Does SimpliSafe Doorbell Need to be Hardwired?

When shopping for a smart doorbell system, the complexity of the installation process can often be a concern. I wanted to find a way to keep my house secure, without spending the entire day fretting over a complicated setup (or at least understand what I was getting myself into).

Does SimpliSafe Doorbell Need to be Hardwired? The SimpliSafe Doorbell is a hardwired smart doorbell system. The unit does have batteries for backup functionality (in case of a power outage) but relies on your existing doorbell hardware for primary power. 

Even though the SimpliSafe Doorbell needs to be hardwired, that doesn’t mean it has to be complicated to setup. The company offers a concise and cohesive guide for how to install the doorbell to get you started (Installation Guide).

The SimpliSafe Doorbell: A Quick Look

The SimpliSafe Doorbell provides security-conscious individuals the ability to monitor the activity happening right on their doorstep. Let’s take a look at some of the features to get a better idea of what the SimpliSafe Doorbell can offer:

• 1080p HD Video
• Live Streaming
• Two-Way Audio
• Motion Detection (Alerts can be sent directly to your smartphone)
• Record Motion Events (Paid subscription required)
• Night Vision

Besides the quick and easy installation, one of the features I was drawn to with the SimpliSafe Doorbell was the variety of motion detection events the sensors offer.

For example, it can distinguish between vehicle movement and heat signatures, so the notifications you receive are accurate and necessary. There’s nothing worse than being bombarded by constant, irrelevant notifications on your smart device. 

Requirements for Installation

Before I got all set up with my SimpliSafe Doorbell, I wanted to make sure my existing doorbell system would have the proper connection and power requirements. As with any smart home security devices, it’s crucial to verify your compatibility before entering into a new ecosystem.

Here’s some information I found helpful regarding the requirements for installation:

• Dimensions: 4.35 x 1.35 1.12 inches (fits most doorways)
• An existing wired doorbell system is required for power.
• Voltage/Power Required: 8-24 volt transformer
  • *Note: If a new doorbell system is being installed, SimpliSafe recommends using a 16 volt transformer.
• A WiFi network: Required for streaming video to your devices.
• Smartphone with iOS or Android: Required for initial setup of the device.

Data courtesy of SimpliSafe

Whenever possible, make sure to turn off the power to your doorbell at your circuit breaker before beginning the installation. Once you confirm you have the necessary hardware, setup is a breeze. It’s simply a matter of removing your old doorbell and installing the new device. 

Tips for Installing SimpliSafe Doorbell

The thought of installing any hardware directly into your home can seem like a daunting task at first. SimpliSafe directly addresses this by stating:

“Anyone can set up Video Doorbell Pro in under thirty minutes. No know-how needed. All it takes is a Phillips head screwdriver.”

Source: SimpliSafe.com

The quick and easy installation is a big plus for me. Some devices require endless hunting for manuals and installation guides, but SimpliSafe offers clear instructions and diagrams directly on their site for easy access.

To make the installation even more manageable, SimpliSafe breaks the process down into a few short steps:

1. Turn off power to the doorbell at your circuit breaker.
2. Remove existing doorbell hardware.
3. Thread wires through the mounting bracket.
4. Screw the mounting bracket to the wall.
5. Connect the wires to the mounting bracket
6. Slide doorbell cover on.
7. Turn the power back on to your doorbell.

Additionally, I found this particular video (YouTube) to be an especially helpful visual guide in installing the SimpliSafe Doorbell. The video shows just how straightforward the installation process can be.

Worried if your Simplisafe will work for the size of your home? We cover it in detail in our article here on if Simplisafe works for large homes or not.

Once the hardware has been installed, the SimpliSafe Doorbell can be configured directly using a smartphone, making it even more accessible for a wide variety of users.

What if I Don’t Have the Proper Hardware?

Realizing that many smart doorbells require existing hardware to install, you may be wondering; 

What if my setup doesn’t have the proper requirements for power and installation? Luckily, there is a cost-effective solution for this issue.

Most smart doorbells on the market can be installed with a hardwire transformer (found here). These transformers boast easy installation and universal compatibility with most smart doorbells like SimpliSafe, Ring, Nest Hello, and many others.

Most companies recommend a transformer with an Output Voltage of 16v at 30VA. Fortunately, many of the transformers available for purchase list device compatibility, taking out a lot of the guesswork when looking for the right product.

Will the SimpliSafe Doorbell Integrate with my Existing System?

I have a variety of smart home devices already set up in my house, so I wanted to make sure my SimpliSafe doorbell could integrate with additional security devices. The SimpliSafe ecosystem offers the following compatibilities:

• Amazon Alexa: Use to arm system only.
• Google Home: Use to arm system only.
• Nest: Can adjust the temperature depending on whether your system is armed or disarmed.

Though SimpliSafe offers somewhat limited smart home compatibility with existing systems, it was helpful to know that I wouldn’t run into any issues when using the different products together.

Speaking of security, if you are curious if SimpliSafe will call the police, check out our post hereto find out more.

Comparable Models on the Market

The SimpliSafe Doorbell is an excellent security solution for individuals looking to protect their home. To take a step further,  I wanted to get a better idea of how the Simplisafe Doorbell fared when compared to some other products on the market. Here’s some information I found:

Feature(s)	SimpliSafe Doorbell Pro	Google Nest Hello	Ring Doorbell Pro	eufy Security Video Doorbell
Video Resolution	1080p HD	2K HDR	1080p HD	2K HDR
Live Streaming	✔	✔	✔	✔
Motion Alerts	✔	✔	✔	✔
Subscription Fee	$5/Month	$5-30/Month	$10/Month	n/a
Smart Home Compatibility	n/a	Google Home	Alexa	Google Home/ Alexa
Two-way Audio	✔	✔	✔	✔
Hardwired Installation	✔	✔	✔	✔

Are There any Wireless Models Available?

Since I had established that the SimpliSafe Doorbell is hardwired and requires an existing setup, it made me wonder if any other comparable models offered a wireless option. The majority of products I came across required a similar hardwired installation, but I quickly found there were indeed some wireless models available as well.

One such option is the Ring Video Doorbell 2. This smart doorbell offers the ability to be hardwired or use a rechargeable battery. Though a hardwired connection may be more reliable, having a rechargeable battery is undeniably useful in the case of power outages.

Ring Video Doorbell 2

• 1080HD Video with Night Vision
• On-demand Live View Capabilities
• Alexa Smart Home Compatible
• Motion Alerts and Two-Way Talk
• Removable/Quick Release Rechargeable Battery
• Optional Hardwired Installation

Summary and Key Takeaways

If you feel like you’re ready to jump into the world of smart home security, here are a few things to remember:

• Most smart doorbell systems require a hardwired installation via your existing doorbell setup, with a few exceptions.
• SimpliSafe requires an 8-24 volt transformer
  • Many companies offer transformers if you plan on installing a new system, or don’t have the proper hardware. Make sure your model is compatible (usually a 16-volt transformer will suffice)
• A smart device running either iOS or Android is required to set up the SimpliSafe doorbell.
• A WiFi connection is also required in order to access the live streaming functionalities.

Though the SimpliSafe doorbell (and many other similar products) require a hardwired installation, they take extra strides to remove the hassle and extraneous time involved. Installing smart devices can be intimidating, but hopefully, the information in this guide can help to remove the stress and guesswork involved.