Does SimpliSafe Require WiFi? (Disconnected Protection?)

A 24/7 professionally monitored smart home security system is a significant stride toward bolstering your home’s safety. If you’re considering SimpliSafe as your choice of security, you might be curious about its dependence on Wi-Fi. Given that SimpliSafe represents the newer generation of security providers, many wonder how it differs from traditional systems that often rely on landlines.

A pressing concern for many is the system’s functionality during power outages. While systems like SimpliSafe have backup batteries to remain operational during a power loss, what happens if the Wi-Fi goes down? Can SimpliSafe still communicate with the monitoring center?

SimpliSafe does not require WiFi to work. It has a backup cellular module that will communicate directly to the monitoring center when WiFi is not available. It also has a backup battery that will last up to 24 hours if the main power goes out.

does simplisafe need wifi

No.  SimpliSafe does not require a WiFi connection to work, and most functions can be performed without the internet. With the help of the battery backup and cellular module, your SimpliSafe system will be able to function in any circumstance.

How To Connect SimpliSafe Base Station To WiFi

  1. Press the menu button on your keypad and enter your 4-digit pin code when required.
  2. Go to the System Setting and select it by pressing the right rocker.
  3. Go to WiFi and select it, the system will search for WiFi hotspots and display them for you on the screen.
  4. Look for your WiFi hotspot on the list and select it with the right rocker to connect.
  5. Enter your network password with the keypad. The type of input that you will be using is called T9. It was used on old cell phones to type out text messages. You just need to press the appropriate key a certain amount of times to get to the right letter.

SimpliSafe System

 

How Does SimpliSafe Work Without WiFi?

The SimpliSafe base station has a backup battery and cellular module that will communicate through the cellular network straight to the monitoring center.

 

Does SimpliSafe Use WiFi Or Cellular?

SimpliSafe uses both WiFi or cellular. It will prioritize your WiFi connection, but if there is none, it will use the cellular module inside the base station and won’t need the WiFi connection.

 

Does SimpliSafe Work If The Internet Is Down?

SimpliSafe will use the built-in cellular module to communicate over the cellular network when WiFi is down. Still, if the cellular network internet connection is down, the SimpliSafe system won’t have any way to communicate.

If you don’t experience many internet outages with your current service provider, the SimpliSafe system should be perfectly fine.

SimpliSafe Cellular Coverage Map

 

Does SimpliSafe Have A Monthly Fee?

SimpliSafe does have a monthly fee for monitoring; in fact, they have two monthly fee options to choose from depending on your needs.

Here are the two options available at the moment:

 

SimpliSafe Standard Plan

The SimpliSafe Standard Plan features 24/7 hour monitoring with environmental monitoring.

The price of the Standard Plan is $14.99/mo.

 

SimpliSafe Interactive Plan

The SimpliSafe Interactive Plan features Mobile app access, Smart Home Integration, text or email alerts, secrete alerts, and the standard 24/7 hour monitoring and environmental monitoring.

The price of the Interactive Plan is $24.99/mo.

 

SimpliSafe Individual Components

SimpliSafe Individual Components

Base Station

The base station is the central part of communication for the SimpliSafe system. It receives all the signals from the other components and alerts you or the monitoring center of any concerns.

It also has a built-in backup battery that will last up to 24 hours. There is also a cellular module that will communicate with the monitoring center if the WiFi goes out.

 

Entry Sensors

Entry sensors are comprised of two parts that are placed together on a window or door frame. When the window or door is opened, the two magnets lose their connection with each other and send the base station an alert.

 

Motion Sensors

Motion sensors detect human intruders and won’t alert you if your pets are moving around. One motion detector will be able to cover one room.

 

Glass Break Sensors

Glass break sensors will listen for the sound frequency that glass produces when broken. They can listen for glass breaking anywhere within 20 feet to cover multiple windows.

 

Water Sensor

Water sensors are most suited for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements and are fitted low down to the floor. If the sensor detects a flood of liquid from a broken pipe, it will alert you.

 

Temperature Sensor

Temperature sensors check the temperature in your home and alert you if it is too hot or too cold for humans or animals to live in—ideal for homeowners who have pets in the house at home when they’re at work.

 

105db Siren

SimpliSafe uses a siren that is 105db loud for when it detects an intrusion.

 

Keypad

With the keypad, you can arm or disarm the alarm. You will also set up your SimpliSafe components with the use of the keypad.

 

Smoke Detector

With the use of ionization chambers and photoelectric detection, smoke detectors will detect smoke and fire quickly to alert you so that you can make sure nobody is in the house while alerting the monitoring center to call out the fire department.

 

Carbon Monoxide Detector

CO sensors protect us from invisible dangers. A gas leak will set the sensor off warning you of the danger. Carbon monoxide poisoning is possible if you’re exposed to a gas leak and don’t realize it.

