SimpliSafe provides camera-specific reset articles: How to Reset the Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Security Camera, the Wireless Outdoor Security Camera, the SimpliCam wired indoor camera and the Video Doorbell Pro, and the Camera Disconnected article lists Factory Reset Your Camera and Re-Install Them as a step. Try lighter steps first: charge the battery, confirm wifi, restart the router and move the camera and Base Station closer.
The checks in more detail
A factory reset returns a camera to defaults and removes its wifi, so you set it up again with the app. Use it when the camera will not connect, does not detect people after adjusting motion settings, stays disconnected or will not finish setup. Before a reset, note your motion settings and activity zones, since they need rebuilding, and download recordings you need. If you are moving or selling, remove the camera from your account and see SimpliSafe's moving support.
After a reset, reinstall the camera, join 2.4 GHz wifi, set motion detection and Motion Events and check notifications. Remote reset is not possible for Camera Disconnected; you must be with your system. Contact support if it will not reset. Photograph your zones and settings before resetting. After a reset give the camera a few minutes before setup. Avoid resetting when the home will be empty.
Remember that a reset is per camera and each model has its own steps, so use the article for your camera and not a similar one. A reset can fix a camera that does not detect people after settings have been adjusted, and SimpliSafe lists it as the next step after sensitivity, motion type and zones. After a reset, run the Connection Check Tool at the mounting spot straight away, since a camera that resets fine but fails at the mount needs a better signal there, not another reset.
Differential
Likely causes of “SimpliSafe cameras and video doorbell will not reset or needs to be reset safely”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A stuck camera
What separates it The camera will not connect because it is stuck in a bad state
How to confirm Reset the camera by following the reset article for that camera model, and then set it up again
- 2
Poor detection
What separates it The camera does not detect people because its detection settings are not right
How to confirm Adjust the motion settings first, and reset the camera only if adjusting them does not help
- 3
A changed network
What separates it The app shows Camera Disconnected because the network the camera used has changed
How to confirm Update the wifi details on the camera, and reset it only if updating them does not reconnect it
- 4
Selling or moving
What separates it The old owner's account still holds the camera because it was not removed before selling
How to confirm Remove the camera from the old account, then reset it so the new owner can add it
- 5
Lost zones
What separates it The activity zones are gone because a reset returns the camera to its default settings
How to confirm Draw the activity zones again in the app, and check the other motion settings as well
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The reset article for your camera
- Your current motion detection settings for the camera
- Whether the camera's recordings have been saved elsewhere
- The wifi name and password the camera should use
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedTry charging and wifi first
ReversibleTry charging the camera and checking the wifi first, because these lighter steps fix most problems.
Note settings and download recordings
ReversibleNote your settings and download recordings before you reset, since a reset clears settings and wifi.
Use your camera's reset article
ReversibleUse the reset article for your camera, because each model has its own reset steps and button press.
Reinstall the camera
ReversibleReinstall the camera after the reset, by choosing Add Device or Camera in the app and following the prompts.
Join 2.4 GHz wifi
ReversibleJoin a 2.4 GHz wifi network and type the password correctly when the camera asks for the details.
Rebuild motion settings
ReversibleRebuild your motion settings and zones after the camera is back, because they return to the defaults.
Contact SimpliSafe
ReversibleContact SimpliSafe if the reset fails, and tell them the camera model and what the lights show.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Reset
- Each camera has its own steps.
- Remote
- Not possible for Camera Disconnected.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If it will not reconnect after reset, check wifi and battery
- !If second-hand, remove it from the old account
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Camera Disconnected steps.
Recording, streaming and motion.
Connection errors and fixes.
Changing wifi.
The company and its products.
Exact questions
Common questions
Does each camera have its own reset article?+
Yes, SimpliSafe has a separate reset article for each camera, since the steps differ by model.
Can I reset remotely?+
No, you cannot reset a camera remotely, because you need to be at the camera to press its button.
Should I download recordings first?+
Yes, download any recordings that you want to keep before you reset, because you may lose them.
Do I try lighter steps first?+
Yes, try charging the camera and checking the wifi first, and reset it only if those do not work.
Do I reinstall after?+
Yes, after a reset you need to add the camera again through the app, as it starts from new.
Can I sell a reset camera?+
You can sell it after you remove it from your account and reset it, so the buyer can add it.