August Camera Hacked? Secure It with Brand-Specific Steps

Your August Camera May Have Been Hacked — Here’s How to Secure It

Your August camera may have been compromised, and you’re not alone. Signs of unauthorized access can include unusual login locations, unexpected motion alerts, or live view disruptions. The good news is, August provides brand-specific tools to secure your camera and restore control quickly. This guide covers immediate fixes, advanced diagnostics, and prevention steps tailored to August devices like the August View and Doorbell Cam Pro.

Quick Fixes to Try First

When your August camera shows signs of being hacked, start with these 30-second checks to address the most common issues:

• Power cycle your camera — Unplug the power cable (or remove the battery for battery-powered models) for 30 seconds, then reconnect. This can resolve temporary glitches.
• Restart the August App — Force quit the app and relaunch it to refresh the connection.
• Check the LED status — A steady green light indicates normal operation. A blinking red or amber light may signal a connectivity issue or low battery.
• Verify power cable/battery — Ensure the camera is receiving power and the battery is not depleted (check Battery Health Monitor in the app for battery-powered models like the August View).
• Check app login — Confirm you’re logged into the correct account and no other devices are accessing your camera.

Step-by-Step: Secure Your August Camera

Check Your August Camera’s Wi-Fi Band Settings

August cameras operate on the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band (not 5GHz) for optimal compatibility and range. To ensure your camera is connected to the correct band:

1. Open the August App and navigate to Device Settings → Wi-Fi Network.
2. Confirm your camera is connected to the 2.4GHz network (not 5GHz). If it’s on 5GHz, switch it to 2.4GHz. Some routers allow selecting a dual-band network — ensure the camera is prioritized on 2.4GHz.
3. If your router supports Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 5, ensure the camera’s firmware is up to date (see below for firmware update steps).

Update Your August Camera’s Firmware

Keeping your camera’s firmware updated is critical for security and performance. To check for updates:

1. Open the August App and go to Device Settings → Firmware Update.
2. If an update is available, tap Update Now. Ensure the camera is connected to a stable 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network during the update process.
3. Wait for the update to complete — this may take 2-5 minutes. Do not power off the camera during this time.

Review Access Logs and Shared Users

Unauthorized access often involves shared users or suspicious login activity. To review your account’s access logs:

1. Open the August App and go to Account Settings → Shared Users.
2. Check for any unfamiliar users or devices listed. If you see an unknown user, remove them immediately.
3. Review the Access Logs to identify any unusual login times or locations. If suspicious activity is detected, change your password immediately (see below for steps).

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your August account. To enable 2FA:

1. Open the August App and go to Account Settings → Security.
2. Toggle on Two-Factor Authentication and follow the prompts to set up a trusted device or authentication app (e.g. Google Authenticator).
3. Confirm the setup by entering the 6-digit code generated by your authentication app.

Factory Reset Your August Camera

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, a factory reset may be necessary. Follow these model-specific steps:

• August View: Locate the RESET button on the back of the unit and press and hold for 5 seconds until the LED resets. This will erase all settings and data on the camera.
• August Doorbell Cam Pro: Press and hold the RESET button for 5 seconds to restore factory defaults. This action will also erase all settings and data on the camera.

After resetting, re-pair the camera via the August App under Device Settings → Add New Device.

When Basic Fixes Have Not Worked

If your August camera continues to show signs of being hacked after basic troubleshooting, proceed with these advanced steps:

Check Transformer Voltage for Wired Models

For the August Doorbell Cam Pro, ensure the transformer at the junction box supplies 16-24V AC:

1. Turn off the power to the camera at the junction box.
2. Use a multimeter to measure the voltage at the transformer’s output.
3. If the voltage is outside the 16-24V AC range, consult a qualified electrician to inspect the wiring or replace the transformer.

Contact August Support

If the issue persists after factory reset and firmware update, contact August Support at https://support.august.com for further assistance. Provide details about the issue, including any error messages, app logs, and steps already taken.

Understanding the Root Causes

Unauthorized access to your August camera can occur due to several factors:

• Weak or default passwords — Leaving your account password unchanged or using a weak password can make it vulnerable to brute-force attacks.
• Unsecured Wi-Fi network — If your home Wi-Fi network is not secured with a strong password or WPA3 encryption, hackers may gain access to your camera.
• Shared users or untrusted devices — If your account has shared users or devices that are no longer in use, they may be exploited for unauthorized access.
• Firmware vulnerabilities — Outdated firmware can contain security flaws that hackers exploit to gain access to your camera.

UK-specific challenges, such as older internet infrastructure or building materials that interfere with Wi-Fi signals, can also contribute to connectivity issues that may be exploited by hackers.

Prevention and Long-Term Care

To prevent future security breaches on your August camera:

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your August account to add an extra layer of security.
• Regularly update firmware — Check for firmware updates in the August App and install them as they become available.
• Review access logs and shared users — Periodically check the Shared Users section in the app to ensure no unauthorized users are linked to your account.
• Use a strong Wi-Fi password — Ensure your home Wi-Fi network is secured with a strong password and WPA3 encryption to prevent unauthorized access.
• Monitor battery health — For battery-powered models like the August View, ensure the battery is fully charged and not degraded (check Battery Health Monitor in the app).

Full disclosure: we built scOS to address exactly this — the frustration of cameras that may be compromised due to weak security practices. scOS uses permanently powered cameras connected via ethernet for uninterrupted monitoring and enhanced security.

Replacement Decisions

August cameras typically last 3-5 years for battery-powered models and 5-8 years for wired models like the August Doorbell Cam Pro. Signs that your camera may need replacement include:

• Battery degradation — If the battery no longer holds a charge or the camera frequently goes offline.
• Firmware end-of-life (EOL) — If your camera is no longer supported with firmware updates.
• Hardware failure — If the camera no longer functions despite troubleshooting steps.

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, UK consumers have up to 6 years to claim faulty goods. If your camera is under warranty, contact August Support for replacement options.