Setting up Scorpion Alert takes about five minutes per Detector. Here’s the full process, end to end — plug in, connect, name, save. Do them in order, one Detector at a time:
- Install the app. Download Scorpion Alert from the App Store or Google Play, open it, and sign in with your Google account or Apple ID.
- Power on a Detector. Plug one Detector into the lower outlet of your wall plate. For added stability — especially in households with curious toddlers — remove the existing center screw from your outlet cover plate and reinstall it using the longer screw that ships with the Detector. Slide the small white stabilizer ring onto the tip of the screw before driving it home. Stay within a few feet of the device while you set it up.
- Open the setup menu. In the Scorpion Alert app, tap the purple Menu arrow at the bottom of the screen. Then tap Settings → Detectors → Setup.
- Connect to the Detector’s Wi‑Fi. The app will prompt you to switch networks. Open your phone’s Wi‑Fi settings, pick the network named “Scorpion Detector,” and return to the Scorpion Alert app right away.
- Enter your home Wi‑Fi details. In Step 2 of the wizard, type your home network name (SSID) and password exactly as they appear. A reminder: Scorpion Detectors only support 2.4GHz networks. If you don’t see your 2.4GHz SSID here, see the Wi‑Fi section below for how to expose one on your router.
- Name your Detector. In Step 3, give the Detector a name that maps directly to its location — “Front Door Right,” “Playroom,” “Garage Entry.” This is the name you’ll see on every alert, so be specific.
- Assign a Location (optional). Step 4 lets you group the Detector under a Location. If you only monitor one property, skip this step. If you manage multiple homes, a rental, or a cabin, pick the right Location now.
- Save and finish. Tap Save New Detector. Your phone may reconnect to your home Wi‑Fi automatically; if it doesn’t, return to your phone’s Wi‑Fi settings and reconnect manually.
- Confirm the Detector is live. Back in the app, you should see your new Detector in the list. Tap it to open the live view.
That’s the whole flow. The rest of this guide answers the questions that come up along the way — Wi‑Fi bands, placement strategy, alert notifications, troubleshooting — so jump down to whichever section is useful, or read straight through for the full picture.
What should I do before I start setting up my Scorpion Detector?
Getting your Scorpion Detector up and running takes about five minutes per device. You’ll save yourself some headaches by checking a few things before you begin. The biggest setup requirement: your Detectors need 2.4GHz Wi‑Fi to connect — they won’t work with 5GHz networks.
One key thing to know: you’ll set up one Detector at a time. During setup, each Detector creates its own temporary Wi‑Fi hotspot that your phone connects to. If you try to set up multiple Detectors at once, you’ll end up with competing hotspots and a confusing pairing process. Go one device at a time, finish setup, then move to the next.
Do I need 2.4GHz Wi‑Fi (and how can I tell)?
Scorpion Detectors require a 2.4GHz Wi‑Fi network. They can’t connect to 5GHz networks. Most modern routers broadcast both frequencies, but your phone may only show a single combined network name.
Check your router settings to confirm 2.4GHz is enabled. Many routers use “band steering” to automatically assign devices to either 2.4GHz or 5GHz. You may need to split your network into separate SSIDs (like “HomeWiFi_2.4” and “HomeWiFi_5”) or create a dedicated IoT network that runs on 2.4GHz only. Some routers also offer a guest network that defaults to 2.4GHz — that works too.
When you enter your network credentials during setup, type them exactly as they appear. Wi‑Fi passwords are case-sensitive, so one wrong capital letter can keep your Detector from connecting.
What do I need on my phone before I begin?
Download the Scorpion Alert app from your phone’s app store and create an account (or sign in). During setup, you’ll temporarily disconnect from your home Wi‑Fi and connect to the Detector’s temporary hotspot. Don’t worry — the app walks you through it.
Stay within a few feet of the Detector while pairing. The temporary hotspot has limited range, and moving too far away can interrupt the connection.
Should I mount the Detector with the child-protection screw?
Each Detector comes with an optional outlet-plate screw and stabilizer ring. If you have curious toddlers who like to unplug things, this hardware helps prevent them from pulling the Detector out of the wall.
The screw only works with outlets that have a single center screw hole between the two plug receptacles. Remove your existing outlet plate screw, slide the stabilizer ring onto the new longer screw, and reinstall. The ring creates a barrier that locks the Detector in place.
