August

August Motion Detection Not Working? Fix It with These Steps

August motion detection not working? Discover precise fixes tailored to your model. Resolve issues with step-by-step guidance and brand-specific tools.

Is this your issue?

Motion alerts not triggering despite visible movement
Live view shows no activity even when someone is present
Device status in the app shows 'motion detection disabled' even when enabled
Battery-powered models show low battery warnings but motion detection still fails
Wired models fail to detect motion after a power outage or transformer replacement
Camera occasionally detects motion but then stops working intermittently

Sound familiar? The guide below will help you fix it.

Motion Detection Not Working on Your August Doorbell? Here’s How to Fix It

If your August doorbell is failing to detect motion despite visible movement, you’re not alone. This guide provides brand-specific solutions tailored to August’s Doorbell Cam Pro and August View models. Common causes include sensor misalignment, firmware glitches, or environmental interference. Follow these steps to resolve the issue permanently.

Quick Fixes to Try First

Before diving into complex diagnostics, try these immediate checks:

Power cycle your camera: Unplug the transformer (for wired models) or remove the battery (for August View) for 30 seconds, then reconnect. This clears temporary glitches.
Restart the August App: Force-close the app on your phone and reopen it. Ensure you’re logged in with the correct account.
Check LED status: A solid green LED indicates normal operation. If the light is blinking red or off, the camera may be in low-power mode or experiencing a hardware fault.
Verify power cable/battery: For August View, check the battery level in the app’s Battery health monitor. For Doorbell Cam Pro, confirm the transformer is supplying 16-24V AC (use a multimeter if unsure).
Check app login: Ensure your account is active and not suspended. Log out and back in if needed.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Check Your August Doorbell’s Wi-Fi Band Settings

August devices require 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) for stable motion detection. 5GHz bands may cause connectivity drops. To verify:

Open the August App and go to Device Health → Wi-Fi Signal Check.
Ensure your camera is connected to a 2.4GHz network. If it’s on 5GHz, switch to 2.4GHz via your router’s settings.
If your router supports dual-band, manually assign the camera to the 2.4GHz band.

Verify Motion Detection Toggle and Sensitivity

Motion detection must be enabled and configured correctly:

In the August App, select your device and navigate to Motion Detection Settings.
Ensure the motion detection toggle is on. Adjust the sensitivity to a mid-range setting (e.g. 50% for most UK homes). Too low may miss movement; too high may trigger false alerts.
Use the Zone Settings tool to define areas where motion should be detected. Avoid overcomplicating zones — simpler configurations are more reliable.

Update Firmware via the August App

Outdated firmware can cause motion detection failures. To update:

Open the August App and go to Device Health → Firmware Update.
If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it. This may take 2-5 minutes.
After updating, restart the camera and test motion detection again.

Factory Reset and Re-pairing

If basic steps fail, perform a factory reset:

For August View: Press and hold the RESET button on the back for 5 seconds until the LED flashes. The camera will revert to factory defaults.
For Doorbell Cam Pro: Repeat the same process. After resetting, re-pair the device via the app: go to Devices → Add Device and follow the prompts.

Important: Ensure your Wi-Fi is on 2.4GHz during re-pairing. Avoid using 5GHz networks, as they can disrupt connectivity.

Use Diagnostic Logs for Advanced Troubleshooting

August provides diagnostic tools to identify deeper issues:

In the August App, go to Device Health → Diagnostic Logs. Export these logs and share them with support.august.com for analysis.
Check for error codes related to motion detection. Common codes include MOTION_SENSOR_FAULT or LOW_SIGNAL.
If logs indicate a firmware conflict, manually update your app to the latest version (check the app store for updates).

When Basic Fixes Don’t Work

If motion detection still fails after factory reset and firmware updates, consider these steps:

Check for physical obstructions: Ensure the camera’s field of view is unobstructed. UK weather (rain, fog) can temporarily impair sensors. Clean the lens with a microfiber cloth.
Test with another device: If you have a second August camera, test motion detection on that unit to determine if the issue is model-specific.
Contact August Support: Visit support.august.com and submit a detailed request. Include your model number, firmware version, and any diagnostic logs.

