Pink or Purple Tint on August Camera Video: What to Do Now
If your August camera is displaying a pink or purple tint in live or recorded footage, This is a well-documented problem. This issue is often linked to a stuck IR cut filter, sensor misalignment, or software glitches. The good news is that most cases can be resolved with simple steps, and we'll guide you through them. Whether you're using the August View or Doorbell Cam Pro, the following advice is tailored to your device and the unique features of the August ecosystem.
First Steps for Your August Issue
Before diving into deeper troubleshooting, try these 30-second checks:
- Power cycle your camera: Unplug the power cable (or remove the battery for August View) for 30 seconds, then reconnect. This can reset the camera's internal state and resolve temporary glitches.
- Restart the August App: Close the app completely and reopen it. Ensure you're logged into the correct account and that the camera is listed in the Devices section.
- Check LED status: For August View, a solid green LED indicates normal operation. A blinking red or amber light may signal low battery or connectivity issues.
- Verify power source: For wired models like the Doorbell Cam Pro, ensure the transformer at the junction box supplies 16-24V AC. For battery models, check the battery level in the app under Battery health monitor.
- Confirm app login: Ensure your August account is active and linked to the camera. If you're unsure, log out and back in via the app's Settings → Account menu.
In-Depth August Diagnostics for Persistent Issues
Check Your August Camera's Wi-Fi Band Settings
August cameras rely on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) for stable performance. Ensure your camera is connected to the correct band:
- Open the August App and go to Device Health → Wi-Fi Signal Check.
- If your router supports dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz), ensure the camera is explicitly set to 2.4GHz. The app may automatically connect to the 5GHz band, which can cause connectivity issues.
- For August View, navigate to Settings → Wi-Fi and manually select the 2.4GHz network if needed.
Update Firmware via the August App
Outdated firmware can cause sensor or filter misalignment:
- In the August App, go to Device Health → Firmware Update.
- If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions. Ensure the camera remains connected to a stable 2.4GHz network during the update.
- After the update, restart the camera and check if the tint issue resolves.
Reset the Camera to Factory Defaults
If the issue persists, perform a factory reset:
- For August View (battery-powered): Locate the RESET button on the back of the unit. Press and hold for 5 seconds until the LED resets to a solid green.
- For Doorbell Cam Pro (hardwired): Press and hold the RESET button for 5 seconds. The camera will revert to factory defaults.
- After resetting, reconnect the camera to your Wi-Fi network and ensure firmware is up to date.
Diagnose with Device Health Tools
The August App includes diagnostic tools to identify hardware or software issues:
- Open the August App and go to Device Health → Signal Strength. Ensure the signal strength is above -70dBm. Poor signal can cause sensor instability.
- Check Battery health monitor (for August View) to ensure the battery isn't degraded. Replace if the battery holds less than 20% charge after 300-500 cycles.
- If the app detects hardware issues, contact August support with the logs from Device Health → Diagnostic Logs.
Contact August Support with Detailed Logs
If the tint issue persists after the above steps, escalate the problem:
- In the August App, go to Device Health → Diagnostic Logs and export the logs.
- Visit August Support and submit a support request. Include the exported logs, your camera model, and the steps you've already taken.
- August's technical team will analyze the logs to determine if the issue is hardware-related (e.g. sensor degradation) or software-related (e.g. IR filter stuck in night mode).
Root Causes of the Pink or Purple Tint
The pink/purple tint is typically caused by one of the following:
- Stuck IR cut filter: This filter switches between day and night modes. If it's stuck, the camera may not adjust properly, causing a tint.
- Sensor misalignment: Physical damage or aging can misalign the sensor, leading to colour distortion.
- Poor Wi-Fi signal: Weak signal strength can cause the camera to malfunction, resulting in tinted footage.
- Low battery or power issues: For battery models, low power can affect sensor performance.
- Environmental factors: UK-specific construction (e.g. solid brick walls) or weather (e.g. high humidity) can degrade Wi-Fi performance and contribute to the issue.
Protecting Your August Investment 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 via the August App.
- Optimal Wi-Fi placement: Position your router to ensure the camera receives a strong 2.4GHz signal. Avoid placing the camera near metal objects or thick walls.
- Battery maintenance: For August View, replace the battery every 3-5 years or when the battery health drops below 20%.
- Monitor device health: Use the Battery health monitor and Signal Strength tools in the August App to track performance.
Full disclosure: we built scOS to address exactly this—the frustration of cameras that display distorted footage due to stuck IR filters or sensor misalignment. scOS uses permanently powered cameras connected via Ethernet, eliminating the risk of tint caused by low battery or Wi-Fi instability.
Time to Upgrade Your August Pink Purple Tint?
If troubleshooting steps fail and the tint issue persists, consider replacement:
- Battery-powered models (August View): Replace after 3-5 years, as batteries degrade over time.
- Wired models (Doorbell Cam Pro): Replace after 5-8 years, but check for sensor degradation or firmware end-of-life (EOL).
- 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 or repair.
If troubleshooting takes more than 30 minutes and basic steps (restart, reset, reconnect) haven't worked, the issue is likely hardware-related, not software.
Wrapping Up Your Your Troubleshooting
- Always use the August App for diagnostics, updates, and troubleshooting.
- For UK users, consider upgrading to a wired model like the Doorbell Cam Pro to avoid issues caused by dense construction or weather.
- If you're unsure about any step, refer to the August Support website for model-specific guidance.