Always use the lower outlet when possible. This positions the Detector’s UV light to scan the floor below without being blocked by furniture or the upper plug.
How do I connect a Scorpion Detector to my home Wi‑Fi in the app?
The Scorpion Alert app includes a setup wizard that guides you through each step. Open the app, tap Menu → Settings → Detectors → Setup to begin. The process is straightforward: plug in, connect to the Detector’s hotspot, enter your home Wi‑Fi details, name the device, and save.
During setup, you’ll see a new Wi‑Fi network called “Scorpion Detector” appear on your phone. That’s normal — it’s the temporary hotspot your Detector creates for pairing. Your phone needs to join this network briefly so the app can send your home Wi‑Fi credentials to the Detector.
Step-by-step setup (plug in → connect → name → save)
Plug one Detector into a wall outlet (lower position recommended) and stand close by with your phone. In the Scorpion Alert app, navigate to Setup and follow the prompts. When instructed, go to your phone’s Wi‑Fi settings and connect to the network named “Scorpion Detector.” Return to the app right away — don’t bounce into other apps while you’re connected to the Detector hotspot.
Enter your home Wi‑Fi network name (SSID) and password exactly as they appear (passwords are case-sensitive). The app will ask you to name this Detector based on its location — choose something specific like “Master Bedroom” or “Kitchen Entry.” If you monitor multiple properties, you can assign this Detector to a Location, but skip that step if you only have one home. Tap Save to complete setup.
The Detector will disconnect its temporary hotspot and join your home network. Your phone should automatically reconnect to your regular Wi‑Fi. The whole process takes about three minutes.
What should I name my Detector so alerts make sense later?
At 2 a.m., you don’t want to guess which Detector triggered an alert. If the notification says “Motion detected at Front Door Right” with a photo, you’ll know exactly where to go and what to check. That’s why naming matters.
Use location names that map directly to action: “Garage Entry,” “Playroom Corner,” “Guest Bath Window.” Every alert includes the Detector name and a photo from that specific device. Vague names like “Detector 1” or “Living Room” won’t help when you’re half-awake trying to respond to a scorpion sighting.
If you have multiple Detectors in one room, stick with a consistent naming scheme. Use Left/Right, North/South, or Door/Window to distinguish them. “Master Bedroom Left” and “Master Bedroom Right” make more sense as a pair than “Bedroom” and “By the Dresser.”
Can I monitor more than one property (home + rental + cabin)?
The Location feature helps you organize Detectors across multiple properties. During setup, you can assign each Detector to a specific Location like “Main House,” “Rental Property,” or “Desert Cabin.” Skip this step if you’re only monitoring one property — you can always add Locations later.
Managing multiple properties from one app keeps everything centralized. You’ll see which property triggered an alert, view Detectors grouped by Location, and manage settings for each property independently.
Once your Detectors are set up, you can share access with family members or property managers. They’ll receive the same alerts and can view the same Detector feeds — helpful for keeping everyone informed about scorpion activity.
Where should I plug in my Detectors for the best scorpion coverage?
Scorpions enter homes through predictable routes and tend to travel along walls once inside. Your placement strategy should focus on intercepting them near entry points and covering the rooms where family members are most vulnerable. A well-placed Detector network can catch scorpions early in their path through your home.
Keep in mind that Detectors scan for scorpions when rooms are dark — they’re designed for nighttime monitoring when these pests are most active. The UV light illuminates the floor area below each outlet, watching for the telltale fluorescent glow of a passing scorpion.
Which rooms and entry points should I prioritize first?
Start with the most common scorpion entry points: exterior doors, garage entries, and sliding patio doors. These transition zones between inside and outside see the most scorpion traffic. Add coverage near pet doors if you have them — they’re essentially an open invitation for nighttime visitors.
Next, protect high-consequence rooms where scorpion encounters would be most dangerous. Bedrooms, nurseries, and playrooms deserve priority. A scorpion in the garage is annoying; a scorpion in your toddler’s room could mean a trip to the emergency room for bark scorpion sting treatment.
Don’t forget water-adjacent areas like bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchen entries. Scorpions seek moisture, especially during dry spells. These rooms often have conditions that attract scorpions — accessible water, cool tile floors, and plenty of dark corners for hiding.
