Motion Sensor Gen 2 Installation Guide

Updated 24 June 2026

Overview

Motion Sensors are always on the lookout for uninvited guests. They can detect motion within 35 feet, with a 90-degree field of view. The Motion Sensor Gen 2 also has Pet Mode to distinguish between people and pets.

Need to purchase a Motion Sensor? You can find it available for purchase on our website (opens in new tab).

Before Getting Started

You’ll need to install your Base Station (opens in new tab) and make sure it has the latest firmware (opens in new tab) prior to getting started.

What’s in the Box

Motion Sensor Gen 2 with mounting plate
Screws (optional for permanent mounting)

If you want to mount your Motion Sensor Gen 2 on a wall using its adhesive backing, make sure the surface has been wiped clean and has had time to dry.

If you plan on wall mounting your Motion Sensor Gen 2 with the included screws, you’ll want to also have a Phillips head screwdriver available.

How to add the Motion Sensor in the SimpliSafe® Mobile App

Open the SimpliSafe® App (opens in new tab) on your smartphone or tablet
Navigate to the three-bar menu on the upper left corner and select Add Device or Camera
Select Motion Sensor from the list of available products

How to Pair the Motion Sensor to Your System

Pull out the battery tab from the back of the device
Press and release the setup button on the top of the device
Once the setup button has been pressed, the Base Station should say “Motion Sensor”
Choose a name for the device by selecting one of our pre-populated names, or select Custom Name at the bottom of the screen to input your own

Where to Put the Motion Sensor

Bring the Motion Sensor to its desired location, if you have not already
1. The Motion Sensor looks out and down with a 90° field of view, so it has the best visibility when mounted in a corner
2. We do not recommend installing the Motion Sensor near AC units, vents, or heat-generating objects, as changes in heat signatures within a room have the potential false alarms
Choose a spot 4-6 feet off the ground to mount the Motion Sensor, making sure that its setup button is facing up

How to Mount the Motion Sensor With its Adhesives

Clean the desired surface using rubbing alcohol
Wait for the surface to dry completely
Peel the plastic backing off of the adhesive strip on the back of the Motion Sensor
Press and hold the Motion Sensor in place for 30 seconds

How to Mount the Motion Sensor With its Included Screws

Remove the adhesives from the mounting plate
Slide the Motion Sensor up and off its mounting plate
Use a screwdriver to secure the mounting plate to the wall
Slide the Motion Sensor back on the mounting plate

Do You Have Pets?

If you have pets within your home, we recommend enabling Pet Mode. This will allow your pets (up to 60 pounds) to roam around your home freely without triggering any alarms.

To Enable Pet Mode

Open the SimpliSafe® App (opens in new tab) on your phone or tablet
Choose My System from the navigation bar at the bottom of the screen
Select Device Settings (opens in new tab)
Choose your Motion Sensor Gen 2 from the list of available devices
Toggle Pet Mode ON
Press Save in the upper right corner to save this change