‎Security Camera will not remain charged - though plugged in | SimpliSafe Support Home
 
churchill_dadorder's profile

Sunday, April 9th, 2023 7:15 PM

Security Camera will not remain charged - though plugged in

I have 3 outdoor security cameras - each plugged in.  On one of them the internal battery drains down, even though it is plugged in.  Anyone else have this issue?  defective battery?

Community Admin

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5.6K Messages

1 year ago

Hi @churchill_dadorder ,

From your description of that one problem cam, it doesn't sound like the Power Adapter is actually charging the device. Since you've got two other working Outdoor Cameras, I'm assuming that you've already checked that the cable is plugged in securely at both ends, the power adapter is full inserted in the socket, and the wall socket itself is functioning properly? Have you already tried swapping the battery, cable, and power adapter with the working units? That might help us figure out which component in the chain is the actual problem.

4 Messages

1 year ago

I have the same EXACT issue.  I have two cameras that shut down today as a matter of fact due to 'low battery' despite the fact they are plugged into a 120V receptacle.  I have replaced several due to this reason and yet even the new ones have the same issues.  Nothing but issues with these outdoor cameras, especially connectivity issues which  have thousands of internet posts with everyone describing the same connectivity issues.  Simplisafe is acting criminally by continuing to sell these cameras knowing there is an issue.  I have yet to have any issues with the indoor cameras........

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1 Message

11 months ago

Mine is doing the same thing. Not sure what to do 

Community Admin

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3.1K Messages

@Mdhockey4 I would first check to make sure that the outlet the Outdoor Camera's power cable is plugged into is working properly; and that the power cable is securely plugged into the outlet and Outdoor Camera. If there isn't a problem with the outlet and the power cable is plugged in properly, there may be an issue with the power cable. Our Support team will be able to assist you with a replacement.

9 months ago

I have the same issue where the batteries will not charge with the outdoor cable. Generally, the batteries do not hold a charge more than 2-3 days. 

1 Message

I'm on chat with support and they're giving me the run around with I instructions that I've already done and don't work. They go dark for 10+ mins at a time. 

Community Admin

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5.6K Messages

@prestonholston​ I'm concerned that for some reason, your camera is using up more energy than it's able to replenish, which is is why it's draining way faster than it should (3-6 months with default settings).

Try resetting the camera by holding the pairing button in the back for 30 seconds, and then reinstalling throught the SimpliSafe app.

If that doesn't work, there might be a hardware issue, in which case the next step is a replacement camera. Our Support team can help with that.

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1 Message

@davey_d​ I'm having the exact same issue where the outdoor charger SimpliSafe sold me doesn't supply enough power to keep my cameras charged nor will they charge the battery in the camera once the battery has gone dead. Had I known this was going to be an issue, I wouldn't have installed the cameras so high nor bought these underpowered charging bricks and cables. I'm not recommending the outdoor cameras to anyone anymore and feel like a fool for those that bought into the system for the outdoor cameras on my recommendation.

Tech support has been useless to troubleshoot why the outdoor chargers can't keep up.  Taking batteries out of cameras to charge should not be the norm or be an acceptable solution when SimpliSafe sells the charger. Here's the first line from the description for the charger, "Keep your camera fully charged at all times"

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Community Admin

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3.1K Messages

@cats​ As Davey mentioned, this might be a situation where the camera is using energy at a faster rate that it can recharge, as plugging it into a power cable should keep it charged. 

If resetting your camera by pressing and holding on its pairing button for 30 seconds doesn't help, we would want to replace your camera next. If you reach out to our Support team, they'll be able to help with the replacement.

Same issue, battery draining even though I am using a power cable properly plugged in.  However my suggestion is to unplug the power adapter.  My power adapter actually melted into the port of camera.  Now camera will not work.  This is a fire hazard Simplisafe should address immediately before a house is burned down.  Apparently there are issues with the power cable.  

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2 Messages

2 months ago

This has happened to all 5 of my cameras.  In fact, I am having another problem today with one of them.  There is obviously a flaw somewhere, I am honestly frustrated having to keep going up on ladders and routing new cables every time.

Community Admin

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3.1K Messages

@dtstefano​ To confirm, you are trying to use the 25ft power cable to keep your Outdoor Cameras charged? I would first check the outlet(s) that the cables are plugged into to ensure that they are working properly. I would also recommend checking to make sure that each power cable is completely plugged in to their respective Outdoor Camera so the plug is flush to the device. 

But if your outlet(s) have power and the power cables are plugged into the cameras all the way, that could indicate a hardware issue with the cameras. In that case, I would recommend reaching out to our Support team as we may need to send a replacement. 

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