If you own a vacation home, a rental property, or a second residence, you already know how valuable SimpliSafe can be. But figuring out how to add that second location to your existing account is not obvious. The instructions are buried, the app labels have changed over the years, and a lot of people end up frustrated before they figure it out. This guide walks you through the entire process so you can get both properties monitored from a single login.
This is part of our ongoing series on getting the most out of SimpliSafe. We have also covered topics like mounting the SimpliSafe SimpliCam and installing SimpliSafe entry sensors. If you are building out a full SimpliSafe setup, those guides are worth reading alongside this one.
What You Need Before You Start
Before you try to add a second property, make sure you have a few things ready. You will need a fully assembled SimpliSafe system for the second location, including the base station. The base station’s serial number or QR code is required during setup. You should also have the SimpliSafe mobile app installed and be logged in to the account you want to add the second location to.
Each property requires its own monitoring plan if you want professional monitoring at both locations. There are no bundle discounts for multiple properties, so plan accordingly. If you only want to live-stream cameras at the second location and skip recorded video, you can leave that system unmonitored and still view cameras through the app.
How to Add a Second Home Using the Mobile App
The mobile app is the fastest way to add a second property. SimpliSafe has updated the navigation labels since earlier versions of the app, so if you are following older instructions and getting confused, here is the current process.
- Open the SimpliSafe mobile app on your phone or tablet.
- Tap the three-bar menu in the upper left corner of the app.
- Select Install a New System from the navigation menu.
- Follow the on-screen prompts. You will be asked to scan the QR code on the bottom of the base station or enter the serial number manually.
- Enter the address, number of occupants, and any other details the app requests.
- Select a monitoring plan for the new location when prompted, or skip if you are not adding monitoring to this property.
The whole process takes about five minutes when things go smoothly. Occasionally the app has trouble connecting to the base station during setup. If that happens, unplug the base station from the wall outlet, remove the batteries, and let it sit for five minutes. Reinstall the batteries, plug it back in, and try again. This resets the connection and usually resolves the issue.
How to Add a Second Home Using the Web Account
If you prefer managing things from a browser, you can add the second property through the SimpliSafe online account instead. This method works well if you are setting things up at a desk and want a larger screen.
- Log in to your SimpliSafe account at webapp.simplisafe.com.
- Click the Activate New Service button. If you do not see it on the main screen, click the three-bar menu in the upper left corner to find it in the navigation menu.
- Select Add or Upgrade Monitoring.
- Enter the serial number for your base station when prompted.
- Follow the remaining prompts to complete setup and assign a monitoring plan.
Once the second property is added, it will appear alongside your first location in the account dashboard. If you ever add a third property, SimpliSafe activates a full property manager dashboard on the web account that shows all your systems at a glance, with each location’s status visible at once. Any property that triggers an alarm is highlighted in red so you can identify it immediately.
Switching Between Locations in the App
Once both properties are set up, switching between them in the app takes two taps. Open the SimpliSafe app and look at the upper right corner of the screen. You will see a small house icon. Tap it and SimpliSafe will show you a list of your registered properties. Select the one you want to manage, and the app switches over fully. You can arm, disarm, view cameras, and check sensor status for whichever location you have selected.
On the web account, you switch locations using the left-hand navigation bar. If you have three or more properties, the property manager dashboard handles switching at a higher level, letting you see all locations before drilling into a specific one.
Monitoring Plans for Multiple Locations
Each SimpliSafe system is billed separately. There is no multi-location discount, and each address needs its own plan if you want full professional monitoring at both. That said, SimpliSafe gives you flexibility on what level of coverage you set for each location.
For a property you are actively living in, most people opt for the Fast Protect plan, which includes 24/7 live guard protection and camera recording. For a vacation home or rental that sits empty for long stretches, the Standard plan or Self-Monitoring with Camera Recordings option can reduce costs while keeping you connected. For a location where you only want live camera access without any recording, no plan is required.
Common Issues and Fixes
A few problems come up regularly when people add a second SimpliSafe location. Here is what to do if you run into them.
App cannot detect the base station: Unplug the base station, remove the batteries, wait five minutes, then restore power. This clears the connection state and usually lets the app pair successfully on the next attempt.
QR code is not scanning: Try entering the serial number manually instead. The serial number is printed on the same label as the QR code on the bottom of the base station.
Second location does not appear after setup: Log out of the app completely, then log back in. The account sometimes needs a fresh sync to display both properties.
Cannot find “Install a New System” in the menu: Make sure your app is updated to the latest version. Older versions used different labels and menu structures. Updating the app usually resolves navigation confusion.
Cameras at second location are not recording: Camera recording requires an active plan at that specific location. Live streaming only works without a plan; recording does not. You need to add the Self-Monitoring with Camera Recordings plan or the Fast Protect plan to that system to enable recordings.
Related SimpliSafe Guides on MountGuys
If you are expanding your SimpliSafe setup, these guides cover other parts of the system that tend to raise questions:
- Best Mounts for the SimpliSafe SimpliCam — where and how to position your indoor cameras for the best coverage.
- How to Mount SimpliSafe Entry Sensors — placement tips for doors and windows to avoid false alarms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same SimpliSafe account for multiple homes?
Yes. SimpliSafe is designed to support multiple properties under a single login. You manage each location from the same app or web account, switching between them with the house icon in the app’s upper right corner.
Do I need a separate monitoring plan for each property?
Yes, if you want professional monitoring at each location. Each system is billed independently. There is no bundle pricing for multiple properties.
Can I watch cameras at a second home without a monitoring plan?
Yes. Live streaming through the app does not require an active plan. If you want camera recordings at that location, you need to add a plan that includes recording.
Is there a limit to how many properties I can add?
SimpliSafe does not publish a hard cap for personal accounts. Once you add a third property, a property manager dashboard becomes available on the web account to help manage multiple locations. Larger organizations with many sites should contact SimpliSafe directly to discuss options.
What if I get a new phone? Do I need to re-add all my properties?
No. Your properties are tied to your SimpliSafe account, not your device. Log in to the app on your new phone with the same credentials and all your locations will appear automatically.