How many Detectors do most homes need?
A single Detector works well for monitoring one problem area — maybe you’ve seen scorpions near the back door repeatedly. For whole-home coverage, most houses need 3–5 Detectors placed strategically near entry points and bedrooms.
More Detectors means earlier detection. A scorpion entering through the garage gets spotted immediately instead of surprising you in the kitchen an hour later. But you don’t need to outfit every outlet — focus on transition zones and the wall paths scorpions naturally follow.
Consider a phased approach. Install one Detector in your highest-priority location, confirm alerts are working properly, then expand coverage room by room. This lets you fine-tune placement based on real detection patterns in your home.
What placement mistakes reduce detection quality?
The most common mistake is blocking the Detector’s view. Furniture pushed against the outlet can prevent the UV light from illuminating the floor below. Keep a clear sight line from the Detector to the ground — even moving a bookshelf a few inches away can help.
Bright nighttime lighting can interfere with detection. Detectors work best in dark conditions when scorpions’ natural fluorescence stands out clearly. If you keep certain rooms lit all night, consider whether those areas really need monitoring, or whether motion-activated lighting would work instead.
Check Wi‑Fi signal strength before finalizing placement. A Detector in the far corner of your garage might have spotty connectivity. Test the connection by viewing the live feed from that location — if the video stutters or won’t load, try a different outlet closer to your router.
How do I confirm my Detector is working and my alerts will wake me up?
After setup, it’s worth confirming everything works before you trust the system overnight. The app shows your connected Detectors, their online status, and live camera views. But the real test is notifications — will that 3 a.m. scorpion alert actually wake you up?
Most alert delivery issues come from phone settings, not Detector problems. The Scorpion Alert app can have permission to send notifications, but if your phone is in Sleep mode or Do Not Disturb, you might sleep through a scorpion walking past your bedroom Detector.
What should I see right after setup is finished?
Open your Detector list in the app. Each device you set up should appear with its custom name and current status. Tap any Detector to see its live camera feed — you should see the floor area below the outlet illuminated by UV light. This confirms the Detector has power, network connectivity, and a clear view of its monitoring zone.
The status indicator shows “Online” when your Detector is actively monitoring for scorpions. “Offline” means the Detector can’t communicate with our servers — usually due to Wi‑Fi issues or power loss. Some features, like live viewing, require your phone to be on the same network as the Detector, so connect to your home Wi‑Fi for full functionality.
If a Detector shows offline immediately after setup, it likely didn’t successfully join your Wi‑Fi network. Run through setup again and double-check your network password.
How do I test push notifications and SMS alerts?
Every Detector has a “Send Test Alert” button in its settings. Tap it to trigger a sample notification. Your phone should receive the alert within seconds — if not, you’ve got a notification issue to fix before tonight’s peak scorpion activity hours.
Push notifications arrive fastest but require a data connection. SMS alerts work anywhere you have cell signal — helpful for deep sleepers or areas with poor Wi‑Fi coverage. Enable both for redundancy. The app lets you customize which Detectors send which types of alerts.
Change your Scorpion Alert notification sound to something distinctive. You want a sound that cuts through sleep fog and immediately signals “scorpion detected.” iOS and Android both let you assign custom sounds to specific apps.
How do I make sure I'll hear Scorpion Alert during Sleep/Focus/Do Not Disturb?
Modern phones aggressively silence notifications at night. That’s usually helpful, but not when you need scorpion alerts. Add Scorpion Alert as an exception to your Sleep or Focus modes.
On iPhone: Settings → Focus → choose your Sleep focus → Apps → Add → select Scorpion Alert. The app can now break through your scheduled quiet hours. Android users can find similar options in Digital Wellbeing or Do Not Disturb settings — look for “allowed apps” or “exception apps.”
Don’t rely on Silent Mode if you want overnight alerts. Even with exceptions set up, Silent Mode blocks most notification sounds. Keep your phone on ring mode with volume turned up, then use Focus modes to silence everything except Scorpion Alert.
What do the confidence score and photo mean (and how do I reduce false positives)?
