How to Fix Pixelated and Blurry Video on Your August Doorbell Camera
Your August Doorbell Camera is a great tool for seeing who is at your door, but its effectiveness is severely limited if the video quality is poor. A pixelated, blocky, or blurry video stream makes it difficult to identify faces or read details, defeating a key purpose of having a video doorbell.
Most often, poor video quality is not a fault of the camera itself but is a symptom of a weak or unstable network connection. This guide will help you diagnose the cause and take the right steps to restore a clear, crisp picture.
## Understanding the Symptoms of Poor Video Quality
Before diving into solutions, let's clarify the issues you might be seeing:
- Pixelation/Blockiness: The image looks chunky and made of large squares, especially during movement. This is a classic sign of heavy video compression.
- Blurriness: The entire image is soft and out of focus, lacking sharp details.
- Grainy Video: The image is noisy, similar to old television static, particularly noticeable in low-light or nighttime conditions.
- Freezing or Stuttering: The video feed frequently pauses or jumps, while the audio might continue uninterrupted.
- Low Resolution: The video just looks generally low quality, without the High Definition clarity you expect.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Improving Video Quality
Follow these troubleshooting steps to systematically improve your camera's video stream.
### 1. Diagnose Your Wi-Fi Connection
This is the most critical step. Your August camera needs a strong and stable Wi-Fi signal with sufficient upload speed to send high-quality video to your phone.
- Check Signal Strength: Go to your August app and check the device information for your doorbell. It should show the Wi-Fi signal level. If it's listed as 'Weak' or 'Poor', this is almost certainly the cause.
- Perform a Speed Test: Stand right next to your doorbell with your smartphone connected to the same 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. Use a free app like Speedtest by Ookla to measure your internet speed. Pay close attention to the upload speed. For a smooth HD stream, you should have at least 2-3 Mbps of upload speed at the door.
### 2. Optimise Your Home Network
If your diagnosis points to a weak Wi-Fi signal, here are the most effective ways to fix it.
- Move Your Router: If possible, repositioning your Wi-Fi router even a few feet closer to the front door can make a substantial difference.
- Reduce Obstructions: Wi-Fi signals are weakened by physical barriers. Thick walls (especially brick or concrete), large metal appliances, and even water (like in an aquarium) between your router and doorbell will degrade the signal.
- Install a Wi-Fi Extender: A Wi-Fi range extender is a device that picks up your existing Wi-Fi signal and rebroadcasts it, extending its reach. Place it halfway between your router and your doorbell for the best results.
- Upgrade to a Mesh Wi-Fi System: For larger homes or those with persistent dead zones, a mesh Wi-Fi system (like Eero or Google Nest Wifi) is the best solution. It uses multiple nodes to create a seamless and powerful Wi-Fi network throughout your entire home.
### 3. Check Camera and App Settings
Sometimes, a simple setting or software glitch can be the problem.
- Reboot the Camera: A simple restart can often resolve temporary issues. You can usually do this within the August app's settings menu, or by following the specific reset procedure for your model.
- Update Firmware and App: Ensure both your August Doorbell's firmware and the August app on your phone are updated to the latest versions. Manufacturers release updates to fix bugs and improve performance.
- Clean the Camera Lens: It may sound simple, but dirt, dust, or smudges on the camera lens can cause the image to appear blurry or hazy. Gently wipe the lens with a clean, soft microfibre cloth.
By methodically addressing your network strength and checking your device settings, you can eliminate the frustrating issue of pixelated video and get the clear, reliable picture you need from your August Doorbell Camera.