Your August Camera Has Been Stolen — Here's What to Do
If your August camera has been stolen, you're not alone. This guide will walk you through brand-specific steps to retrieve footage, secure your home, and report the theft. August cameras use unique features like serial number tracking, cloud storage, and anti-theft mounting options to help you recover from this incident. Let's get started with quick actions you can take immediately.
Quick Fixes for Your Missing August Camera
These steps are designed to be completed in under 30 seconds and address the most common issues that may arise after a theft:
- Check your August App: Open the app and look for your camera in the device list. If it's missing, the camera may have been disconnected or stolen.
- Verify your subscription: Ensure your cloud storage subscription is active — August offers 30 days of free cloud storage with a 14-day trial. If you're unsure, go to the app's 'Cloud Storage' section.
- Locate your camera's serial number: For August View models, the serial number is on the back of the unit. For Doorbell Cam Pro, it's on the base. Keep this in a secure place for future reference.
- Check for recent footage: Navigate to the 'Cloud Storage' section in the app and look for any recent recordings that may still be available.
- Restart your August App: Force-close the app and reopen it — sometimes this resolves temporary glitches in the app's connection to your camera.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Your Stolen August Camera
Retrieve Cloud Footage from Your August Camera
August cameras store video in the cloud by default, and you can access this via the August App. Ensure your account is logged in, then navigate to the 'Cloud Storage' section. If you're not seeing footage, check your subscription plan — some plans limit storage duration. If footage is available, download it immediately and report the theft to your local police, providing the camera's serial number found on the device. For August View models, the serial number is on the back of the unit. For Doorbell Cam Pro, it's located on the base.
Check Your Camera's Wi-Fi Band and Signal Strength
August cameras use 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (800.11b/g/n) for connectivity. If your camera was stolen but you still have access to the August App, check the 'Device Health' section for signal strength. Poor signal may indicate the camera was moved or tampered with. For battery-powered models like the August View, low battery levels can cause disconnections. Ensure your firmware is up to date — go to the August App, select your camera, and check for updates under 'Firmware'.
Verify Transformer Voltage for Hardwired Models
If your camera is a Doorbell Cam Pro (hardwired), verify the transformer voltage at the junction box is between 16-24V AC. If you're unsure, consult a qualified electrician. For battery-powered models like the August View, check the battery level in the app — charge fully if below 20%.
Reset Your August Camera (if applicable)
If your camera was stolen but you're still using the same account, you may need to reset it. For August View models, push and hold the RESET button on the back of the unit for 5 seconds until the LED resets. For Doorbell Cam Pro, push and hold the RESET button on the back of the unit for 5 seconds — the camera will reset to factory defaults. After resetting, you'll need to re-pair the camera via the August App.
Contact August Support for Further Assistance
If you're unable to retrieve footage or reset your camera, contact August's support team directly. Visit support.august.com for step-by-step guidance on reporting theft, retrieving data, and replacing your camera. Provide the serial number and any footage you've downloaded for faster assistance.
Advanced Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
Analyze Diagnostic Logs from Your August Camera
August's app includes a 'Device Health' feature that provides diagnostic logs. These logs can help identify if your camera was disconnected due to low battery, poor signal, or tampering. To access logs, go to the app, select your camera, and look for 'Diagnostic Logs' under the 'Settings' menu. Share these logs with August support if you're reporting the theft.
Use August's Anti-Theft Mounting Options
August cameras come with anti-theft mounting options to deter thieves. For doorbell cameras, install the unit at least 1.5m above ground level. Use the August App's 'Device Health' feature to monitor signal strength and battery levels regularly. Enable motion alerts and set up smart home integrations with systems like Alexa or Google Home for real-time notifications.
Report the Theft to Police and Insurance Providers
If your camera has been stolen, report the incident to your local police immediately. Provide the camera's serial number, which is located on the back of the unit for August View models and on the base for Doorbell Cam Pro. If you have home insurance, contact your provider to file a claim — ensure you have proof of ownership and any footage you've downloaded from the cloud.
Understanding the Root Causes of Stolen August Cameras
Stolen August cameras are often the result of poor installation, weak signal strength, or lack of anti-theft measures. In the UK, many thefts occur due to cameras being installed at ground level or in easily accessible areas. August cameras use 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n), and weak signal strength can make it easier for thieves to disconnect or tamper with the device. Additionally, low battery levels in battery-powered models can cause disconnections, making it easier for thieves to remove the camera without triggering alerts.
Prevention and Long-Term Care for Your August Camera
To prevent future theft, consider using August's anti-theft mounting options and ensure your camera is installed at least 1.5m above ground level. Regularly check your camera's signal strength and battery levels via the August App's 'Device Health' feature. Enable motion alerts and set up smart home integrations with systems like Alexa or Google Home for real-time notifications. If you're unsure about installation, consult a professional — UK-based installers charge £150-£300 per camera for secure mounting.
Full disclosure: we built scOS to address exactly this — the frustration of cameras that depend on Wi-Fi to function. scOS uses permanently powered cameras connected via ethernet, eliminating the risk of signal interference and theft.
Replacement and Professional Installation Options
If your camera is beyond repair or stolen, consider replacing it with a new August model. August offers a range of doorbell cameras, including the August View (battery-powered) and August Doorbell Cam Pro (hardwired). For professional installation, UK-based installers charge £150-£300 per camera for secure mounting. If you're replacing a hardwired model, ensure the transformer voltage is between 16-24V AC — if not, consult a qualified electrician.
For battery-powered models, expect a lifespan of 3-5 years. Battery cameras degrade over time, with batteries holding less charge after 300-500 cycles. For hardwired models, expect a lifespan of 5-8 years. Wired cameras last longer but may require sensor upgrades or firmware updates over time. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, UK consumers have up to 6 years to claim faulty goods — this applies to both battery-powered and hardwired models.