August Doorbell No Video? Try These Fixes First
If your August doorbell is showing no video despite being powered on, the cause is almost always a power issue, a stale app session, or a Wi-Fi band mismatch. Work through the checks below before diving into deeper troubleshooting.
Power Cycle Your Camera
Unplug the camera (or turn it off if battery-powered) for 10 seconds, then reconnect it. This can reset any temporary glitches in the system. For battery-powered models like the August View, ensure the battery is fully charged before reactivating the camera.
Restart the August App
Close the August App completely and reopen it. This clears any app-specific glitches that might be preventing the video feed from displaying. If the issue persists, log out of the app and log back in with your account details.
Check the LED Indicator
Look at the camera's LED light. A solid green light indicates the camera is online and connected to Wi-Fi. A blinking or unresponsive light may signal a connectivity or hardware issue. If the LED is unresponsive, the camera may be in a low-power state or experiencing a fault.
Verify Power Cable or Battery
For hardwired models like the August Doorbell Cam Pro, ensure the transformer is correctly connected and supplying 16–24V AC. For battery-powered models, check the battery level in the app and charge the camera if the battery is below 20%.
Check App Login and Permissions
Ensure your August App is logged in with the correct account and that location permissions are enabled. If the app is logged out, re-login and re-pair the camera if necessary.
Dig Into Your August Camera's Wi-Fi Settings
If the quick fixes didn't resolve the issue, it's time to investigate deeper. Weak Wi-Fi signal strength, incorrect Wi-Fi band settings, or outdated firmware can all contribute to a blank video feed. Follow these steps to diagnose and address these potential problems.
Check Your Camera's Wi-Fi Band Settings
August cameras only support the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band (802.11b/g/n). Ensure your router is broadcasting on the 2.4GHz band and that your camera is connected to it. If your router is set to a dual-band configuration, manually select the 2.4GHz network in the August App under 'Device Settings' → 'Wi-Fi Network.' Avoid connecting to the 5GHz band, as August devices do not support it.
Assess Wi-Fi Signal Strength
Weak Wi-Fi signal strength can cause intermittent or complete loss of video. In the August App, go to 'Device Status' → 'Wi-Fi Signal Check.' A strong signal is indicated by a green light, while a yellow or red light suggests weak connectivity. Ensure your router is within 15–20 metres of the camera and that no thick walls, metal objects, or modern low-E windows are blocking the signal. If the signal is weak, consider relocating the router or using a Wi-Fi extender to improve coverage.
Adjust Router Settings
If your router is blocking the camera's connection, check for any firewall or port forwarding rules that might be preventing it. August cameras typically use port 80 (HTTP) and port 443 (HTTPS). Ensure these ports are open on your router. If you're unsure how to adjust your router's settings, refer to the August support documentation or contact your ISP for assistance.
Update Firmware and App
Outdated firmware or app versions can cause compatibility issues. In the August App, navigate to 'Device Health' → 'Firmware Update.' If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it. Ensure your phone's operating system is also up to date, as older versions may not support the latest camera features.
Port Forwarding (If Required)
If your camera is connected to a router that requires port forwarding, ensure the necessary ports (80 and 443) are open. This is typically required for cloud-based features like remote viewing. If you're unsure how to configure port forwarding, refer to your router's user manual or contact your ISP for guidance.
Factory Reset the Camera
If the camera still shows no video after addressing Wi-Fi and firmware issues, perform a factory reset. For the August View, locate the RESET button on the back of the unit and hold it for 5 seconds until the LED indicator resets. For the August Doorbell Cam Pro, follow the same procedure. After resetting, the camera will reconnect to your Wi-Fi network. Ensure your router is within range and that no obstructions are blocking the signal. If the camera still fails to reconnect, contact August support for further assistance.
Re-Pair the Camera with the App
After a factory reset, re-pair the camera with the August App. Open the app, go to 'Add Device,' and follow the on-screen instructions to re-pair the camera. Ensure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the camera during this process. If the camera fails to re-pair, check for any obstructions or signal interference and try again.
