SimpliSafe cameras are added through the app and need a Gen 3 Base Station with the latest firmware. SimpliSafe's Update Software message says the Wireless Outdoor Camera requires a Gen 3 Base Station with current firmware and to update the Base Station via the Keypad before setup. Use a 2.4 GHz network; the Can't Connect Camera to Wi-Fi article covers setup problems: confirm the band, the exact password and that the camera is close to the router.
The checks in more detail
In the app choose Add Device or Camera, pick the camera and follow the prompts, charging the outdoor camera's battery first. Test the wifi at the mounting spot before drilling, since a camera that connects beside the router may not connect where mounted. For the Video Doorbell Pro, follow its installation guide, including wiring and the chime. If setup fails, reboot the router, move the Base Station closer, run the Connection Check Tool and try again.
After setup, set the motion settings, activity zones and notifications, and turn on Motion Events for timeline videos. A camera that was on another account must be removed there first. Factory reset the camera if it is stuck. Charge the outdoor camera and update the Base Station before you start, since both are common reasons setup fails. If setup works on another phone, the first phone's permissions were the cause. Set up when you are not rushed.
Do the wifi test at the mounting spot with a phone hotspot-free, since a strong signal on your phone in the hall says little about the porch. The Update Software message means the Base Station is too old for the camera, so update the Base Station from the Keypad first and then start setup again, which saves repeated failed attempts. Keep the camera's box, since it shows the model and the serial number that SimpliSafe support will ask for, and it helps you tell the indoor, outdoor and doorbell versions apart.
Differential
Likely causes of “SimpliSafe cameras and video doorbell will not complete setup or pairing”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
An old Base Station version
What separates it The app shows an Update Software message because the Base Station firmware is too old for the camera
How to confirm Update the Base Station through the Keypad or the app, then try adding the camera again
- 2
A 5 GHz network
What separates it The camera cannot connect during setup because the network you chose is a 5 GHz network
How to confirm Use a 2.4 GHz network, and enter its password carefully when the camera asks for it
- 3
A weak signal at the mount
What separates it The camera connects only near the router because the signal at its mounting spot is weak
How to confirm Improve the signal at that spot, for example by moving the router closer or adding an extender
- 4
A flat battery
What separates it The camera will not start up because its battery is flat
How to confirm Charge the battery fully before you begin setup, since a flat battery stops the camera starting
- 5
A camera on another account
What separates it The camera will not add because it is still registered to another SimpliSafe account
How to confirm Remove it from the other account first, then add it to this account in the app
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The exact message shown in the app during setup
- The wifi band the camera is trying to join
- The place where you plan to mount the camera
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedUpdate the Base Station
ReversibleUpdate the Base Station firmware first, since cameras need the latest version to be added to the system.
Charge the battery
ReversibleCharge the battery of an outdoor camera fully before setup, so it does not run out partway through.
Use 2.4 GHz
ReversibleUse a 2.4 GHz network and type the password exactly, because a small mistake stops the camera joining.
Add Device or Camera
ReversibleAdd the camera in the app by choosing Add Device or Camera, then follow the prompts in order.
Test signal at the mount
ReversibleTest the signal at the mounting spot before you drill, so that you know the camera will stay online.
Set motion and zones
ReversibleSet motion detection and activity zones after setup, to control when the camera records and alerts.
Contact SimpliSafe
ReversibleContact SimpliSafe if setup fails after these steps, and tell them the message that the app shows.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Requirements
- Gen 3 Base Station with the latest firmware.
- Doorbell
- Wired, with its own guide.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the Outdoor Security Camera Series 2, Video Doorbell Pro, Wireless Outdoor Security Camera.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If setup keeps failing after a reset, contact SimpliSafe support
- !If the camera was second-hand, ask for removal
- !If signal is poor at the mount, add an extender
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Setup wifi.
Doorbell installation.
Connection errors and fixes.
Changing wifi.
The company and its products.
Exact questions
Common questions
Do cameras need a Gen 3 Base Station?+
Yes, cameras need a Gen 3 Base Station with the latest firmware to be added to the system.
Do I test signal before mounting?+
Yes, test the signal at the mounting spot before you drill, so you know it will stay connected.
How do I add a camera?+
Open the app and choose Add Device or Camera, then follow the on screen steps to add it.
Do I turn on Motion Events?+
Yes, turn on Motion Events after setup, because that is what puts motion clips on the timeline.
Can a camera join two accounts?+
No, a camera can belong to only one account at a time, so remove it from the old account first.
Should I charge first?+
Yes, charge the battery first, since a camera with a flat battery may not start setup at all.