It's time to voice control your smart security system
SimpliSafe is one of the, well, simplest and easy-to-use smart security systems out there. It’s part of the reason the system is so popular, but there’s one thing about it that’s not so straightforward.
It’s not that easy to connect Google Assistant or Alexa to your security system. Or, more accurately, it’s easy to miss that you can even connect the smart assistant of your choice to SimpliSafe. The companion app doesn’t mention either, and there’s no quick way in the app to link them up, as you tend to find in other smart home companion apps.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide, to help you get your SimpliSafe system up and running with Alexa and Google Assistant. We’ll also tell you what you need to know about using both with the system. Let’s get going.
Does SimpliSafe work with Alexa and Google Assistant?
Yes! It’s not really mentioned anywhere, but we assure you that they do work. In fact, SimpliSafe has four major integrations: Alexa, Google Assistant, August and Apple Watch (not HomeKit though).
There is something important you need to know, however: You’re going to have to subscribe to SimpliSafe’s most expensive plans if you want smart assistant control. That’s going to set you back £19.99.
One of the reasons for this is because you don’t actually use a companion app for the base SimpliSafe experience; you just use the keypad. You only get smartphone integration if you subscribe to that premium plan. Voice assistants get bundled into that, too.
How to connect Alexa and Google Assistant to SimpliSafe
It turns out connecting Alexa and Google Assistant to SimpliSafe isn’t extremely complicated, just a bit hidden away. First things first, you’re going too want to subscribe to that premium plan we talked about. Then do the following.
Let’s start with Alexa.
1) Open up the Alexa app.
2) Press the three-bar menu icon in the upper left corner.
3) Tap Skills & Games.
4) Hit the search button.
5) Type SimpliSafe.
6) Click on SimpliSafe Home Control and enable the skill.
You’re going to be prompted to enter your SimpliSafe credentials. Once you do, you’re good to go.
Now, let’s move on to Google Assistant.
1) Open the Google Home app.
2) Click the + button.
3) Choose Set up device.
4) Under Works with Google, click Have something already set up.
5) Click the magnifying glass and search for SimpliSafe.
Just like with Alexa, you’ll be prompted to enter your SimpliSafe credentials. After that, you’ll be good to go.
How to use Alexa and Google Assistant with SimpliSafe
Alright, so you’ve subscribed to SimpliSafe’s premium plan and set up your assistant of choice, but what the heck can you do with it? You won’t be able to do too much, actually, but the basics are still there.
You’ll be able to set your systems mode and check its status. What you won’t be able to do is disarm the system, as it’s a security risk. Here are some commands to get you started:
“Alexa, tell SimpliSafe to lock up.”
“Alexa, tell SimpliSafe good night.”
“Hey Google, arm SimpliSafe to home.”
“Alexa, tell SimpliSafe I’m going out.”
“Hey Google, is the security system armed?”
“Alexa, ask SimpliSafe what’s shakin’.”
“Alexa, ask SimpliSafe if I am protected.”
