August Notification Delay: How to Get Faster Lock and Doorbell Alerts
Your August Smart Lock and Doorbell Camera are designed to provide both convenience and security, and timely notifications are central to that experience. An instant alert when your door is locked or unlocked, or when someone is at your doorstep, keeps you in control and aware. However, when these notifications are delayed, the system's value is diminished. A late alert about a visitor or a family member's departure can cause confusion and concern.
If you're noticing a significant lag between an event at your door and the notification arriving on your phone, the issue likely lies in the communication pathway. This guide will help you troubleshoot the common causes of delayed August notifications and restore the real-time performance of your smart home devices.
Common Reasons for Delayed August Notifications
The August ecosystem relies on a chain of connections: Lock to Connect Bridge (via Bluetooth), Connect Bridge to Router (via Wi-Fi), Router to August's servers, and finally servers to your phone. A delay can be introduced at any link in this chain.
- Poor Bluetooth Connection: The distance and any obstructions between your August Smart Lock and the August Connect Wi-Fi bridge can weaken the Bluetooth signal, slowing down communication.
- Weak Wi-Fi Signal: The August Connect bridge may have a poor Wi-Fi connection to your router, delaying the time it takes to relay information to the cloud.
- Mobile Phone Settings: This is a very common culprit. Your phone's battery-saving features may be "sleeping" the August app, preventing it from receiving notifications instantly.
- Network Congestion: If many other devices are using your home Wi-Fi, it can slow down the connection for your August Connect.
- Outdated App or Firmware: Bugs in older software versions can sometimes lead to performance issues.
How to Fix Slow and Delayed August Alerts
Follow these steps to diagnose and resolve the notification lag for your August devices.
1. Check Your August Connect Placement
The position of your Connect Wi-Fi bridge is critical for both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi performance.
- Bluetooth Range: The Connect should be plugged into a power outlet within 15 feet (4.5 metres) of your August Smart Lock. The closer, the better. Ensure there are minimal physical obstructions (like thick walls) between them.
- Wi-Fi Signal: The Connect also needs a strong Wi-Fi signal from your router. If the outlet is in a Wi-Fi dead spot, the Connect will struggle to communicate. Try moving the Connect to a different outlet that is still close to the lock but may have a better connection to the router.
2. Optimise Your Smartphone Settings
Your phone's configuration is often the source of notification delays.
- Disable Battery Optimisation: This is the most important step. On your phone, go to Settings > Apps > August. Find the Battery or Power Management section and disable any optimisation or power-saving features. You must allow the app to run without restrictions in the background.
- Check Permissions: While in the app settings, ensure the August app has all necessary permissions enabled, including Location, Bluetooth, and Notifications.
- Keep Bluetooth On: The August app uses Bluetooth to communicate directly with your lock when you are at home. Keeping it on can improve performance.
3. Restart Your Devices
A simple power cycle can often resolve temporary connectivity issues.
- Unplug your August Connect bridge from the wall outlet.
- Unplug your home's Wi-Fi router from power.
- Wait for 60 seconds.
- Plug the router back in first and wait for it to fully restart.
- Plug the August Connect back in. Wait for the light on it to become solid green.
- It's also a good idea to restart your smartphone.
4. Update Your Software
Ensure you are running the latest versions of all software.
- Update the August App: Check the Google Play Store or Apple App Store for any updates to the August app.
- Update Firmware: The August app will typically notify you if a firmware update is available for your lock or doorbell. Make sure to install these updates for the best performance and security.
By carefully checking your device placement, optimising your phone settings, and ensuring your software is up to date, you can eliminate frustrating delays and ensure your August notifications arrive instantly, providing the peace of mind you expect.