Solving the Problem of an August Device That's Not Recording
An August Doorbell Camera provides security by showing you who is at your door, but its value is diminished if it fails to record those crucial moments. If you've noticed that your activity feed is empty and no video clips are being saved from motion events or doorbell rings, this guide will walk you through the necessary checks to diagnose and fix the problem.
The solution almost always lies in one of three areas: your subscription plan, your in-app settings, or the device's Wi-Fi connection.
### Critical First Step: Verify Your Subscription Plan
This is the most common reason for an August camera to stop recording.
- Subscription is Required: Unlike some other brands, August Doorbell Cameras require an active video recording subscription to store and play back video clips. Without a subscription, you can still get notifications and use the live view, but no footage will be saved.
- How to Check Your Status:
- Open the August app.
- Tap the menu icon (usually in the top-left corner).
- Go to "Account" or "Account Settings".
- Look for a "Subscriptions" section to confirm your plan is active and hasn't expired.
- Action: If you do not have a subscription or it has lapsed, you will need to purchase one through the app or the August website for recording to function.
## Step 2: Dive Into Your Camera's Settings
If your subscription is active, the next step is to ensure the camera is configured correctly to record.
### Motion Detection and Sensitivity
- Navigate to Settings: In the August app, select the doorbell camera from your keychain. Tap the gear icon to enter its settings.
- Check Motion Detection: Ensure that the "Motion Detection" toggle is switched on. If it's off, the camera will not trigger a recording from movement.
- Adjust Sensitivity: If the sensitivity is set too low, it may not be picking up the events you want to be recorded. Try increasing the "Motion Sensitivity" to a higher level. You can always adjust it back down later if you get too many unwanted notifications.
### Home and Away Modes
August's Home/Away feature can change how your devices behave. Check to see if your recording settings are being disabled when your phone is at home. Ensure that recording is enabled in the mode you are currently in.
## Step 3: Check the Wi-Fi Connection
A stable internet connection is essential for your doorbell to upload recorded clips to the August cloud.
- Check Signal Strength: In the doorbell's settings menu, look for a "Device Health" or "Network" section. This should give you an indication of the Wi-Fi signal strength. A weak or poor signal can prevent successful video uploads.
- Improve the Signal: If the signal is weak, you may need to move your Wi-Fi router closer to the door or install a Wi-Fi extender to boost the signal in that area.
- Reboot Your Network: Sometimes a simple reboot can fix connectivity issues. Try unplugging your modem and Wi-Fi router from power for 30 seconds, then plugging them back in. Once your network is back online, test the doorbell again.
### Final Troubleshooting Step: Reboot the Device
If all settings and your subscription appear correct, a simple reboot of the August device can often resolve temporary glitches. For doorbell cameras, this may involve temporarily disconnecting the power source or using the reset button as per the manufacturer's instructions.
By methodically checking your subscription, settings, and connection, you can quickly get your August Doorbell Camera recording properly again, ensuring you never miss an important event at your doorstep.