Your August Account Is Locked Out? Here's What Actually Works
If you're unable to access your August account, it's likely due to a combination of security measures and device-specific configurations. This guide includes August-specific tools like the Device Health monitor and model-specific reset procedures for both battery-powered and hardwired models. Follow these steps to resolve the issue and prevent future lockouts.
Quick Fixes to Try First
These are 30-second checks that address the most common causes of an August account lockout without requiring router or settings changes:
- Check your August App login screen for messages like 'Too many failed attempts' or 'Account locked'. If present, proceed to the 'Forgot Password' option.
- Verify your email and phone number in the August App under 'Account Settings' to ensure they're up to date.
- Check the battery level for August View models in the 'Battery Health Monitor' section of the app. A low battery can cause unexpected disconnections that trigger security alerts.
- Ensure your firmware is up to date by navigating to 'Device Health' → 'Firmware Update' in the August App.
- Check for two-factor authentication prompts on your mobile device or email. If you're unable to receive codes, temporarily disable this feature through your account settings.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Check Your August Device's Wi-Fi Signal Strength
Weak Wi-Fi signals can cause unexpected disconnections that trigger account lockouts. To diagnose this:
- Open the August App and go to Device Health → Signal Strength.
- Look for a signal strength indicator. If it shows less than 2 bars, your device may be experiencing connectivity issues.
- For August View models, ensure you're connected to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network (not 5GHz). Most UK ISP routers use a single SSID for both bands, so temporarily disable 5GHz during setup if needed.
- If signal strength is poor, move your router closer to the device or reduce physical obstructions like walls or metal objects.
Reset Your August Device Using Model-Specific Procedures
If your device is unresponsive or shows no signal strength, follow these model-specific reset steps:
- For August View (battery-powered): Press and hold the RESET button on the back of the unit for 5 seconds until the LED resets. This will restore factory defaults and may resolve persistent connectivity issues.
- For August Doorbell Cam Pro (hardwired): Press and hold the RESET button on the back of the unit for 5 seconds. The camera will reset to factory defaults, which can help resolve firmware or configuration conflicts.
Update Your August App and Firmware
Outdated software can cause account lockouts due to compatibility issues. To update:
- Open the August App and go to Account Settings → App Version. If an update is available, install it immediately.
- Navigate to Device Health → Firmware Update and ensure your device's firmware is current. If an update is pending, follow the on-screen instructions.
- After updating, restart your device by holding the RESET button for 5 seconds and then powering it back on.
Use the August App's Diagnostic Tools
August's app includes built-in diagnostics that can help identify account lockout causes:
- Device Status Check: Open the August App and go to Device Health → Status. Look for any error messages or warnings related to your account or network.
- Battery Health Monitor: For August View models, check the battery level in Device Health → Battery. A degraded battery (less than 20% charge) can cause unexpected disconnections.
- Wi-Fi Signal Check: Ensure your device is connected to a 2.4GHz network (not 5GHz). If your router uses a single SSID for both bands, temporarily disable 5GHz during setup.
Contact August Support with Diagnostic Information
If basic troubleshooting fails, provide detailed information to August's support team:
- Visit the August Support Website and select 'Account Issues' as the category.
- Include the following details in your request:
- Device model (e.g. August View or August Doorbell Cam Pro)
- Serial number of your device (found in the August App under 'Device Health' → 'About')
- Last successful login date and time
- Steps you've already tried (e.g. password reset, firmware update)
- Attach any diagnostic logs from the August App (found under 'Device Health' → 'Logs') to help identify the root cause.
When Basic Fixes Haven't Worked
If your August account remains locked after following the above steps, it may indicate a deeper issue requiring advanced diagnostics:
- Factory Reset for Persistent Issues: For August View models, press and hold the RESET button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes rapidly. This will erase all settings and return the device to factory defaults. Repeat this step for August Doorbell Cam Pro models as well.
- Check for Hardware Faults: If your device fails to respond to resets or updates, it may have a hardware fault. Test the device on a different Wi-Fi network or router to rule out environmental factors.
- Contact August Support Directly: If you're unable to resolve the issue through the app, visit the August Support Website and submit a detailed support request. Include your device's serial number, a description of the issue, and any diagnostic logs you've collected.
Understanding the Root Causes of an August Account Lockout
An August account lockout is typically triggered by a combination of security protocols and environmental factors:
- Failed Login Attempts: August's system locks accounts after multiple failed login attempts to prevent unauthorized access. This is standard practice for security reasons.
- Weak Wi-Fi Signals: Poor connectivity can cause devices to disconnect unexpectedly, triggering security alerts that may lock your account.
- Battery Degradation: For August View models, a degraded battery (less than 20% charge) can cause unexpected disconnections that trigger account lockouts.
- UK-Specific Challenges: Most UK ISP routers use a single SSID for both Wi-Fi bands, which can cause connectivity issues if not configured properly. Virgin Media Hub 5x users may need to enable modem mode or set up a DMZ to avoid double NAT.
Prevention and Long-Term Care for Your August Account
To prevent future account lockouts and maintain optimal device performance:
- Regularly Update Firmware: Ensure your device's firmware is up to date by checking Device Health → Firmware Update in the August App.
- Monitor Battery Health: For August View models, check the battery level in the Battery Health Monitor section of the app and replace the battery if it's degraded (less than 20% charge).
- Use Strong Passwords: Create a unique password that meets August's requirements (minimum 8 characters, including numbers and symbols) and avoid reusing passwords from other accounts.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your account. If you're unable to receive codes, temporarily disable this feature through your account settings.
Full disclosure: we built scOS to address exactly this – the frustration of account lockouts triggered by weak Wi-Fi signals or degraded batteries. scOS uses permanently powered cameras connected via ethernet to eliminate these issues entirely.
Replacement Decisions and Device Lifespan
If your August device is beyond repair or no longer supported, consider the following:
- Battery-Powered Models (e.g. August View): These typically last 3-5 years before battery degradation affects performance. Replace the battery if it holds less than 20% charge after 300-500 cycles.
- Wired Models (e.g. August Doorbell Cam Pro): These last 5-8 years but may require sensor or firmware updates. Check for end-of-life firmware announcements on the August website.
- UK Consumer Rights: Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, UK consumers have up to 6 years to claim faulty goods (5 years in Scotland). If your device is under warranty, contact August support for a replacement or repair.
- Professional Installation Costs: If you're replacing your August system, expect costs between £150-£300 per camera for professional installation, depending on the complexity of your setup.