Yes, SimpliSafe will work without Wi-Fi. SimpliSafe is a wireless home security system that uses cellular signals to communicate with the monitoring center and the SimpliSafe app. Wi-Fi is only needed for some optional features, such as video streaming and smart home integration.
In this article, we will explain how SimpliSafe works without Wi-Fi, what features you can use with or without Wi-Fi, and what are the benefits and drawbacks of using SimpliSafe without Wi-Fi. We will also provide some tips on how to optimize your SimpliSafe system for the best performance and security.
SimpliSafe is a DIY home security system that consists of a base station, a keypad, and various sensors and devices that you can install around your home. The base station is the brain of the system, and it connects to the monitoring center and the SimpliSafe app via cellular signals. The keypad is used to arm and disarm the system, and it communicates with the base station via radio frequency (RF) signals. The sensors and devices, such as door and window sensors, motion sensors, cameras, and smart locks, also communicate with the base station via RF signals.
When you arm your SimpliSafe system, the sensors and devices will detect any activity or intrusion and send a signal to the base station. The base station will then alert the monitoring center and the SimpliSafe app via cellular signals. The monitoring center will contact you and the authorities if necessary, and the SimpliSafe app will notify you and let you control your system remotely.
Wi-Fi is not required for the basic functionality of SimpliSafe, as it relies on cellular signals for the most important features, such as professional monitoring, remote access, and alerts. However, Wi-Fi is needed for some optional features, such as video streaming and smart home integration, which we will discuss in the next section.
What features you can use with or without Wi-Fi
SimpliSafe offers a range of features that you can use with or without Wi-Fi, depending on your plan and preferences. Here is a summary of what features you can use with or without Wi-Fi:
Professional monitoring: This is the core feature of SimpliSafe, and it is available with or without Wi-Fi. Professional monitoring means that SimpliSafe will monitor your system 24/7 and contact you and the authorities in case of an emergency. Professional monitoring requires a monthly subscription, and it comes with two plans: Standard and Interactive. The Standard plan costs $14.99 per month and includes basic monitoring, while the Interactive plan costs $24.99 per month and includes advanced features, such as remote access, alerts, video verification, and smart home integration.
Remote access: This feature allows you to control your SimpliSafe system from anywhere using the SimpliSafe app. You can arm and disarm your system, check the status of your sensors and devices, view the event history, and customize your settings. Remote access is available with or without Wi-Fi, but it requires the Interactive plan.
Alerts: This feature allows you to receive notifications on your phone or email when your SimpliSafe system detects any activity or intrusion. You can choose what types of alerts you want to receive, such as entry, motion, water, fire, or power outage. Alerts are available with or without Wi-Fi, but they require the Interactive plan.
Video streaming: This feature allows you to watch live or recorded video from your SimpliSafe cameras using the SimpliSafe app. You can also use the app to talk to visitors or intruders through the camera’s speaker and microphone. Video streaming is only available with Wi-Fi, and it requires the Interactive plan and a separate camera subscription. The camera subscription costs $4.99 per month per camera or $9.99 per month for unlimited cameras, and it includes cloud storage and video verification. Video verification means that the monitoring center can view the video from your cameras and verify the alarm before contacting the authorities.
Smart home integration: This feature allows you to connect your SimpliSafe system with other smart home devices, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Watch, August Smart Lock, and Nest Thermostat. You can use voice commands, gestures, or the SimpliSafe app to control your smart home devices and create routines and automations. Smart home integration is only available with Wi-Fi, and it requires the Interactive plan.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of using SimpliSafe without Wi-Fi
Using SimpliSafe without Wi-Fi has some benefits and drawbacks that you should consider before deciding whether to use Wi-Fi or not. Here are some of the pros and cons of using SimpliSafe without Wi-Fi:
Pros:
More reliable: Using SimpliSafe without Wi-Fi means that your system will not depend on your internet connection, which can be unreliable, slow, or hacked. Cellular signals are more stable and secure than Wi-Fi signals, and they can work even during power outages or natural disasters. SimpliSafe also has a backup battery that can last up to 24 hours in case of a power outage.
More affordable: Using SimpliSafe without Wi-Fi means that you can save money on your internet bill, as you will not need a high-speed or unlimited internet plan. You will also save money on your SimpliSafe subscription, as you will not need the camera subscription or the smart home integration features. You can still enjoy the professional monitoring, remote access, and alerts features with the Interactive plan, which costs $24.99 per month.
More simple: Using SimpliSafe without Wi-Fi means that you will have a simpler and easier setup and maintenance process. You will not need to worry about connecting your SimpliSafe devices to your Wi-Fi network, updating your firmware, or troubleshooting your internet issues. You will also have fewer devices to manage and less clutter in your home.
Cons:
Less features: Using SimpliSafe without Wi-Fi means that you will miss out on some of the optional features that SimpliSafe offers, such as video streaming and smart home integration. These features can enhance your security and convenience, as they allow you to see what is happening in your home, talk to visitors or intruders, and control your smart home devices.
Less coverage: Using SimpliSafe without Wi-Fi means that you will rely on cellular signals for your system’s communication, which can be limited or weak in some areas. Cellular signals can vary depending on your location, carrier, weather, and other factors. If you live in a rural area or a place with poor cellular reception, you may experience delays, interruptions, or failures in your system’s communication.
Less flexibility: Using SimpliSafe without Wi-Fi means that you will have less flexibility and choice in your system’s configuration and customization. You will not be able to use SimpliSafe cameras or smart home devices, which can offer more functionality and compatibility than SimpliSafe’s own devices. You will also not be able to use third-party apps or services that require Wi-Fi, such as IFTTT, SmartThings, or HomeKit.
How to optimize your SimpliSafe system for the best performance and security
Whether you use SimpliSafe with or without Wi-Fi, there are some tips and best practices that you can follow to optimize your SimpliSafe system for the best performance and security. Here are some of them:
Choose the right plan: SimpliSafe offers two plans for professional monitoring: Standard and Interactive. The Standard plan costs $14.99 per month and includes basic monitoring, while the Interactive plan costs $24.99 per month and includes advanced features, such as remote access, alerts, video verification, and smart home integration. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose the plan that suits you best. You can also switch plans at any time without any contracts or fees.
Choose the right location: SimpliSafe recommends that you place your base station in a central location in your home, away from metal objects, large appliances, or other sources of interference. You should also place your keypad near your main entrance, and your sensors and devices within 400 feet of the base station. You should also test your system regularly to make sure that all the devices are working properly and communicating with the base station.
Choose the right cellular carrier: SimpliSafe uses cellular signals from T-Mobile and Verizon to communicate with the monitoring center and the SimpliSafe app. You can choose the carrier that has the best coverage and signal strength in your area. You can also switch carriers at any time without any contracts or fees. SimpliSafe does not charge you for the cellular service, as it is included in your monthly subscription.
Choose the right Wi-Fi network: If you decide to use Wi-Fi for some of the optional features, such as video streaming and smart home integration, you should choose a reliable and secure Wi-Fi network. You should use a password-protected network that supports WPA2 encryption, and avoid using public or shared networks that can be hacked or compromised. You should also update your router’s firmware and change your default settings to prevent unauthorized access.
SimpliSafe is a wireless home security system that works without Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is only needed for some optional features, such as video streaming and smart home integration. SimpliSafe uses cellular signals to communicate with the monitoring center and the SimpliSafe app, which are more reliable and secure than Wi-Fi signals. SimpliSafe also offers professional monitoring, remote access, and alerts features that are available with
