls, or decorations don’t block the camera’s view of your walkway or porch.
- Test after installation: Walk through typical visitor paths to confirm detection works as expected.
- Re-angle if needed: You can adjust the angle later without removing the entire unit—just loosen the mounting plate.
- Consider lighting conditions: Position the doorbell to avoid direct sunlight or bright porch lights that could cause glare.
How to Angle SimpliSafe Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Installing a SimpliSafe doorbell is a great way to boost your home security, but simply mounting it isn’t enough. To get the most out of your device—especially its motion detection and video recording features—you need to angle it correctly. A poorly angled doorbell might miss visitors, trigger false alarms, or capture unhelpful footage. That’s why knowing how to angle SimpliSafe doorbell properly is essential.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about positioning your SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro or standard model for maximum effectiveness. We’ll cover the ideal mounting height, the best angle for motion detection, how to use the app to fine-tune your setup, and troubleshooting tips if things aren’t working as expected. Whether you’re installing it for the first time or adjusting an existing setup, this guide will help you get it right.
By the end, you’ll have a doorbell that captures clear video, detects motion accurately, and gives you peace of mind every time someone approaches your door.
Why Angling Your SimpliSafe Doorbell Matters
Visual guide about How to Angle Simplisafe Doorbell
Image source: makerworld.bblmw.com
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand why angling matters so much. The SimpliSafe doorbell uses a combination of a wide-angle camera and passive infrared (PIR) motion sensors to detect movement and record video. These sensors are sensitive to heat and motion within a specific field of view—typically around 180 degrees horizontally and 90 degrees vertically.
If your doorbell is angled too high, it might only see the tops of people’s heads or miss short visitors entirely. If it’s angled too low, it could detect pets walking by or leaves blowing in the wind, leading to unnecessary alerts. A poorly angled doorbell might also capture glare from the sun or porch lights, making nighttime footage grainy or washed out.
Proper angling ensures that:
– The camera sees faces clearly for identification.
– Motion detection focuses on the walkway, not the street or yard.
– The field of view includes the doorbell button and the area where visitors stop.
– You avoid false alarms from irrelevant movement.
In short, angling your doorbell correctly transforms it from a basic camera into a smart security tool.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these items to make the installation smooth and safe:
- SimpliSafe doorbell (Video Doorbell Pro or standard model)
- SimpliSafe mounting plate and screws
- Drill and drill bits (if mounting into brick, concrete, or hard surfaces)
- Screwdriver (Phillips head)
- Level (to ensure the doorbell is straight)
- Pencil (for marking drill holes)
- Measuring tape
- Smartphone with the SimpliSafe app installed
- Optional: Wire strippers (if replacing an existing wired doorbell)
- Optional: Voltage tester (to ensure power is off if working with wires)
Having these tools ready will save time and prevent frustration during installation.
Step 1: Choose the Right Mounting Location
The first step in angling your SimpliSafe doorbell correctly is selecting the best spot to mount it. This decision affects everything—from video quality to motion detection accuracy.
Ideal Height for Mounting
Mount your doorbell between 48 and 60 inches (4 to 5 feet) from the ground. This height is ideal because:
– It captures faces at a natural angle.
– It’s within reach for most adults to press the button.
– It avoids interference from pets or children.
If you have a tall household or frequently receive deliveries from taller individuals, aim for the higher end of this range (55–60 inches). For homes with shorter residents or children, 48–52 inches may work better.
Position Relative to the Door
Place the doorbell on the side of the doorframe, not directly above the door. This allows for a better side-angle view of visitors as they approach. Avoid mounting it too far from the door—ideally within 6 to 12 inches of the doorframe.
Also, ensure the doorbell is centered horizontally on the doorframe if possible. This symmetry helps with alignment and makes the setup look clean.
Check for Obstructions
Look around the area for potential obstructions:
– Overhanging roofs or awnings that block the camera’s view.
– Trees, bushes, or decorations that might swing into the frame.
