SimpliSafe Doorbell Camera Offline? (Fix in Minutes!)

simplisafe doorbell camera offline

If you’re wondering why is your SimpliSafe doorbell camera offline each time you check in the mobile application–don’t worry, you’re not alone.

SimpliSafe doorbells may keep going offline may be due to the network, base station, app management, or Wi-Fi network.

We’re getting this fixed in a matter of minutes, so stay with us!

SimpliSafe Doorbell Camera Offline – 7 Expert Solutions!

Note: Have you tested whether your Wi-Fi is dropping out?

1. Pair/Change SimpliSafe’s Wi-Fi

pair simplisafe to wi-fi initially

The first step is to figure out whether the doorbell’s connection drop is a one-time occurrence or happens frequently.

The proper way to check that is to either set up the doorbell initially all over again or use the Wi-Fi change function within the application.

Important: The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro is only compatible with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks!

How to Pair SimpliSafe to Wi-Fi Initially?

  1. Access the “Cameras” tab within the SimpliSafe app.
  2. Tap “Set up a Camera” from the on-screen settings.
  3. Tap “Video Doorbell Pro” from the on-screen options.
  4. Follow the steps until “Join a Wi-Fi Network” shows.
  5. Wait until the unit automatically detects the 2.4 GHz.
  6. Type in the password for your home Wi-Fi network.
  7. Press “NEXT” and follow the remaining instructions.

How to Change SimpliSafe Doorbell’s Wi-Fi?

change simplisafe doorbell’s wi-fi?
  1. Open your SimpliSafe app and navigate to “Cameras”.
  2. Tap on the gear icon situated in the upper-right corner.
  3. Press on the doorbell thumbnail from the devices page.
  4. Tap “Change Network” at the bottom of the app settings.

Now, you will be redirected to the Wi-Fi selection menu, similar to the one during the initial setup.

Pick a new, 2.4 GHz-compatible Wi-Fi for your doorbell and proceed with the setup.

Tip: If you have no secondary Wi-Fi to test with, share a mobile hotspot from your smartphone and connect your SimpliSafe doorbell for testing purposes. 

2. Shorten the Physical Distance

shorten the physical distance

The 2.4 GHz network threads cover a much larger distance when compared to the bulkier, yet faster 5 GHz frequencies. 

For that purpose, all SimpliSafe products are limited to only supporting 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, thanks to its extensive range of capabilities.

Hence, try to shorten the amount of solid surfaces and walls in between the router and doorbell to improve the connection as much as possible.

If the position of your doorbell is fixed, the only solution you’ve got is relocating your router. 

Sometimes, a few feet make all the difference you need.

Note: If the doorbell managed to connect once, it means there isn’t an issue with the DHCP or the Wi-Fi settings. 

3. Adjust the Network Wi-Fi Options

Your network has several Wi-Fi options which could be the reason why the SimpliSafe doorbell camera disconnected.

In order to adjust those settings, you will require access to the router’s interface (GUI), which can only be accessed through a locally connected computer or a laptop.

How to Access the Router’s GUI?

how to access the router’s gui

For GUI access, you will require the router’s default gateway which can be found on a sticker on the router’s top panel or by typing “ipconfig” in the CMD of a connected Windows PC. 

So, copy or note the gateway’s IP (commonly it starts with “192.168”) and then paste it into the browser’s search field (URL).

If you haven’t requested a change of the default login credentials, you should be able to sign in by typing “admin/admin” or “admin/password”.

Once you’re in the GUI, proceed to configure the following options:

Option #1 Change the WPA Settings

Particular internet providers that use WPA3 may cause connection issues with the SimpliSafe doorbell.

Once you are in the GUI, navigate to the “Security” or “Wi-Fi” tab and set the “WPA” feature to “WPA2” or “WPA2/3 Mixed” from the available options. 

Option #2 Deactivate Band-Steering
deactivate band-steering

If you have a dual-band router, but you only have one Wi-Fi, this means that your router is told to merge both networks into one.

The feature is commonly called “Band-Steering” but the exact name varies per the router model–Smart Connect, Intelligent Wi-Fi, Adaptive Connectivity, etc…

As established, neither of the SimpliSafe devices are 5 GHz-enabled, hence such a feature can prevent your SimpliSafe doorbell from connecting.

We recommend temporarily deactivating this feature under the “Wireless Settings” or “Advanced Wireless Settings” tab from your router GUI.

Option #3 Disable the DHCP Whitelist

The DHCP whitelist defines which MAC address can and cannot connect with the Wi-Fi.

If the feature is active, only manually specified devices or ones without MAC address filtering can connect to the network.

  • You can deactivate the whitelist by navigating to “Network/Wi-Fi” → “DHCP List/Listing” and setting the “Whitelist” feature to “Off”.

Note: The Wi-Fi options are almost identical regardless of the router model and network type! 

4. Improve the Wi-Fi Speed

improve the wi-fi speed

The SimplISafe doorbell could be periodically disconnecting due to an inconsistency in the Wi-Fi consistency.

