August Doorbell Camera Showing a Black Screen? Here's the Fix
Your August Doorbell Camera is a key part of your smart home security, offering you a view of your doorstep from anywhere. When it suddenly stops showing video, leaving you with a black screen or a connection error, it can be both frustrating and worrying. Fortunately, most 'no video' issues can be resolved with some straightforward troubleshooting.
This guide is designed to help you systematically identify the cause of the problem and get your August camera streaming video again, ensuring your home's entrance is always visible.
## Essential First Checks for Video Issues
Start with these simple steps. In many cases, one of these will resolve the issue without needing to delve into more complex solutions.
### 1. Check Camera Power & Battery Levels
The most common cause of an offline camera is insufficient power. The camera needs enough charge not just to be 'on', but to actively stream video.
- Action: Check the battery status for your August Doorbell in the August app. If the battery is low, recharge it fully. Even if it's hardwired, a low internal battery can cause performance problems. Ensure your transformer provides adequate power if the device is wired.
### 2. Verify Your Wi-Fi Connection
A stable Wi-Fi connection is essential for video streaming. If the signal is weak or intermittent, the video feed will fail to load.
- Signal Strength: In the August app, navigate to your doorbell's settings and check the Wi-Fi signal strength. If it's weak, this is likely the source of your problem.
- Router Distance: Physical distance and obstructions like thick walls can weaken the signal. Consider moving your Wi-Fi router closer to your front door or installing a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system.
### 3. Restart the August App
Sometimes, the problem isn't with the camera but with the app on your phone. A simple restart can clear temporary glitches.
- Action: Completely close the August app on your smartphone. Don't just switch to another app; ensure it's fully closed. Wait a few seconds and then reopen it. Try to access the live view again.
## Intermediate Troubleshooting Steps
If the basics didn't work, it's time to reboot your hardware. This can often resolve deeper connectivity issues.
### Reboot Your Home Router
Your router manages all the traffic on your home network. Rebooting it can clear up unseen conflicts or errors that may be blocking the video stream.
- Action: Unplug your Wi-Fi router from the power outlet. Wait for at least 30 seconds to allow it to fully power down. Plug it back in and wait for it to completely restart (this can take a few minutes). Once your internet is back online, check the camera feed.
### Reboot Your August Doorbell Camera
Restarting the camera itself is the next logical step. This forces it to re-establish its connection to your network.
- Action: The exact method can vary by model. Typically, you can reboot the device by detaching it from the wall mount and removing its batteries for about a minute before reinserting them. This will force it to reconnect to your Wi-Fi.
## Advanced Solutions for Persistent Problems
If you are still unable to see video, there may be a more fundamental issue to address.
### Check for Service Outages
Occasionally, the problem might not be at your end at all. Online services can experience temporary outages.
- Action: Check the official August Home status page or their social media channels (like Twitter) to see if they have reported any service disruptions. If there is an outage, you will need to wait for them to resolve it.
### Perform a Factory Reset
This should be your last resort, as it will erase all your settings, including your Wi-Fi configuration and connection to your account. You will need to set up the device again from scratch.
- Action: Find the reset button on your August Doorbell Camera. It's usually a small, recessed button that you'll need a paperclip to press. Press and hold it for 10-15 seconds until the device gives an indication it is resetting. Follow the setup instructions in the app again.
If a factory reset does not solve the problem, it may indicate a hardware fault with the camera. In this case, you should reach out to August customer support for further assistance.