 

Panic Button

With one push of the panic button, you can request assistance from the monitoring center.

 

Key Fob

With your key fob, you can arm and disarm your alarm system remotely.

 

Smart Lock

With the use of a SimpliSafe smart lock, you can lock and unlock your door without the use of keys.

 

SimpliCam

You can view live video footage through your SimpliCam, it also picks up motion and can alert you when it does so that you can log in and see what’s happening.

 

Video Doorbell Pro

The Video Doorbell Pro allows you to see who is at the door while being able to communicate with them remotely.

 

Yard Sign

A yard sign will advertise to potential intruders that you have a security system in place which can deter them from breaking into your property.

 

SimpliSafe Equipment Package Options

The Fortress

  • 1 X Base Station
  • 2 X Keypads
  • 1 X Key Fob
  • 6 X Entry Sensors
  • 2 X Motion Sensors
  • 1 X 105dB Siren
  • 1 X Panic Button

 

The Haven

  • 1 X Base Station
  • 1 X Key Fob
  • 1 X Keypad
  • 4 X Entry Sensors
  • 2 X Motion Sensors
  • 1 X 105dB Siren
  • 1 X Panic Button
  • 1 X Freeze Sensor
  • 1 X Smoke Sensor
  • 1 X Water Sensor

 

The Stonefort

  • 1 X Base Station
  • 1 X Keypad
  • 1 X Key Fob
  • 9 X Entry Sensors
  • 2 X Motion Sensors
  • 1 X 105dB Siren
  • 1 X Panic Button

 

The Knox

  • 1 X Base Station
  • 1 X Keypad
  • 1 X Keyfob
  • 6 X Entry Sensors
  • 2 X Motion Sensors
  • 1 X 105dB Siren
  • 1 X Smoke Detector

 

The Keep

  • 1 X Base Station
  • 1 X Keypad
  • 1 X Key Fob
  • 6 X Entry Sensors
  • 2 X Motion Sensors
  • 1 X SimplyCam

 

The Stronghold

  • 1 X Base Station
  • 1 X Keypad
  • 1 X Key Fob
  • 7 X Entry Sensors
  • 1 X Motion Sensor
  • 1 X 105dB Siren
  • 1 X Panic Button

 

The Barrington

  • 1 X Base Station
  • 1 X Keypad
  • 1 X Key Fob
  • 2 X Entry Sensors
  • 1 X Motion Sensor
  • 1 X SimplyCam
  • 1 X Panic Button

 

The Oakstone

  • 1 X Base Station
  • 1 X Keypad
  • 1 X Key Fob
  • 8 X Entry Sensors
  • 1 X Motion Sensor

 

The Bunker

  • 1 X Base Station
  • 1 X Keypad
  • 1 X Key Fob
  • 4 X Entry Sensors
  • 2 X Motion Sensors

 

The Sanctuary

  • 1 X Base Station
  • 1 X Keypad
  • 6 X Entry Sensors
  • 1 X Motion Sensor

 

The Homestead

  • 1 X Base Station
  • 1 X Keypad
  • 1 X Key Fob
  • 3 X Entry Sensors
  • 1 X Motion Sensor

 

The Bedford

  • 1 X Base Station
  • 1 X Keypad
  • 2 X Entry Sensors
  • 2 X Motion Sensors

 

The Essentials

  • 1 X Base Station
  • 1 X Keypad
  • 3 X Entry Sensors
  • 1 X Motion Sensor

 

The Nook

  • 1 X Base Station
  • 1 X Keypad
  • 1 X Key Fob
  • 1 X Entry Sensor
  • 1 X Motion Sensor

 

The Foundation

  • 1 X Base Station
  • 1 X Keypad
  • 1 X Entry Sensor
  • 1 X Motion Sensor

 

Conclusion: Does SimpliSafe Require WiFi?

With the proliferation of security cameras and smart home automation systems which require WiFi, many people have been wondering if the SimpliSafe system requires WiFi to operate.

While Internet-connected security is increasingly common, many people are still concerned with their personal safety and the security of their devices.

SimpliSafe can work well without WiFi. This is because it can utilize cellular technology as a backup when your home WiFi network is not available. Basically, this enables SimpliSafe to function even when it isn’t connected to a network.

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Author

Edward Clark
Edward Clark, with 15 years of hands-on experience, is a distinguished expert in smart locks and home security systems. He holds a B.S. in Computer Engineering with a focus on Cybersecurity and is a member of the Electronic Security Association (ESA). His credentials include certifications from ASIS International, IAPP, CompTIA, NTS, and CEDIA. With expertise spanning risk management, electronic security, and data privacy, he's been featured in The Guardian, Forbes, Wired, and more. Edward's mission: guiding individuals toward secure homes using the latest technologies.

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