When Basic Fixes Have Not Worked
If the camera still shows no video after trying all the above steps, it's time to consider more advanced troubleshooting options. This section covers factory reset procedures, technical diagnostics, and when to contact manufacturer support. These steps are designed for persistent issues that may indicate a hardware fault or deeper configuration problem.
Perform a Factory Reset
If the camera still fails to reconnect after a factory reset, try the process again to ensure it was completed correctly. For the August View, hold the RESET button on the back of the unit for 5 seconds until the LED indicator resets. For the August Doorbell Cam Pro, follow the same procedure. After resetting, the camera will attempt to reconnect to your Wi-Fi network. If it still fails to reconnect, the issue may be hardware-related, and you should contact August support.
Use Diagnostic Logs
In the August App, go to 'Device Status' → 'Diagnostic Logs.' These logs can provide detailed information about the camera's connectivity, firmware status, and any errors that may be occurring. If the logs indicate a hardware fault or persistent connectivity issue, contact August support with the log details for further assistance.
Contact Manufacturer Support
If all troubleshooting steps have failed and the camera still shows no video, it's time to contact August support. Visit the official support page at https://support.august.com and follow the instructions to submit a support request. Be sure to include details about the issue, any error messages, and the steps you've already taken to resolve it. August support can provide further guidance or arrange for a replacement if the camera is found to be faulty.
Understanding the Root Causes
The absence of video from your August doorbell can be caused by a variety of factors, many of which are specific to UK homes. Common issues include weak Wi-Fi signal strength, incorrect Wi-Fi band settings, outdated firmware, or hardware faults. UK-specific challenges such as dense construction materials, low-E windows, and high humidity can further exacerbate connectivity problems. Additionally, August cameras require a minimum Wi-Fi signal strength to function properly, and any obstructions or signal interference can lead to a blank video feed. It's important to note that these issues are not the fault of the user but are often the result of environmental or technical limitations.
A Managed Alternative for Persistent Issues
If you find yourself frequently troubleshooting your August doorbell for no video issues, a fully managed system like scOS may be worth considering. Unlike consumer cameras that require regular resets and app updates, scOS handles monitoring and response automatically, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The Intelligence Hub continuously monitors all camera feeds, ensuring no video gaps due to connectivity or firmware issues. With scOS, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your security system is always operational, without the frustration of constant troubleshooting.
Prevention and Long-Term Care
Preventing no video issues in the future requires proactive maintenance and regular checks. Ensure your August camera is always connected to a stable 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network and that the signal strength is strong. Regularly update the firmware and app to the latest versions to avoid compatibility issues. If you notice any signs of signal interference or weak connectivity, consider relocating the router or using a Wi-Fi extender. Additionally, keep the camera's lens clean and free of obstructions to ensure optimal video quality. By following these best practices, you can minimize the risk of no video issues and ensure your camera functions reliably over time.
When to Consider Replacement
If your August camera is still showing no video after all troubleshooting steps have been exhausted, it may be time to consider replacement. The typical lifespan of a battery-powered August camera is 3–5 years, while wired models last 5–8 years. Signs that replacement is needed include persistent hardware faults, degraded battery performance, or outdated firmware that is no longer supported. Under the UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, you have up to 6 years to claim faulty goods, so ensure you keep all purchase and warranty documentation. If your camera is still under warranty, contact August support to arrange for a replacement or repair. If it's out of warranty, consider the cost of professional installation and replacement options before proceeding.
Final Tips for a Reliable Video Feed
To ensure a reliable video feed from your August doorbell, keep the following tips in mind. Regularly check the Wi-Fi signal strength and ensure the camera is connected to the 2.4GHz band. Keep the camera's lens clean and free of obstructions. Update the firmware and app regularly to avoid compatibility issues. If you're experiencing persistent connectivity problems, consider using a Wi-Fi extender or relocating the router to improve signal strength. Finally, if all else fails, contact August support for further assistance. By following these steps, you can minimize the risk of no video issues and ensure your camera functions reliably over time.