How to Charge SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera

Installing an outdoor security camera is a great way to monitor your property and enhance your home’s security. SimpliSafe offers several outdoor camera options that are easy to set up and provide crisp video footage day or night. However, like any battery-powered device, keeping your SimpliSafe outdoor cameras charged is important for continuous operation. This article provides a complete guide on how to charge your SimpliSafe outdoor security cameras.

Overview of SimpliSafe Outdoor Cameras

SimpliSafe currently offers three outdoor camera models:

SimpliCam – This affordable camera records 1080p HD video with a 130-degree viewing angle. It features night vision, weather resistance, and wide dynamic range.
SimpliSafe Pro – This upgraded outdoor camera films in 2K with a 145-degree viewing angle. It includes color night vision and advanced AI detection.
SimpliSafe Doorbell Camera Pro – This video doorbell camera captures 2K video with a 155-degree field of view. It has HDR video and custom motion zones.

All SimpliSafe outdoor cameras connect to the SimpliSafe app and base station via Wi-Fi. They are powered by rechargeable batteries and are designed for simple DIY installation.

Checking the Camera’s Battery Level

The first step to charging your SimpliSafe outdoor camera is to check its current battery level. Here’s how:

Using the SimpliSafe Mobile App

Open the SimpliSafe app on your smartphone.
Tap on the camera you want to check. This will bring up the live view.
Look at the battery icon in the upper left. This displays the percentage of battery life remaining.
You can also access battery details under Device Settings > Device Health.

Checking Directly on the Camera

Locate the camera on your property.
Look for a small LED indicator directly on the camera.
Refer to the color and blinking pattern:

Solid green = fully charged
Blinking green = charging
Solid amber = medium charge
Blinking amber = low battery
Blinking red = critically low battery

Check the battery icon on the camera’s live view screen if it has one.

When to Charge SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera

In general, you should charge your SimpliSafe outdoor camera when its battery level falls below 25%. This ensures you have ample power to capture events overnight or for several days.

Some signs your SimpliSafe camera needs charging:

Battery icon shows a low charge.
Live view image stutters or has interference.
Motion activated events fail to trigger recording.
You receive low battery notifications from the SimpliSafe app.

Ideally, charge the camera battery every 2-4 months even if the battery level is still adequate. Fully recharging helps calibrate and extend the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries.

Charging a SimpliSafe outdoor camera only takes a few simple steps:

1. Remove the Camera from Its Mount

If mounted outdoors, use the security tool included in the original kit to detach the camera from its magnetic mount.
Be sure to handle the camera body carefully during removal.

2. Bring the Camera Indoors

For fastest charging, bring the camera indoors to room temperature.
Cold temperatures outdoors will significantly slow battery charging.

3. Plug the Camera into a USB Charger

Locate the small rubber flap covering the camera’s USB port.
Open the flap and plug in the camera using the included USB cable.
Any standard USB charger will work, like a phone charger or computer USB port.
The camera may take up to 6 hours for a full charge.

4. Monitor the Camera’s Charging Status

The LED light on the camera will turn solid amber when charging.
The SimpliSafe app shows charging status under Device Settings.
Charging is complete when the LED turns solid green.

5. Reinstall the Fully Charged Camera

Once charging hits 100%, remove the USB cable.
Make sure the rubber flap fully covers the USB port before reinstalling outdoors.
Remount the camera securely using the provided installation tools.
Check that the camera reconnects and streams video in the SimpliSafe app.

And that’s all there is to it! With just a few minutes of effort, you can keep your SimpliSafe outdoor camera batteries optimally charged for uninterrupted security monitoring.

Tips for Charging SimpliSafe Outdoor Cameras

Follow these tips for seamless charging and maximum battery life:

Use only the original USB cable – The cable included with your SimpliSafe camera is tested for safe charging. Avoid third-party cables.
Don’t wait until fully depleted – Recharge at 25% to reduce strain on the battery. Frequent full discharges permanently reduce battery capacity.
Choose a nearby indoor location – Set up a designated charging station close to the camera’s outdoor mounting spot.
Charge in moderate temperatures – Batteries charge faster and last longer when not in extreme cold or heat.
Consider a solar panel – Solar panels provide perpetual outdoor charging without removing the camera.
Check charging status often – Catch low batteries before they die to maintain security coverage.
Set up low battery alerts – The SimpliSafe app can notify you when the camera needs charging.
Buy a spare battery – Having a second fully-charged battery enables quick battery swaps when needed.

FAQs About Charging SimpliSafe Outdoor Cameras

How long does it take to fully charge a SimpliSafe outdoor camera?

It typically takes about 3 to 6 hours to charge from empty to 100% depending on model. Charging times are a bit longer if charging in cold temperatures.

Can I charge a SimpliSafe camera outdoors?

SimpliSafe does not recommend charging the camera outside even with their weatherproof construction. Outdoor charging exposes the electrical components to temperature extremes, moisture, and unauthorized tampering.

What kind of USB charger should I use?

Any standard USB charging port or power adapter will work, like a phone charger, computer USB port, power bank, or wall socket adapter. Use the original SimpliSafe USB cable for safety.

Can I use a portable power bank to charge the camera?

Yes, you can safely recharge SimpliSafe outdoor cameras using a portable USB power bank or battery pack. Just ensure your power bank can deliver at least 1A output current.

How do I enable low battery alerts?

In the SimpliSafe mobile app, go to Settings > Notifications > Device Warnings > Low Battery to toggle alerts when your cameras need charging. You will be notified before batteries are critically drained.

What does the blinking LED light mean?

Here is what the camera LED colors and blinking patterns indicate:

Solid green = Fully charged
Blinking green = Charging
Solid amber = Medium charge
Blinking amber = Low battery
Blinking red = Critically low battery

Why does my camera keep showing low battery?

If your SimpliSafe camera is constantly showing low battery, try fully charging it for at least 5-6 hours to calibrate the battery meter. Failing to fully charge on occasion can cause inaccurate battery level reporting. If the issue persists, the battery may need replacement.

Can I use rechargeable AA batteries instead of the built-in battery?

No, SimpliSafe outdoor cameras do not support removable AA batteries. The built-in lithium-ion battery must be charged via USB when depleted. Some indoor SimpliSafe cameras do allow AA batteries.

How can I get the longest battery life from the camera?

Fully recharge the battery each time instead of frequent partial charges.
Charge in moderate room temperatures, not cold outdoor temperatures.
Use the SimpliSafe USB cable and certified power adapter.
Enable motion detection to reduce wasted recording time.
Position the camera in an area with good Wi-Fi signal strength.
Keep the firmware updated for optimal performance.

How do I manually restart or reboot the outdoor camera?

Press and hold the small pinhole reset button on the back of the camera for 10-15 seconds until the LED blinks. This will restart the camera if it’s unresponsive or acting abnormal.

Conclusion

Keeping your SimpliSafe outdoor cameras charged is vital for 24/7 security monitoring around your home. Learning the battery status indicators, charging methods, best practices and troubleshooting tips will ensure your cameras are always operational when you need them most. Check battery levels routinely and charge promptly when depleted for reliable performance. With proper maintenance, your SimpliSafe outdoor cameras will deliver years of hands-free protection.