SimpliSafe Camera Already Associated With An Account: Quick Fixes to Reset

Are you wandering How do I reset a SimpliSafe camera already associated with an account? Don’t be panic, with a few steps, you reset the camera you will be re-linking it with your own SimpliSafe.

We’ve all been there – you find a great deal on a used SimpliSafe security camera online or from a friend.

But once you get it set up, you realize it’s still linked to the previous owner’s account! I ran into this frustrating situation recently.

After lots of trial and error, I finally figured out how to fully reset the camera and get it working on my own SimpliSafe system.

In this post, I’ll share the step-by-step process that finally worked so you don’t have to struggle like I did.

You’ll be able to seamlessly reset and re-link a used SimpliSafe camera in no time.

Let’s dive in.

Detecting and Confirming the Camera is Linked to Another Account

Before you can fix the issue, you need to confirm the used SimpliSafe camera you purchased is in fact still tied to someone else’s account.

Here are a few telltale signs:

• When you open the SimpliSafe app, the camera doesn’t show up under your list of devices. Only the devices linked to your account will be listed here.
• If you try to view or access camera footage in the app, you’ll get an error message that there’s no video available or the camera isn’t streaming.
• You may see an error message in the app that the camera is already associated with another account when trying to sync or connect it.

To further diagnose, you can check the camera’s settings:

• Tap on the gear icon in the upper right corner of the SimpliSafe app
• Select Devices
• Click on your camera
• Look under Account Linked and it should show the email address of the previous owner if it’s connected to their account.

You can also try resetting the camera through the app:

• Go to Settings > Devices
• Tap on your camera
• Choose Remove Device

If the camera is still tied to the old account, this won’t fully reset the camera. But it’s worth an attempt before moving onto further troubleshooting.

Removing Simplisafe Camera Already Associated With An Account From Previous Owner’s Account

Okay, now that you’ve confirmed the used SimpliSafe camera is still associated with the old owner’s account, it’s time to fully sever that connection.

Here are a few methods to try:

Contacting SimpliSafe Support to Remove the Device

The most direct solution is to contact SimpliSafe’s customer support team.

Explain that you purchased a used SimpliSafe camera linked to another person’s account that you need removed.

They will walk through unlinking that device ID from the previous account.

• SimpliSafe’s support phone number is 1-888-957-4675
• You can also start a live chat at www.simplisafe.com
• Have the camera serial number handy to provide to the agent

This ensures the camera is fully unlinked across all of SimpliSafe’s systems from the prior owner.

Using the Mobile App to Try Unlinking the Camera

You can attempt to use the SimpliSafe mobile app to unlink the camera from the old account:

• Open the app and go to Settings
• Tap Devices
• Select the camera and choose Remove Device
• When prompted, confirm you want to remove the device

However, this doesn’t always fully sever the camera from the previous account. Support will still likely need to step in. But worth a shot!

Performing a Manual Reset on the Camera

Many SimpliSafe cameras have a small pinhole reset button on the back or side. You can try pressing this in with a paperclip for 30 seconds to reset the camera to factory settings.

Check your specific camera model’s manual on how to find the reset button and perform a manual reset. This may clear any connection to the old account.

Adding the Camera to Your New SimpliSafe Account

Once the camera is fully detached from the previous owner’s account, you’re ready to add it to your own SimpliSafe system.

Follow these steps:

Completely Resetting the Camera

Even if you think you successfully unlinked it already, it’s a good idea to do one more full factory reset on that used SimpliSafe camera before connecting it to your account.

• Perform a manual reset by holding the pinhole button if available on your camera model.
• Or, use the Remove Device option in the SimpliSafe app.
• Resetting ensures any remnants of the old account are wiped clean.

Syncing the Camera with Your Account

With the camera in a blank state, it’s ready to be added to your SimpliSafe account:

• In the SimpliSafe app, go to Add Device > Add Camera
• Power on the camera and put it in pairing mode by holding down the pairing button. The LED light will flash.
• The app will detect the camera and walk you through connecting it to your WiFi.
• Name the camera and set location, then you’re all set!

