Is Your August Doorbell's Live View Not Working?
The Live View feature on your August Doorbell Cam is essential for seeing and speaking to visitors in real-time. When it fails to connect, showing a black screen or a constant loading symbol, it can be both frustrating and concerning. This guide will help you troubleshoot the common causes of Live View failures and restore your connection.
Live View problems are almost always related to network connectivity. The issue could be with your home Wi-Fi, your internet service provider, or your smartphone's connection. The key is to systematically identify the weak link in the chain.
Step 1: Check Your Smartphone's Connection
First, let's rule out any issues with the device in your hand.
- Switch Network Types: If you're on Wi-Fi, switch to your mobile data (4G/5G). If you're on mobile data, connect to a strong Wi-Fi network. If Live View starts working on one but not the other, you've identified where the problem lies.
- Restart the August App: Force close the August app completely and then reopen it. This can clear temporary glitches or cached data that may be preventing the connection.
- Check for App Updates: Go to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and ensure you have the latest version of the August app installed.
Step 2: Check Your Home Network and Wi-Fi
If your phone's connection seems fine, the problem is likely at your home.
Verify Internet and Wi-Fi Strength
- Is Your Internet Down? Check if other devices in your home can access the internet. If not, the problem is with your internet service.
- Check Upload Speed: Live View sends video from your house to the internet, which relies on your upload speed. Run an internet speed test from a device connected to your home Wi-Fi. You need a stable upload speed of at least 1-2 Mbps for a smooth video stream. If your upload speed is very low, contact your internet service provider.
- Check Wi-Fi Signal at the Doorbell: The Wi-Fi signal can be much weaker on the outside of your house. In the August app, navigate to your Doorbell Cam settings and find the 'Network Settings' or 'Wi-Fi Signal' section. This will tell you the signal strength your doorbell is receiving. If it's 'Weak' or 'Poor', this is likely the cause of your problem.
How to Improve a Weak Wi-Fi Signal
If you've identified a weak signal at your door, you can:
- Move Your Router: Move your Wi-Fi router closer to the front door, if possible.
- Get a Wi-Fi Extender: A Wi-Fi range extender or a mesh Wi-Fi system can be used to boost the signal to weaker areas of your home, including your front door.
Step 3: Reboot Your Devices
A classic for a reason, rebooting your hardware can solve a multitude of unexplainable issues.
- Reboot Your Router: Unplug your Wi-Fi router from the power outlet. Wait for at least 30 seconds before plugging it back in. Give it a few minutes to fully restart and re-establish the internet connection.
- Reboot Your August Doorbell: The most effective way to do this is at the source. Go to your home's circuit breaker panel and find the breaker that powers your doorbell chime. Turn it off, wait 30 seconds, and then turn it back on. This will force the doorbell to perform a full restart and reconnect to your network.
By methodically checking your phone's connection, your home network's performance, and rebooting your equipment, you can resolve the vast majority of issues preventing your August Live View from working.