Exact model-family answer directory
SimpliSafe sensors, Keypad and accessories troubleshooting
SimpliSafe sensors, Keypad and accessories (Motion Sensor (Gen 2) — no separate model number; check the serial number inside the battery compartment): range and pets (from SimpliSafe Support); battery, and a fix for each symptom below.
- Range and pets (from SimpliSafe Support)Detects motion within 35 feet across a 90-degree field of view. Pet Mode lets animals up to 60 pounds move around without setting it off.
SimpliSafe sensors, Keypad and accessories (Motion, Entry, Glassbreak, Smoke and CO, Water, Temperature, Siren, Panic Button and Key Fob) firmware update is stuck or failed
Open record SimpliSafe · batterySimpliSafe sensors, Keypad and accessories (Motion, Entry, Glassbreak, Smoke and CO, Water, Temperature, Siren, Panic Button and Key Fob) has power or battery problems
Open record SimpliSafe · offlineSimpliSafe sensors, Keypad and accessories (Motion, Entry, Glassbreak, Smoke and CO, Water, Temperature, Siren, Panic Button and Key Fob) is offline or unavailable
Open record SimpliSafe · motion detectionSimpliSafe sensors, Keypad and accessories (Motion, Entry, Glassbreak, Smoke and CO, Water, Temperature, Siren, Panic Button and Key Fob) misses motion or records too many events
Open record SimpliSafe · notificationsSimpliSafe sensors, Keypad and accessories (Motion, Entry, Glassbreak, Smoke and CO, Water, Temperature, Siren, Panic Button and Key Fob) notifications are late, missing or excessive
Open record SimpliSafe · routineSimpliSafe sensors, Keypad and accessories (Motion, Entry, Glassbreak, Smoke and CO, Water, Temperature, Siren, Panic Button and Key Fob) routine, schedule or automation is not running
Open record SimpliSafe · shared accessSimpliSafe sensors, Keypad and accessories (Motion, Entry, Glassbreak, Smoke and CO, Water, Temperature, Siren, Panic Button and Key Fob) shared users or family members cannot control it
Open record SimpliSafe · wrong readingSimpliSafe sensors, Keypad and accessories (Motion, Entry, Glassbreak, Smoke and CO, Water, Temperature, Siren, Panic Button and Key Fob) shows the wrong time, state or sensor reading
Open record SimpliSafe · setupSimpliSafe sensors, Keypad and accessories (Motion, Entry, Glassbreak, Smoke and CO, Water, Temperature, Siren, Panic Button and Key Fob) will not complete setup or pairing
Open record SimpliSafe · factory resetSimpliSafe sensors, Keypad and accessories (Motion, Entry, Glassbreak, Smoke and CO, Water, Temperature, Siren, Panic Button and Key Fob) will not reset or needs to be reset safely
Open recordConfirm the model first
Which units this covers, and how to tell yours is one of them
- Model numbers and patterns
- Motion Sensor (Gen 2) — no separate model number; check the serial number inside the battery compartment
- Not applicable to this hardware
- This SimpliSafe sensors, Keypad and accessories (Motion, Entry, Glassbreak, Smoke and CO, Water, Temperature, Siren, Panic Button and Key Fob) does not have the hardware for: will not stay connected to Wi-Fi; does not respond to voice control; will not connect through Matter, HomeKit or another platform.
Published specification
What is true of this model and changes how you fix it
- Range and coverageSimpliSafe states the Gen 2 sensor has a range of 35 ft and a 90° field of view, intended to cover an entire room from one location. Beyond 35 ft is outside specification and no sensitivity setting extends it.
- Mounting heightSimpliSafe specifies mounting in a corner, 6 ft from the floor. It states a shelf is acceptable only if it is still 6 ft from the floor, sitting flat and with a clear view of the room. Height error is the most consequential installation mistake on this sensor.
- Pet discriminationSimpliSafe states the Gen 2 sensor is engineered to tell the difference between people and pets up to 60 lbs, using a more advanced PIR sensor and detection algorithm than the Gen 1. An animal heavier than 60 lbs is outside what that discrimination is specified for.
- SensitivityTwo modes — Standard and Pet — adjustable in the SimpliSafe app. This is a mode switch rather than a continuous slider, so the tuning options here are narrower and more predictable than on a camera.
- GenerationGen 1 and Gen 2 are genuinely different hardware: SimpliSafe attributes the 35 ft range, the 90° field of view, the 60 lb pet discrimination and the app-adjustable sensitivity to the Gen 2 specifically. Procedures and expectations do not transfer between them.
- BatteryOne CR-123A lithium 3 V, with a life expectancy of up to 4 years depending on placement and use.
Where these figures were read. simplisafe.com/motion-sensor product FAQ
Manufacturer support for this product line. SimpliSafe Support — Motion Sensor Gen 2 Installation Guide. SimpliSafe's own Motion Sensor (Gen 2) installation, height and coverage article.
Also read for this model. SimpliSafe Support — Motion Sensor Gen 2 overview and installation guide; Amazon — SimpliSafe Motion Sensor, 2nd Generation.
Exact questions
Questions that only have an answer for the SimpliSafe sensors, Keypad and accessories (Motion, Entry, Glassbreak, Smoke and CO, Water, Temperature, Siren, Panic Button and Key Fob)
How far does the Motion Sensor Gen 2 reach?+
SimpliSafe specifies 35 ft with a 90° field of view, designed to cover a whole room from one corner. A subject beyond 35 ft is outside specification, and that is the answer to most 'it misses people at the far end' reports — sensitivity does not extend range.
How high should I mount it?+
SimpliSafe specifies a corner, 6 ft from the floor. A shelf is acceptable only if it is still 6 ft up, flat, and with a clear view of the room. Height is the single most consequential thing about installing this sensor, because the detection zones fan outward from it.
Will my dog set it off?+
SimpliSafe states the Gen 2 distinguishes people from pets up to 60 lbs, using a more advanced PIR sensor and algorithm than the Gen 1. Above 60 lbs that discrimination is outside what it is specified for — and mounting height still matters, because it determines whether the animal is below the lowest zone.
How do I change the sensitivity?+
In the SimpliSafe app, between Standard Mode and Pet Mode. It is a two-position mode rather than a continuous slider, so there is no partial adjustment to hunt for — which also means placement and height carry more of the load here than on a camera.
How is the Gen 2 different from the Gen 1?+
SimpliSafe attributes to the Gen 2 specifically: a 35 ft range, a 90° field of view, people-versus-pet discrimination up to 60 lbs, and app-adjustable sensitivity. They are genuinely different hardware, so a figure or a procedure from one does not transfer to the other.