‎Wireless Interference Detected | SimpliSafe Support Home
 

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Thursday, February 10th, 2022 3:15 PM

Wireless Interference Detected

What does "wireless interference detected" mean?  Happening about every 5 seconds

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Official Response

Community Admin

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5.7K Messages

3 years ago

Hello and welcome to our Community!

 

"Wireless Interference Detected" means just that - that there's another wireless signal that could potentially get in the way, or even drown out, the signals on your SimpliSafe system.

In this case, we're talking about the connection between the sensors and your Base Station (the tower). That uses a low frequency, so we want to look for simpler devices, like a remote controlled garage door opener, wireless weather station, or even some ham radio setups.

 

Resolving the issue might require moving your SimpliSafe components - especially the Base Station - away from any sources of interference, or even turning those sources off. But first, we need to identify what that problem source could be.

 

2 Messages

The “wireless interference detected” announcement happened twice back to back, AT THE SAME TIME my indoor house camera shutter opened and closed. Could this mean someone hacked into my system and viewing the camera? We have had this system for 2 months and I have to say I’m not impressed AT ALL.  Every single week, sometimes multiple times we get some kind of announcement about sensor batteries low. We are CONSTANTLY replacing batteries. During installation, we had to send back the doorbell camera and 2 outdoor cameras because of equipment failure.  Camera’s do not work properly all the time even though the settings are set properly. The system demand high maintenance, weekly, which we didn’t anticipate nor desire. The system itself is brilliant idea, but the equipment is junk. I work in the tech industry and can say that with confident. If things don’t improve quickly we are ditching the entire system and going back to Habitec.  

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@davey_d​ 

my next door neighbor got a weather station a few weeks ago and this morning I started getting the wireless interference detected messages. Going to check keypad battery level tomorrow but now curious about the weather station. 

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@siskse​ Could be if it's the same frequency. Some home weather stations are 433Mhz, same as SS. Some are 915Mhz which "might not" interfere.

However, it been documented across this forum that weak sensor batteries can and do cause RF noise.

Sometimes even replacing the batteries doesn't fix it, but a fresh battery, and deleting and reinstalling the suspected sensor does sometimes fix it.

I had weak keyfob battery that drove my original base bonkers with interference.

Recognized the problem right away, removed the keyfob, problem fixed.

An admins statement in this thread that it Always another signal stomping on Simplisafes signal and that it's Never low batteries or other causes, is just plainly inaccurate, overly broad, and overly absolute.

There are many possibilities.

8 Messages

3 years ago

Just experienced the same issue on a system that's been working fine for 2 years. The base station was going nuts with those wireless interference announcements. So, first thing I did was turn that "feature" off. (Volume to zero.)

Then, I switched off every circuit in the vicinity, one breaker at a time. No improvement.

I moved the base station around and, at a distance some 35 feet from its original location (about 5 feet from a keypad), the problem ceased. But, that wasn't good enough. It had been fine for 2 years in the other location. 

So, I gathered up all the cell phones, cordless phones, remote controls, tablets and everything else that was battery powered and put them inside a metal toolbox. (To shield the area from any radio emissions they might be generating. A Faraday cage of sorts!) I also moved the base station to a third location about halfway between the other locations. 

Problem ceased. Hmmm -  What did it? (I violated the cardinal rule of troubleshooting - MAKE ONE CHANGE AT A TIME.)

Put the base station back in the original location. Problem resumed.

HOWEVER, I got an alert that one keypad (an even greater distance away) had low batteries and would reconnect when the batteries were replaced. Hmmm again.

Checked batteries in keypads. All were below 1.18 volts. Replaced batteries. Problem solved.

All items are back in their original locations and no more interference notifications. I even turned up the base station volume! The little gal inside likely won't be nearly as frustrated now!

Lesson: Due to low battery levels in keypads, the base station **COULD** be misinterpreting the resulting poor quality signals as wireless interference.

If you have this issue, you just might want to check keypad batteries first because that is a very direct and easy thing to do. None of this wireless voodoo business. You can SEE batteries, voltmeters, etc. Wireless signals, interference to same, etc IS a different story.

If this truly is what was causing the problem that I was experiencing, I'm guessing I am not the only one. If so, SS should include this potential cause in their documentation, online support tips and forum replies. Maybe they have, in some cases. I didn't take the time to research that. But, the response to the OP's question did not mention that.

(edited)

Community Admin

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5.7K Messages

Hi,

Thanks for letting us know. A strange discovery indeed. I have reported this to our engineering team!

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An even better and more user-friendly solution would be to announce which sensor or accessory was affected by the communication interference. Easy to differentiate programmatically if it's a base station issue (interference on all sensors) or a sensor issue (interference on one sensor). 

2 Messages

Just experienced the same thing.  System that has functioned fine, just started with multiple alerts.  Changed keypad batteries and it stopped.  Thanks for the suggestion. 

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@gv8001​ 

You wonderful genius, it worked!

