Your August Camera Shows No Video? Here’s How to Fix It
If your August camera is displaying no video feed despite being online, you’re not alone. This issue can stem from power supply problems, weak Wi-Fi signals, or outdated firmware. Fortunately, we’ve prepared a step-by-step guide to help you resolve this issue quickly and effectively, tailored specifically to August models like the August View and Doorbell Cam Pro.
Simple August Checks Before Deep Troubleshooting
Before diving into more complex troubleshooting, try these 30-second checks:
- Power cycle your camera: Unplug the camera or remove the battery (for battery-powered models) for 30 seconds, then reconnect. This can resolve temporary glitches.
- Restart the August App: Close the app completely and reopen it. Ensure you’re logged into the correct account.
- Check LED status: A solid green light indicates the camera is online. A blinking or red light may signal a power or connectivity issue.
- Verify power cable/battery: For the August View, confirm the battery is fully charged. For the Doorbell Cam Pro, ensure the transformer is securely connected and functioning.
- Confirm app login: If you recently changed your password or account, log out and back in to ensure proper authentication.
Detailed August Troubleshooting Guide
Check Your August Camera’s Wi-Fi Band Settings
August cameras like the August View and Doorbell Cam Pro only support 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n). If your router broadcasts both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, ensure the camera is connected to the 2.4GHz network. To confirm this:
- Open the August App.
- Navigate to Device Health → Wi-Fi Signal Check.
- Verify the Wi-Fi band is set to 2.4GHz. If it’s on 5GHz, go to your router’s settings and manually connect the camera to the 2.4GHz network.
Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength
Weak Wi-Fi signals can prevent your camera from transmitting video. Follow these steps:
- In the August App, go to Device Health → Wi-Fi Signal Check.
- Look for the signal strength in dBm. A value above -70dBm is ideal. If it’s below this, consider:
- Moving the camera closer to your router.
- Installing a Wi-Fi extender.
- Avoiding thick walls, metal objects, or modern windows with low-E coatings that block signals.
Update Your August Camera’s Firmware
Outdated firmware can cause video issues. To update:
- Open the August App.
- Go to Device Health → Firmware Update.
- If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions. Ensure the camera is connected to a stable power source during the update (for the August View, the battery should be above 20%).
- After the update, restart the camera and check the feed again.
Factory Reset Your August Camera
If the above steps fail, perform a factory reset using the model-specific procedure:
- August View: Press and hold the RESET button on the back of the camera for 5 seconds until the LED resets. The camera will restart with default settings.
- Doorbell Cam Pro: Press and hold the RESET button for 5 seconds. The camera will reset to factory defaults.
After resetting, re-pair the camera through the August App by going to Devices → Add Device and following the setup wizard. Ensure your Wi-Fi network is selected as 2.4GHz mode during pairing.
Re-pair Your August Camera
If the camera is paired incorrectly or has lost connection, re-pairing can resolve the issue:
- In the August App, go to Devices → Add Device.
- Follow the setup wizard to re-pair the camera. Ensure your Wi-Fi network is selected as 2.4GHz mode.
- Confirm the camera is within 15 meters of your router and not obstructed by thick walls or modern windows with low-E coatings.
Deeper August Diagnostic Steps
Access Diagnostic Logs
If the issue persists, access diagnostic logs from the August App:
- Go to Device Health → Diagnostic Logs.
- Look for error codes or connectivity issues. If logs are unclear, contact August support with the details.
Contact Manufacturer Support
If all troubleshooting steps fail, contact August support directly via https://support.august.com. Provide details such as:
- Camera model (e.g. August View or Doorbell Cam Pro)
- Firmware version
- Wi-Fi signal strength and band
- Transformer voltage (for wired models)
- Any error codes from diagnostic logs
August support can guide you through advanced diagnostics or arrange a replacement if hardware failure is suspected.
August: Understanding the Root Causes
Common Causes for No Video Feed
- Weak Wi-Fi signal: Thick walls, modern windows with low-E coatings, or incorrect Wi-Fi band (5GHz instead of 2.4GHz) can block the signal.
- Low battery: For battery-powered models like the August View, a battery below 20% can cause the camera to power down.
- Transformer voltage issues: For wired models like the Doorbell Cam Pro, incorrect transformer voltage (outside 16-24V AC) can prevent the camera from functioning.
- Outdated firmware: Software bugs or compatibility issues with your router’s settings can disrupt video transmission.
- Hardware faults: Rare but possible, especially after prolonged use or exposure to extreme weather.
UK-Specific Challenges
In the UK, pre-1920s terraced houses with dense construction can reduce Wi-Fi signal strength by 10-15dB per wall. Solid brick walls and modern low-E windows may further block signals. Ensure your camera is within 15 meters of your router and avoid placing it behind thick walls or near metallic objects.
Long-Term August Maintenance Tips
Maintain Your August Camera
- Regularly check battery levels in the August App for battery-powered models. Charge the August View fully if the battery drops below 20%.
- Verify transformer voltage for the Doorbell Cam Pro monthly to ensure it remains within 16-24V AC.
- Update firmware regularly through the August App to fix software bugs and improve compatibility.
- Monitor Wi-Fi signal strength in the Device Health section. If signal strength drops below -70dBm, consider moving the camera closer to your router or installing a Wi-Fi extender.
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.
When to Replace Your August Camera
Assessing Device Lifespan
- Battery-powered models (e.g. August View): 3-5 years typical. Battery degradation after 300-500 cycles may necessitate replacement.
- Wired models (e.g. Doorbell Cam Pro): 5-8 years typical. Sensor degradation or firmware end-of-life may require replacement.
- UK consumer rights: Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you have up to 6 years to claim faulty goods (5 years in Scotland). If your camera is under warranty, contact August support for a replacement.
Signs Replacement Is Needed
- Persistent no-video issues despite troubleshooting.
- Hardware faults confirmed by diagnostic logs or manufacturer support.
- Camera is over 5 years old and shows signs of wear (e.g. degraded battery performance, cracked lens).