How to Install the SimpliSafe Doorbell

The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro is a great addition to the SimpliSafe security system, but we like that it doesn't require one. It's also a cinch to install and set up. Here's a step-by-step guide to installing your new SimpliSafe video doorbell.

You'll need to turn the power off to your old doorbell before removing it from the wall. Your circuit breaker should be the first stop when working with electrical wiring. If you're lucky, the doorbell's breaker switch will have clear labels so it's easy to turn off.

If your box doesn't have any labels—or the labels aren't very descriptive—you'll need to turn them off one at a time until pushing the button no longer triggers a doorbell chime.

After the power's off, you can remove the old doorbell from the wall with a screwdriver. You also need to detach the wires from the back of the button. You can bend the wires or wrap them around something like a stick to keep them from falling into the wall while grabbing your SimpliSafe doorbell mounting plate.

Take the SimpliSafe doorbell's mounting bracket and pull the exposed doorbell wiring through the large gap in the middle so you can rest it on the wall.

       1. Mark the screw holes on your wall with a pencil and drill pilot holes for the screws. If mounting the video doorbell on wood, you can attach it to the wall with the included 1-inch screws without any anchors.

• You need a 3/16-inch masonry drill bit for the pilot holes for brick, stone, and stucco. After drilling the holes, insert the plastic wall anchors and screw the bracket in place.

       2. After screwing the bracket in place, you can attach the doorbell wiring to the two wiring terminals on the front of the unit. It doesn't matter which wire connects to which terminal as long as they're snug around each screw before tightening.

       3. Slide the doorbell down the mounting bracket until it clicks in place.

• After the doorbell's in place, you can use the mini screwdriver and small lock screw that came in the box to lock it in place.

After installation, turn the power supply back on and test the doorbell. Press the button to make sure it lights up and triggers the chime inside your home.

Several things can prevent your smart doorbell from ringing:

• If you don't see any lights on the doorbell, you may need to detach it from the mount to check that the wiring has a good connection to the wiring terminals.
• If the doorbell chime doesn't ring—or makes a buzzing sound—your wiring might not be compatible, so you'll need to request a chime connector from SimpliSafe.
  • The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro is only compatible with mechanical doorbell chimes—it doesn't work with digital or wireless chimes.

If everything checks out and you're still having problems, contacting SimpliSafe customer support or hopping on the SimpliSafe Community is a good idea.

With your doorbell powered on, it's time to set it up. The SimpliSafe app will guide you through the process, but here's a quick rundown of the steps you can expect after downloading it and logging in:

1. Choose Cameras from the menu bar and tap "Add Camera."
2. Select the Video Doorbell Pro.
   • The light on the front of the doorbell flashes white when it's ready for setup.
3. Name the doorbell and enter your Wi-Fi credentials.
   • The doorbell requires a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection, so make sure your network isn't running solely in 5 GHz mode.
4. Click "Get Your Code" to generate a QR code on your phone. This is how you tell the Video Doorbell Pro your Wi-Fi information.
5. Hold your phone in front of the doorbell camera until its white light stops flashing. There will also be a message in the SimpliSafe app that confirms you're connected.
6. The smart device will probably download some updates and restart. Now it's all yours.

Yes, you need to wire the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro into existing doorbell wiring connected to a mechanical doorbell chime.

While the doorbell works best with a mechanical door chime, you can power it directly with an 8- to 24-volt AC doorbell transformer. You'll still receive notifications on the SimpliSafe app, but there won't be any chime sounds in your home without a SimpliSafe Base Station.

Yes, the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro will sound a chime on the Base Station if you have a SimpliSafe security system. While there aren't any custom chime tones, you can adjust the chime volume.

Read answers to more SimpliSafe FAQs.

• How to Install A SimpliSafe Home Security System
• Troubleshooting SimpliSafe
• SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera Review
• SimpliSafe Cameras: Basic, but DIY-Friendly
• SimpliSafe Equipment Compatibility: How Does it Work?