– Bright lights or reflective surfaces that cause glare.
Trim any branches or move decorations if needed. If you can’t remove an obstruction, consider adjusting the mounting location slightly to compensate.
Test Wi-Fi Signal Strength
Since the SimpliSafe doorbell relies on Wi-Fi, make sure the chosen location has a strong signal. Use your smartphone to check the Wi-Fi strength at the mounting spot. If the signal is weak, consider using a Wi-Fi extender or relocating the doorbell closer to your router.
Step 2: Install the Mounting Plate
Once you’ve chosen the perfect spot, it’s time to install the mounting plate. This plate holds the doorbell securely and allows for angle adjustments.
Turn Off Power (If Replacing a Wired Doorbell)
If you’re replacing an existing wired doorbell, turn off the power at the circuit breaker before removing the old unit. Use a voltage tester to confirm the wires are not live. Safety first!
Mark the Drill Holes
Hold the SimpliSafe mounting plate against the wall at your chosen height. Use a level to ensure it’s straight, then mark the screw holes with a pencil.
Drill Pilot Holes
Drill pilot holes into the marked spots. If you’re mounting into wood, a small drill bit (1/8 inch) works well. For brick or concrete, use a masonry bit and wall anchors.
Secure the Mounting Plate
Line up the plate with the holes and screw it into place using the provided screws. Make sure it’s tight and level—this ensures the doorbell sits properly and allows for accurate angling.
Step 3: Connect the Doorbell (Wired or Battery)
SimpliSafe doorbells come in two power options: wired and battery-powered. The connection process differs slightly.
For Wired Installation
If you’re using a wired doorbell:
– Connect the existing doorbell wires to the terminals on the back of the SimpliSafe unit.
– Most models are compatible with 8–24V AC systems.
– Tuck the wires neatly into the wall to avoid pinching.
For Battery-Powered Installation
If using the battery version:
– Insert the rechargeable battery into the doorbell.
– No wiring is needed—just snap the unit onto the mounting plate.
Attach the Doorbell to the Plate
Slide the doorbell onto the mounting plate until it clicks into place. You should hear a secure snap, indicating it’s locked.
Step 4: Use the SimpliSafe App to Check the View
Now comes the most important part: angling the doorbell correctly. The SimpliSafe app is your best tool for this.
Open the SimpliSafe App
Launch the app on your smartphone and log in to your account. Navigate to the doorbell section and select your device.
Enable Live View
Tap “Live View” to see what the doorbell camera is capturing in real time. This feature is crucial for adjusting the angle.
Assess the Current Angle
Look at the live feed and ask yourself:
– Can I see the walkway or path leading to the door?
– Is the doorbell button visible?
– Are faces likely to be in the frame when someone approaches?
– Is there too much sky, ground, or side wall?
If the view isn’t ideal, it’s time to adjust.
Step 5: Adjust the Angle for Optimal Coverage
The SimpliSafe doorbell allows for angle adjustments without removing the entire unit. Here’s how to do it.
Loosen the Mounting Screws
Use a screwdriver to slightly loosen the screws on the mounting plate. Don’t remove them completely—just enough to allow the plate to pivot.
Tilt the Doorbell
Gently tilt the doorbell:
– Downward: Aim the camera slightly downward so it captures people’s faces and the area in front of the door. A 10–15 degree downward tilt is usually ideal.
– Outward: Angle it slightly outward toward the walkway, not straight ahead. This helps detect motion as people approach from the side.
Avoid pointing it directly at the street, driveway, or busy sidewalk—this can trigger false alerts.
Use the App to Fine-Tune
While adjusting, keep the live view open on your phone. Make small changes and watch how the view shifts. Look for:
– The doorbell button in the lower portion of the frame.
– The walkway or porch steps in the center.
– Minimal sky or ground in the shot.
Check Motion Detection Zones
In the app, go to “Motion Settings” and review the detection zones. SimpliSafe allows you to customize which areas trigger alerts. Adjust these zones to focus on the walkway and ignore areas like the street or yard.
