One of the challenges of owning a smart home security tool is dealing with power issues. For most devices, no power supply is equivalent to zero home protection. But security systems like SimpliSafe are making it possible for users to switch between a hardwired power supply and battery operation, therefore keeping their home protected around the clock.

Currently, SimpliSafe offers users two major security system models: the original SimpliSafe and the all-new SimpliSafe with additional smart security features. Aside from the SimpliSafe base station and SimpliCam, SimpliSafe components require a periodic replacement of their batteries.

In this article, you will learn more about SimpliSafe devices, their battery types, and how to replace the batteries when it’s time.

SimpliSafe Devices & Battery Types

Popular for its affordability and low-cost monthly monitoring subscription, SimpliSafe has been at the forefront of home security over the last few years.

SimpliSafe Equipment

The SimpliSafe home security system comes with equipment like the base station, key fob, entry sensors, motion sensors, keypad, and environmental hazard detectors. The accompanying siren is loud enough to get your attention even at odd hours of the night at 105 decibels, and the motion sensors are pet-friendly. The SimpliSafe system also features a SimpliCam.

Most of the equipment from the SimpliSafe security system (old and new generations) is wireless and does not require landlines to work—just the appropriate charged batteries.

Some SimpliSafe home security packages and versions may differ in size and features, but what they have in common is the battery types they use (more on that in the next section).

It’s also worth mentioning that across all SimpliSafe generations, the Indoor SimpliCam Security Camera and the Video Doorbell Pro are the only components that do not use replaceable batteries; they must be hardwired to a power outlet to work.

SimpliSafe Device Battery Types

Below are the types of batteries compatible with different SimpliSafe devices. They are primarily a combination of rechargeable, alkaline, and lithium-based batteries.

How Long Do SimpliSafe Batteries Last?

SimpliSafe’s base station is unique in that although it can still be connected to a power outlet, in the event of power failure, it can switch to its in-built rechargeable battery to keep the system running.

According to SimpliSafe, the rechargeable battery can power the system for up to 24 hours. The rechargeable feature means that this battery can last for many years without requiring replacement, especially since it is only used in the event of an outage.

However, the battery life for other SimpliSafe devices can be limiting; below is the battery life expectancy for each:

*Note: The battery life expectancy may differ based on your location and how frequently you use the device. If you discover any issues with your batteries, contact SimpliSafe’s customer support for new ones.

When and How to Change SimpliSafe Batteries

Like most battery-powered things, SimpliSafe devices require a periodic replacement of their batteries. When a device needs its batteries replaced, you will notice an error message displayed on the keypad.  

Except for the base station, which requires a rechargeable battery,* and the SimpliCam, which works only with a hardwired power supply, below is a detailed list of how you can change your SimpliSafe batteries in different components.

  • Entry Sensor – To change your entry sensor battery, slide the sensor up and off its bracket, then replace the CR 2032 lithium battery. Slide the device back in place.Motion Sensor – To change your motion sensor battery, you do not need to remove the complete sensor off the wall. Just slide the sensor up and off the bracket, and then change the lithium battery.Glass Break Sensor – To change your glass break sensor battery, slide the entry sensor up and off its bracket, then replace the CR-123A lithium 3V battery. Slide the device back in place.Smoke Detector – Twist the smoke detector counterclockwise to take it off the wall mounting bracket. Remove the case covering the battery, then replace the CR-123A Lithium 3V battery.Key Fob – For the new-gen SimpliSafe devices, the key fob’s battery cannot be replaced. If the battery no longer works, please contact customer support for a replacement.Keypad – To change your keypad battery, slide the keypad up and off its bracket, then replace the four AA batteries. You can now slide the device back in place.Extra Siren – Slide the siren up and off its mounting bracket. Using a screwdriver, remove the four screws that are holding the battery hatch in place. Remove the battery cover; this will reveal four AA batteries, which can then be replaced.Panic Button – To change your panic button battery, slide the panic button off its bracket, then replace the CR-2032 lithium 3V battery. Slide the device back in place.Temperature/Freeze Sensor – To change your temperature sensor battery, slide the sensor up and off its bracket, then replace the CR-2032 lithium 3V battery. You can now slide the device back in place.Water Sensor – While holding the top section of your water sensor, twist the bottom of the component counterclockwise until it reveals the CR-2032 Lithium 3V battery; switch it out accordingly.Carbon Monoxide Detector – Hold the carbon monoxide detector in your palm with the “DO NOT PAINT” text on the right side facing you. The design depicting the “CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM” text is the battery cover. Push your finger into the oval-shaped button below the “DO NOT PAINT” text. Slide the battery cover towards you; this will reveal three AA “Ultimate Lithium” 1.5V batteries.** Replace as needed.
  • Do not replace the battery of your SimpliSafe base station with a non-rechargeable battery; this may cause the battery to corrode, therefore damaging the cells.

** SimpliSafe offers free batteries for your carbon monoxide detector should you need them replaced.

Conclusion

In conclusion, unlike most home security system devices, SimpliSafe offers users the ability to extend their devices’ up-time by using additional backup battery power. Also, changing a SimpliSafe battery is easy and requires no special installation skills.

But what if you can’t change out the batteries in time before an outage? Check out this article on whether SimpliSafe can still work without Wi-Fi or power.