Motion Sensor Not Detecting Motion
If your Motion Sensor is not detecting motion, it could be due to one of three things. Either the device needs to be power cycled, moved to a new location, or its sensitivity needs to be adjusted.
Power Cycle and Test the Motion Sensor
As a first step, you should power cycle the Motion Sensor and then put your system into Test Mode to see if that resolves the issue.
Step 1: Power Cycle the Motion Sensor
Using light force, slide the Motion Sensor up and off its bracket.
Remove the battery from the Motion Sensor and leave it out for at least 10 seconds.
After 10 seconds have passed, place the battery back into the sensor.
Slide the Motion Sensor back onto its bracket.
Step 2: Put the System in Test Mode
After power cycling the Motion Sensor, place your system into Test Mode to test the device’s connection with the Base Station.
Disarm your system by pressing the Off button on the Keypad.
Press the Menu button on your Keypad.
Enter your Master PIN.
Scroll until Test Mode is highlighted.
Use the right arrow key 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.”
If you subscribe to monitoring (opens in new tab), you will receive an automated call from the monitoring center. 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.
Step 3: Test the Motion Sensor
Press the test button on the top of the Motion Sensor for one second.
Leave the room for 15 seconds while the Motion Sensor scans the area.
After 15 seconds have passed, re-enter the room.
Once the Motion Sensor detects you, the Base Station will announce “Motion Sensor.”
Once you have finished testing the Motion Sensor, press the left arrow key on the Keypad’s screen to exit Test Mode.
If the Motion Sensor is still not detecting motion after power cycling it, that could be the result of the Motion Sensor’s location.
Adjust the Placement of the Motion Sensor
Our requirements for where you should install the Motion Sensor differs depending on whether the device is sitting on a flat surface or mounted on a wall.
If Your Motion Sensor is on a Flat Surface
If the Motion Sensor is on a flat surface like a shelf or table, confirm that the placement of the device meets the following requirements:
The Motion Sensor is on the edge of the surface so it can detect motion at a downward angle.
For the Motion Sensor Gen 1, the device is placed 4-5 feet from the ground.
For the Motion Sensor Gen 2, the device is placed 6 feet from the ground.
The test button is facing upwards.
There is nothing obstructing the Motion Sensor's view.
If Your Motion Sensor is Mounted on a Wall
If the Motion Sensor is mounted on a wall, confirm that its placement meets the following requirements:
For the Motion Sensor Gen 1, the Motion Sensor is mounted 4-5 feet from the ground.
For the Motion Sensor Gen 2, the Motion Sensor is mounted 6 feet from the ground.
The test button is facing upwards.
It is mounted in a corner.
There is nothing obstructing the Motion Sensor’s view.
If the Motion Sensor’s placement does not align with these requirements, move the device to a new location. Once it has been moved, follow the steps listed at the beginning of this article to place your system back into Test Mode and test the Motion Sensor again.
If the Motion Sensor does align with these requirements and the device is still not detecting motion, you should adjust the sensitivity of the Motion Sensor.
Adjust the Motion Sensor’s Sensitivity
If You Have the Motion Sensor Gen 1
The Motion Sensor Gen 1 has a sensitivity switch on the back of the device.
Slide the Motion Sensor up and off its mounting bracket.
On the back of the Motion Sensor, you will see a sensitivity switch above the battery.
Slide the switch to the right to set the sensitivity to High and make the Motion Sensor more sensitive to movement.
If You Have the Motion Sensor Gen 2
The Motion Sensor Gen 2’s sensitivity is customized in the SimpliSafe® Mobile App.
Open the SimpliSafe® app on your smartphone or tablet.
Navigate to My System on the bottom of the screen.
Select Device Settings.
Choose your Motion Sensor.
Toggle Pet Mode off.
Still Need Help?
If your Motion Sensor is still not detecting motion after taking the steps above, our Support team (opens in new tab) can help you further.