August Geofencing Not Working? Try These 3 Fixes First
If your August Doorbell Cam Pro or August View is failing to trigger location-based automation, start with these quick checks. These fixes address the most common causes in under 30 seconds:
Check August App Login
Ensure your account is logged in correctly. Open the August App, go to Account Settings → Login Status, and verify your credentials. If prompted, re-enter your password and confirm your email. A failed login can prevent geofencing from activating.
Power Cycle the Device
Unplug the Doorbell Cam Pro or remove the battery from August View for 30 seconds. Reconnect the power or reinsert the battery. This resets temporary connectivity issues and ensures the device reconnects to your Wi-Fi network.
Verify LED Status
For August View, a solid green LED indicates proper pairing. A flashing red LED suggests a connectivity issue. For Doorbell Cam Pro, a solid blue LED confirms the device is online. If the LED is off, check the power source or Wi-Fi signal strength.
Dig Into Your August's Wi-Fi Settings
Check Wi-Fi Band Settings
Geofencing relies on stable Wi-Fi connectivity. Ensure your August device is connected to the 2.4GHz band (not 5GHz). For August View, go to August App → Device Settings → Wi-Fi Network → Select 2.4GHz. For Doorbell Cam Pro, check Wi-Fi Settings → Network Selection and choose the 2.4GHz band.
Use Device Health Diagnostics
The August App includes a Device Health feature to identify Wi-Fi signal issues. Open the app, select your device, and navigate to Device Health → Signal Strength. A signal strength below -70dBm may cause geofencing failures. Move the device closer to your router or reduce obstructions like thick walls.
Adjust Geofence Radius
Incorrect geofence radius settings can prevent automation from triggering. In the August App, go to Device Settings → Automation → Geofence Radius. Set the radius to 50-200 metres, depending on your property size. A radius that's too small may cause the app to miss your phone's location.
Check for Multiple User Conflicts
If multiple users share the same geofence, conflicts may arise. In the August App, go to Account Settings → Linked Devices and ensure all users are assigned to the same geofence. For shared accounts, check Family Sharing settings under Account Settings → Family Group.
Disable Battery Optimization
Battery optimization can interfere with location services. On Android, go to Settings → Apps → August → Battery → Uncheck 'Optimize battery usage'. On iOS, navigate to Settings → August → Location → Always Allow. For August View, ensure the battery is above 20% (check Battery Health Monitor in the app).
Factory Reset and Advanced Diagnostics
Perform a Factory Reset
If geofencing still fails, factory reset your device. For August View, press and hold the RESET button on the back for 5 seconds until the LED flashes. For Doorbell Cam Pro, hold the RESET button for 5 seconds. After resetting, re-pair the device via the August App → Devices → Add Device.
Check Diagnostic Logs
The August App allows you to view diagnostic logs for troubleshooting. Open the app, select your device, and go to Device Health → Diagnostic Logs. Look for errors related to location services or Wi-Fi connectivity. Save the logs and share them with support via August App → Help → Contact Support.
Contact August Support
If steps above fail, contact August Support directly. In the August App, go to Help → Contact Support and select Geofencing Issues. Provide details about your model (e.g. August View or Doorbell Cam Pro), firmware version (ensure it's up to date), and any error messages. Support may request diagnostic logs or suggest a firmware update.
Why August Geofencing Fails: Root Causes
UK-Specific Connectivity Challenges
August devices rely on stable Wi-Fi for geofencing. UK homes with thick walls, metal construction, or high humidity (75-85% year-round) may experience signal degradation. Ensure your router is within 10-15 metres of the August device. For August View, avoid placing the unit behind metal door frames or in areas with high interference (e.g. near microwaves).
Device Limitations
August geofencing requires the August App to have Always Allow location permissions. If permissions are set to While Using the App, geofencing may fail. Additionally, August View models with low battery (below 20%) may struggle to maintain location accuracy. Replace the battery if it's old or degraded.
Firmware and App Updates
Outdated firmware can cause geofencing failures. In the August App, go to Device Health → Firmware Update and ensure your device is running the latest version. For Doorbell Cam Pro, firmware updates are typically pushed automatically, but check manually if updates are pending.
Preventive Care for August Geofencing
Regular Maintenance Checks
Every 3-6 months, verify your August device's Wi-Fi signal strength and geofence radius. For August View, charge the battery fully and check Battery Health Monitor in the app. For Doorbell Cam Pro, inspect the transformer voltage at the junction box (must be 16-24V AC).
Firmware Updates and App Settings
Keep the August App updated to the latest version. Enable Push Notifications in your phone's settings and ensure Location Services are set to Always Allow. For shared accounts, check Family Sharing settings under Account Settings → Family Group.
Full disclosure: we built scOS to address exactly this
the frustration of geofencing that fails to trigger automation due to outdated firmware or conflicting user profiles. scOS uses permanently powered cameras connected via ethernet.
When to Replace Your August Device
Device Lifespan and Replacement Signs
August View batteries typically last 3-5 years. If the battery holds less than 50% charge after 300 cycles, consider replacement. Doorbell Cam Pro wired models last 5-8 years but may require sensor upgrades if firmware becomes outdated. If geofencing fails despite all troubleshooting steps, the device may be nearing end-of-life.
UK Consumer Rights Context
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, UK consumers have up to 6 years (5 years in Scotland) to claim faulty goods. If your August device is under warranty, contact August Support for a replacement. For out-of-warranty devices, consider professional installation (£150-£300 per camera) or budget alternatives (£30-£80).
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can resolve most August geofencing issues. If problems persist, contact August Support directly via the August App. Regular maintenance and firmware updates will help prevent future failures.