Troubleshooting Guide: When You Can't Add Your August Camera
Setting up a new smart device should be a simple process, but occasionally technology does not cooperate. If you are struggling to add your August camera to the August app, do not worry. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process to diagnose and solve the most common setup problems, getting you up and running in no time.
## Pre-Setup Checklist: The Foundations for Success
Before diving into troubleshooting, let's ensure the basics are in place. Getting these right solves the majority of setup issues.
- Check Your Wi-Fi: Your August camera needs a stable 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network to connect. 5 GHz networks are generally not supported for the initial setup. Make sure you are within a good range of your router and have the correct Wi-Fi password handy.
- Enable Bluetooth: The setup process uses Bluetooth on your smartphone to find and communicate with the camera initially. Ensure Bluetooth is turned on in your phone's settings.
- App and OS Updates: Make sure you have the latest version of the August app from your phone's app store, and that your phone's operating system (iOS or Android) is also up to date.
- Power Source: Confirm that the camera is properly powered on. Check the cable connections and see if the indicator light on the camera is active.
## Solving Common Setup Problems
If you have checked the basics and the camera still will not add to your app, work through these troubleshooting steps in order.
### 1. Power Cycle Everything
The classic "turn it off and on again" works for a reason. It can clear temporary glitches in the devices' memory.
- Unplug your August camera from its power source.
- Turn off the Wi-Fi at your router.
- Restart your smartphone.
- Wait for about 60 seconds.
- Turn your router back on and wait for it to fully connect to the internet.
- Plug your camera back in and wait for its indicator light to signal it's ready for setup.
- Open the August app and try the setup process again.
### 2. Check App Permissions
The August app needs certain permissions on your phone to function correctly during setup.
- For iOS: Go to Settings > August and ensure that Bluetooth and Local Network permissions are enabled.
- For Android: Go to Settings > Apps > August > Permissions and make sure that Location and Nearby Devices permissions are allowed.
### 3. Address QR Code Scanning Issues
If the app is failing at the QR code scanning stage:
- Lighting: Ensure the room is well-lit and there is no glare on the QR code sticker.
- Distance: Hold your phone steady, about 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) from the code. Move it slowly closer and further away if it does not scan immediately.
- Cleanliness: Wipe the QR code with a dry cloth to ensure it is not smudged.
- Manual Entry: If scanning repeatedly fails, look for an option in the app to "Set up manually" or "Enter code manually". You can then type in the serial number found near the QR code.
### 4. Factory Reset the Camera
If all else fails, a factory reset can resolve deeper issues by returning the camera to its original settings. The exact process can vary by model.
- Make sure the camera is powered on.
- Locate the reset button. This is usually a small, recessed button that you will need a paperclip or SIM tool to press.
- Press and hold the reset button for 10-15 seconds.
- The camera's indicator light will flash or change colour to confirm the reset is complete.
- Once it has reset, it will restart in setup mode. You can now try the adding process again from the beginning in the August app.
Following this guide should resolve the vast majority of issues preventing you from adding your August camera. If you continue to experience problems, it may be worth checking the August support website for any model-specific issues.