What Cameras Are Compatible With SimpliSafe

Do you want to know what Cameras Are Compatible with SimpliSafe Home Security Systems? Yes, as a new homeowner, you need to know that SimpliSafe system is compatible only with other SimpliSafe devices, so the cameras from SimpliSafe are meant to be used within their ecosystem.

When I installed a new SimpliSafe alarm system in my home last year, I wondered what additional cameras would integrate smoothly for full coverage without breaking the bank.

I learned the hard way just how tricky compatibility can be trying different budget brands that claimed app connectivity.

After wasted money and lots of headaches, I finally discovered which flexible cameras tie in flawlessly with SimpliSafe’s professional-grade monitoring.

Now I have peace of mind knowing every entry point is secured. Stick around and I’ll explain what to look for so you can avoid my early frustrating trial-and-error.

Securing Your Property with SimpliSafe

When it comes to home security, SimpliSafe has become one of the most well-known and trusted names in the industry.

Originally founded back in 2006, the company set out to create wireless security systems that were affordable and easy for homeowners to set up themselves, without complicated wiring or installation costs.

Over the past decade and a half, SimpliSafe has gone from strength to strength. They now offer a wide range of Do-It-Yourself home security products for protecting all areas of your property.

This includes motion sensors for rooms and entryways, environmental sensors to detect broken windows and water leaks, panic buttons and controls for arming/disarming systems. Crucially, SimpliSafe also offers its own indoor and outdoor security cameras.

Key Features of SimpliSafe Equipment

SimpliSafe really focuses on convenient, wireless systems. All of their equipment is powered by long-lasting internal batteries.

This avoids the need for professional hardwiring during installation. Everything connects wirelessly to the SimpliSafe Home Security Base Station via encrypted signals.

Key advantages include:

• No wires – flexible placement anywhere in your home. Can move devices as needed.
• Portability – take sensors with you and enable away modes easily via smartphone app.
• Scalability – build up your system over time by adding more devices. Start small if needed.
• Reliability and security via cellular connection to monitoring centers in case internet goes down. No phone line required either.

Most SimpliSafe devices have over 5 years of battery life and provide alerts if batteries run low.

Their product range covers protection for windows, doors, rooms, temperature, water leaks, carbon monoxide and more. Prices are fair and universally well-reviewed.

Why Camera Compatibility Matters

Although SimpliSafe’s own branded indoor and outdoor cameras integrate seamlessly with their system, many customers also want to use security cameras they already own, or buy specialty cameras not offered directly by SimpliSafe.

Having compatible cameras is so important because it greatly expands your home’s security coverage and situational awareness.

Combining SimpliSafe’s suite of sensors with externally connected cameras gives you 24/7 visual verification of activity.

For instance, if a late night motion alert is triggered, you can instantly check live feeds from multiple camera angles via smartphone to determine the cause.

Whether it’s an intruder or a stray pet, you’ll know right away. No more guessing games or false alarms.

Compatible cameras also enable useful features like saving security footage to the cloud in case it’s needed as evidence later.

And innovations like smart facial recognition for identifying visitors at your door are now commonplace.

Overall, camera interoperability gives you ultimate flexibility to protect your property in customized ways that matter most.

SimpliSafe makes adding third-party cameras easy with Wi-Fi and app connectivity. So you aren’t locked into their default ecosystem.

Understanding SimpliSafe Camera Compatibility

When adding any external security cameras to a SimpliSafe system, compatibility is key for making sure everything works cohesively.

SimpliSafe has done an excellent job making their equipment ecosystem integrate with popular third-party devices people already own and love.

How SimpliSafe Cameras Connect

SimpliSafe offers both indoor and outdoor camera options that seamlessly pair with the rest of their control system using modern wireless connectivity standards.

The SimpliSafe indoor camera is completely wire-free. It can be placed on walls or tabletops via the built-in stand.

An adjustable magnetic mount is also included for flexible positioning. The outdoor SimpliCam requires a power outlet for continuously recording but communicates wirelessly.

Both models have the latest WiFi chipsets for stable internet connectivity and Bluetooth for simple set-up directly from your SimpliSafe mobile app.

They capture crisp 1080p HD video with a wide 140° viewing angle. Night vision, 2-way audio and advanced motion detection all come built-in too.

Storage options are excellent – você can save footage locally on SD cards or subscribe to SimpliSafe’s cloud backup service for 60 days of video history.

