How To Reset My SimpliSafe Sensors

Close of up batteriesClose of up batteries

When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

SimpliSafe is a common household name in terms of home security systems. The goal of these systems is to provide around-the-clock security, however; it is not uncommon that a reset or battery replacement is necessary for these systems to work as they are designed.

In this article, we will discuss how to reset your SimpliSafe system and bonus topics on how to alleviate non-responsive sensors and battery replacements for the Original SimpliSafe and Gen3 SimpliSafe systems. Let’s get started on resetting your SimpliSafe system.

How to Reset My SimpliSafe Base Station

Like most security systems in the 21st century, SimpliSafe requires a WIFI connection in order to operate properly. It is not uncommon that the connection can drop from time to time. When this occurs, you may need to reset your base station to reboot your security system.

  1. Unplug your base station
  2. Remove the battery cover at the bottom of the device using a screwdriver.
  3. Remove the battery for 10 to 15 seconds before putting the battery back in.
  4. Put the cover back on the device.
  5. Plug the device back in and wait for 1 to 2 minutes for a new connection.
  6. Arm your system to test that is working.

If your system does not register, this could mean that you need to replace the battery in the base station. To replace the battery, you will need to contact customer service to order a new battery. If you use a regular alkaline battery, you may the system.

Now that we’ve discussed how to reset your base station, let’s discuss non-responsive sensors and how to fix this problem.

Non-Responsive Sensors

To find the solution to your non-responsive sensors, you must first figure out if you have the Original SimpliSafe system or the Gen3 SimpliSafe system. If you purchased your SimpliSafe system in 2017 or earlier, you will have the Original SimpliSafe system.

 If you purchased your SimpliSafe in 2018 or later, you will likely have the Gen3 SimpliSafe system. Let’s delve deep into your specific system and the likely reasons causing the non-responsive issues.

Original SimpliSafe System

If your sensors in your Original SimpliSafe system do not check-in after a long period of time, your base station will notify you with an error message. Generally, this error message is caused by one of two things:

  • The battery or batteries for the specific sensor causing the error need to be replaced or
  • The device is out of range from the base station and cannot communicate

Battery Replacement

If the battery needs to be replaced, below is a table detailing each sensor, the battery or batteries required for the sensor, and a link to purchase these batteries. Most batteries will need to be replaced between 3 and 5 years, however; the Keypad and the Auxillary Siren sensor batteries should be replaced every 8 to 12 months.

Specific SensorQuantity NeededType of Battery
Entry Sensor1CR-123A Lithium 3V
Motion Sensor1CR-123A Lithium 3V
Glassbreak Sensor1CR-123A Lithium 3V
Smoke Detector1CR-123A Lithium 3V
Keypad4AA Alkaline
Auxillary Siren4AA Alkaline
Temperature/Freeze Sensor1CR-2450 Lithium

Note: For the water sensor and carbon monoxide sensors, you will need to contact Simplisafe customer service for assistance.

Out of Range Issue

If you believe your system may be out of range, testing this theory is simple.

  1. Press menu on the keypad and enter your master PIN.
  2. Press “5” on the keypad. You should see “5. Test”.
  3. Press “Away” to select the “5. Test” option.

After completing Step 3, your Base Station should announce the test mode. Manually test your Entry sensor by opening or closing the door/window and tap the “Test” button for the Motion or Glassbreak sensor.

  • If you hear the Base Station announce the sensor you are working on, then out of range is not connected to the error message.
  • If your Base Station does not announce, then it is best to relocate the Base Station so all devices can work with your station.

Now, let’s discuss non-responsive sensors with the Gen3 Simplisafe System.

Gen3 SimpliSafe System

Much like the Original SimpliSafe, the Gen3 system will issue errors when the sensors don’t check in with the Base Station. The following are reasons why you may be receiving an error message.

  • The device was programmed when ordered but was never installed. You can remove the extra sensors under “Devices” on your Keypad.
  • Battery or batteries need to be replaced.
  • The sensor is out of range from your Base Station.

Battery Replacement

Some of the battery requirements for the Original and Gen3 systems are the same. Below has the sensors listed that have different battery requirements from the Original system. If you do not see your sensor identified below, please refer to the Original Battery Replacement section above as it has the same battery requirements.

Specific SensorQuantity / Type of BatteryLink for Purchase
Entry Sensor1 CR-2032 Lithium 3VCR-2032 Lithium 3V
Temperature/Freeze Sensor1 CR-2032 Lithium 3VCR-2032 Lithium 3V
Water Sensor1 CR-2032 Lithium 3VCR-2032 Lithium 3V
DoorLock4 AA AlkalineAA Alkaline

Note: For the carbon monoxide detector, contact SimpliSafe’s customer service and they will send out the batteries required free of charge.

Out of Range Issue

Similar to the Original System, testing if your sensor is out of range of your Base Station is simple.

  1. Press “Menu” on the keypad and enter your master PIN.
  2. Navigate to “Test Mode” and press the right rocker to select it.
  3. Once selected, the Base Station will announce it’s in Test Mode.

If you don’t hear the Test announcement within earshot, slide the sensor off the mounting bracket and bring it to the Base Station. Repeat the test and if you hear it this time, you will need to relocate the Base Station to be within range of the sensor. As stated above, moving the Base Station is the best solution to this problem, rather than the device itself.

Conclusion

Now that we have discussed all options for system reset and non-responsive sensors for the Original and Gen3 SimpliSafe devices, you can now live your life in peace knowing your SimpliSafe device is working to the best of its capabilities.

Keep Reading