Tighten the Screws
Once you’re happy with the angle, tighten the mounting screws securely. Don’t overtighten—this could crack the plate or damage the doorbell.
Step 6: Test the Doorbell
After angling, it’s time to test everything.
Test the Live View
Check the live view again to ensure the angle is still correct after tightening.
Test Motion Detection
Walk toward the door from different angles—straight on, from the side, and from a distance. The doorbell should detect you and send an alert.
Test the Doorbell Button
Press the button to ensure it chimes and sends a notification. If using a wired model, make sure the existing chime works.
Review Recorded Footage
Trigger the doorbell a few times and review the recorded clips in the app. Look for:
– Clear facial details.
– Minimal glare or shadows.
– Accurate motion detection.
If something looks off, go back and adjust the angle slightly.
Common Angling Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes when angling your doorbell. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Pointing It Too High
If the doorbell is aimed too high, it will capture the tops of heads and miss facial details. This makes identification difficult and reduces security value.
Pointing It Too Low
Aiming too low increases the chance of detecting pets, leaves, or passing cars. This leads to false alerts and notification fatigue.
Ignoring the Walkway
The doorbell should focus on the path people take to reach your door. If it’s angled toward the yard or street, it won’t detect visitors effectively.
Overlooking Lighting
Direct sunlight or bright porch lights can cause glare or wash out footage. Try to position the doorbell so the sun isn’t directly in the lens, especially during peak hours.
Forgetting to Test
Skipping the testing phase means you might not realize the angle is wrong until it’s too late. Always test motion detection and video quality after installation.
Troubleshooting Angle Issues
If your doorbell isn’t performing as expected, here’s how to fix common problems.
Problem: Motion Alerts Are Too Frequent
Solution: The doorbell may be angled toward a busy area. Adjust the angle to focus only on the walkway. Also, reduce the motion sensitivity in the app or adjust the detection zones.
Problem: Faces Are Cut Off or Too Small
Solution: The doorbell is likely too high or angled too steeply. Lower the mounting height slightly or reduce the downward tilt.
Problem: Footage Is Too Dark or Glared
Solution: Reposition the doorbell to avoid direct light sources. If glare is from a porch light, consider replacing it with a warmer, lower-intensity bulb.
Problem: Doorbell Doesn’t Detect Approaching Visitors
Solution: The angle may be too narrow or pointed the wrong way. Widen the outward angle and ensure the walkway is in the center of the frame.
Problem: Wi-Fi Signal Is Weak
Solution: Move the doorbell closer to your router or install a Wi-Fi extender. A strong signal ensures smooth video streaming and reliable alerts.
Tips for Long-Term Maintenance
Once your doorbell is perfectly angled, keep it that way with regular maintenance.
Clean the Lens Monthly
Dust, dirt, and spiderwebs can blur the camera. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe the lens.
Check the Angle Seasonally
Over time, screws can loosen or the wall may shift slightly. Every few months, check that the doorbell is still level and angled correctly.
Update the App and Firmware
SimpliSafe regularly releases updates that improve performance and security. Keep your app and doorbell firmware up to date.
Monitor Battery Life (If Applicable)
For battery-powered models, check the battery level in the app and recharge as needed. A low battery can affect performance.
Conclusion
Angling your SimpliSafe doorbell correctly is one of the most important steps in ensuring it works as intended. A well-positioned doorbell captures clear video, detects motion accurately, and minimizes false alerts—giving you reliable security and peace of mind.
By following this guide, you’ve learned how to choose the right mounting height, avoid obstructions, use the app to fine-tune the angle, and test the system thoroughly. Remember, small adjustments can make a big difference. Don’t hesitate to revisit the angle if your needs change or if you notice performance issues.
With the right setup, your SimpliSafe doorbell will be a smart, effective addition to your home security system. Take the time to get it right, and you’ll enjoy years of reliable service.