Motion Sensor False Alarms for Original SimpliSafe®
Updated
| Does your Keypad look like the one pictured to the left? Then you're in the right place! You've got the Original SimpliSafe® system. If you purchased a new system in 2018 or later, you likely have the Gen 3 SimpliSafe®. You can learn more about the differences between the two systems on our Help Center. |
SimpliSafe® Motion Sensors have been designed to avoid false alarms. However, if you’ve experienced one, there are a few potential issues that may cause them:
Direct sunlight hitting the sensor can trigger a false alarm.
Heating vents located in the room. If they are located within the sensor’s field of vision, they may cause false alarms.
Pets that are able to get too close to the sensor. Pets under 30 pounds generally don’t trigger Motion Sensors, but if they get close enough to the sensor, smaller dogs or cats may still be able to trigger it.
Sunlight can be avoided by placing your Motion Sensor in a corner where it will not be directly hit by sunlight throughout the day.
If you suspect that heating vents may be responsible for false alarms, position your sensor in a part of the room where it will not see the hot or cold air vent. As long as the change in the room’s ambient temperature is gradual, the sensor should not trigger.
Pets
Pets may require small adjustments to your motion sensor placement. For pets over 30 pounds, mount your Motion Sensor upside down (so that the test button is on the top of the sensor, rather than the bottom). Place it approximately 4 – 5 feet off the ground with this orientation, and it will still be able to detect any intruder that walks into the room. For pets under 30 pounds, ensure that your Motion Sensor is out of reach of your pets, and sufficiently high off the ground. Installed normally (test button on the bottom), we recommend placing it 6 – 10 feet off the ground.