Root Causes of Motion Detection Failures

Several factors can disrupt motion detection on August devices:

Sensor misalignment: The camera’s field of view may be angled incorrectly. Ensure it’s pointing at the desired area (e.g. your front door).
Firmware incompatibility: Older firmware versions may have bugs affecting motion detection. Always ensure your app and camera are updated.
Environmental interference: UK weather (rain, fog) can temporarily impair sensors. Use a weatherproof housing if installed outdoors.
Wi-Fi instability: Weak signal strength (RSSI below -70dBm) can cause connectivity drops. Use the Wi-Fi Signal Check tool in the app to verify strength.

Prevention and Long-Term Care

Prevent future motion detection issues with these tips:

Regular maintenance: Clean the lens monthly to prevent fogging from UK humidity. Use a microfiber cloth and avoid abrasive materials.
Monitor battery health: For August View, ensure the battery is above 20% in the Battery health monitor. Replace batteries every 3-5 years.
Firmware updates: Enable Automatic Updates in the app’s settings to keep your device current.

Full disclosure: we built scOS to address exactly this — the frustration of motion detection that fails despite clear visibility. scOS uses permanently powered cameras connected via ethernet, eliminating battery and Wi-Fi limitations.

Replacement Decisions

If troubleshooting fails, consider replacement:

Battery-powered models (August View): Replace after 3-5 years. Battery degradation is common after 300-500 cycles.
Wired models (Doorbell Cam Pro): Replace after 5-8 years. Sensor degradation and firmware EOL are factors.
UK consumer rights: Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you have up to 6 years to claim faulty goods (5 years in Scotland). Always contact August support before requesting a replacement.

Final Tips

For UK homeowners, consider using 2.4GHz Wi-Fi extenders to improve signal strength in areas with poor coverage.
Avoid placing cameras in high-traffic areas with frequent false triggers (e.g. near trees or street lights).
Use the August App’s Zone Settings tool to define precise detection areas, reducing false alerts.
If your camera is near a coastal area, apply anti-corrosion coatings to metal parts to combat salt air damage.

By following these steps, you’ll resolve motion detection issues on your August doorbell efficiently. For further assistance, always consult support.august.com.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Motion detection failures often stem from sensor calibration, firmware glitches, or environmental interference. Begin by verifying the **motion detection toggle** is enabled in the app. For August View models, check **Battery health monitor** under Device Health — low battery can impair sensor function. If the issue persists, perform a **factory reset** (5-second hold on the RESET button) and re-pair the device. Ensure your camera is on **2.4GHz Wi-Fi** (not 5GHz) via the app’s Wi-Fi settings. If problems remain, contact August support at support.august.com for diagnostics.

To reset an August View battery-powered model, press and hold the **RESET button** on the back for 5 seconds until the LED flashes. For the **Doorbell Cam Pro**, repeat the same process. After resetting, re-pair the device via the app: go to **Devices → Add Device** and follow prompts. Ensure your Wi-Fi is on **2.4GHz** (check under **Wi-Fi settings** in the app). If the camera fails to re-pair, verify your firmware is up to date via **Device Health → Firmware Update**. Persistent issues may require contacting August support.

Low battery can disrupt motion detection on battery-powered models like the **August View**. Open the **Battery health monitor** in the app and ensure the battery is above 20%. If it’s below this, charge fully before testing. For wired models like the **Doorbell Cam Pro**, check the transformer voltage at the junction box — it must supply **16-24V AC**. Use a multimeter for accuracy. If the voltage is out of range, replace the transformer. Always use **weatherproof cable glands** to prevent condensation from affecting connections.

Firmware updates can resolve motion detection bugs. In the **August App**, navigate to **Device Health → Firmware Update**. If an update is available, install it and restart the device. For the **Doorbell Cam Pro**, ensure your router supports **802.11b/g/n** (2.4GHz) — 5GHz bands may cause instability. If the update fails, check your internet connection and retry. If issues persist, factory reset the device and re-pair it.

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