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@gv8001

This resolved part of the issue! 

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2 years ago

Mine only starts announcing the "interference" as soon as I replace the batteries in my wireless weather station sensor/transmitter. It's been just fine otherwise, while the sensor/transmitter has lived right outside the front door, maybe 16' line-of-sight from the base station. Do we all somewhat agree that simply replacing the batteries in the keypads would do the trick...maybe...?

Thanks

Community Admin

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5.7K Messages

@rundougrun​ the interference happens when another device that uses similar frequencies is broadcasting at the same time. Think of it like when two people are speaking at the same time - it becomes difficult to tell who's saying what.

So replacing the battery on the Keypad wouldn't really solve that problem. You'd need to disable or move that source of interference so it has less of an effect.

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In my case the "interference" started at 11:15pmwhen there is no support...

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@nakarsy​ interesting... thats about the time mine just started tonight... some kind of update? been running fine for almost 2 years. replaced the batteries in the keypad, that didnt work. guess i'm calling in the morning. 

Community Admin

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5.7K Messages

Whatever the cause, it would have to be another wireless signal that is communicating in the same frequency range. Our Support team can definitely help with finding the source!

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My Gen3 SimpliSafe system experienced multiple "Wireless Interference Detected" errors today followed within seconds by "Wireless Interference Resolved" messages.  I've owned this system for 3 years and have had no such errors before today.  My current version of the base station firmware is 2.9.16 which was installed within the last few weeks.

I checked the battery voltage in all keypads and they were fine.  I also restarted the base station by pulling and then reinstalling the rechargeable batteries, but the "Wireless Interference Detected" errors promptly restarted.  Note that I've added nothing new to my household that would possibly cause interference, (i.e. TVs, computers, cameras, etc).

After attempting all troubleshooting efforts that I could think of, I decided to call SimpliSafe technical support.  My call was promptly answered and I explained the issue.  After answering a few simple questions, the technical support rep suggested arming my system, (HOME or AWAY mode), and then after about 30 seconds, simply disarm it, (OFF). That solved my problem!  Apparently, by arming and then disarming the system, the "Wireless Interference Detected" error is cleared.  The representative also mentioned that this is a known "glitch" in the GEN3 system, but he was hopeful that the "glitch" would be resolved in a future firmware update.

1 Message

2 years ago

Same issue here -- System that has been fine for 2 years started having this issue multiple times per day.

Community Admin

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5.7K Messages

@bringuel how much troubleshooting have you already done? As mentioned above, the "Wireless Interference Detected" warning comes when there's another device nearby that is communicating in the same low frequencies, which can potentially disrupt the security system's communication.

 

To start troubleshooting, we would want to identify devices in your home that communicate wirelessly. Since the equipment communicates in a low frequency radio, we're looking for simpler devices, like remote controlled garage door openers and wireless weather stations, or maybe some types of smart switches.

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2 years ago

Same issue here. Everything fine for years and now this. I've tried the other suggestions and nothing has worked.

1 Message

2 years ago

Hi all,

I had the same issues for days straight.

I reset my system, changed the batteries in my keypad.

I tried everything I could think of.

Then, I decided to check the sensors near my base.

It turns out the my front door sensor (which was near my base station) was not functioning properly.

I changed the battery in my sensor, and re- added the sensor.

This solved my issues!

Check any window/door sensors that are near your base station, this may fix your issue.

1 Message

2 years ago

I had the same thing happening at 2:38am waking me up with base station going in a loop between "Wireless Interference Detected" and "Wireless Interference Resolved".
I tried to put the alarm to OFF and then back to HOME without any results; I have two keypads (one of it being close to the base station) and none of them are having any message about low battery.
I have been using the system for 3y and it seems to have been resolved by itself; is there a way to just snooze this when armed during the night? 

(edited)

Community Admin

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3.4K Messages

Hi @iulianm​, 

There isn't a way to snooze this specific notification during the night. While the Wireless Interference error did appear to get resolved, if you receive this notification again I would inspect the room your Base Station is in and see if there are any new wireless devices near it. Moving them a bit farther away from the Base Station should help to make sure you don't get this notification again! 

10 Messages

2 years ago

I just installed a wifi mesh system and am getting the same errors now. What frequency/channels does simplisafe use?

Captain

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6.2K Messages

@edam​ I would suggest a better question is what is causing the interference based on location of the base and what is near it. I have a Googe WIFI mesh and originally put one of the 3 points in the same small bedroom and had the same issue.  Through some trial and error, I actually discovered the one router and 2 points provided me better coverage than the router and 3 points. The base is now alone hidden behind a picture in the guest room and the clostest point is one room away. Works like a clock.....

and to answer your question, its 433.92 MHz 

(edited)

7 Messages

Mine just started 2 weeks ago. Nothing for over 5 years at all. It just started. 

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7 Messages

1 year ago

Mine just started 2 weeks ago. Nothing for over 5 years at all. It just started. 

