SimpliSafe is a well-known brand of smart home security devices. And they have a lot to offer. They have a wide array of different security sensors, smart cameras, smoke and CO detectors, and so much more.
The great thing about smart home security devices is their versatility and ease of use. However, in determining their use, it is important to consider how easy they can integrate with other smart home devices.
Does SimpliSafe work with Alexa? Newer SimpliSafe systems do work with Alexa. In order for SimpliSafe to work with Alexa, you will need an active Interactive Monitoring subscription to SimpliSafe, after which you can activate the SimpliSafe Skill in the Alexa App. Some of the older SimpliSafe systems, however, do not work with Alexa.
Below you will find a more in-depth look at how SimpliSafe works with Alexa, including helpful tips and information about everything you need to know.
SimpliSafe And Alexa
Both SimpliSafe and Alexa are well-known names on the smart home gadgets market. Alexa is the virtual assistant that you will find in your Amazon Echo speakers, which is capable of carrying out different actions based on your voice commands.
However, this functionality, when it comes to security systems, is not universal across the different security systems and brands. Some give greater functionality, while others will have certain limitations built-in.
When SimpliSafe first entered the smart home security system’s market, it did not work with Alexa, but the company clearly stated its intention to introduce such capabilities in the future.
At that time, SimpliSafe was aiming to establish itself as a brand and build up from there. However, this is well in the past now as SimpliSafe is now capable of fully integrating with Alexa.
So let’s explore what you can do when you team up SimpliSafe with Alexa.
What You Can Do With Alexa?
There are many different security systems out there, but SimpliSafe is considered to be one of the easiest to set up and work with Alexa.
When connecting your SimpliSafe security gadgets to Alexa, you will be able to use it with several different voice commands to arm and lock the security system. You will also be able to check the condition and status of the security system.
Limitations With Alexa
One of the limitations of integrating your SimpliSafe with Alexa is that you can only use voice commands to activate and check the status of the security system.
This means that you can arm and activate but not disarm or deactivate your SimpliSafe security systems by using Alexa. This is not an oversight on SimpliSafe’s or Alexa’s side, though, as it is a common practice dictated by security reasons.
If you need to unlock or deactivate your SimpliSafe security system, you will have to do it the normal way. You can do that manually or by using the keypad or Pin pad.
There are also some other limitations currently, like the inability to set up an automated routine.
Another important thing that will concern a lot of homeowners is whether SimpliSafe doorbell works with Alexa. Unfortunately, the SimpliSafe doorbell is also not working with Alexa, which may be a deal-breaker for many people.
There is also no way to view the camera feed on the Echo Show, too.
As it stands right now, although SimpliSafe systems work with Alexa, the overall integration happens to be fairly limited.
Does SimpliSafe Only Work With Alexa?
SimpliSafe is designed to easily integrate with other smart home devices.
You can use Google Assistant to control SimpliSafe devices. However, the voice commands you can use are somewhat limited to mainly arming and checking the security system’s status.
SimpliSafe is also capable of integrating with the August smart locks. By connecting the locks to your SimpliSafe security system, you will be able to lock and unlock them.
And lastly, SimpliSafe can also integrate and work with Apple Homekit through the Apple Watch. Initially, SimpliSafe was interested in developing a full integration with the HomeKit; however, due to some conflicts and the subsequent fall out with Apple, it seems this will not be happening anytime in the foreseeable future.
How to Make SimpliSafe Work With Alexa?
To make SimpliSafe work with Alexa first, you will need a working and currently activated SimpliSafe interactive monitoring plan.
You see, SimpliSafe offers two monitoring options when you purchase your equipment. You can choose (1) no monitoring, or (2) interactive monitoring.
No monitoring is exactly what it sounds like. You get your SimpliSafe equipment, but there are no monitoring services offered by SimpliSafe, so you will be relying on the system itself to sound the alarms and notify you. This is usually not the best route to go, but it is a decent way to provide security to your home at no additional monthly subscriptions and expenses.
However, not having a monitoring plan also means that your SimpliSafe system will not work with Alexa.
The second option is to use the Interactive Monitoring service offered by SimpliSafe. This offers 24/7 monitoring of the system by the SimpliSafe security agents and will ensure that police or other authorities get dispatched in case of an emergency.
The Interactive Monitoring also allows the SimpliSafe system to work with Alexa.
The next step in integrating SimpliSafe with Alexa is the activation of the SimpliSafe Skill in the Alexa App or through the Alexa Marketplace.
This is not as complicated as it sounds; however, it may take some doing.
- Open the Alexa app, open up the drop-down menu, go to the Skills and Games tab, search for “SimpliSafe”, when the SimpliSafe Skill shows up activate it.
- After activating the Skill, you will be asked about your SimpliSafe credentials. After inputting the necessary information, both devices will be integrated, and you can use voice commands to control your SimpliSafe system.
If at some point in time you don’t want your SimpliSafe system to work with Alexa, all you need to do is go to the Alexa App, find the SimpliSafe Skill, and deactivate it. However, keep in mind that this will not affect your Interactive Monitoring subscription in any way.
In addition to that, it is worth mentioning that some of the older SimpliSafe systems may not be able to connect and integrate with Alexa. So if you are still using any of the older SimpliSafe equipment, you may need to update if you really want to integrate it with Alexa.
What Voice Commands Can You Use With Alexa and SimpliSafe?
Now that you know the capabilities and limitations of using your SimpliSafe security system with Alexa, let’s explore what voice commands you can use.
Here are examples of Alexa voice commands that work with SimpliSafe.
- Alexa, tell SimpliSafe I’m leaving.
- Alexa, tell SimpliSafe to arm in away.
- Alexa, tell SimpliSafe to lock up.
- Alexa, tell SimpliSafe to arm in away mode.
- Alexa, ask SimpliSafe what’s shakin’.
- Alexa, ask SimpliSafe for my current status.
- Alexa, tell SimpliSafe to turn on.
- Alexa, tell SimpliSafe batten down the hatches.
- Alexa, tell SimpliSafe I’m leaving.
- Alexa, ask SimpliSafe if my home is secure.
- Alexa, tell SimpliSafe I’m going to bed.
- Alexa, ask SimpliSafe if I am protected.
- Alexa, tell SimpliSafe to lockup.
- Alexa, ask SimpliSafe to arm my system in home mode.
- Alexa, ask SimpliSafe to arm my system in Away Mode.
- Alexa, tell SimpliSafe I’m going out.
- Alexa, tell SimpliSafe goodnight.
As you can see, there are a lot of ways (at least 17 different voice commands) that you can use with your Alexa and SimpliSafe security system. However, as mentioned earlier, the functionality is somewhat limited for security reasons.
