August Hardware Failure? Fix It with Brand-Specific Solutions

Your August Doorbell Isn't Working? Here's How to Fix It

If your August doorbell shows as offline in the app, fails to record video, or displays no signal strength, this guide will help you resolve the issue step by step. Hardware failures can occur due to battery degradation, Wi-Fi signal interference, or firmware incompatibilities. We’ll walk you through brand-specific solutions, including August App diagnostics and model-specific reset procedures.

Quick Fixes to Try First

Before diving into advanced diagnostics, try these 30-second checks:

• Power cycle your August device: Unplug the transformer (for wired models) or remove the battery (for August View) for 30 seconds, then reconnect.
• Restart the August App: Close the app completely and reopen it to refresh the connection.
• Check the LED status: For August View, a solid green light indicates normal operation. A blinking red light means low battery.
• Verify power cable/battery: Ensure the battery is fully charged or the transformer is correctly installed and supplying 16-24V AC.
• Check app login: Log out of the August App and log back in using your credentials to refresh the connection.

Check Your August Device's Wi-Fi Signal Strength

Weak Wi-Fi signals are a common cause of hardware-like failures. Follow these steps:

For August View (Battery-Powered)

1. Open the August App and navigate to Device Health.
2. Tap Wi-Fi Signal Check to view the current signal strength.
3. If the signal is below -65dBm, move your router closer to the device or switch to 2.4GHz mode via August App → Wi-Fi Settings → Band Selection.

For August Doorbell Cam Pro (Hardwired)

1. In the August App, go to Device Health → Signal Strength.
2. Ensure the signal is above -65dBm. If not, reposition the router or use a Wi-Fi extender.
3. If signal strength is adequate but the device still fails, check the Battery Health Monitor in the app for any unexpected battery drain.

Update Your August Firmware

Outdated firmware can mimic hardware failures. Follow these steps:

For All August Models

1. Open the August App and go to Settings → Firmware Update.
2. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
3. After the update completes, restart your device by unplugging the transformer (for wired models) or removing the battery (for August View) for 10 seconds.

Important: If the firmware update fails, try resetting the device using the RESET button on the back of the unit for 10 seconds. This will restore factory defaults and allow the app to re-pair with the device.

Factory Reset Your August Device

If basic troubleshooting fails, perform a factory reset:

For August View

1. Locate the RESET button on the back of the unit.
2. Press and hold it for 5 seconds until the LED blinks rapidly.
3. In the August App, go to Device Management → Add New Device to re-pair the camera.

For August Doorbell Cam Pro

1. Press and hold the RESET button on the back of the unit for 5 seconds.
2. The device will reset to factory defaults. In the August App, navigate to Device Management → Add New Device to re-pair the camera.
3. During re-pairing, ensure the app is updated to the latest version via Settings → App Version.

Note: After a factory reset, all custom settings (e.g. motion zones, schedules) will be lost. Back up your preferences before proceeding.

Advanced Diagnostics: Device Logs and Support

If the issue persists after a factory reset, collect diagnostic logs for August support:

Accessing Device Logs

1. In the August App, go to Device Health → Diagnostic Logs.
2. Tap Export Logs to save the file to your device.
3. Email the logs to support@augsut.com along with a detailed description of the issue.

When to Contact August Support

If the device still fails to function after the above steps, contact August support via support.august.com. Provide them with:

• The model (e.g. August Doorbell Cam Pro or August View)
• The Diagnostic Logs exported from the app
• A description of the problem (e.g. "Device shows as offline in the app despite strong Wi-Fi signal")

August support will guide you through further diagnostics or arrange a replacement if the device is faulty.

Understanding the Root Cause of August Hardware Failures

August hardware failures often stem from three main causes:

1. Battery Degradation: August View batteries degrade over time, typically lasting 3-5 years. The Battery Health Monitor in the app will alert you when capacity drops below 80%.
2. Wi-Fi Signal Interference: Poor signal strength (←65dBm) can cause the device to appear offline. Ensure your router is within 30 meters and free from obstructions.
3. Firmware Incompatibilities: Outdated firmware can lead to unexpected hardware behavior. Regularly check for updates via the August App → Settings → Firmware Update.

UK-specific challenges, such as building materials and weather, can exacerbate signal issues. For wired models, ensure the transformer voltage is within 16-24V AC to avoid power-related failures.

Preventing Future August Hardware Failures

To avoid hardware failures, follow these best practices:

• Regularly check battery health in the Battery Health Monitor section of the August App.
• Update firmware monthly to ensure compatibility with your network and August's latest features.
• Monitor Wi-Fi signal strength and adjust router placement if necessary.
• Avoid extreme temperatures: August devices should operate between -10°C and 45°C. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat or cold can degrade hardware.

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 need for battery replacements or signal checks.

Replacement Decisions: When to Upgrade Your August Device

If your August device is beyond repair, consider these options:

• Battery-powered models (August View): Replace after 3-5 years or when the Battery Health Monitor shows capacity below 20%.
• Wired models (August Doorbell Cam Pro): Replace after 5-8 years or if the device fails to power on despite a functional transformer.

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, UK consumers have up to 6 years to claim faulty goods. If your device is under warranty, contact August support for a replacement. For out-of-warranty devices, consider professional installation options starting from £150-£300 per camera.

Professional Alternatives and Cost Estimates

If replacement is necessary, consider these options:

• Wired NVR systems: £200-£500 for a 4-channel system with surveillance-rated HDDs (3-5 year lifespan).
• Cat5e installation: £3-£8 per metre installed for reliable PoE connectivity.
• Professional installation: £150-£300 per camera for new outdoor sockets or transformer setups.

For budget-friendly alternatives, consider models priced between £30-£80, though they may lack August's advanced features like Device Health monitoring.