Your August Camera Is Overheating — Here's How to Fix It
If your August camera is experiencing overheating, you're not alone. This can happen when devices operate in direct sunlight, poor ventilation, or during prolonged use. The solution lies in a combination of environmental adjustments, firmware updates, and model-specific diagnostics. This guide will walk you through the steps to resolve overheating issues with August cameras, including unique brand-specific tools like the Device Health monitor and Battery Health Monitor in the August App.
Quick Fixes to Try First
These are 30-second checks that address the most common causes of overheating without changing router settings or firmware:
- Power cycle your camera: Unplug the hardwired camera or remove the battery from the August View for 30 seconds, then reconnect. This clears temporary thermal spikes.
- Check LED status: A blinking red LED on the August View indicates overheating. For the Doorbell Cam Pro, a solid red LED may signal a heat-related fault.
- Verify app login: Ensure you're logged into the August App with the correct account — incorrect credentials can cause unexpected device behavior.
- Check power cable/battery: For the August View, ensure the battery is fully charged (use the Battery Health Monitor in the app). For the Doorbell Cam Pro, confirm the transformer is supplying 16-24V AC at the junction box.
- Restart the August App: Force-close the app on your phone, then reopen it to refresh the connection to your camera.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Check Your August Camera's Wi-Fi Band Settings
Overheating can occur if the camera is connected to a 5GHz Wi-Fi band, which degrades faster in UK weather conditions. Follow these steps:
- Open the August App and navigate to Device Health → Wi-Fi Signal Check.
- Look for the current Wi-Fi band (2.4GHz or 5GHz). If connected to 5GHz, switch to 2.4GHz:
- For the August View: Tap Wi-Fi Settings → Select 2.4GHz.
- For the Doorbell Cam Pro: Go to Wi-Fi Settings → Choose 2.4GHz.
- Confirm the change by restarting the camera (unplug and reconnect for hardwired models; remove and reinsert the battery for battery-powered models).
Update Your August Camera's Firmware
Outdated firmware can cause thermal management failures. Ensure your camera is up to date:
- Open the August App and go to Device Settings → Firmware Update.
- If an update is available, tap Update Now. The camera will restart during the process.
- For the August View, ensure the battery is above 20% before updating. For the Doorbell Cam Pro, confirm the transformer is providing stable power.
Use the August App's Device Health Monitor
The Device Health feature in the August App provides real-time thermal data:
- Open the August App and select your camera.
- Tap Device Health → Temperature Monitor.
- If the temperature exceeds 45°C (113°F), move the camera to a shaded location or install a heat-resistant housing.
- Check for firmware updates again in the Firmware Update section.
Reset Your August Camera (Model-Specific Instructions)
If overheating persists after basic steps, perform a factory reset:
- For August View (Battery-Powered):
- Locate the RESET button on the back of the unit.
- Press and hold for 5 seconds until the LED blinks rapidly.
- Re-pair the camera in the August App → Add Device section.
- For Doorbell Cam Pro (Hardwired):
- Find the RESET button on the back of the unit.
- Hold for 5 seconds until the LED blinks rapidly.
- Re-pair via August App → Add Device.
Check for Environmental Obstructions
Ensure the camera is not placed in direct sunlight or enclosed spaces. For UK homes, avoid south-facing walls and areas with poor airflow. If the camera is in a confined space (e.g. under a porch), install a heat-resistant housing or relocate it to a shaded area. For the August View, ensure the battery compartment is not obstructed.
When Basic Fixes Haven't Worked
If your August camera continues to overheat after trying the above steps, proceed with these advanced diagnostics:
Analyze Diagnostic Logs
The August App allows you to export logs for troubleshooting:
- Open the August App and select your camera.
- Go to Device Health → Export Logs.
- Send the logs to August support via https://support.august.com for analysis.
Contact Manufacturer Support
If the camera still overheats, contact August support directly:
- Visit https://support.august.com and select Live Chat or Submit a Request.
- Provide details about the overheating, including:
- Model name (August View or Doorbell Cam Pro)
- Firmware version (check in Firmware Update)
- Location (e.g. south-facing wall, enclosed space)
- Whether the camera is in direct sunlight
- Include any exported logs from the Device Health section.
Understanding the Root Causes
Overheating in August cameras typically stems from environmental factors or software limitations. UK weather patterns, particularly in southern England and coastal regions, can cause thermal buildup if cameras are placed in direct sunlight. Additionally, poor ventilation in enclosed spaces or outdated firmware may contribute to overheating. August cameras are rated to operate in temperatures between -20°C and 50°C, but prolonged exposure to extreme conditions can cause thermal throttling. Hardwired models like the Doorbell Cam Pro may also experience overheating if the transformer voltage is unstable (ensure 16-24V AC at the junction box).
Prevention and Long-Term Care
Prevent overheating by following these best practices:
- Install heat-resistant housings for cameras in direct sunlight.
- Avoid south-facing walls and enclosed spaces when mounting cameras.
- Monitor temperature via the August App's Device Health feature.
- Update firmware regularly to ensure optimal thermal management.
Full disclosure: we built scOS to address exactly this — the frustration of cameras that depend on Wi-Fi to function in extreme heat. scOS uses permanently powered cameras connected via ethernet to eliminate overheating risks.
Replacement Decisions and Lifespan Guidance
August cameras typically last 3-5 years for battery-powered models (August View) and 5-8 years for hardwired models (Doorbell Cam Pro). Signs that replacement is needed include:
- Persistent overheating despite environmental adjustments.
- Battery swelling or degradation (check via Battery Health Monitor in the app).
- Firmware updates failing or the camera refusing to connect to the August App.
Under the UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, you have up to 6 years to claim faulty goods. If your camera is under warranty, contact August support via https://support.august.com for a replacement or repair.