SimpliSafe has carved out a solid reputation in the DIY home security market, but even the best system isn’t right for every home. Whether you’re dealing with incompatible wiring, layout issues, or simply changed your mind after installation, understanding the return policy before you buy saves headaches later. SimpliSafe offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, one of the most generous in the industry, but like any return process, there are specific steps and conditions you’ll need to follow. This guide walks through exactly what’s covered, how to initiate a return, and what to expect during refund processing.
Key Takeaways
- SimpliSafe’s return policy offers a 60-day money-back guarantee starting from shipment date, with no restocking fees, making it more generous than most competitors charging 10-15% fees.
- The SimpliSafe return process requires contacting customer service by phone or live chat to get a prepaid shipping label, then returning all equipment components within the 60-day window.
- Refunds post within 5-7 business days after warehouse delivery, plus shipping transit time, so expect 10-14 business days total from initial drop-off.
- Third-party purchases through Amazon or Best Buy are governed by the retailer’s return policy, not SimpliSafe’s 60-day guarantee, so verify terms before buying.
- Monitoring services and equipment purchases both qualify for full refunds during the 60-day period, but cancellations after day 60 result in no equipment refunds.
Understanding SimpliSafe’s 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee
SimpliSafe provides a 60-day money-back guarantee starting from the date your equipment ships, not when you install it. This gives homeowners ample time to test the system in real-world conditions, triggering sensors, testing cellular connectivity, and evaluating monitoring response times.
The guarantee covers both equipment purchases and monitoring services. If you decide SimpliSafe isn’t meeting your security needs within those 60 days, you can return the hardware and cancel monitoring without penalty. No restocking fees apply to standard returns, which sets SimpliSafe apart from competitors that charge 10-15% restocking fees on opened security equipment.
One critical detail: the 60-day window is strict. Returns initiated on day 61 won’t qualify for a refund, though you may still be able to return defective equipment under warranty provisions. Mark your calendar when you receive the shipping confirmation email, not when you complete installation. If you’re waiting on a professional electrician to hardwire components or dealing with permit delays for alarm system registration, that clock is still ticking.
The policy applies to purchases made directly through SimpliSafe’s website or customer service line. If you bought your system through a third-party retailer like Amazon, Best Buy, or during promotional sales events, the retailer’s return policy governs your purchase, not SimpliSafe’s. Always check the specific terms before assuming the 60-day guarantee applies.
What’s Covered Under the Return Policy
Equipment and Hardware Returns
All SimpliSafe hardware qualifies for return under the 60-day guarantee: base stations, keypads, entry sensors, motion sensors, glass break detectors, panic buttons, smoke detectors, water sensors, video doorbells, and indoor/outdoor cameras. The equipment doesn’t need to be in pristine, unopened condition, SimpliSafe expects you to actually install and test the system.
That said, you’ll need to return items in reasonable condition with all original components. If you’ve mounted sensors with the included adhesive strips, carefully remove them to avoid damaging the units. Wall anchors and screws used for keypad or camera mounting don’t need to be returned, but the devices themselves should be complete. Missing components like power adapters, mounting brackets, or battery covers may result in partial refunds.
Damaged equipment due to improper installation won’t automatically disqualify your return, but SimpliSafe reserves the right to assess the condition. If you drilled through a motion sensor while attempting to hardwire it (not recommended for these battery-powered units), or if a camera housing cracked during removal, expect questions during the return process. Document any pre-existing damage or defects when you first unbox equipment, photos with timestamps can resolve disputes later.
One limitation: SimpliSafe systems purchased as part of bundled security deals must be returned in their entirety. You can’t keep the base station and keypad while returning only the sensors you didn’t end up needing. It’s all or nothing for the refund to process.
Monitoring Service Cancellations
Monitoring plans operate separately from equipment returns, though they’re tied together during the 60-day guarantee period. SimpliSafe offers two monitoring tiers: Standard Monitoring ($19.99/month as of April 2026) with 24/7 professional monitoring and cellular backup, and Interactive Monitoring ($29.99/month) adding camera access, smart home integration, and mobile app controls.
If you return equipment within 60 days, any monitoring fees paid are refunded in full. This includes the first month’s payment typically charged at system activation. You won’t be billed for partial months, if you return on day 45, you’re not charged a prorated fee for that period.
After the 60-day window closes, monitoring becomes a standard monthly subscription with no long-term contract. You can cancel anytime, but you won’t receive equipment refunds. One month’s notice is courteous but not required, cancellations are effective at the end of your current billing cycle. If you cancel mid-month, you’ll retain monitoring access through the paid period, but no prorated refunds are issued for unused days.