This all integrates beautifully with the rest of your SimpliSafe dashboard for seamless control.

What Makes Other Cameras Compatible

Beyond its own cameras, SimpliSafe has carefully designed integration to work smoothly with popular third-party equipment people commonly own. This includes brands like Arlo, Ring, Nest, Ezviz and Wyze among others.

The key requirements come down to wireless connectivity and app integration:

• WiFi Enabled – The external cameras need to have built-in WiFi for connecting directly to your home internet network, not proprietary bridges. This allows SimpliSafe’s base station to access them.
• Smartphone App – Compatible cameras must integrate with your phone via an app for features like notifications, live viewing and clips. SimpliSafe ties into these ecosystems.
• Streaming Protocols – RTSP and ONVIF camera languages allow for interoperability. SimpliSafe uses these smart standards widely supported across brands.

As long as cameras meet those criteria, there is an excellent chance your existing equipment or any new gear you buy can interface successfully with SimpliSafe for unified whole-home security.

Why App and WiFi Matter

Having your cameras connect wirelessly via WiFi and also enable smartphone app notifications is pivotal for true integration with SimpliSafe monitoring.

Cellular and battery backup guarantees SimpliSafe systems keep working even in power and internet outages.

So your cameras need independent wireless access too for similar resilience. Relying on wall power alone makes them vulnerable.

And getting alerts from all equipment straight to your phone allows you to respond in real-time no matter where you are.

Seeing live feeds from SimpliSafe and partner cameras in one easy dashboard view makes the system seamless.

Without app and WiFi connectivity, cameras would operate in silos and not tie back to the core monitoring functions.

What Cameras Are Compatible With SimpliSafe:

The Best Cameras for SimpliSafe Systems

SimpliSafe designed their wireless home security ecosystem to integrate smoothly with popular third-party cameras and doorbells.

This interoperability gives you excellent options to choose the right gear to protect your unique property’s needs. Below we cover top choices that pair perfectly.

Top Pick: SimpliSafe Indoor/Outdoor Cameras

As you would expect, SimpliSafe’s own branded cameras are the definitive best choice for seamlessly integrating with their systems.

Two models are available – one tailored for indoor spaces and the other for outdoor mounting.

The SimpliSafe Indoor Camera delivers sharp 1080p HD resolution with a wide-angle 140° field of view to capture entire rooms.

Convenient installation options include tabletop placement or securing to walls and ceilings with the flexible magnetic mount.

Useful features like 2-way talk, proximity alerts when someone is close, and automatic night vision make this camera a versatile addition indoors.

It conveniently connects directly to WiFi without a hub required. Streaming also works even in internet outages thanks to onboard memory and SIM card backup.

Meanwhile, the SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera builds on all the great features of the indoor model but is enhanced for durable weatherproofing.

The attached mount makes attaching under eaves and soffits easy. Just plug it into a nearby outdoor outlet for continuous power.

Outdoors you’ll appreciate the longer 30 foot night vision range. This camera also has higher ingress protection and a smaller field of view optimized for driveways and yard coverage.

Of course, storing recordings is crucial for both models. Subscribing to SimpliSafe’s cloud backup gives you 2 months of rolling footage storage from all paired cameras. This ties into their desktop and mobile apps for simple playback anytime.

Affordable Runner Up: Ring Cameras

Coming in at a more budget-friendly price point, Ring’s various indoor and outdoor cameras offer excellent integration with SimpliSafe equipment.

They are a top brand owned by Amazon with strong reliability and features.

In particular, Ring’s Stick Up Cam line has fantastic flexibility with both battery and wired power configurations available.

The completely wireless Elite model works for up to 3 months per charge – perfect for creative positioning.

Meanwhile, the PoE and Wired Stick Up Cams can connect to your existing doorbell wiring or Ethernet cabling for continuous power.

Video resolution reaches 1080p HD on all models with night vision and two-way talk functionality.

Using Ring’s smartphone app allows you to view live streams from their cameras right alongside SimpliSafe’s own camera feeds for centralized monitoring.

Specific motion alert zones can be set as well so you only get notified when needed.

Also Great: Arlo Wire-Free and Pro 3 Cameras

Known for weatherproof designs and long-lasting rechargeable batteries, Arlo cameras are also fantastic options to pair with SimpliSafe equipment.

Their handy magnetic mounts, some with fully integrated solar charging, make placement very flexible.

As an example, the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera delivers 2K HDR video quality with a 160° field of view and bright LED floodlights.

