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Thursday, September 2nd, 2021 1:32 AM

Self-monitoring

I've just set up my gen 3 system but I don't want a monitoring plan - too many false alarms and city fines for nuisance calls with my old, now obsolete gen 2 system. I was assured by the SS sales agent that I can self-monitor USING THE APP, and there's even a short but not too helpful article on the subject, but there are no "how-to's" on the SS site. Is anyone out there self-monitoring? If so, how did you get past the "buy-a-plan" activation firewall in the app? There seems to be no way to deny monitoring.

1.3K Messages

3 years ago

Well, "self-monitoring" is still basically the same as it was with SS2 from an alarm standpoint. You listen for the base or aux siren to go off, rather than a service calling you.

That said, with SS3 and the current scheme, theoretically you can arm/disarm and change some settings without subscribing to a plan, which is different from the SS2 system capability.

You have to be sure the SS3 system is set up on your home WiFi as starting.point. If that is done and you still don't have some app function (discount camera, that is a separate matter) then call SS support.

Community Admin

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71 Messages

3 years ago

Hi @bythesea973,

You can find a step by step guide on how to set up your app features without monitoring from our Help Center here: https://support.simplisafe.com/hc/en-us/articles/4402348267661

- Harriet C.
SimpliSafe Home Security

1 Message

3 years ago

How do I do this with Gen 1 system.  I no longer have a monitoring plan but have no access anymore to change device settings, turn off Blue blinking light , etc.

1.3K Messages

Gen 1/SS2 you will have to use the USB key/setup utility to change settings without a monitoring plan.

To turn off the blinking blue light/no connection to dispatch you have to call SimplySafe. Then, I believe, they send you a customized file you have to load into the base using the USB.

With Gen1/SS2, there is no way to use the app without monitoring plan (except for cameras) because the base does not have WiFi. So, without cellular connection which is part of the monitoring plan, there is no way for the smartphone app to communicate to the base.

Community Admin

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5.7K Messages

3 years ago

Hi folks, whoaru99 is correct. The important piece is that if you have a Gen1 or Gen2 system, the only way to use the app is by activating either the $24.99 Interactive Plan or the $14.99 Standard Monitoring Plan.

He's also right that it's because the Monitoring Plans also include the cellular connectivity. Since Gen2 and Gen1 don't have WiFi, that cellular connection is the only way to link the system to the app.
If you would prefer not to have the dispatch piece active, our Support team does have a way to disable that - and we can even set up your profile so you can still get a call for emergencies, but there's no chance of police or fire departments getting a call.

- Johnny M.
SimpliSafe Home Security

2 Messages

3 years ago

I have the system 2 Gen and just purchased a iMac PC, the software no longer will work on Big Sur version.

Community Admin

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5.7K Messages

3 years ago

Hi harveyvicky2006,

If you're talking about the Easy Setup Wizard that is stored in your Key Fob, then yes, unfortunately that software cannot run on modern operating systems.

As mentioned in this thread, the primary way of accessing settings that aren't available on your Keypad Menu would be to use the SimpliSafe app for iOS or Android (or the webapp on our website at simplisafe.com). With a Gen 2 system, you can access those features if you're subscribed to at least the $14.99 Standard Monitoring Plan.

Of course, if you're ready to upgrade, we can offer you at least 50% off any new system as part of our Upgrade program! Give us a call at 800-548-9508 and we'll get you set up.

- Johnny M.
SimpliSafe Home Security

1 Message

11 months ago

I am considering dropping the monitoring plan on my second location.  I still need verification of what will work and will not work within the app?  Just purchased 12/2023 for the second home.  My questions are will email alerts still work for alarms and when there is a device error?  Should since this does not require cell service.  Can I see everything on the timeline within the app?   I believe I will have access to live only camera feeds, correct?

If there is no email alerts for alarms, etc.  Then I would have to just check the app periodically and look at the timeline, correct?

Thanks,

Don

Community Admin

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3.4K Messages

@drmod88​ The Basic App Control (free) monitoring plan does not feature email notifications, but you will still receive push notifications when there is a device error. You will be able to view events in your timeline, but events will only be available for 7 days. And you are correct, if you downgrade to the Basic App Control plan your cameras will not record video, but you will receive motion notifications and have access to view a livestream. 

To learn more about what each of our monitoring service plans offer, I recommend visiting this article in our Help Center

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