Each alert includes two critical pieces of information: a photo of what triggered the detection and an AI confidence percentage. A 95% confidence alert with a clear scorpion image means grab your glass jar and flashlight. A 62% confidence alert showing a sock probably means you need to adjust settings.
The confidence threshold setting (Low/Medium/High) controls which detections trigger alerts. Start with Medium. If you get too many false alerts from pets or debris, switch to High. If you’re in a high-risk area and want maximum sensitivity, try Low — just expect occasional false positives from spiders or centipedes.
The system uses a two-step verification before alerting. First, it detects fluorescence in the UV spectrum. Then it analyzes shape, size, and movement pattern. This dual check reduces false alarms compared to simple motion detection, though no system is perfect. The photo lets you make the final call.
What do I do if setup fails, the Detector won't connect, or it shows offline?
Setup hiccups usually come down to three causes: the wrong Wi‑Fi band (5GHz instead of 2.4GHz), an incorrect password, or weak signal strength. Work through these systematically instead of randomly trying different fixes.
Start with the basics. Is the Detector plugged into a working outlet? Can your phone see the “Scorpion Detector” hotspot during setup? Are you typing your Wi‑Fi password correctly, including uppercase letters? These quick checks solve most problems.
If the Detector doesn't appear in the app, what's the fastest fix?
Pull down to refresh your Detector list first. If that doesn’t work, check whether the “Scorpion Detector” Wi‑Fi network still appears in your phone’s Wi‑Fi settings. If you see it, setup didn’t complete — the Detector is still broadcasting its setup hotspot instead of joining your home network.
Run setup again, paying close attention to the SSID and password. Network credentials are case-sensitive, and autocorrect loves to “help” by capitalizing words. Type slowly and double-check before proceeding.
If setup fails repeatedly, temporarily move the Detector closer to your router and plug it into an outlet in the same room. If setup succeeds there but fails at the intended location, you’ve found a Wi‑Fi signal problem. You may need a Wi‑Fi extender or mesh node to cover that area.
Why do I only see 5GHz Wi‑Fi networks (and how do I get 2.4GHz)?
Modern routers often hide the technical details. Band steering automatically assigns devices to either 2.4GHz or 5GHz without showing separate networks. Your phone likely connects to 5GHz by default, so that’s all you see.
Access your router’s settings through its app or web interface. Look for wireless settings, band settings, or advanced options. You’ll need to either disable band steering (creating separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks) or enable a dedicated 2.4GHz IoT network. Many newer routers have an “IoT Network” or “Smart Home Network” option that creates a 2.4GHz-only network that works well for devices like Scorpion Detectors.
Mesh systems like Eero, Orbi, and Google Nest WiFi often include IoT network options in their apps. Look for “Guest Network” or “IoT Devices” settings — these frequently default to 2.4GHz only.
If the Detector shows offline, is it actually disconnected?
Real-time status updates require your phone to be on the same network as your Detectors. If you’re checking from work or on cellular data, the app may show “offline” even if the Detector is working. Connect to your home Wi‑Fi and check again.
The system will send you an alert if a Detector stays offline for an extended period — not for brief connection blips. Short offline periods during router reboots or power flickers won’t trigger these alerts.
For persistent offline issues, try this reset sequence: In the app, look for a restart option for that specific Detector. If that’s unavailable or doesn’t work, unplug the Detector for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. It should automatically reconnect to your saved Wi‑Fi network within a minute.
When should I update Wi‑Fi settings or contact support?
Update Wi‑Fi settings whenever you change routers, network names, or passwords. The Detector can’t guess your new credentials — you’ll need to update them. Find the “Update Wi‑Fi” option in the Detector’s settings menu. This is typically faster than deleting and re-adding the device.
Contact support if setup fails repeatedly even when the Detector is right next to your router. Include helpful details: your phone model (iPhone 14, Samsung S23, etc.), router type (Netgear Nighthawk, Eero Pro 6, etc.), and a screenshot of available Wi‑Fi networks during setup. That information helps support diagnose compatibility issues faster.
Hardware defects are rare but possible. If your Detector won’t power on, won’t create a setup hotspot, or behaves erratically, support can arrange a replacement. The warranty covers manufacturing defects — you won’t be stuck with a non-functional device.
If you are having any trouble setting up your Scorpion Detectors, please don’t hesitate to contact us at support@scorpionalert.com.
