entry sensor won't slide open

I think there is a real design flaw here. For years I have dreaded here the "some of your devices have low battery" announcement, simply because the SimpliSafe sensors are so impossibly difficult to open for a battery change. There are several on my dining room table right now where I've had to use a butter knife to pry them open. Invariably I have to also replace the gummy tab that affixes them to frames and doors. I am writing this here and now because of my consant frustration with the process. Battery removal also requires either a cracked nail or the butter knife. 

The image was very helpful. I just didn't know which way to push. Thanks

@donaruth We recommend taking the following steps to remove the Entry Sensor from its bracket:

1. Locate where the Test Button is on your Entry Sensor
2. Using the three middle fingers of your hand, apply pressure even pressure to the front of the sensor
3. Using this pressure, slide the sensor up and off its bracket, toward the direction of the Test Button

It still does not open.  The other sensors are a little difficult to open, but this one moves about the width of a very fine thread, if that much. 

Got it!  I had taken the unit from the door and was trying to open it by holding the sides.  Applying pressure to the front did not work, but I gripped it by the top and bottom and pulled the bracket with my fingertips placed in the cutout.  Even though I had done this before, this time it finally gave way.  Maybe the pressure on the front loosened it.  Is it okay if I leave it a tiny bit open, as it is resisting being totally closed.  Open less than the width of a quarter.

@donaruth​ Some things that could have happened.

The command strip under the base curled up into the sensor.

Battery clasp retainer could be broken. Either might prohibit easy removal.

What I'd try, is also pressing down hard but not extremely on the top of the sensor, or press in, however it's mounted, to relieve some of the assembly pressure.

Using both left and right hands, try to slide it off with some force while pressing in on top a bit.

If it's still stuck, you may have to use a piece of floss or something under the base, to remove both base and sensor.

Careful of paint removal if it matters. Command strips can get stuck and remove paint, stain, upon removal.

Then investigate whats hanging up. As best as possible.

If you do that you'll need another command strip to reattach.

You may want to request a new sensor first if under warranty or buy one on Amazon for fastest delivery if not under warranty.

In case you break it. It's defective in some way.

I had no problem removing it from the door casing.  The problem was getting the case to open.  I finally managed to do that.  It is now resisting closing completely so I am wondering if it is okay to leave it partially open - less than the width of a quarter.

@markcornman The battery plate on the Motion Sensor should slide right off the device.

What can help is to hold the sensor between your two hands. Press into the sensor while moving the hand that's touching the front of the device up and have the hand that's touching the back of the device down. 

same problem here, and what you suggested DID NOT work

Same problem here, that suggestion didNOT work. 

@jocklucy​ here is a video example where it is mounted against a wall. If you are finding it difficult to do without it being mounted to a wall if you have a corner you can use you can imitate the motion in the video without actually adhering it to the wall. Ultimately it's the pressure and sliding motion that separates the front and back.

@maryseal​ Can't influence the design but, I post earlier, suggest you get a jar opener rubber gripper and use that. Get several at Dollar Tree or another store like it for $1.50, works like a charm.

the chat AI told me to gently pry off the battery cover with a tool. I used a small screwdriver in the hole where the arrow is pointing. It worked but the cover flew out of my hands. I can see this breaking very easily. Was the design changed because of false alarms in the past?

Hi @mindy999

Here is an article with a video demo on how to remove the new battery cap. 
This change is to ensure better battery safety measures. Although we are sure the battery lid should not break with correct removal, of it did, it would be covered under your product warranty. 

https://spr.ly/61219fPbqN;

This URL is not working. Can you check it and resend?

Thanks,

Mindy

@mindy999​ Here is a url to remove the sensor completely off the wall.

https://support.simplisafe.com/articles/entry-sensor/how-do-i-remove-my-entry-sensor-magnet-the-smaller-part-of-the-sensor-from-the-wall/63447ec3c307775b63814c22

If you are talking about the cover of the entry sensor only, suggest if you have rubber gloves, put them on and then push the cover to remove it.  Rubber grips sold in $1 stores work well to. Still have issues, call support.

that link is for removing the entry sensor from the wall. (the magnet part which is hard and annoying but not impossible)

I'm talking about after the entry sensor is taken out of the holder on the wall (which I don't have any trouble with as long as I remember that some of my sensors are upside down and I have to push the other way), I mean the battery itself now has a white round cover on it.  I think entry sensor is the only one with the CR2032 batteries in it and has that extra plastic cover over the battery. I personally figured out how to get the cover off by asking the AI chat bot but the videos (or at least the ones easily found) are outdated.

Mindy