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How does SimpliSafe motion sensor work?

Author

Emma Payne

Published Feb 15, 2026

How does SimpliSafe motion sensor work?

PIR motion sensors contain a thin film of pyroelectric material, which reacts to infrared radiation by generating electricity. A PIR Motion Sensor will trigger your burglar alarm when this influx of electricity occurs.

Consequently, how far do SimpliSafe motion sensors work?

30 feet

Also, do SimpliSafe motion sensors work outside? Driveway Motion Detectors

Mount one of these sensors outside and it will let you know if someone is walking, biking, driving, or riding a dinosaur up toward your house. Though mainly used for driveways, these alerts are also good for watching over other outdoor structures, such as stables, pools, or sheds.

Considering this, how do you use the SimpliSafe motion sensor?

Press “home” on your Keypad. Motion Sensors: Press the Test Button on the top of the Motion Sensor. For an accurate test, leave the room for the sensor you are testing then wait 15 seconds. Re-enter the room and the Base Station will say “Motion Sensor.”

How do I adjust my SimpliSafe motion sensor?

NOTE: You can turn down the sensitivity of the motion sensor via the switch on the back of the sensor. Simply slide the motion sensor off its bracket, and you will expose a small black switch. Slide it towards the "L" to lower the sensitivity.

Can a motion detector detect through glass?

No, alarm motion sensors do not work through glass. Most motion sensors use passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect motion. Changes in IR energy are not easily detected through glass. This is why motion sensors will generally not work through windows, which are usually insulated.

Do SimpliSafe motion sensors have cameras?

The camera also comes equipped with Smart Motion Detection, which is uniquely calibrated to look for the heat signature of a person. Just go into the SimpliSafe app and peek at your camera to see what's going on at home, day or night. SimpliCam setup is designed to be simple, taking only 5 minutes.

How many sensors can you have with SimpliSafe?

Massive 41 Sensor Capacity

The original SimpliSafe has a maximum capacity of 26 wireless sensors that it can support. We heard from many of you that you wanted more, more, more! You told us that you wanted to get more Entry Sensors for all your first floor windows.

Do SimpliSafe sensors use WIFI?

No. You do not need a computer or WIFI for SimpliSafe to protect your home. Cellular-based monitoring is included in the monitoring price.

Where do SimpliSafe motion sensors go?

The best place for a Motion Sensor is in a central room, or hallway in your home. The ideal location for a Motion Sensor is in the corner of a room, and 4-5 feet off of the ground for maximum coverage. Motion Sensors are designed to be placed on the edge of a flat surface as well if a corner or wall are not available.

Will pets set off SimpliSafe motion sensor?

SimpliSafe's motion sensors are infrared heat sensors and won't detect small pets, typically up to 50 lbs. This way, your pets can freely roam around your house and the motion sensors will not detect them. Any person who walks by will still trip the alarm.

What is the range of a motion sensor?

Motion Detection Range

Motion sensors can detect activity anywhere from as little as 15 ft. to over 200 ft. depending on its design. In the traditional sense, motion sensors are designed to detect home intrusions, but you will find some designed for outdoor use to detect visitors.

How long do motion sensors last?

20 minutes

Can SimpliSafe be hacked?

SimpliSafe is not easily hacked

While it's technically possible to hack into anything, calling it “easy” is extremely misleading.

How does SimpliSafe work without monitoring?

You are not required to keep professional monitoring for your SimpliSafe system. Your hardware functions properly without the monthly service, but you're responsible for alerting the authorities yourself.

How many motion sensors do I need?

You need a Motion Sensor for each room you would like to protect. The Motion Sensor will not “look” through walls. You can point Motion Sensors at each other – this is not a problem. The burglar alarm will sound if anyone walks within range of your Motion Sensors.

How do you install a SimpliSafe sensor?

To install your Entry Sensor pull the white battery activation strip hanging from the sensor's battery compartment. Next, remove the liner from the adhesive strip on the sensor's bracket, and adhere it to the corner of your doorframe or window frame.

Where do you put motion sensors?

The best placement for a motion sensor is in a corner of the room that has a good viewpoint of your entryways and easily detect any changes in the room.

Does SimpliSafe have outdoor cameras?

SimpliSafe does not offer a security camera designed specifically for outdoor use. However, SimpliSafe sells an Outdoor Kit that allows their indoor SimpliCam to be installed and used outdoors.

Do SimpliSafe sensors need batteries?

SimpliSafe wireless sensors run on lithium batteries, ensuring your security system is running even when the electricity grid fails. Because lithium powercells provide long lasting power, you don't need to think about replacing them for up to 5 years.

Do microwave sensors work through glass?

Microwave sensors can also detect movement through some non-metal materials such as glass and even thin walls. This gives more options for installing the sensor because it can be located out of sight or inside the luminaire.

Where do I put SimpliSafe glass break sensor?

Glassbreak Sensors are programmed to listen for the specific frequency of broken glass. They should be installed within twenty feet of the windows you want protected. However, if you have windows with heavy curtains we recommend installing your Glassbreak Sensors 5-10 feet away from your windows.

How do I choose a motion sensor light?

Key Considerations for Choosing the Right Motion Sensor Light. When looking for a motion detector light, factor in your individual needs, such as how far away you want the light to detect movement, how bright you want it to be, and the energy source you'll use.

How do you open the SimpliSafe motion detector?

While holding the top part of the Water Sensor firmly with one hand, twist the bottom of the Water Sensor counterclockwise with your other hand. This will expose its CR-2032 Lithium 3V battery, which can then be replaced.

How do you remove a SimpliSafe sensor?

To remove a sensor from your system:

Open the Menu on your keypad (using your Master PIN)
Select “Devices” and navigate to the device you'd like to remove. Select it with the right rocker.
Scroll to the bottom of the sensor's listed settings and select “Remove”.
Press “Off” to exit the menu.

Can you trick a motion sensor?

Most motion detectors, even newer ones, use infrared to detect significant changes in the surrounding room's temperature, Porter said. Normally, walking around in a room would set off these sensors, but using something as simple as a piece of styrofoam to shield your body can trick them, he said.

Will a dog set off a motion detector?

Weight is also a key factor in this type of technology and there are motion sensors with pet immunity settings. Most of these types of sensors will not trigger the alarm if the pet weighs anywhere from up to 40 to up to 80 pounds. This eliminates most dogs, and all smaller animals like birds, cats, ferrets, and snakes.

Why did my motion sensor go off?

Several factors can accidentally set off your motion detectors, including pets and any other activity from heat sources like vents, windows, stoves, or anything that causes a heat change near your sensor. The easiest way to test if your sensor is faulty is by putting a piece of paper in front of it for three days.

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