Meanwhile, the Arlo Wire-Free Doorbell Camera offers 180° viewing using only battery or solar power. Both integrate smoothly with SimpliSafe apps.

Advanced object detection features even allow recognizing vehicles, animals, people and packages to cut down on unwanted alerts.

Arlo offers free and paid cloud plans for storing events based on your specific needs. Their platform ties in nicely with SimpliSafe for comprehensive monitoring.

What to Look for When Choosing Compatible Cameras

When integrating supplementary security cameras into your SimpliSafe ecosystem, make sure to consider essential features that enable seamless connectivity.

As outlined earlier, Wi-Fi wireless capabilities, smartphone alerts and durability are most vital.

Wireless Connectivity Is Crucial

The single most important factor allowing any third-party cameras to pair successfully with SimpliSafe equipment comes down to integrated Wi-Fi.

SimpliSafe systems depend on secure AES encryption over wireless networks to communicate signals between devices, as well as to route alerts and access smart home platforms.

Hardwired cameras that don’t have independent Wi-Fi built-in simply won’t interface properly.

So as part of your vetting process, only consider compatible cameras that connect directly to your home Wi-Fi network, rather than proprietary bridges or hubs (although devices like Alexa Echo Shows can serve as handy Wi-Fi extender view screens).

This gives you maximum placement flexibility while allowing remote access.

Do also check range capabilities to ensure a reliable connection back to your router. Longer reaching outdoor cameras may need Wi-Fi boosting help if they have to transmit through multiple walls and obstacles.

Video Quality and Night Vision

Beyond just basic connectivity, you want cameras that capture crisp, detailed footage – especially essential outdoor models protecting entryways.

Look for 1920 x 1080 pixel full HD resolution or higher, paired with wide viewing angles between 140-180° to see as much area as possible. Zoom functionality is useful too.

And since threat detection obviously doesn’t stop after dark, cameras tied into your SimpliSafe system should clearly illuminate activity 25-50+ feet out.

Night vision ranges vary across camera models, so compare specs before picking products.

Advanced extras like color night vision and spotlights/sirens can provide added after-hours security.

Get Alerts to Your Phone

Receiving real-time smartphone notifications when cameras detect activity is what ties everything together for true whole-home awareness.

Essentially any Wi-Fi security camera on the market will integrate with iOS/Android these days.

But do some research to ensure the camera manufacturer has a highly rated app and reliable servers for sending alerts.

Ideally you want instantaneous notifications to take a look at live feeds and recorded clips for verification and response through SimpliSafe’s or partner dashboards.

Slow, clunky camera apps defeat the purpose of combining SimpliSafe with external systems.

Weather proofness

Finally, outdoor cameras in particular need ample weatherproof casing and temperature endurance built right in. Look for IP65/IP66 minimum ingress protection ratings against dust and heavy water exposure.

Operating temperature ranges between -4°F to 113°F are typical for most models. Wired power options are best for extreme climates to avoid battery issues.

Getting Other Security Cameras to Work with SimpliSafe

One of the best things about SimpliSafe equipment is open ecosystem compatibility with many major smart security camera brands on the market today.

However, getting everything linked properly does involve a few key steps.

If you’re having trouble adding Nest, Arlo, Ring or other third-party cameras you own – or run into connectivity snags after initial setup – this basic troubleshooting advice should help.

Tips for Pairing Existing Cameras

Chances are high your current Wi-Fi cameras can work with SimpliSafe, but below best practices will avoid frustrations:

• Update firmware on both SimpliSafe base station and cameras for latest compatibility.
• Power cycle camera/base station Wi-Fi if already connected to your network. Forces refreshed recognition.
• Temporarily position camera closer to base station 10-15 feet away during linking.

Sometimes all it takes is a little tweaking of position to establish an initial handshake between devices then you can move the camera anywhere with network access.

Steps to Connect Cameras to SimpliSafe App

Once hardware is aligned, use the step-by-step wizard within SimpliSafe’s mobile app for confusion-free camera pairing:

1. Tap Menu > Settings > Add Device > Follow prompts to put system into linking mode
2. Locate QR code on camera and hold in front of SimpliSafe app camera for scanning (Ring Doorbells instead use a manual code)
3. Official linking processes starts – wait for confirmation that camera paired successfully!

From there you should see camera video/alert notifications alongside all other existing system activity feeds once motion events trigger. Beautiful simplicity.

