Nowadays, traditional doorbells are being phased out in favor of smart doorbells that do more than just alert/message you of a visitor. We’ve tried all kinds of video doorbells, but for this article will be taking the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro to see if it fulfills our expectations.
Granted, SimpliSafe doesn’t offer as many video doorbells as the Ring Video Doorbells, but, the fact that it does is more than enough for us. Let’s get started!
How do you install a SimpliSafe doorbell ring?
The fact that the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro required hardwiring didn’t deter anyone. Although we would have liked a wireless option, we chose to install it ourselves to save on paying the $79 professional installation fee. Our Philips head screwdriver, a Wi-Fi connection, and a little patience were all we needed for DIY installation.
Before hardwiring the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro to our existing doorbell, we first charged the battery. After that, we moved on to hardwiring. We’ve had a history of hardwiring security devices, so it wasn’t too difficult. Once we wiped the sweat off our brows, we moved on to the next step.
We took around five minutes to download the SimpliSafe Home Security mobile app and activate the doorbell. It was a simple process for us because we’ve done a lot of hardwiring before. This setup, however, may be difficult for newcomers, but with patience and a few guides, it shouldn’t be too difficult. There are always professional installations available as an alternative to DIY!
Did You Know: Wired security systems and cameras are less susceptible to interference by wireless signals like radios, preventing the loss of a Wi-Fi connection. Furthermore, wired video doorbells are harder to steal than wireless video doorbells!
SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro installation steps:
-
- Turn off power to the existing doorbell using a circuit breaker.
- Remove existing doorbell.
- Thread SimpliSafe doorbell wires through the mounting bracket.
- Screw mounting bracket to the wall.
- Connect camera wires to the mounting bracket
- Place SimpliSafe doorbell on the bracket.
- Turn the power back on.
- Test the doorbell button.
- Download the SimpliSafe app and create an account (if you haven’t already).
- Connect SimpliSafe doorbell to Wi-Fi.
Does the SimpliSafe doorbell need to be hardwired?
The SimpliSafe doorbell can be integrated into a place of an existing doorbell and uses existing doorbell hardware for primary power. It is a hardwired smart doorbell system that comes with batteries to keep working even when the power goes out.
Is SimpliSafe doorbell stand alone?
Yes,
It’s easy to install and works as a standalone video doorbell or as part of a SimpliSafe Home Security System, but you’ll need to subscribe for storage if you want to see recorded video.
Does SimpliSafe work with ring doorbells?
SimpliSafe and Ring devices are not compatible. They can’t communicate with each other, but they can be used in the same home on the same Wi-Fi network at the same time.
The SimpliSafe (as of now) only works with its own Smart Video Doorbell. That is, the system is not compatible with any third-party doorbell apart from its smart doorbell.
Does SimpliSafe have a night mode?
No, we put in Home mode at night. Except for the motion detectors, everything works. In the Away mode, if there is any movement in the house at night, the Away mode the alarm will activate. You can disable individual Entry Sensors if you want to leave a window or windows with Entry Sensors open.
Does SimpliSafe doorbell record all the time?
When motion detection is triggered, the Video Doorbell Pro will record video, which SimpliSafe can store for up to 30 days if you have a subscription. These recordings can be downloaded from your website or mobile app.
