Does SimpliSafe® require Wi-Fi or a Computer to Work?
Updated
| Does your Keypad look like the one pictured to the left? Then you're in the right place! You've got the Gen 3 SimpliSafe system. If you purchased a system in 2017 or earlier, you have the Original SimpliSafe. You can learn the difference between the systems on our Help Center. |
Although you do not need a computer or Wi-Fi for SimpliSafe® to work for your basic home security needs, access to Wi-Fi and a Smartphone and/or computer are strongly recommended to best take advantage of all of your system’s security features.
Why Wi-Fi?
A Wi-Fi connection ensures that you and your home are always protected and up to date. Connecting your system to Wi-Fi provides a secondary connection source, in addition to the cellular backup connection that works when subscribed to a professional monitoring plan. Both connection methods ensure your system can connect to our Monitoring Center in the event of an alarm. Wi-Fi also allows your system to retrieve and download all new firmware updates to keep your system and its devices working properly and at their best.
Additionally, there are many key features of a SimpliSafe® system that you will not have access to without a Wi-Fi connection. Wi-Fi allows you to:
Use SimpliSafe® cameras
Install and connect the cameras to your system
Stream live video from our cameras
View and download recordings*
Enable Visual Verification*
Arm your system with Google Assistant or Alexa*
Retrieve an download necessary firmware updates for your system and devices
*Available on select monitoring plans
What if I can’t access Wi-Fi?
Without Wi-Fi, you can still change your system and sensors’ basic settings via the Keypad as well as take advantage of our Professional Monitoring service’s basic features. And if you are subscribed to a monitoring plan that includes cellular backup, your Base Station will still communicate with our cellular connection back-up.