The camera footage and controls will now be accessible in your app.

Connecting With Your Other Devices

Don’t forget to also connect your new SimpliSafe camera with the rest of your system.

• In the app, you can enable the camera to trigger recordings when your other devices detect activity.
• For example, have the camera start recording when your entryway sensor is opened.
• This fully integrates the camera into your home security ecosystem.

Troubleshooting Tips for Persistent Camera Issues

If you’re still having trouble getting that used SimpliSafe camera to connect to your new account after resetting it, try these troubleshooting tips:

Attempt Resetting the Camera Multiple Times

It can take a few tries fully resetting and unlinking the camera before it will sync to a new account. Be patient and repeat the steps to factory reset the camera.

• Use both the app’s Remove Device option AND hardware reset button multiple times. Overkill can help!

Check for Firmware Updates

Outdated camera firmware can cause syncing issues.

• In the SimpliSafe app, go to Settings > Devices and check if your camera has any pending firmware updates.
• Install any available updates and then try resetting and linking the camera again.

Use a Brand New Camera Instead

As a last resort, you may need to purchase a brand new SimpliSafe camera rather than continuing to struggle with one previously linked.

• This ensures you have a 100% clean device with no connection issues.
• You can buy SimpliSafe cameras from Amazon, Best Buy, SimpliSafe directly, etc.

While more expensive, a new camera will save you the hassle if you can’t get the used one to work!

Transferring Entire SimpliSafe Systems to a New Owner

If you’re not just getting a single used SimpliSafe camera – but rather purchasing an entire SimpliSafe home security system from another owner – the process is a little different.

Here’s how to transfer ownership of a complete SimpliSafe setup:

Contact SimpliSafe to Fully Transfer the Account

The easiest way to take over someone else’s SimpliSafe system is have the support team transfer the account into your name.

• Call or chat support and explain you’re taking over an existing SimpliSafe system and need the account transferred.
• They will work with the current owner to fully sign the account over to you.
• All devices, settings, etc. will be switched to you as new owner.

Reset All Devices Before Switching Accounts

For a smooth transition, have the current owner reset all SimpliSafe devices before transferring the account:

• Cameras, sensors, base station – reset them all to factory settings.
• This gives you a clean slate as the new system owner.
• Follow device reset steps outlined earlier in this post.

Add All Devices to Your New Account

With everything reset, add the SimpliSafe equipment to your own account:

• Run through the app setup as if installing a new SimpliSafe system.
• Add each camera, sensor, keypad, alarm, etc. one by one.
• Rebuild the system as your own using the existing hardware.

And that’s it! A bit more work, but you can fully take over an existing SimpliSafe security system from someone else with some resets and account transfers.

What Happens To The Devices Associated With My Simplisafe Account When I Transfer Ownership

When you transfer ownership of your SimpliSafe account, the devices associated with your account will remain connected to the system.

The new owner will be able to see all the connected devices on their SimpliSafe dashboard and will not have to re-pair the devices.

All existing sensors and their settings, including nicknames if you have a Gen 3, and all PINs will stay onboard and will be the same when the new owner sets up their account.

However, records such as dispatch addresses, credit card and order info, timeline events, smart alerts contacts, smart home integrations, and anything else related to the service are stored on your online account and will not be passed on to the new owner.

The new owner will need to create a whole new account, so the personal information attached to the service, like order and payment info, addresses, phone numbers, etc., will not be transferred.

Frequently Asked Questions About Transferring and Resetting SimpliSafe Systems

Taking over an existing SimpliSafe system or resetting SimpliSafe devices to work on a new account is doable, but does take some steps.

Here are answers to some common questions about transferring SimpliSafe equipment and resetting cameras, sensors, and base stations:

How Do I Transfer Simplisafe To New Owner?

When transferring an entire SimpliSafe system to a new owner, the best approach is to have SimpliSafe customer support handle the account transfer.