This comment was created from this reply

Community Admin

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@socalschlegels​ Have you recently changed the placement of your Base Station, or have you introduced any new wireless devices in the same room as your Base Station? The "Wireless Interference Detected" message means that there's another signal that could drown out your sensors. 

These would be simpler devices that use a lower frequency like wireless weather stations, remote controlled garage door openers, and some baby monitors. To pinpoint which device is causing this wireless interference, it can help to turn each device off one-by-one and see when the Base Station stops relaying this message. Then, you can either move that device away from your Base Station, or place the Base Station in another room of your house. 

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1 year ago

was fine for years  then tonight  its screaming. interference  

AM NOT HAPPY    WHERE IS THE FIRMWARE UPDATE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is happening to me all this early morning over and over 

Community Admin

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3.4K Messages

@joemomma218​ and @megan17ashburn 

When you get notified that wireless interference is detected, that means that the Base Station is detecting another wireless signal that could potentially drown out the signals of your SimpliSafe system. This would come from simpler devices that broadcast at a lower frequency - things like ham radios, remote car starters, wireless weather stations, and some baby monitors. 

To resolve this issue, I would look for any potential sources of interference around your SimpliSafe sensors and/or Base Station and slightly move them to a different area. It can also help to turn each device off one by one and see when you stop getting notified about wireless interference to pinpoint the exact device that is causing this.

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1 year ago

This system is an absolute pile of garbage. I get this wireless inteference thing every couple of months and nobody seems to have a proper explanation, just random speculation and ‘it might work’ solutions. When is it 1998?!!!

I love way Simplisafe suggest it is an existing device causing the problem. Hello!…who was the last guest to arrive at the party! I wish I’d never brought this junk into my house.

1 Message

1 year ago

Started to get this msg yesterday

Community Admin

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@plaul2002​ Have you recently introduced any wireless devices around your Base Station or any of your sensors? This message occurs when the Base Station detects another wireless signal that could potentially down out the signals of your system. We're looking for simpler devices that broadcast at the same frequency as our sensors, like remote car starters, ham radios, wireless weather stations, or other wireless devices. 

We would want to look for any of these devices around your Base Station and/or SimpliSafe sensors and move them away from these potential points of interference. It can also help to first turn off each device one by one until the Wireless Interference Detected notification goes away to pinpoint the device that is causing this.

1 Message

1 year ago

Same thing happening to me tonight seemingly randomly. Repeatedly saying there is interference and then it gets resolved a minute later.
No new devices have been introduced to the house and the base station has been in the same location since I got the system (we’re talking years). I’m going to be rather upset if it keeps going off all night. 

Community Admin

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3.4K Messages

@Sharpie824​ Since no new devices have been introduced in your home, it can help to adjust the placement of the Base Station to a different area in your room, or to an entirely different room to see if that stops these Wireless Interference Detected notifications. If not, the next step would be to reach out to our Support team. They'll be able to take a deeper look into your account and provide additional assistance.

41 Messages

1 year ago

I woke up this morning to several messages like that in the middle of the night. It seems to have stopped. No idea what the issue was. I’m assuming it was a systemwide problem. 

7 Messages

1 year ago

I have the same problem non-stop after a firmware update a few days ago. Simplisafe sent me a new base station and it worked for about 3 hours with no interference errors. After I angrily had to add ALL sensors all over again (still have to climb up on a ladder and connect all my wireless outdoor cameras), it started going nuts again. I added 20 sensors and after the last 4 were connected, the interference error started again. If this doesn't resolve, I will plan on trashing this system and buy a real security system. One that doesn't have continuous "sensor not responding" errors throughout the week which is another issue I'm dealing with.

Community Admin

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3.4K Messages

@Andyjschreiber​ Since you started getting the Wireless Interference Detected notification around the time you added those 4 sensors back to your system, it makes me think that the Base Station is sensing some sort of interference near them. If you can recall which sensors they are, I would recommend scanning the area around them for any other wireless devices. If there are any wireless devices nearby, it can help to move them a different area further away from those sensors.

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@emily_s​ I understand that but they’re in an area of my house with no electronics other than a lamp and a ceiling light and they’ve worked perfectly for 2 years so why now all of a sudden? I went and disconnected those 4 sensors and I’m still getting the alerts. Can I downgrade firmware somehow to confirm it was the recent firmware upgrades? I mean it’s a bit strange that everything is fine for 2 years and then a few firmware upgrades later, bam, system problems.

Community Admin

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3.4K Messages

@Andyjschreiber​ Unfortunately there is no way to rollback the firmware on the Base Station. We've ruled out interference near those sensors, but are there any wireless devices near your Base Station? If there are, it may also help to move the location of the Base Station to a different area of the room it's in, or into a completely new room.

If there isn't, I would then recommend contacting our Support team for some live troubleshooting. They'll be able to take a look into your account and provide additional assistance.

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