August Doorbell Keeps Disconnecting? Here’s How to Fix It
If your August doorbell keeps disconnecting, you’re not alone. Intermittent connectivity often stems from weak Wi-Fi signals, outdated firmware, or power supply issues. This guide provides step-by-step solutions tailored to August products, including model-specific instructions and brand-specific tools like the August App’s Device Health feature. Let’s get your doorbell working reliably again.
Quick Fixes to Try First
Before diving into complex diagnostics, try these fast checks that address 80% of common disconnection issues:
- Power cycle your doorbell: Unplug the device (or remove batteries for battery-powered models) for 10 seconds, then reconnect. This resolves temporary glitches.
- Restart the August App: Close and reopen the app to refresh its connection to your device.
- Check LED status: A blinking LED often indicates a connectivity issue. Look for patterns like rapid flashing or steady red lights.
- Verify power cable/battery: Ensure the power cable is securely connected or the battery is fully charged (minimum 20% for battery-powered models).
- Check app login: Log out of the August App and log back in using your credentials to refresh the connection.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Check Your August Doorbell’s Wi-Fi Signal Strength
August doorbells require a minimum Wi-Fi signal strength of -67 dBm for stable connectivity. Signals weaker than this threshold cause frequent disconnections. To check signal strength:
- Open the August App
- Navigate to Device Health → Signal Strength
- Look for a signal strength reading. If it’s below -67 dBm, take action:
- Move your router closer to the doorbell
- Use a Wi-Fi extender to boost coverage
- Switch to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (August devices do not support 5GHz networks)
Update Your August Doorbell’s Firmware
Outdated firmware can cause instability and disconnections. To update:
- Open the August App
- Go to Device Health → Firmware Update
- If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions. Ensure the doorbell remains connected to Wi-Fi during the update.
Adjust Router Settings for August Devices
Some UK ISP routers create double NAT or use single SSID for both Wi-Fi bands, which can interfere with August devices. To optimise settings:
- Disable double NAT on your Virgin Media Hub 5x or other ISP routers if available
- Create a separate Wi-Fi network for your August doorbell (if your router supports multiple SSIDs)
- Avoid using CGNAT (common with EE/Three/Vodafone mobile broadband) as it prevents remote access
Factory Reset Your August Doorbell
If disconnections persist after basic fixes, perform a factory reset:
- For August View (battery-powered): Press and hold the RESET button on the back of the unit for 5 seconds until the LED resets. This erases all settings and returns the device to factory defaults.
- For Doorbell Cam Pro (wired): Press and hold the RESET button on the back of the unit for 5 seconds. The camera will reset to factory defaults.
After resetting, reconnect to your Wi-Fi network via the August App. Ensure your Wi-Fi signal strength is above -67 dBm and firmware is up to date.
Check for IP Address Conflicts
IP address conflicts can cause unexpected disconnections. To resolve this:
- Open your router’s admin panel (typically via a web browser)
- Look for DHCP settings and ensure your August doorbell has a unique IP address
- If conflicts persist, manually assign a static IP to your doorbell in the August App under Device Settings → Network Configuration
Advanced Diagnostics and Support
Analyse Diagnostic Logs from August App
The August App includes a Device Health section that logs connectivity issues. To access these:
- Open the August App
- Go to Device Health → Diagnostic Logs
- Review logs for error patterns like "Wi-Fi signal too weak" or "Firmware instability"
If logs indicate recurring issues, contact August support at https://support.august.com with your logs for further analysis.
Contact August Support for Persistent Issues
If disconnections continue despite all troubleshooting steps, reach out to August’s official support team at https://support.august.com. Provide details like:
- Model number (e.g. August View or Doorbell Cam Pro)
- Firmware version (check in Device Health → Firmware Update)
- Wi-Fi signal strength reading
- Any error messages from the app
Support may request additional diagnostics or recommend replacing the device if hardware failure is suspected.
Root Causes of August Doorbell Disconnections
Intermittent disconnections often stem from a combination of factors:
- Weak Wi-Fi signal: August doorbells require a signal of -67 dBm or stronger. Thick walls, metallic window coatings, or pre-1920s terraced houses can severely weaken signals.
- Outdated firmware: Firmware instability can cause unexpected disconnections. Ensure your device is updated via the August App.
- Power supply issues: Wired models may have faulty transformers, while battery-powered models may require charging.
- Router configuration: ISP routers using double NAT or CGNAT can interfere with connectivity.
UK-specific challenges like dense construction materials and single SSID networks exacerbate these issues. However, solutions like Wi-Fi extenders and firmware updates can mitigate most problems.
Prevention and Long-Term Care
To avoid future disconnections, follow these best practices:
- Monitor Wi-Fi signal strength regularly via the August App’s Device Health section
- Update firmware as soon as new versions are available
- Use a dedicated Wi-Fi network for security cameras if your router supports multiple SSIDs
- Replace batteries in battery-powered models before they drop below 20% charge
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 intermittent disconnections caused by signal instability.
When to Consider Replacement
August doorbells typically last 3-5 years for battery-powered models and 5-8 years for wired models. Signs you may need a replacement include:
- Persistent disconnections despite all troubleshooting steps
- Battery degradation (battery-powered models degrade after 300-500 charge cycles)
- Sensor or firmware end-of-life (wired models may become unsupported)
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 replacement options. Otherwise, consider upgrading to a newer model with improved connectivity features.
Final Tips for Stable Connectivity
- Avoid placing your August doorbell near metal objects or thick walls that block Wi-Fi signals
- Use high-endurance batteries for battery-powered models (e.g. Samsung PRO Endurance or SanDisk High Endurance)
- Check transformer voltage at the junction box for wired models (must supply 16-24V AC)
- Avoid using CGNAT networks (common with mobile broadband providers) for remote access
By following these steps, you can ensure your August doorbell remains connected reliably, avoiding the frustration of unexpected disconnections.