Quick Fix: SimpliSafe Doorbell Installation Issues

SimpliSafe doorbell installation issues arise unexpectedly, especially after setting it up yourself, without reading a guide or consulting with the user manual.

In this guide, we’ll identify and address common installation mistakes that may prevent your doorbell from turning on or functioning correctly.

So, let’s start with the most important first.

How to Install SimpliSafe Doorbell? – (Step-By-Step Guide)

The SimpliSafe doorbell’s installation consists of several important steps:

1. Meet the Installation Requirements

First, you need to ensure that your setup meets the installation requirements.

For instance:

• There must be an existing doorbell wiring.
• You must have set up a mechanical chime.
• Built-in an 8-24VAC, 10-30VA transformer.

Before getting started, ensure everything is within the installation box.

There must be the Video Doorbell Pro, along with the angled mount, mounting bracket, chime connector, and many types of screws (security, wood, and wall screws/anchors).

2. Switch *OFF* the Circuit Breaker

The most important thing is to switch off the power from the circuit breaker for all rooms in your home.

• If you have any safety concerns, always have a carpet under your feet or some sort of flip-flops to prevent your feet from touching the ground.

Those are extremely important safety precautions, so make sure not to skip them!

3. Uninstall the Existing Doorbell

Installing a SimpliSafe video doorbell requires detaching your current doorbell and replacing it with SimpliSafe.

This involves the wall mount and any other equipment that belonged to your previous doorbell. 

You need to ensure there are “G” (Ground) and “C” (Power) wires coming out of the location. 

4. Install the Mounting Bracket

The next step is to position and secure SimpliSafe’s mounting bracket.

Here’s how:

1. If not already, drill two holes in the size of the bracket.
2. Position the bracket and use the wall screws to install.
3. After the bracket is installed, undo the terminal screws.
4. Tie both wires coming out of the wall with the el. poles.
5. Tighten the terminals again to ensure proper contact.

The mounting bracket acts as the holder of your doorbell.

All there is left to do is slide the into the bracket to ensure it is stable and secure.

5. Position the Doorbell Unit

Connect the doorbell to the stand by holding it underneath the bracket and pushing it upwards.

This should also deliver power to the doorbell through the terminals, so make sure to install the security screw on the bottom of the faceplate. 

6. Test the Doorbell & Chime

The final step is to check if the installation was successful.

All you have to do is turn on the power at the circuit breaker and press the “RING” button on the faceplate to test the chime. 

Tip: To access SimpliSafe’s online functions, proceed with the Wi-Fi setup through the mobile app, available for iOS and Android. 

How to Identify & Fix SimpliSafe Doorbell Installation Issues?

Did something go sideways? Don’t worry, find your problem below and follow the instructions:

1. The Doorbell Is Not Turning On

The most frequent installation issue with SimpliSafe doorbells is a startup problem, even if the installation seems complete. 

Although all SimpliSafe doorbell units are hardwired only, they have a small internal battery that uses up to 3.7V at 500mAh and 1.85Wh.

The doorbell must turn on immediately after it’s connected with the “C” wire of the existing doorbell installation and the wall mount is in contact.

What Causes It?

Here’s what might have gone wrong:

• An improper installation of the doorbell wires
• A problem with the doorbell’s internal battery
• Interrupted line in your home’s doorbell wiring
• Incompatible SimplySafe doorbell transformer 

Note: Your existing doorbell wiring should have an end for both the chime and the doorbell unit. 

The Solution: 

#1. Secure the terminal wires: 

Remove the faceplate, after turning off the power at the circuit breaker, and ensuring the wires are secured with the terminals.

Use the provided screwdriver to loosen the terminals and tighten and check if the wires are in contact with the terminals.

#2. Check the internal battery: 

Remove your SimpliSafe doorbell’s faceplate, undo the safety screws on the back, and remove the lithium-ion battery.

Wait for several seconds and place it back into the socket to check if your doorbell will turn on.

#3. Potential wiring problems: 

Corroded cables and old spackle could all contribute to the accelerated wearing of the wires from your existing installation.

While an issue with the existing wiring may be difficult to spot, if your previous doorbell used to work, it’s probably not it.

Tip: Get in touch with a technician if you’re hesitant about a wiring fault.

2. Chime Isn’t Ringing

The chime, by itself, is an essential component of the doorbell’s configuration and without it, the doorbell can only serve a live monitoring purpose.

If you’ve just set up the SimpliSafe doorbell, and pressing the “RING” button doesn’t ring the chime, you may need to check on a few things.

What are the Causes?

Here’s what may be causing it:

• You have installed the chime adapter improperly.
• The chime isn’t compatible with the doorbell unit.
• The chime’s in-app settings haven’t been set up.
• A malfunction of the chime’s existing installation.

The Solution: 

Here’s how to address SimpliSafe chime issues:

#1. Activate “Entry Sensor Chime”

The first step is to ensure the “Entry Sensor Chime” feature within the app is active.

• On your smartphone, open the app and go to “Menu” → “System” → “Entry Sensor Chime” → “Enable”.

#2. Install the Chime Connector: 

It’s mentioned in the setup instructions, that you need to install the chime connector with your existing chime wiring.

So, verify the adapter is correctly plugged with the positive and negative poles of the chime wires, at the installation spot.

#3. Use a Mechanical Chime: 

None of SimpliSafe’s doorbells are compatible with digital chimes.

You will need a regular mechanical chime that’s compatible with the provided adapter by SimpliSafe and also with the existing chime wiring.

Warning: If working on the chime’s wiring, always deactivate the power at the circuit breaker!

3. Doorbell Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi

Not connecting to Wi-Fi is among the most common SimpliSafe doorbell installation issues users tend to experience.

The solutions we’re going to review here steer away from everything tech-related, as the issue here could be caused by a variety of things.

For starters, SimpliSafe establishes a local connection to your network router only through a 2.4 GHz frequency, meaning it must be within range of your router to work. 

Apart from that, a temporal outage of the network causes the doorbell to go offline immediately.

What are the Causes?

The causes include:

• Too much distance between your doorbell and router.
• Absence of a base station – can only pair to 2.4 GHz.
• Existing interference with your doorbell/router’s signal.
• Issues with the mobile SimpliSafe app on your mobile.
• A temporary outage of broadband service or bad Wi-Fi.

Before proceeding, ensure your router is online and check for any unusual LED patterns that may indicate a temporary network outage.

If everything appears normal, keep reading ahead.

The Solution: 

Here’s how to address SimpliSafe Wi-Fi issues:

#1. Power cycle your Wi-Fi router: 

Start by unplugging the network router for approximately 60 seconds along with all the network equipment.

After a full minute has passed, plug the router’s cable back in, wait for the network to relaunch, and attempt to connect the doorbell.

#2. Check for range-related issues: 

Although 2.4 GHz frequencies tend to cover a larger area, ensure the router is within a 100-feet range of the doorbell or vice versa. 

This helps improve the connection’s stability and eliminates functionality issues. 

#3. Reinstall your SimpliSafe app: 

Proceed to uninstall the SimpliSafe app from your mobile device and download it again through the App Store/Google Play Store.

You should relog into the SimpliSafe user account and re-add the doorbell as a new device to test.

SimplySafe Doorbell Not Working After Installation?

If your SimpliSafe doorbell is not turning on, even if you’re certain there is no wiring problem, get in touch with the local merchant.

Maybe there is a problem with your unit, so go for the warranty.