If the signal is insufficient for the doorbell to perform simple tasks, such as sending notifications or motion alerts, it will instinctively disconnect and later automatically reconnect.

How to Test the Network Wi-Fi Speeds?

We recommend checking your Wi-Fi network’s download and upload speeds at speedtest.net. However, test your Wi-Fi, not your broadband.

This means clicking on the link above using a device that is connected to the Wi-Fi, not your computer connected directly via Ethernet cable.

When you access the page click/tap on the “GO!” button to receive the download and upload speeds in Mbps.

If you see anything lower than 5 Mbps, well, your network is very, very slow.

Tips to Improve the Network Wi-Fi Speed:

Try some of the following tips to improve your Wi-Fi’s speed:

#1 Power reset: 
power reset:

So, start by unplugging your router from the power supply for 50–60 seconds.

In the meantime, remove all third-party equipment from the setup, check if the power adapter is in good condition, and test the router in another electrical outlet. 

#2 Placement: 

The router’s placement is another essential factor to optimize the connection speeds.

Ensure the network unit is at a central location, away from enclosed spaces, solid obstructions, and large furniture blocking out the radio frequency.

#3 Reduce usage: 

Reduce the bandwidth usage of your network by disconnecting devices you no longer or rarely use.

Also prevent any or all high-data processes, such as downloading, uploading, and seeding.

#4 Interference: 

Interference can define the speeds of your network, regardless of the initial download or upload rate.

Ensure there are no other wireless devices in close range from the router and try switching more of your devices to the 5 GHz band if possible.

Quick Tip: Try streaming high-quality (4K) video from YouTube from the Wi-Fi that your doorbell is using–if it’s lagging, your network is weak or fluctuating.

5. Pair the Base Station with Wi-Fi

pair the base station to wi-fi

Although the base station is an optional component of your security system, it might also be the reason why the SimpliSafe doorbell camera keeps going offline.

So, the base station by itself is not required by the doorbell for Wi-Fi, but if it’s present in the setup, it could cause potential issues.

How Does the Base Station Work?

The base station is something similar to the “brain” of your system!

Among its essential purposes is providing the chime with Wi-Fi and sounding your system’s alert siren.

Not having the station halves the number of features you can use on the doorbell.

How to Connect the SimpliSafe Base to Wi-Fi?

connect the simplisafe base to wi-fi
  • If you’re using the SimpliSafe mobile application, open the app and go to “My System” → “Base Station Settings” → “Wi-Fi Network” → “Scanning…” → “Wi-Fi network” → “Connect”.
  • If you’re using the SimpliSafe keypad, tap “Menu”, enter your master PIN, and go to “Wi-Fi” → “Network” → “Scanning…” → “Connect”.

Note: The keypad is also an optional component of your SimpliSafe security system.

How to Change Wi-Fi On SimpliSafe Base?

  1. Open the app and head to the “My System” tab.
  2. Tap “Base Station Settings”, then “WiFi Network”.
  3. Press “Choose Another Network” and then wait.
  4. Select the new Wi-Fi network from the options list.
  5. Enter the password and tap the “Connect” button.

Alert: Similar to the doorbell, the base station does not support the 5 GHz band either.

6. Check SimpliSafe’s Power Setup

Well, as we’re nearing the end of the guide, you should check for a potential issue with the power supply.

If any electrical inconsistency is causing SimpliSafe to reboot it will definitely disconnect from the Wi-Fi, and when the device turns back on it will reconnect automatically.

check simplisafe’s power setup

The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro requires an existing doorbell installation with two functional chime wires in order to connect and work properly.

Warning: Before working on your doorbell, turn off the power at the circuit breaker!

Here’s how to check the power setup of SimpliSafe:

  1. Uninstall the security screw on the doorbell’s bottom.
  2. Detach the faceplate and uninstall the mourning plate.
  3. Pull out the chime wires along with the plate terminals.

Now, check the following:

  • Check if the wires are tightened around the A/C poles.
  • Check if there’s damage to the wires or the terminals.

Stand by the doorbell for 5–10 minutes after reinstalling it to determine if the power fluctuates.

In case of an inconsistent power supply, the SimpliSafe doorbell will be unable to power on easily.

Note: You will need professional intervention if there’s a problem with your doorbell installation!

7. Reset the Doorbell to Defaults

reset the doorbell to defaults

Tried everything and nothing worked? Don’t worry, it’s time for the big gun method–factory reset.

The factory reset is among the most efficient solutions for the SimpliSafe doorbell camera offline problem.

The doorbell has an integrated “Reset” button that reverts all changes to the system and settings when pressed for longer than 16 seconds.

  • To access the “Reset” button, unscrew the security screw from the doorbell, unmount the faceplate, and search above the micro-USB port.

After 15–16 seconds of holding, the doorbell will enter a resetting state that should last for approximately 1–2 minutes.

Then you can carry out the initial setup and you’re ready to test.

Note: If your doorbell continues to disconnect, test with a different and proven Wi-Fi or get in touch with the SimpliSafe customer service.