Are you looking to secure your property by installing a Simplisafe outdoor camera? It’s a great investment for anyone who cares about the safety of their home and family.
But, figuring out how to install the camera can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not a tech-savvy person.
Fret not! In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to set up your Simplisafe outdoor camera. We’ve broken down the process into easy-to-follow steps so that even beginners can understand it.
Whether you want to keep an eye on your front yard or backyard, our comprehensive instructions will help you get the job done quickly.
So, let’s dive in and explore how you can install your Simplisafe outdoor camera today!
Table of Contents
Gather Necessary Tools And Equipment
Camera
The first and most crucial piece of equipment you need is a Simplisafe outdoor camera. The camera comes in different models depending on the functionalities required, so be sure to pick one that suits your needs best.
Bracket
You will also need a bracket or mounting kit that comes with the camera unit itself. This bracket attaches the camera securely to the surface where you want to install it. Ensure that the bracket perfectly fits the size of the chosen location.
Power drill
A power drill will come in handy when drilling holes through any surfaces such as walls or wood boards if you want to mount the camera securely. Make sure to use the correct bit for the type of surface you are installing your camera onto to prevent damage.
Screws
You will also require screws to hold the mounting bracket firmly in place. Typically, the mounting brackets have specific screw sizes indicated on them, making it easy to choose the correct ones for the job. Use this information when purchasing additional screws if needed.
โInstalling outdoor cameras requires experience and an understanding of electrical safety.โ – Lexie Smith, Specialist at Frontpoint Security Services
Once you have gathered all the necessary tools, you can proceed with the installation process. Get someone to assist at some stages of the setup to make work easier and more efficient. Let’s dive into how to Install Simplisafe Outdoor Cameras step-by-step:
Choose The Optimal Location For Your Outdoor Camera
If you are considering installing a SimpliSafe outdoor camera, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Choosing the right location is important for ensuring optimal performance and maximum security. Hereโs what you need to consider:
Consider visibility
One of the most important things when it comes to choosing the best spot for your outdoor camera is its visibility. You want to make sure that the view from the camera is not obstructed by anything such as trees or bushes. This will ensure clear visuals and reduce false alarms.
Placement higher up on your home can also be advantageous as it allows a wider field of vision. Make sure the angle of the camera accounts for blind spots too, so you have full coverage.
Check for obstructions
Another thing you need to take into consideration is potential obstructions in the area where you place your cameras. Large objects like tall plants and walls could block the view making it tough to see what’s happening outside of your house properly. Take note of any tree branches near where youโll install your camera, they may become an obstruction over time that affects visual quality.
Assess lighting conditions
The lighting conditions around your property can significantly affect how well your outdoor camera performs. Proper illumination is crucial for good video footage, especially at night. Look out for glare from nearby lights which may wash out the image, spoiling the video feed.
“You’re looking for enough light so that you can identify who is coming and going,” says Jeff Welch, senior product manager at Honeywell Security Group. “But you don’t want strange shadows, or glare from headlights on cars driving by.”
You should choose a location that gives the camera enough light to see whatโs happening but not so much that it disrupts its clarity. Check for shadows – they can reveal movement and bring attention to areas that may require surveillance.
Choosing the right location is necessary for optimal performance and maximum security when it comes to your SimpliSafe outdoor camera. The above-mentioned factors are essential things you should consider before installation for enhanced coverage of your home or yard.
Mount The Camera Bracket
Use a level
The first step in mounting the Simplisafe outdoor camera bracket is to use a level. A level ensures that your camera installation is straight and even. Place the level above the area you want to install the camera, and adjust until it’s perfectly level.
If you don’t have a physical level on hand, there are plenty of smartphone apps that can help you achieve a level camera installation. Simply download an app like “Bubble Level” or “Clinometer,” and place your phone where you’d like to install the camera.
Drill pilot holes
Once you’ve leveled out your camera placement, it’s time to drill pilot holes. Pilot holes ensure that the screws go into the wall evenly and smoothly, preventing damage to the wall or the camera bracket during the installation process.
Make sure you’re using a drill bit that matches the size of your chosen screws. Drill slowly and carefully, applying light pressure, so you don’t accidentally go too deep or damaging any wiring behind the wall.
Attach bracket to wall
Now that you’ve drilled pilot holes into the marked spots, it’s time to attach the Simplisafe camera bracket onto the wall. Make sure the screw heads are flush with the brackets but avoid over-tightening. Over-tightening can cause them to strip or crack the drywall, which will compromise the stability of the mount.
Secure camera to bracket
And finally, now that the bracket is securely fastened to the wall, we need to fix the camera to the bracket by tightening the bolt under the camera body. Ensure all nuts and bolts are tight but again, be careful not to apply too much force, or the bracket might be out of alignment.
Check that you have connected all your cables and everything is in order before leaving. It is recommended to test your outdoor camera after installation to ensure it’s correctly installed and working adequately. Ready to use your Simplisafe camera!
Connect The Camera To Power
Locate power source
The first step in installing Simplisafe Outdoor Camera is to locate the nearest power source. You will need an outlet nearby to connect your camera to power.
You can use a standard wall outlet or an outdoor-rated extension cord if the camera’s power adapter connector doesn’t reach.
Plug in power cord
Once you have located a power source, plug the power cord into it and then insert the other end of the cable into the back of the Simplisafe Outdoor Camera.Now, wait for the LED light on the front of the camera to turn solid green.
Test power connection
To check whether the camera has successfully connected to the power supply, look at the LED light on the front of the camera’s box. When the light turns solid green, this indicates that the power connection has been established. If the LED light flashes repeatedly or fails to glow, there may be issues with the electrical connections. Troubleshoot these before continuing.
SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera should begin trying to get itself Online soon after connecting to power and begins testing Internet connectivity. As indicated by the flashing blue during setup process. Wait until all three lights are lit up (Green Camera LED + Blue In-line Network LED). This means that the installation process was successful, and that the camera is online and ready to work.
Hide power cord
Now that you have verified that everything is working properly, itโs time to clean up the wiring. For exterior home monitoring, nobody wants wires running down walls out in the open. So run cords through walls or ceilings if possible or simply hide them under siding or overhangs using commonly available wire clips that affix to walls.
It is important when using any kind of clips that you donโt press too hard with them, a gentle push is sufficient and this will not damage the paint or prevent from peeling electrical tape off in the future if needed. Aside from being unsightly, exposed wiring creates a weak point for burglars to exploit โ they could simply snip it to disable your security measures.
All these steps together would help solve the question “How To Install Simplisafe Outdoor Camera”.
Pair The Camera With Your SimpliSafe Home Security System
The SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera is a great addition to your security system, providing an extra layer of protection for the outside of your home. Pairing the camera with your existing SimpliSafe system is easy, and can be done in just a few simple steps.
Access SimpliSafe app
The first step to pairing your SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera with your home security system is to access the SimpliSafe app on your phone or tablet. If you have not already downloaded the app, it can be found in both the App Store and Google Play Store.
Once you have opened the app, select the โDevicesโ tab located at the bottom of the screen. This will give you access to all of your current SimpliSafe devices, as well as the option to add new devices to your system.
Follow pairing instructions
Now that you have accessed the โDevicesโ tab on the SimpliSafe app, you can begin the process of pairing your new Outdoor Camera with your existing SimpliSafe system.
To start the pairing process, press the plus sign (+) located in the top right corner of the โDevicesโ tab. A pop-up window will then appear, prompting you to scan the QR code located on the back of your Outdoor Camera.
Once your cameraโs QR code has been successfully scanned, follow the on-screen instructions to finish the pairing process. This will likely include connecting your camera to your Wi-Fi network, selecting a specific location for the camera, and naming the device so that it can be easily identified within your SimpliSafe app.
โSimpliSafeโs outdoor security camera is essentially an extension of the companyโs entry sensors and monitoring service, which means itโs easy to both install and activate.โ -The New York Times
Once your SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera has been successfully paired with your home security system, you can begin using the camera to monitor activity outside of your home. Through the app, you can easily view live footage from the camera at any time, as well as access previous recordings if any motion was detected.
Pairing your SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera with your existing security system is a simple process that can be completed in just a few minutes. With the added protection provided by this external camera, you can rest assured knowing that your home security is top-notch.
Test And Adjust Your Camera Settings
If you have just purchased the SimpliSafe outdoor camera, congratulations on your new purchase! Here is a step-by-step guide to help you install and adjust your camera settings. To begin with, letโs start by testing and adjusting your camera settings.
Check camera angle
The first thing you need to do after mounting your camera in the desired location is to check the camera angle. You want to make sure that your camera’s view covers all areas important to you and doesn’t miss anything crucial. Take some time to walk around your home or business premises and see if there are any dead spots that require additional cameras or repositioning of the current one. Additionally, it would be best if you considered factors such as lighting conditions and environmental elements like extreme weather conditions that can affect camera performance.
Adjust motion detection sensitivity
The next thing you need to do is to test and adjust the motion detection sensitivity of your camera. This feature is critical for video surveillance, especially during times when you’re not around or left the premises unattended. Depending on how sensitive your camera is set up, it will either capture every little movement detected within its field of view or only larger movements. Therefore, ensure that you determine the right level where the camera captures everything without setting off false alarms repeatedly.
You can take advantage of some modern Simplisafe devices’ mobile app features and use them to tweak motion detector sensitivities according to your preferences. Keep in mind that too high sensitivity levels may end up draining your batteries frequently, which calls for continuous replacements.
Setting up and optimizing the security features of your Simplisafe outdoor camera is a relatively hassle-free process compared to other security systems available in the market today. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your new purchase is fully functional and able to keep any unwanted visitors at bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tools do I need to install Simplisafe Outdoor Camera?
You will need a drill, screwdriver, level, and a ladder to install the Simplisafe Outdoor Camera. The package also comes with screws and anchors for mounting the camera.
How do I mount the Simplisafe Outdoor Camera on a wall?
First, choose the location for the camera and mark the holes with a pencil. Use a drill to make holes in the wall and insert the anchors. Then, align the camera with the holes and screw it onto the wall. Use a level to ensure the camera is straight.
What are the steps to connect the Simplisafe Outdoor Camera to my Wi-Fi network?
Download the Simplisafe app and create an account. Follow the on-screen instructions to add the camera to your system. Connect the camera to your Wi-Fi network by entering your network name and password. The camera will then be ready to use.
How do I adjust the camera settings on the Simplisafe app?
Open the Simplisafe app and select the camera you want to adjust. Click on the settings icon and choose the setting you want to change. You can adjust the camera’s motion sensitivity, video quality, and more.
What do I do if my Simplisafe Outdoor Camera is not connecting to the app?
Make sure your camera is in range of your Wi-Fi network. Check that your Wi-Fi network is working properly and that the camera is connected to the correct network. Try restarting the camera and your router. If the problem persists, contact Simplisafe customer support.
How do I troubleshoot any issues with my Simplisafe Outdoor Camera?
If you are experiencing issues with your Simplisafe Outdoor Camera, try restarting the camera and your router. Check that the camera is in range of your Wi-Fi network. Ensure your Wi-Fi network is working properly and that the camera is connected to the correct network. If the problem persists, contact Simplisafe customer support.