Entry Sensor Not Responding
The Entry Sensor will display a “Not Responding” error message when it fails to check in with the Base Station after 24 hours. If your sensor was previously working and the error suddenly occurred, it is likely the result of a dead or dying battery.
Replace the Entry Sensor’s Battery
As a first step to resolve this error, replace the battery in the Entry Sensor. The Entry Sensor takes a single CR-2032 Lithium 3V battery and has a life expectancy of up to 5 years, depending on placement and usage. To replace the Entry Sensor’s battery:
Slide the sensor off of the bracket by sliding it towards the pairing button
Using a pen, press the groove of the battery tab in and up to remove the battery from the sensor
Wait at least 15 seconds, then insert the new battery
Slide the Entry Sensor back onto its bracket
Press the setup button on the top of the sensor and look for 3 blinking lights on the front face of the device to confirm the new battery is working
If you still see this error message after replacing the battery in the Entry Sensor, it’s likely due to a syncing issue between the sensor and Base Station. Removing your Entry Sensor from your system and adding it back should clear the error.
Remove the Entry Sensor From Your System and Reinstall It
If you replace the battery within your Entry Sensor, it can take some time for the error to clear within the SimpliSafe® Mobile App. If you want to clear the error out faster, we recommend removing your sensor from your system, then adding it back.
How To Remove Your Entry Sensor:
Open the SimpliSafe® Mobile App on your phone or tablet
Choose My System from the bottom navigation bar
Select Device Settings
Tap on the sensor you wish to remove
Choose Remove Device
How To Reinstall Your Entry Sensor:
Open the SimpliSafe® Mobile App on your phone or tablet
Navigate to the three-bar menu in the upper left corner of the screen
Choose Add Device or Camera from the list of available menu options
Tap on Get Started to proceed
Select Entry Sensor from the list of available products
Follow the in-app prompts to add the sensor back to your system
If you need additional instructions or want to watch our installation video, you can find it in our Entry Sensor Overview and Installation Guide (opens in new tab).
If replacing the battery in your Entry Sensor and removing/reinstalling the device does not clear this error message, that indicates that the Entry Sensor and Base Station are having trouble communicating. Moving the Base Station closer to the Entry Sensor can strengthen their connection.
Adjust the Placement of Your Base Station
The easiest way to determine if your Entry Sensor is too far away from your Base Station is to place your system into Test Mode and test the Entry Sensor (opens in new tab).
How To Put Your System Into Test Mode:
Disarm your system by pressing OFF on the Keypad
Press the Menu button on your Keypad
Enter your Primary PIN
Scroll until Test Mode is highlighted
Use the right arrow and tap to the right to enter Test Mode
You’ll know you are in Test Mode when you see a circle on the Keypad appear with the text, “Test each device by pressing its button.”
Note: If you subscribe to monitoring (opens in new tab), you will receive an automated call from the monitoring center asking you to confirm you placed your system into Test Mode. If you do not answer – no worries! A voicemail will be left to alert you to the system test, and it will not result in a request for dispatch.
Testing Your Entry Sensor's Connection With The Base Station:
Now that your system has entered Test Mode, it’s time to test the Entry Sensor in question. To test your sensor, press the button on the top of the larger piece. You can also test your Entry Sensor by opening or closing the door or window it protects. If successful, you should hear the Base Station announce “Entry Sensor.”
If you did not hear the Base Station acknowledge the test (but you were in earshot range and would have if it had done so), detach the sensor from its mounting bracket and bring it into the room where your Base Station is located. Then, repeat the test by pressing the button on top of the sensor. This time, if you hear the test acknowledged, you’ll know that the sensor is too far from the Base Station for it to be able to communicate reliably or that something in between is causing wireless interference (opens in new tab).
If the sensor works in a position closer to the Base Station, it is recommended that you move the Base Station closer (opens in new tab) to provide better coverage within your home. The Base Station works best in a centrally located area within your home or business, and in a spot that’s free and clear from wireless interference. Placing your Base Station in a cabinet, closet, or around dense materials (such as granite, concrete, or metal) can weaken its signal to other SimpliSafe® devices. Installing your Base Station next to devices that output a wireless signal, such as a router or TV, is also not recommended. This can cause wireless interference and decrease the overall signal strength of the Base Station.