Troubleshooting Connectivity Problems

If pairing fails or cameras go offline unexpectedly at any time:

• Start with camera/base station restarts then relink from scratch. Updating SimpliSafe app also helps.
• Check that camera Wi-Fi strength in app connects back to your router’s network – if weak, reposition closer.
• For continual issues, contact SimpliSafe Support; they can diagnose compatibility snarls via advanced tools.

Fortunately SimpliSafe leverages widely supported radio protocols for smooth camera handshaking.

So generally getting reliable connectivity just takes a bit of flexibility in placement and testing camera mounting positions.

Using Smart Home Integrations for Enhanced Compatibility

Beyond just directly connecting third-party cameras for unified alerts and monitoring, SimpliSafe also ties into leading smart assistant ecosystems for incredible voice control and home automation capabilities.

Linking with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant

Two of the most popular platforms that integrate smoothly with SimpliSafe systems are Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant.

These let you arm, disarm and check system status completely hands-free using voice commands.

For example, Alexa-enabled devices like Echo Show smart displays give you visual access to SimpliSafe camera feeds on their crisp screens with two-way talk support.

Just ask Alexa to “show the front door camera” to pull up a live stream instantly.

Tying in voice assistant access allows incredible flexibility for home security management on the go beyond just the SimpliSafe app alone.

And having camera visual verification tightly integrated makes everything work better compared to fully separate systems.

Advanced Automations Through IFTTT

Another exceptional way to build out more advanced smart integrations between SimpliSafe and compatible security cameras is by leveraging IFTTT applets.

IFTTT stands for “If This, Then That” and allows creating trigger-based automations without complex programming.

For example, when a SimpliSafe entry sensor is opened late at night, you can tell IFTTT to automatically record a clip from your outdoor Arlo camera watching that zone.

The possibilities for custom reactions are nearly endless:

• Flash Philips Hue lights red whenever backyard motion is detected
• Save Wyze camera footage to Dropbox if temperature drops below freezing
• Text yourself images from a Ring Doorbell camera when SimpliSafe alarm is triggered

IFTTT makes it simple to build out comprehensive automations across hundreds of supported smart devices and web services.

Definitely explore how it can enhance your custom SimpliSafe setup.

Robust Integrations Through SmartThings

For even deeper capabilities, the Samsung SmartThings automation platform offers robust official support for SimpliSafe systems. This allows complex rules like:

“When smoke is detected, if no motion to turn it off within 3 minutes then set off siren and text me an alert photo from the hallway cam”.

You can even view live streams from integrated SimpliSafe cameras right within the SmartThings mobile dashboard alongside other security sensors, locks, lights etc.

Professional monitoring companies like Alarm.com also typically integrate with SimpliSafe for access to partitions, modes and reporting.

Enabling cameras through SmartThings essentially ties everything together into one powerful ecosystem.

Creatively Link Everything

Don’t be afraid to explore all combinations possible with SimpliSafe’s open API approach for protect your property in customized ways unique needs demand.

From lighting controls to flood sensors turning on external cameras, integrations enhance compatibility excellently.

Monitor activity across both SimpliSafe and third-party camera brands for ultimate awareness through voice assistants, automation platforms and professional services. Just ensure all credentials are stored securely for preventing unauthorized system access.

Getting Other Security Cameras to Work with SimpliSafe

One of the best things about SimpliSafe equipment is open ecosystem compatibility with many major smart security camera brands on the market today.

However, getting everything linked properly does involve a few key steps.

If you’re having trouble adding Nest, Arlo, Ring or other third-party cameras you own – or run into connectivity snags after initial setup – this basic troubleshooting advice should help.

Tips for Pairing Existing Cameras

Chances are high your current Wi-Fi cameras can work with SimpliSafe, but below best practices will avoid frustrations:

• Update firmware on both SimpliSafe base station and cameras for latest compatibility.
• Power cycle camera/base station Wi-Fi if already connected to your network. Forces refreshed recognition.
• Temporarily position camera closer to base station 10-15 feet away during linking.

Sometimes all it takes is a little tweaking of position to establish an initial handshake between devices then you can move the camera anywhere with network access.

Steps to Connect Cameras to SimpliSafe App

Once hardware is aligned, use the step-by-step wizard within SimpliSafe’s mobile app for confusion-free camera pairing:

1. Tap Menu > Settings > Add Device > Follow prompts to put system into linking mode
2. Locate QR code on camera and hold in front of SimpliSafe app camera for scanning (Ring Doorbells instead use a manual code)
3. Official linking processes starts – wait for confirmation that camera paired successfully!

