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As a newbie to home security, I learned that a home security system can include a variety of equipment, from cameras and alarms to security and environmental sensors. However, what allows all of these devices to function together is the base station.
Your security system base station is essentially the brains of your system. It communicates between devices and allows you to receive real-time notifications when a security risk is detected. So, if your system stops working, it’s likely a problem with the connection to the base station.
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the most effective, which is why I recommend checking your Wi-Fi and cellular connection and resetting your SimpliSafe base station. I’ve also included instructions on factory resetting the SimpliSafe base station.
5 Steps To Reboot Your SimpliSafe Base Station
Follow these easy steps to reset your SimpliSafe base station.
1. Disarm Your System & Power Down Base Station
Before resetting your base station, you’ll need to disarm your security system. You can do this through the SimpliSafe keypad or via the mobile app. Then, unplug the power adapter from the base station to shut it down.
2. Remove The Base Station’s Battery
Turn the base station overto access the battery compartment at the bottom of the device,and use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the cover. Once loose, remove the battery cover to access the batteries.Take out one of the batteries from the base station andwait 10 to 15 seconds. Removing one battery ensures no power is going to the base station.
3. Reinsert The Battery Into The Base Station
After waiting 10 to 15 seconds, reinsert the battery into its compartment and screw the cover back into place. Plug the power adapter into the base station. You’ll need to wait one to two minutes for a new connection to be established.
4. Test Your SimpliSafe System
Test your system by pressing the Home or Away button. If the reset is unsuccessful, the base station may audibly announce “No Link To Dispatcher.” If you did not hear this announcement, you likely were able to reset your base station successfully.
5. Contact Customer Support
If you’re still having problems, contactSimpliSafe customer support. There are a number of reasons why performing a reset on your base station won’t work. For example, if your system was purchased before December 2019, you may need to replace its cellular module (SimpliSafe provides a free upgrade).
Common causes of connection errors include interference from any of the following:
- Large appliances with radio frequency signals
- Large televisions
- Wi-Fi routers
For best performance, ensure the base station is at least three feet off the ground and kept out of enclosed spaces like cabinets. If it is near any of the above-mentioned devices, try moving it three to five feet away.
Steps To Factory Reset Your SimpliSafe Base Station & System
If you wish to reset your system completely—say, if you’re moving and leaving your SimpliSafe system behind—follow these steps to quickly reset your SimpliSafe base station and overall system to factory settings.
- Delete all devices– Delete all devices from your system via the keypad or SimpliSafe app.
- Reset the PIN– Change your master PIN to 0000 and delete any unique PINs. You can do this by turning the alarm to “Off” and holding the menu and delete button until prompted to change the PIN.
- Power down– Unplug the base station and remove batteries from devices.
Remember to also call SimpliSafe to deactivate your monitoring and/or cancel your account.
Our Personal Experience With SimpliSafe Home Security
We had SimpliSafe for years and were pleased with its functionality and affordable monitoring cost. At the time, it was by far the least expensive monitored home security option at $25/month. While it didn’t come with all the bells and whistles of a system like Frontpoint or Vivint, the sensors were easy to install and the system just worked. The monitoring response for triggered events was very quick.
The only hiccups we had were with smoke detectors using up the batteries too quickly. This ended up being a mounting issue (an improperly mounted detector will sound an installation alert that will drain the battery). We solved this with a little piece of electrical tape. SimpliSafe support was okay but not amazing – it took several calls to get to the bottom of things and in the end we used a DIY solution.
– Alex Schenker, Safe Smart Living Editor & SimpliSafe Customer
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about resetting the SimpliSafe base station. Don’t see yours? Ask us in thecomments.
Why Is My SimpliSafe Base Station Red?
The base station uses LED lights to show the system’s status. Red means that your system experienced a minor error or the alarm was triggered.
Can You Reset Your SimpliSafe Base Station Remotely?
You cannotreset the base station remotely,as you need to be physically near it to remove one of its batteries.
Expanding Your SimpliSafe System
Are you new to SimpliSafe? The basic system includes a base station, keypad, and entry sensors, but the brand offers many more home security products. Learn more via ourSimpliSafe review.You can also learn more about specific products, including theSimpliSafe Smart LockandSimpliCamindoor camera.
Were you able to reset your SimpliSafe base station? Let us know in thecomments!
Why Trust Safe Smart Living?
Since joining the Safe Smart Living team, Tara has covered various safety and security topics, including home security and automation, online security, identity theft protection, and personal safety tips. Tara is dedicated to helping our readers understand how to use the latest home security technology without the headache. When writing this article on resetting the SimpliSafe base station, Tara gathered the experience of previous users, along with guidance from the service itself.
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