The SimpliSafe Home Security app lets you control your SimpliSafe security system from anywhere in the world. Arm and disarm the system, set instant notifications and keep track of everything in an up to the minute timeline. You can even watch and capture live video if you have a SimpliSafe camera.
You can also use it to arm your system, watch live video from your security cameras, and unlock your SimpliSafe Smart Lock without getting out of your chair. We liked the SimpliSafe app overall for its easy-to-use, glitch-free features. Here's what we found during testing.
Can you use a SimpliSafe camera without professional monitoring? Technically, yes. It won't record footage, but you can see live footage using the app. To learn about more things you can do with the app, take a look at our SimpliSafe app guide.
Video clips from SimpliSafe® cameras can be downloaded to your mobile device using the SimpliSafe® Mobile App. Recordings are available with select monitoring plans. Please note that if your camera name contains an apostrophe, this may limit your ability to download recordings.
The SimpliSafe® Mobile App is currently compatible with: Android 11 and above. iOS 16.0 and above.
See what's happening at home anytime from your phone, tablet or computer.
Top System for Monitoring — Ring and SimpliSafe
But, SimpliSafe gave us stronger monitoring capabilities with its Core plan offering live guard protection. For the lowest cost option, we recommend Ring. If you want top-tier monitoring that still offers great value, go with SimpliSafe.
SimpliSafe cameras don't support continuous recording, but we prefer cameras that only record events otherwise reviewing footage ends up taking too much of our time.
Desktop/Laptop Computer
Most CCTV systems come with software that you can install on your computer. The software allows you to view the footage and access functions such as exporting footage. If your CCTV system doesn't come with software, you can try using a third-party application that is compatible with your system.
No, you can't see footage from any SimpliSafe cameras on Echo Show devices. Can you disarm your SimpliSafe system with Alexa? Unfortunately, you can't disarm your SimpliSafe system using Alexa, but this is a good thing. You don't want potential intruders disarming your system via your Alexa device.
With select professional monitoring plans and intruder intervention, agents can see and speak to intruders in real time during an alarm. Agents can only access your camera's microphone and video feed during an active alarm.
A Wi-Fi connection is required in order for our cameras to function and for the Base Station to download firmware updates. But the Base Station and sensors communicate using their own radio frequency signal; so even if your internet goes down, your Base Station and devices will still be active and protect your home.
Download and launch the security camera app on your phone. Most popular camera brands have created apps to use with their products. Usually, you can find the name on the box or in the instruction manual and download the app from App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
In other words, the camera will only record when the system is in AWAY when motion is detected. You can have the camera record in either OFF or HOME by changing your settings as follows: Tap on the Cameras tab at the bottom of the SimpliSafe® App. Choose the gear icon for Camera Settings in the upper right corner.
SimpliSafe does not require a monitoring service. With a free plan, you can view live footage from your cameras.
In your web browser, enter the URL address using your WAN IP address and the port number. For example, if your WAN IP address is 182.37. 154.136 and the HTTP port is 8001, enter "http://182.37.154.136:8001" in the browser. This allows you to view your security cameras remotely outside your home network.
They need a warrant, specific permission from the user or a special use of the "life-threatening emergency" clause if they want to view your cam footage.
In a normal state, a blinking or flashing blue light indicates that the Outdoor Camera is sending data, specifically actively livestreaming or recording to your timeline. In very rare instances the Outdoor Camera may become unresponsive after reconnecting its power cable or recharging the battery.
How far away can the Outdoor Camera detect motion? Up to 30 feet — depending on mounting height.
To use 2-way audio with your SimpliCam® and Video Doorbell, press the microphone button in the SimpliSafe® Mobile App while talking and release it to hear what is being said. If you hold the microphone button while someone is speaking to you through the camera, you will not be able to hear them.
Integrating SimpliSafe with other smart home brands requires a subscription. Professional monitoring costs have gone up three times in four years. Limited selection of security cameras.
According to Andrew Zonenberg, a researcher with security consultancy firm IOActive, attackers can easily disable SimpliSafe alarms from up to 30 meters away, using a device that costs around $250 to create a replay attack.
Does the SimpliSafe base station listen in? No, the SimpliSafe base station can't listen in because it's not voice-activated and doesn't have a microphone.