From there you should see camera video/alert notifications alongside all other existing system activity feeds once motion events trigger. Beautiful simplicity.

Troubleshooting Connectivity Problems

If pairing fails or cameras go offline unexpectedly at any time:

• Start with camera/base station restarts then relink from scratch. Updating SimpliSafe app also helps.
• Check that camera Wi-Fi strength in app connects back to your router’s network – if weak, reposition closer.
• For continual issues, contact SimpliSafe Support; they can diagnose compatibility snarls via advanced tools.

Fortunately SimpliSafe leverages widely supported radio protocols for smooth camera handshaking.

So generally getting reliable connectivity just takes a bit of flexibility in placement and testing camera mounting positions.

FAQs

Can Other Cameras Connect To SimpliSafe?

Absolutely! One of the best aspects of SimpliSafe’s systems is open integration with many major smart security camera brands people already own and love.

As long as the cameras connect via Wi-Fi and offer app connectivity, there’s an excellent chance they can pair with SimpliSafe. Brands like Arlo, Ring, Nest and EZVIZ all work great.

Is Ring Camera Compatible With SimpliSafe?

Yes, Ring cameras have fantastic integration with SimpliSafe equipment. In fact Ring doorbells and outdoor Stick Up cams are some of the most popular pairings.

Using Ring’s app you can view live streams from their cameras alongside SimpliSafe camera feeds for centralized monitoring. Both systems will trigger alerts to your phone when motion events occur.

Are Blink Cameras Compatible With SimpliSafe?

Definitely! Blink wire-free cameras are an affordable option with long battery life that interoperates very smoothly with SimpliSafe monitoring.

You’ll enjoy features like custom motion detection zones from Blink cams plus alerts sent right to the SimpliSafe app timeline. Easy pairing too via Wi-Fi.

Does SimpliSafe Integrate With Anything?

SimpliSafe offers excellent integration beyond just cameras – their systems also work with smart assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Home for handy voice control.

Advanced automation platforms like IFTTT allow setting all types of custom reactions based on SimpliSafe sensor triggers. And home pros can tie-in to monitoring services like Alarm.com.

Do SimpliSafe Cameras Work Without Wi-Fi?

SimpliSafe devices have backup cellular and battery capabilities to keep security systems running even in power and internet outages.

However, for full connectivity their standalone cameras do require Wi-Fi access to stream video feeds. Some models have onboard storage to record events without Wi-Fi then sync footage later.

How Many Cameras Can SimpliSafe Handle?

SimpliSafe doesn’t disclose official camera capacity limits, but users report successfully integrating 5-10 cameras along with dozens of other system sensors simultaneously without issue.

Adding more equipment may require optimizing Wi-Fi coverage across a property for reliable connectivity. But their platform scales very well.

Can I Watch My SimpliSafe Camera On My Phone?

Absolutely – a huge benefit of adding SimpliSafe or third-party cameras to their systems is getting instant smartphone notifications and live streaming access on iOS/Android devices.

Just install the SimpliSafe app to view all paired indoor/outdoor cameras in real-time no matter where you are. Useful for verification.

Does Alexa Work With SimpliSafe?

Yes, SimpliSafe has excellent official integration with Alexa devices like Amazon Echo smart speakers and displays.

You can pull up live camera feeds hands-free on supported Echo Shows by voice commanding Alexa. Other voice controls include arming/disarming the system, checking status and more – all without touching the SimpliSafe app!

Can I Use The SimpliSafe Camera Without Monitoring?

SimpliSafe’s indoor/outdoor cameras function fully independent of their optional professional monitoring service plans.

You can self-monitor cameras through the SimpliSafe mobile app with no monthly fees. However, adding monitoring gets you extras like archived event footage storage, priority emergency dispatch and more insurance savings.

Conclusion

What cameras play nicely with SimpliSafe equipment comes down to wireless connectivity and tight app integrations for unified alerts. Prioritizing SimpliSafe’s own cameras guarantees seamless performance.

But third-parties like Arlo, Ring and Nest also pair wonderfully if you shop carefully for WiFi-enabled models with smart phone support.

Visit SimpliSafe’s website to compare current equipment bundles. And think hard about where you want interior/exterior cameras placed before purchasing so everything ties together to meet your family’s unique security needs.