2 Messages
Outdoor Camera Battery Drains Quickly
The outdoor camera battery is advertised as "Lasts up to 3-6 months before it needs a recharge." with the caveat, "Battery life may vary depending on usage, placement and settings." I bought my camera in mid-July 2022 and I've replaced the battery 3 times since then (now mid-October 2022, 3 months). The camera is indoors (in a lobby), so it is not exposed to extreme temperatures; it also times out frequently so it is not running constantly.
Any recommendations to extend the battery life would be very much appreciated. It's a huge hassle to pull out the ladder every month when I thought the battery should last 3-6 times as long!
stephenkboothe
1 Message
From reading this thread, the outdoor camera issue has been ongoing for quite some time and, despite assurances that the battery issue and related setting changes/dev suggestions were being looked at, nothing has been done.
It seems pretty obvious that Simplisafe is not going to do anything about their subpar outdoor camera.
Bottom line is they want you to buy the charging cable or solar panel.
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preeti59
4 Messages
I have had the same issue with my outdoor camera since I installed it earlier this year. For the first 6 months, it required a recharge every 25-30 days. I thought that was strange and the battery should last longer but continued recharging every month. Then 2 months back, the battery went from 100% (after an overnight recharge) to 0% in 2-3 days. I called SS support and was asked to change the camera settings to lower sensitivity, etc. I did all that. Note this is a low motion area. Even after lowering all settings, the battery died within 2-3 days. I wish I had read through these support posts before purchasing the SS system. Given the issues with my doorbell video camera and this OD camera, SS seems useless in monitoring and helping secure my home.
Given that so many customers have reported similar issues for over a year and SS has not fixed the issues with their hardware, I am nearly decided to purchase a second OD video camera and trash my SS system and move to a competitor. Cannot afford to take the risk of monitoring and alert failures.
(edited)
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fastestramair
2 Messages
Absolutely correct. 3 to 6 months is a huge window. You would assume default being up to 6 and max settings up to 3. False claims in my opinion and experience. 3 to 4 weeks maybe
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fastestramair
2 Messages
Absolutely true. 3 to 6 months is a big window. That being said. You would assume 3 being max settings and 6 being default as they suggest would increase battery life. I have no subscription and settings may as well be off. Minimal security and features. Battery technology is amazingly advanced overall. These are not. Camera and system only as good as the batteries. My opinion. False claim
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alstarwalt
1 Message
@davey_d
where can you change the settings? I have 4 outdoor cameras in a country setting. Just changed front porch battery that was dead. Lasted 3 weeks
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Krishitch72
1 Message
I just live that for every person who posts Simplisafe says...must be your environment! Lol. No. It's your product. My backyard battery has drained in 5 days from my dogs going out. Thumbs down .
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msites106
4 Messages
Has support just given up on finding a fix for this? This has been ongoing since the Beta where it's clear there is a total lack of quality control when testing firmware before releasing to the public.
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kevyns1
1 Message
With all the trouble I’ve had with terrible battery life and cameras going offline, I just hope my panic buttons work if I ever need them. I have three buttons and zero faith now. Constantly recharging the batteries on default settings.
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Dennis Beauchesne
3 Messages
I bought the power cords to plug in outside outlet, keeps the battery charge
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Dennis Beauchesne
3 Messages
I bought a power cord to plug in a outside outlet outlets ,keeps the battery charged
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Dennis Beauchesne
3 Messages
Right outside power cord to plugging it outside outlet works fine. Keep the battery charged.
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CharlesKn
5 Messages
I find the outdoor camera battery life to be pitiful, at best. They gave me a solar panel to help keep the charge up. That helped for a while, but it seems to no longer be helping, and I am back to low battery alerts after a 2-3 weeks. This is on an enclosed back porch, with little traffic.
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ileanahernandezacosta
1 Message
I wish I would have read all these comments before installing SimpliSafe. Have had their service for a month and my first set of batteries lasted one week! They sent me a second set which also seems to be draining after 2 days. Now they are sending me solar. I’m too was told batteries would last 4 or 5 months. It seems to be misrepresentation to claim months of battery life when in fact it’s days or one week.
Their only saving grace is good customer service when you speak to US. I am very dissatisfied and concerned because battery will die if I travel which is when I need to have alarm.
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