Your SimpliSafe sensor should say “closed” when all your doors, windows, and other entry points are closed. A sensor that keeps saying “open” when your home’s entry points are closed can be troublesome since it can trigger a false alarm. What causes this error, and how can you solve it once and for all?
When a SimpliSafe sensor says open when closed, it may be due to the sensor being far from its magnetic piece, the sensor being on a metallic surface, or weak signals between the sensor and the base station. An easy fix is to move the sensor closer to its magnetic piece for proximity.
In the rest of this article, I’ll discuss why your SimpliSafe sensor keeps saying “open” when closed. I’ll also cover how to solve these issues and get your SimpliSafe sensor working normally. Let’s get started!
1. The Sensor Is Far From Its Magnet
SimpliSafe sensors have tiny magnets for identifying any attempted burglary. These magnets work by detecting slight movements between them and the sensor. Therefore, the magnet and sensor separation increases beyond the set limit when someone opens the door.
In most cases, SimpliSafe sensors are designed so that the sensor says “open” when the separation distance between it and the magnet exceeds two inches (5.08 centimeters).
Besides notifying you about the open door or window, the sensor also sounds an alarm. If you’re subscribed to the professional monitoring service, the sensor also alerts the monitoring center, which then contacts the police.
Some of the reasons your SimpliSafe sensor might be far from its magnetic piece include:
- The sensor was installed too close to the door or window.
- The sensor was installed on a surface that is not level.
- Something is blocking the path between the sensor and the magnet.
How To Fix
This is usually a quick fix if the problem results from the sensor being too far from its magnetic piece.
Start by inspecting the sensor and its corresponding magnet piece. The two should be as close as possible and not exceed a separation distance of two inches (5.08 centimeters). If you think the distance is large, adjust it by moving the magnet.
You can also check if the battery is low and replace it if necessary.
2. The Sensor Is Mounted on a Metallic Surface
SimpliSafe sensors use a magnetic field to detect an intrusion or when the doors and windows are closed or open.
It’s worth noting that magnets attract metals like iron and steel because they have unpaired electrons spinning in the same direction. Thus, due to the unpaired electrons, the magnetic field may be distorted when a SimpliSafe sensor is placed on a metallic surface. This prevents it from communicating with the base station and sending alerts when someone tries to break into your home.
Sometimes, the sensor might detect false movements because of this distortion. As a result, you’ll get a false “open” notification when the doors and windows are closed.
How To Fix
The only fix to this situation is to check if the specific sensor that says “open” is mounted on a metallic surface. This normally happens if you have metallic doors and windows.
It’s possible to install a sensor on metallic parts, thinking it will accurately detect movements. However, this is not the case as it only ends up causing more problems.
The best thing you can do is to place the sensor on a non-metallic surface like wood or plastic. You should also avoid mounting it near any metallic objects.
If you must mount the magnet or sensor close to a metallic object, use a buffer to separate them.
3. SimpliSafe Sensor Has Weak Signals
The SimpliSafe base station uses a cellular or Wi-Fi connection to send alerts when the doors and windows are opened.
However, these signals may be too weak sometimes, leading to the false “open” notification from the sensor due to false movements. This is because the sensor cannot communicate with the base station properly, causing confusion.
Some of the reasons for weak signals include:
- The SimpliSafe base station is too far from the sensor.
- There are obstacles between the sensor and the base station.
How To Fix
Try the following fix if you keep getting the “open” notification when your entry points are closed:
- Check if the base station is too far from the sensor. The separation distance between these devices must not exceed 400 feet (121.92 meters). If it’s too far, try moving the base station closer to the sensor.
- Check if there are any obstacles between the sensor and the base station. These include walls, furniture, and other objects blocking the signal. If you find any obstructions, try moving them out of the way. Alternatively, you can move the base station to a different location.
- Check if the battery is low and replace it.
4. The Sensor Is Not Installed on a Level Surface
At this point, you know that the coordination between the sensor and its corresponding magnetic piece is crucial.
However, another factor you need to consider is the surface where the sensor is installed for proper coordination. It must be installed on a level surface to function well with the magnet. When the sensor is on a level surface, you can accurately measure the required separation distance of two inches (5.08 centimeters).
Other reasons you need to install the sensor on a flat and level surface include:
- For the sensor to close correctly.
- For firm attachment.
How To Fix
If the sensor keeps saying “open” when closed, check if it’s installed on a level surface. If not, you may need to remove and reinstall it on a different surface.
Make sure the new surface is flat and level before attaching the sensor. Check if there are any gaps between the sensor and the surface. These gaps can cause false “open” notifications.
Finally, you should check to ensure the sensor is aligned correctly with the door or window. If it’s not, try adjusting it until it’s.
Contact SimpliSafe
If the “open” notification error persists after trying the above fixes, then you’re only left with the option of contacting SimpliSafe’s customer support team for further assistance. The team will help you diagnose the issue from their end and solve it. They will also inform you if you need to change any device.
Summary
A SimpliSafe sensor should say open when one of your entry points is open. However, the sensor might be far from its magnetic piece if it displays the “open” notification when all entry points are closed. Thus, you should work to minimize the distance and keep it within two inches (0.05 meters).
