Pink or Purple Tint on August Camera? Try These Fixes Now
A pink or purple tint on your August camera's video typically points to a failed IR-cut filter — a hardware component that switches between colour and night-vision modes. Firmware glitches can also cause this. This guide walks you through quick fixes, in-depth diagnostics, and prevention strategies to restore clear video quality.
Quick Fixes for Pink/Purple Tint Issues
Three things to check before anything else — these resolve the majority of tint issues:
- Power cycle your camera: Unplug the power adapter (or remove the battery from August View models) for 30 seconds, then reconnect. This can resolve temporary sensor glitches.
- Restart the August app: Close the app completely, then reopen it. This refreshes the connection between your device and the camera.
- Check LED status: A solid green LED indicates normal operation. A flashing or amber LED may signal low battery (August View) or connectivity issues (Doorbell Cam Pro).
- Verify power cable/battery: For August View models, ensure the battery is fully charged. For wired models, check that the transformer voltage is between the correct voltage for your model.
- Check app login: Ensure you're logged into the correct account in the August app. Incorrect login credentials can cause display anomalies.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Persistent Issues
Check Your August Camera's Wi-Fi Band Settings
August cameras require a stable 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection (802.11b/g/n). To verify your Wi-Fi band:
- Open the August app and navigate to Device Health → Signal Strength.
- Look for the Wi-Fi band displayed. If it shows 5GHz, change your router settings to force the camera onto 2.4GHz.
- For August View models, ensure the Wi-Fi signal strength is at least -70dBm. For Doorbell Cam Pro models, the signal should be at least -65dBm.
Is your camera battery-powered or wired?
- Battery-powered → Check battery level in the app — charge fully if below 20%
- Wired → Check the transformer voltage at the junction box — must match your model requirements
Update Your August Camera's Firmware
Outdated firmware can cause sensor malfunctions that result in tinted footage. To update your camera:
- Open the August app and go to Device Settings → Firmware Update.
- If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it. This process may take several minutes.
- After updating, restart the camera by holding the RESET button for 5 seconds.
Adjust Router Settings for Better Connectivity
Weak Wi-Fi signals can cause the camera's sensor to malfunction, leading to tinted footage. To improve connectivity:
- Ensure your router is within 30 metres of the camera (or use a Wi-Fi extender if necessary).
- Avoid placing the camera near thick walls, metal objects, or other Wi-Fi devices that may cause interference.
- If your router allows, set the Wi-Fi channel manually to a less congested one (e.g. channel 1, 6, or 11 for 2.4GHz networks).
Perform a Factory Reset
If the tint persists after basic troubleshooting, perform a factory reset:
- August View (battery-powered): Hold the RESET button on the back of the unit for 5 seconds until the LED flashes rapidly.
- Doorbell Cam Pro (wired): Hold the RESET button on the back of the unit for 5 seconds. The camera will reset to factory defaults.
After resetting, re-pair the camera with your account in the August app and reconfigure settings.
Contact August Support with Diagnostic Logs
If the tint remains after a factory reset, contact August support with the following information:
- Camera model and serial number
- Diagnostic logs from the app (Device Health → Logs)
- A description of when the issue started and any recent changes to your network or camera settings
August support can analyse the logs to determine if the issue is hardware-related or requires a firmware update.
Advanced Diagnostics for Persistent Tint Issues
Check for Sensor Degradation
A pink/purple tint can indicate sensor degradation, particularly in older August View models. To check for sensor issues:
- Open the August app and navigate to Device Diagnostics → Sensor Test.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to test the camera's sensor. If the test fails, the sensor may need replacement.
- If the sensor test passes but the tint remains, the issue may be with the IR cut filter or lens.
Inspect the Camera Lens for Damage
Physical damage to the camera lens can cause colour distortion. To inspect the lens:
- Carefully examine the lens for cracks, scratches, or smudges.
- Clean the lens with a microfiber cloth and lens cleaning solution.
- If the lens is damaged, contact August support for replacement options.
Understanding the Root Causes of Tinted Footage
The pink or purple tint on your August camera's video is most commonly caused by:
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Stuck IR cut filter: The camera's IR cut filter may fail to switch between day and night modes, causing colour distortion in low-light conditions.
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Sensor degradation: Over time, the camera's image sensor may degrade, leading to inconsistent colour reproduction.
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Poor Wi-Fi connectivity: Weak Wi-Fi signals can cause the camera to malfunction, resulting in tinted footage.
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Firmware glitches: Outdated or corrupted firmware can cause sensor malfunctions that result in tinted footage.
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Hardware faults: In rare cases, the issue may be due to a manufacturing defect or hardware failure.
UK-specific challenges such as dense construction materials (particularly in older terraced houses) and modern low-E coated windows can exacerbate Wi-Fi signal issues, increasing the likelihood of tinted footage. Ensure your camera is positioned for optimal connectivity and avoid placing it behind thick walls or near metal objects.
When DIY Troubleshooting Isn't Enough
If you've tried all the steps above and the tint remains, it may be time to consider a managed security solution. Consumer cameras like August are convenient but have limitations — particularly with hardware faults and sensor degradation. scOS offers a fully managed alternative with permanent power supply, no batteries to charge, and no Wi-Fi troubleshooting needed. With scOS, your camera will never miss an event and will deliver consistent, high-quality footage without the need for frequent resets or replacements.
Prevention and Long-Term Care for Your August Camera
To avoid future tint issues, follow these best practices:
- Regular firmware updates: Ensure your camera's firmware is always up to date through the August app.
- Optimal positioning: Place your camera for maximum Wi-Fi signal strength (at least -70dBm for August View, -65dBm for Doorbell Cam Pro).
- Battery maintenance: For August View models, charge the battery fully every 6 months to maintain optimal performance.
- Periodic diagnostics: Run the August app's diagnostic tests monthly to catch potential issues early.
- Avoid extreme conditions: Keep your camera away from extreme temperatures, humidity, and direct sunlight to prevent sensor degradation.
When to Consider Replacement
If your August camera has been in use for more than 3-5 years (battery-powered models) or 5-8 years (wired models), it may be time to consider replacement. Signs that replacement is needed include:
- Persistent tint issues despite firmware updates and resets
- Frequent sensor malfunctions or hardware failures
- Battery degradation in August View models (less than 30% capacity after 300-500 cycles)
- Transformer voltage fluctuations in wired models
Under the UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, you have a 6-year right to claim faulty goods (5 years in Scotland). If your camera is under warranty and shows signs of hardware failure, contact August support for replacement options.
Final Tips and Recommendations
- Always store your August camera in a dry, cool place when not in use.
- Avoid using third-party accessories that may interfere with the camera's performance.
- If you're experiencing frequent tint issues, consider upgrading to a wired model for better stability.
- For UK users in older properties with dense construction, consider using a Wi-Fi extender to improve signal strength.
- Regularly back up your camera's settings in the August app in case of hardware failure.