August Camera Stopped Working? A Troubleshooting Guide
An August camera that has stopped working can leave a significant gap in your home security. Whether it's showing as 'Offline', failing to connect, or simply not recording, the issue needs to be resolved quickly. Most of the time, the problem is related to power or network connectivity and can be fixed with a few simple steps.
This guide will walk you through the most common reasons your August camera might have stopped working and how to get it back online.
## Common Symptoms When Your Camera Stops Working
First, let's identify the specific problem you're facing with your August device:
- Camera is Offline: The August app shows the camera status as 'Offline' or 'Unavailable'.
- No Live View: The camera appears online, but when you try to view the live stream, it fails to load, showing a spinning icon or an error message.
- Not Recording Events: The camera is online, but it is not detecting motion or recording any new events.
- Cannot Connect: The app displays a "Connection Failed" or similar error when you try to access the camera.
- No Power: The camera shows no signs of power, such as status lights.
## How to Troubleshoot Your August Camera
Follow these steps in order to diagnose and solve the problem.
### 1. Check the Power Source
The most fundamental step is to ensure the camera is receiving power.
- For Wired Cameras (e.g., August View, Doorbell Cams):
- Check that the power cable is securely plugged into both the camera and the wall outlet.
- Confirm the outlet has power by plugging in another device, like a lamp.
- If it's a doorbell camera, ensure the doorbell transformer is supplying adequate power and that the wiring is secure.
- For Battery-Powered Cameras:
- Open the August app and check the battery level for your camera.
- If the batteries are low or depleted, recharge or replace them according to the model's instructions. Low batteries can cause the camera to go offline intermittently before shutting down completely.
### 2. Troubleshoot Your Wi-Fi Connection
Network issues are the most common cause for a camera to appear offline.
- Check Your Home Network: Is your home Wi-Fi working? Test it with another device like your smartphone or laptop. If your internet is down, none of your smart devices will work.
- Restart Your Router and Camera: This is a highly effective step. Unplug your internet router and your August camera from their power sources. Wait for at least 30 seconds to allow them to fully discharge. Plug the router back in first and wait for it to completely restart. Then, plug your August camera back in and give it a few minutes to boot up and reconnect.
- Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength: Your camera may be too far from your router. In the August app, navigate to your camera's settings to check the Wi-Fi signal strength. If it's weak, this is likely the cause of intermittent dropouts. Consider moving your router closer to the camera or installing a Wi-Fi extender.
### 3. Check the August App and Service Status
Occasionally, the issue might not be with your hardware.
- August Service Status: Check the official August social media channels or website for any announcements about service outages. If their servers are down, your camera will not function correctly until they resolve the issue.
- Update the App: Go to your phone's app store and ensure you have the latest version of the August app installed. An outdated app can sometimes cause connectivity issues.
### 4. Re-run the Setup Process
If the camera is still not working after trying the steps above, you may need to perform a reset and set it up again.
- Factory Reset: Find the reset button on your August camera (its location varies by model; you may need a paperclip to press it). Hold the button down for 10-15 seconds until the camera indicates it is resetting.
- Re-add to App: Once the reset is complete, follow the instructions in the August app to add a new device and complete the setup process again.
By methodically working through these power and connectivity checks, you can solve the vast majority of issues causing your August camera to stop working.