It’s always more fun to set up something new with a friend by your side. Let our start-to-finish SimpliSafe installation guide be your right-hand pal as you get ready to protect your home. We walk you through every step of the process to help make your SimpliSafe installation as easy and successful as possible.

Before You Get Started

A few notes before you dig in: Believe me, these pregame tips will make your SimpliSafe installation painless. Fortunately for you, I already made all the mistakes, so you don’t have to.

1. Review the SimpliSafe setup guide

I know it doesn’t sound like fun, but it’s the smart thing to do. And we know you’re smart because you’re taking steps to keep your home and loved ones safe. Seriously, though, SimpliSafe did a great job on this guide and it will help you along the way.

2. Think about where you want to put stuff

The installation moves along at a pretty brisk clip, so I recommend deciding in advance where you want your security system components to live. 

• Base station: You want a central location and a dedicated power outlet (not one connected to a light switch that could be accidentally turned off). And you don’t want to place it on the floor. I have a fairly small, one-level home, so I put it on a desk in my entry hallway where I could hear it in the living room, kitchen, or bedrooms.
• Keypad: We recommend putting the keypad wherever it will be most convenient; near the door that you use the most is a good place to start. And you need to think about the distance between the base station and the keypad. SimpliSafe recommends keeping them 10 to 100 feet apart.
• Entry sensors: These are the sensors that guard your doors and windows. During setup, you need to name each of them, so it will help move things along if you already know that you want one on the front door, one on the back door, and one on the kids’ bedroom window. You can also practice placing the sensors. You need to line up the magnets, so if you check it out in advance (and even mark the placement for later reference), you’ll be all set when it’s time to activate them and stick them up for real.

3. Set the scene

I tend to get flustered when I set up new technology or build a new Ikea table, so I always make a plan to diffuse myself. Put on some happy music, grab a relaxing beverage, and take some deep breaths. Now you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get down to the nitty-gritty.