Do I Need to Replace my Cellular Module?
Updated
Many Original SimpliSafe and Gen 3 SimpliSafe systems sold before December 2019 contain cellular modules that rely on the 2G cellular network to communicate with our professional monitoring center. Cellular carriers have announced that they are in the process of taking their 2G networks offline and that cell connectivity and performance may be impacted as of September 1, 2024.
To ensure your connection to the monitoring center, we will provide a free upgraded cellular module that connects to the 4G network. Additionally, for customers without a professional monitoring subscription, you may replace your current cellular module to maintain basic functionality in the SimpliSafe app.
Check the SimpliSafe app to see if your system is impacted and click here to order your free replacement. For assistance installing your new module, give us a call at 888-734-2792.
If your Keypad looks like the one pictured to the left, you have the Original SimpliSafe system. For Original SimpliSafe systems, the cellular module in your Base Station is the only way your system is able to communicate with our professional monitoring center. If you do not upgrade your cellular module, when the 2G network is taken offline, you will not be connected to our professional monitoring center. This means we cannot request assistance from first responders to your service location when an alarm is triggered. To ensure your connection to the monitoring center, you must either upgrade to a free 4G cellular module or upgrade your entire system. |
If your Keypad looks like the one pictured to the left, you have the Gen 3 SimpliSafe system. For Gen 3 SimpliSafe systems, the cellular module in your Base Station provides a backup connection to our professional monitoring center. If you do not upgrade your cellular module and if you are not connected to WiFi when the 2G network is taken offline, you will not be connected to our professional monitoring center. This means we cannot request assistance from first responders to your service location when an alarm is triggered. To ensure your connection to the monitoring center, you must upgrade to a free 4G cellular module |
FAQ For Professionally Monitored Subscribers
What is the cell connection for?
For Original SimpliSafe users, the cellular module in your Base Station is the only way your system is able to communicate with our professional monitoring center.
For Gen 3 SimpliSafe users, the base station has a built-in cellular module that allows your system to communicate with our professional monitoring center as a backup if you are not connected to WiFi, or if your WiFi connection is disrupted.
Why do I need to have my cellular module replaced?
Many Original SimpliSafe and Gen 3 SimpliSafe systems sold before December 2019 contain cellular modules that rely on the 2G cellular network to communicate with our professional monitoring center. Cellular carriers have announced that they are in the process of taking their 2G networks offline and that cell connectivity and performance may be impacted as of September 1, 2024.
What happens if I don’t replace my cellular module?
For Original SimpliSafe systems, if you do not replace your module, our professional monitoring center cannot provide 24/7 protection against intrusions, fires, and medical emergencies and cannot request assistance from first responders to your service location when an alarm is triggered - even if your system is armed.
For Gen 3 SimpliSafe systems, if you do not replace your module and if you are not connected to WiFi, or if your WiFi connection is disrupted, our professional monitoring center cannot provide 24/7 protection against intrusions, fires, and medical emergencies and cannot request assistance from first responders to your service location when an alarm is triggered - even if your system is armed.
Which cellular networks does SimpliSafe use?
SimpliSafe uses 2G and 4G (LTE) cellular networks to communicate with our professional monitoring center. Our products do not rely on the 3G cellular network (which is also being shut down by cellular carriers in 2022). Cellular carriers have announced that they are in the process of taking their 2G networks offline and that cell connectivity and performance may be impacted as of September 1, 2024.
When will the 2G network in my area be shut off?
The cellular carriers have publicly stated that they will be shutting off the 2G network progressively throughout 2022 by geographical region, with all 2G networks being shut down by September 1st, 2024. Since there is no precise information on when your specific geographical region will be impacted, we strongly urge you to replace your cellular module immediately to ensure your system is not disconnected from our professional monitoring center, which would result in our not being able to request assistance from first responders to your premises if an alarm is triggered - even if your system is armed.
How do I know if I have a 2G cellular module?
If your Base Station has a 2G module, Simplisafe has already tried reaching out to you via SMS, email, and/or phone call. If you are unsure, please check the SimpliSafe app or give us a call at 888-734-2792.
How do I install the new cellular module?
Installation Instructions for the Original SimpliSafe System
Installation Instructions for the Gen 3 SimpliSafe System
How will I know if the new module is working?
To test if your new module is working properly, please follow these steps:
Press Menu on your Keypad and enter your master PIN
Scroll down and select Test Mode, prompting your system to send a test signal that you can see in your account online or in the app (http://simplisafe.com/account)