Call or chat with SimpliSafe support and explain that you are taking over another person’s SimpliSafe system and need the account transferred to you.

They will work with the current owner to fully sign over the account. This ensures all devices, settings, user permissions, etc. move cleanly to you as the new owner.

It also helps to have the previous owner reset all SimpliSafe devices like cameras, sensors, and base station to factory default beforehand.

This gives you a clean slate when adding the equipment to your new account.

Can You Have Two Accounts For Simplisafe?

SimpliSafe devices can only be actively linked to one SimpliSafe account at a time. However, during the transfer process, it is possible for devices to temporarily be connected to two accounts.

For example, if the previous owner has not yet deactivated their account after you create yours.

To fully transfer equipment, the old owner must release devices from their account first. SimpliSafe support can help manage this transition.

How Do I Reconnect My Camera To Simplisafe?

If your SimpliSafe camera gets disconnected from your account, you can reconnect it by resetting the camera and pairing it again.

Press and hold the pairing button on the camera, then go into the SimpliSafe app > Add Device > Add Camera to sync it to your WiFi and account again.

You may need to first use the app to remove the camera from your account, then add it back, to fully reset the connection.

How Can I Delete A Simplisafe Camera That Is Not Set Up?

For a SimpliSafe camera that is still in the packaging and never set up with an account, use the Remove Device option.

Open the SimpliSafe app > Settings > Devices. Click on the unused camera and select Remove Device. This deletes the camera from your account.

If tied to another account, that owner will need to remove it or you can contact SimpliSafe support.

How Do I Take Over An Existing Simplisafe System?

To fully take over an existing SimpliSafe system from another owner, contact SimpliSafe support to have them transfer the account into your name.

All devices and account history will shift to you as the new owner. You can choose to reset the equipment first for a clean slate.

Run through adding each camera, sensor etc. to your account after the transfer is complete.

Can I Sell My Old Simplisafe System?

Yes, you can sell your previous generation SimpliSafe system or individual devices to a new owner.

Make sure to unlink all equipment from your SimpliSafe account first. The new owner will need to reset the devices and add them to their own account.

For the new owner’s ease, you may want to perform a factory reset on devices before selling them.

How Do I Reset My Simplisafe Base Station?

To reset a SimpliSafe base station, first unplug it and disconnect the power. Hold down the reset button on the back of the base station for at least 15-20 seconds until the LED blinks.

This resets the base station to factory default settings. You can then add it to your existing or new SimpliSafe account through the app after the reset.

How Do I Transfer Simplisafe To A New Address?

When moving to a new home, you’ll need to set up your SimpliSafe system again in the new residence.

In the SimpliSafe app, update your address under Account Settings. Then you can unplug your base station, cameras, sensors etc. and reinstall them in the new location.

Follow the in-app tutorial to add each device in your new home. Everything will sync back to your existing account.

Can You Factory Reset A Simplisafe Camera?

Yes, SimpliSafe cameras can be reset to factory default settings in a couple ways. You can use the “Remove Device” option in the SimpliSafe app to reset the camera connection.

Or locate the pinhole reset button on the camera body itself, and hold this down for 30+ seconds using a paperclip until the LED flashes to reset. This wipes it back to like-new condition.

Can You Use Simplisafe Cameras Without Service?

SimpliSafe cameras require an active monitoring plan to access features like cloud storage for video footage and alerts.

Without a paid monitoring plan, SimpliSafe cameras can only store footage locally on an SD card.

You also lose access to features like receiving mobile alerts and remote access without an active account. To fully use a SimpliSafe camera, an active paid service is recommended.

Conclusion

Resetting a previously associated SimpliSafe camera is totally doable. As we covered, the key steps are fully unlinking the camera from the old account using SimpliSafe support and reset options, then adding the camera to your new account after a clean reset.

Be persistent troubleshooting if you run into any issues getting the used camera to connect.

With the right approach, you can save money on equipment and avoid needlessly buying all-new devices.

Thanks for reading – now you can tackle resetting SimpliSafe cameras like a pro! Let me know if you have any other questions.