August Package Detection Not Working? Let's Solve It.
The Package Detection feature on an August Doorbell Camera is an incredibly useful tool, giving you peace of mind that your deliveries are safe. It’s designed to be smarter than a simple motion alert, specifically notifying you when a courier leaves a parcel on your doorstep. So, when it fails to work, and you miss a delivery notification, it can be a real cause for concern.
If your August camera has stopped detecting packages or the feature seems to be missing, don't worry. The cause is usually a simple settings or subscription issue that you can resolve quickly. This guide will walk you through the troubleshooting process step-by-step.
Key Areas to Check First
Start with the most common reasons why Package Detection might be inactive.
1. Verify Your August Subscription
For many smart home brands, advanced AI features like package detection are part of a premium subscription plan. This is often the primary reason for the feature being unavailable.
- Check Your Plan: Log in to your account on the August website or check within the app's account settings.
- Confirm Inclusions: Verify that your current subscription level includes "Smart Alerts" or "Package Detection." If you are on a basic or free plan, you will likely need to upgrade to enable this feature.
2. Enable Smart Alerts in the App
Even with the right subscription, the feature needs to be manually enabled for your specific device.
- Open the August App: Select your Doorbell Camera from the device list.
- Go to Settings: Navigate to the camera's settings menu.
- Find Notifications: Look for a menu item labelled 'Smart Alerts' or 'Notifications'.
- Enable Package Detection: Ensure that the toggle switch for Package Detection is turned on. It's possible to have general motion alerts active while the specific package alert is disabled.
Optimising for Accurate Detection
If your subscription is active and the setting is enabled, the issue may lie with the camera's configuration and environment.
### Configure Your Activity Zone
Package Detection only works within a specific, user-defined area. If your doorstep isn't in this zone, the camera will ignore it.
- Go to Activity Zone Settings: Find this within your camera's settings menu.
- Draw the Zone: You should see a grid overlaid on your camera's view. Use your finger to draw a precise zone that covers the entire area where a courier is likely to leave a package.
- Save Your Changes: Make sure to save the new zone for it to take effect.
### Improve Camera Placement and Lighting
The AI algorithm needs a clear, well-lit view to identify a package accurately.
- Unobstructed View: Check your live camera feed to ensure there are nothing blocking the view of your doorstep, such as a large plant, a pillar, or garden furniture.
- Sufficient Lighting: If deliveries often happen in the early morning or evening, poor lighting could be the culprit. Ensure your porch light is on or that the camera's night vision is functioning correctly. Extreme shadows or bright, direct sunlight can also sometimes interfere with detection.
Final Troubleshooting Steps
If you've checked all the above and are still having problems, here are a couple of final things to try.
Update Firmware and App
Running the latest software ensures all features have the most recent performance improvements and bug fixes.
- App Update: Check the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to make sure your August app is up to date.
- Firmware Update: In the camera settings within the app, look for a 'Firmware Version' or 'Device Info' section. The app will notify you if an update is available for the camera itself.
Reboot Your Doorbell Camera
A simple reboot can often resolve temporary software glitches. The method for rebooting can vary by model. Some may have a small reset button, while for others you may need to temporarily disconnect it from power. Check your user manual for the specific instructions for your model.
By carefully checking your subscription, app settings, and camera placement, you can get your August Package Detection feature working reliably, ensuring you never miss an important delivery alert again.