August Camera Keeps Going Offline? Here's How to Fix It
An August camera that keeps going offline can be a major source of frustration and a gap in your home security. When your camera is offline, you can't access the live view, receive motion alerts, or check on recorded activity. This guide will help you diagnose and solve the common reasons why your August camera or Doorbell Cam disconnects.
We will focus on the key components of the August system: the camera itself, the August Connect Wi-Fi bridge, and your home network. All instructions are provided in clear, accessible British English.
### Understanding the August Ecosystem
Most August cameras rely on the August Connect bridge to communicate with the internet. The camera talks to the Connect via Bluetooth, and the Connect then relays that information to your Wi-Fi router. Therefore, a problem with any of these three links can result in the camera going offline.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Offline August Cameras
Let's systematically address the potential points of failure.
## 1. Check the August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge
The August Connect is often the source of the problem. It needs to be plugged into a power outlet within Bluetooth range of your camera (typically 10-15 feet) and also within a good Wi-Fi signal range of your router.
- Check the Status Light: Look at the small LED on the front of the August Connect.
- Solid Green: The Connect is online. The problem is likely elsewhere.
- Flashing Green: It's attempting to connect. Give it a moment.
- Solid or Flashing Red: There's a connection error. This is our primary suspect.
- No Light: It's not receiving power. Check the outlet.
- Reboot the Connect: Unplug the August Connect from the wall, wait for 60 seconds, and plug it back in. Wait a few minutes for the light to turn solid green.
## 2. Assess Your Wi-Fi Network
A weak or unstable Wi-Fi signal is a leading cause of disconnections.
- Signal Strength: The August Connect needs a strong and stable connection to your router. If it's located far away, or if there are multiple walls in between, the signal may be too weak. Try moving the Connect to a power outlet closer to your router.
- Reboot Your Router: Unplug your Wi-Fi router, wait a minute, and plug it back in. This simple step can resolve many underlying network issues that might be causing the Connect to drop its connection.
- 2.4GHz vs 5GHz: The August Connect only works on a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. If you have a dual-band router, ensure that the 2.4GHz band is enabled and that the Connect is joined to that network, not the 5GHz one.
## 3. Check the Camera's Power and Batteries
While it seems simple, power issues can cause intermittent offline statuses.
- For battery-powered cameras (like some Doorbell Cams): Low batteries can cause the device to disconnect to conserve power. Check the battery level in the August app and replace or recharge them if they are low.
- For wired cameras: Ensure the power source is reliable and that all wiring is secure.
## 4. Update Firmware and App
Running outdated software can lead to bugs and performance issues.
- Firmware: August periodically pushes firmware updates to its devices. These updates usually happen automatically when the device is online, but it's good practice to check in the app's device settings to see if any updates are pending.
- August App: Go to the App Store or Google Play Store and ensure you have the latest version of the August Home app installed on your phone.
If your camera continues to go offline after trying all these steps, it may indicate a more persistent Wi-Fi interference issue or a potential hardware fault, and you should contact August support for further assistance.