Is SimpliSafe Doorbell Not Powering On? (Fix In Minutes!)

simplisafe doorbell not powering on

We understand how bothersome it can be whenever the SimpliSafe doorbell is not powering on, so keep on reading this guide to unveil quick solutions.

  • The SimpliSafe doorbell and chime installation kit is designed to connect only with an existing wired analog doorbell system.

So, even if you have the installation prepared, the doorbell may refuse to turn on due to wiring issues, circuit breaker faults, or a transformer malfunction.

Progress further into the guide to uncover all possible solutions!

SimpliSafe Doorbell Not Powering On – Quick & Easy Fixes!

Note: Does the doorbell appear “Online” within the app or has any functions available?

1. Jump-Start the SimpliSafe Doorbell

jump-start the simplisafe doorbell

A jump-start of the SimpliSafe doorbell means forcefully ‘activating’ the device by sending an input for an extended period of time.

Since SimpliSafe only has the “RING” button, press and hold the button for approximately 20–30 seconds to reboot the device.

In the meantime, have someone stand right next to the chime to tell you if a buzzing or ringing noise is produced.

Well, even if the chime has stopped working, it will not impact your doorbell directly, and pressing the “RING” button will not do anything.

2. Reset the Circuit Breaker’s Power

Another practical solution if the SimpliSafe doorbell won’t turn on is to reset the circuit breaker’s power.

As mentioned, all the SimpliSafe doorbell models require an existing analog installation, meaning the unit’s wires are directly connected to the breaker switch.

How to Locate the Circuit Breaker Box?

how to locate the circuit breaker box

Typically, you can find the breaker’s box in your garage, basement, or in a room at the side or rear of your house.

Individual switches control the rooms, outlets, and wiring installations that can be found and accessed in the circuit breaker box. 

Check if the breaker box requires a key or can be opened by flipping a latch as most do.

Once you’ve opened the box, check the labels above each switch to check to which room/installation they are connected. 

If technicians conducted the SimpliSafe doorbell and chime installation, there must certainly be a separate switch for the doorbell system.

How to Know Which Switch is for SimpliSafe?

Since most users have trouble identifying which switch in their circuit breaker box regulates the doorbell installation’s power, first search for “SimpliSafe” in either of the labels.

If not, check if there’s a switch for the porch lightning as it could be tied up with the doorbell’s installation.

If not, search for a main hallway switch as the doorbell and chime are almost certainly tied up to this installation line.

How to Reset the Circuit Breaker’s Power?

how to reset the circuit breaker’s power

Once you’ve identified the correct switch for your doorbell, gently pull the switch downwards towards the “OFF” side and wait for a total of 15 seconds.

Using the same gentle movements, push the switch upwards and wait for the power to restart.

Tip: It is recommended to step on an isolator while interacting with the circuit breaker and wear protection gloves, although the box’s surface is not inducted. 

3. Force Reset the SimpliSafe Doorbell

Before inspecting the wiring and installation of the doorbell, the factory reset is another fairly simple and effective step you can try.

There’s a small “RESET” button on the rear panel of the doorbell’s faceplate that when pressed, restores the system to default settings.

Alert: Any configurations you’ve made to the doorbell before it went faulty will be erased!

force reset the simplisafe doorbell

Here’s how to follow through with SimpliSafe’s factory reset:

  1. Gently detach the faceplate from the mounting plate.
  2. Locate the “RESET” button on the back of the device.
  3. Press and hold the button for roughly 10–15 seconds.
  4. Now, release the button and wait for about 20 seconds.
  5. Lastly, place the faceplate back on your mounting plate.

Note: Wait for several seconds to determine if the doorbell will power on and if it doesn’t, press and hold the “RING” button for about 25–30 seconds to jump-start the hardware. 

4. Inspect the “C” and “Ground” Wires

A standard doorbell installation consists of “C” (power) and “G” (ground) wires, delivering the “+ and “ charge respectively.

So, both of these wires connect with the power terminals of SimpliSafe’s backplate, which then attach to the faceplate where visitors press the ring button.

In order to inspect the doorbell’s wires, you would first have to take off the faceplate and undo the screws holding the mounting plate. 

inspect the “c” and “ground” wires

Warning: It’s extremely important to first disable the power at the circuit breaker before touching the live wires of the doorbell’s installation.

Additionally, use protection gear such as an isolator carpet to stand on and protective gloves

  1. Carefully detach SimpliSafe’s faceplate by gently unclicking it. 
  2. Locate the two screws holding your doorbell’s mounting plate.
  3. Next, pull the mounting plate off the wall along with the wires.
  4. Locate the red (C) and white (ground) grounds within the wall.
  5. Now, pull out both wires along with the doorbell’s A/C terminals.
  6. Check the wires are securely tied around your doorbell’s poles.
  7. Check for any wire damage on the outer part of the conductors.

If the wire damage is within the walls and not visible through the mounting plate of the doorbell, you would have to schedule a meetup with a technician

Tip: Test the doorbell’s wires with a multimeter by connecting each of the wires to a terminal.

5. Reinsert SimpliSafe’s Micro Battery

If all else fails and the SimpliSafe doorbell is not powering on, we recommend inspecting the SimpliSafe doorbell’s internal micro battery. 

Unlike traditional battery-operated doorbells, SimpliSafe requires a hard wiring installation but still has a small “emergency” battery inside that allows it to work for several minutes after the power is cut. 

reinsert simplisafe’s micro battery

The battery itself does not contribute much to the startup and functionality, but in case of a fault, it could cause the doorbell to appear ‘dead.’

How to Access the SimpliSafe Doorbell’s Internal Battery?

Since removing the battery requires accessing the camera’s hardware, this may result in a warranty void from the manufacturer. 

  1. Take off the faceplate by sliding it upwards from the mount.
  2. Turn off the supply at the circuit breaker before proceeding.
  3. Undo all the screws holding the mounting plate to the wall.
  4. Unscrew the terminal screws and remove the power wiring.
  5. Now, find the small black battery right above the terminals.
  6. Remove the two small screws holding it to the base plate.
  7. Now, slide off the battery and wait for a total of 60 seconds.
  8. Reinstall the battery, reconnect the wires, and tighten them.
  9. Reinstall the faceplate and test SimpliSafe’s functionality.

Tip: Check for any damage to the mounting plate, terminals, and battery socket on the doorbell. 

6. Identify Issues with the Installation

identify issues with the installation

As mentioned, if the wire disruption is within the walls to a non-accessible spot, identifying it would require professional intervention. 

The last thing we would ask you to do is check whether the doorbell’s chime is functional.

If both the doorbell and chime do not appear to work properly, then there’s almost certainly an issue with the installation’s doorbell wires.

Reach out to a qualified professional to conduct an inspection of the system and detect potential faults.