Keep monitoring credentials and alarm permit information separate from equipment returns. Some jurisdictions require alarm permit deactivation when systems are removed, which is the homeowner’s responsibility, not SimpliSafe’s. Check your local code enforcement office for requirements.
How to Return Your SimpliSafe System Step-by-Step
Initiating a return requires contacting SimpliSafe customer service, there’s no self-service return portal on their website. Call (800) 297-1605 or use the live chat function in your account dashboard. Phone support typically moves faster for returns, as representatives can verify your purchase date, issue return authorization, and email shipping labels in one conversation.
Have your order number ready (found in your confirmation email or account order history). The representative will ask why you’re returning the system. Be honest but concise: “Sensors kept false-triggering even though adjustments” or “Cellular connectivity unreliable in my location” are sufficient. They may offer troubleshooting, which you can accept or decline, you’re not obligated to spend additional time testing if you’ve decided the system isn’t working out.
Once approved, SimpliSafe emails a prepaid return shipping label, usually within 24 hours. Print the label and pack all equipment in the original box if you kept it. If not, use a sturdy box with adequate cushioning, bubble wrap or foam inserts prevent damage during transit. Don’t skimp on packing material. Damage during return shipping can complicate your refund, even though it occurred after you relinquished control.
Include all components: base station, sensors, cameras, keypads, power adapters, USB cables, mounting hardware, and user manuals. Create an inventory list and photograph the packed box contents before sealing. Drop the package at any UPS location (SimpliSafe uses UPS for returns as of 2026). Keep your drop-off receipt with the tracking number until the refund posts.
Simplisafe recommends shipping returns within 5 business days of receiving the label. While there’s no hard deadline, delays erode the time remaining in your 60-day window if issues arise. Track your package, if it sits in transit for two weeks due to weather or carrier delays, you’ll want documentation proving you shipped it on time.
One important note: disarm the system and remove it from monitoring before shipping. If sensors trigger during transport, you’ll generate false alarms and potentially dispatch emergency services to a UPS truck. Use the keypad or mobile app to fully disarm, then power down the base station.
Refund Processing Times and What to Expect
SimpliSafe processes refunds within 5-7 business days after receiving your returned equipment at their warehouse. That timeframe doesn’t include shipping time, if UPS ground takes 5 days, you’re looking at roughly 10-12 business days from drop-off to refund posting. Plan accordingly if you’re timing the return to avoid another monitoring billing cycle.
Refunds post to the original payment method. If you paid with a credit card, the refund appears as a credit on your statement. Debit card refunds may take an additional 2-3 business days depending on your bank’s processing. PayPal refunds typically process faster, often within 24 hours of SimpliSafe issuing the credit.
Monitoring fees refund separately from equipment charges and may appear as distinct transactions. Don’t panic if you see a partial refund first, the full amount should post within the same processing window. If you financed the equipment purchase through SimpliSafe’s payment plan option, refunds apply to your remaining balance, not as direct cash back.
You’ll receive email confirmation when SimpliSafe receives your return shipment and again when the refund processes. If 10 business days pass after confirmed delivery without refund notification, contact customer service. Have your tracking number, return authorization number, and order number ready. Processing delays occasionally occur during high-volume periods, especially after major promotional sales when return rates spike.
One potential snag: incomplete returns. If SimpliSafe identifies missing components, a door sensor, camera mounting bracket, or power supply, they’ll email you before processing the refund. You’ll have the option to ship the missing items separately or accept a partial refund with the item cost deducted. Response time matters here: if you’re near the end of your 60-day window, delays in shipping missing parts could push you outside the guarantee period for those specific components.
Tax refunds process automatically with equipment refunds. If you paid $400 plus $32 in sales tax, the full $432 returns to your account. Shipping costs for the original purchase aren’t refundable, that’s standard across the security industry and clearly stated in SimpliSafe’s terms.
Conclusion
SimpliSafe’s 60-day money-back guarantee offers genuine flexibility for homeowners testing DIY security systems. The return process is straightforward: contact customer service, ship equipment back with the provided label, and expect refunds within two weeks of delivery. The key is acting within that 60-day window and returning complete systems in working condition. If SimpliSafe doesn’t fit your home’s layout, connectivity requirements, or security expectations, the return policy ensures you’re not stuck with equipment you can’t use.
