Vape Patrol Help Centre
Frequently asked questions
Our product connects to your network using the 2.4GHz band which most schools use. However, if your network operates on the 5GHz band you have two options :
Purchase a different vape detector which is 5GHz compatible but these cost between £800 and £1000 EACH.
Invest in the VAPE PATROL detectors and change the closest access point to a dual-band one which we can provide for less than £150. These hubs simply replace an existing one and allow our detectors to connect to your network saving you money - one dual band access point can serve many detectors.
If in doubt, please refer to your network or wifi provider.
The VAPE PATROL detectors are powered through a standard USB - C cable. We provide a 2m or 5m cable and adaptor to connect to the mains power supply. We recommend that if you have multiple detectors in a toilet area you consider putting in a switched spur to turn them off during holidays and weekends - whilst the units use very little power this will extend their life. The switch must be in a place not accessible to the students obviously!!
The detectors are controlled via the Smart Life app which operates on both Android and Apple products. Initially, the administrator (normally the Facilities Manager, School Business Manager or other member of the site team) will connect the detectors to your network and clearly name them as per their location. You can adjust their sensitivity (although they come with a recommended default setting) and decide how you want to notify staff when the detector is triggered.
Your staff on break and playground duty can either download the app to their own phones or you can provide them with a basic programmed tablet (which we can provide - see the 'Accessories' section). A notification will tell staff which detector has been triggered by vaping, attempts to tamper with it, or having the power turned off.
The VAPE PATROL VP1 and VP2 detectors contain a battery for back-up use only - it will continue to function for up to 3 hours after the power is turned off. The VPX3 has a larger battery with up to 12 hours of back up. You can use them as battery operated for a short time if you want to temporarily place one somewhere that does not have mains power. We also offer a battery pack to extend the monitoring for up to 5 days. Please see the 'Accessories' section on the shop.
Your detector should come with its MAC address on the back and on the box. If you need to find the MAC address of a detector you will need to connect it to your network and add it to your Smart Life account.
Steps :
1) From the home page choose the detector.
2) Click on the pen icon in the top right hand corner - see
3) On the next page, choose "Device Information" -
4) The MAC and IP addresses will be shown -