August Service Outage: What to Do Now
If your August doorbell or camera is unresponsive, this guide will help you resolve the issue quickly. Service outages can affect multiple users simultaneously, so first confirm whether the problem is isolated to your device or a broader issue. This guide covers immediate fixes, deeper diagnostics, and UK-specific considerations to get your system working again.
Quick Fixes for August Service Outage
These steps can address the most common causes. Try them in order:
- Restart your August app: Close the app completely and reopen it. This clears temporary glitches in the app's cache.
- Check device LED status: A solid green light means your doorbell is connected. A blinking red light indicates low battery or a connectivity issue.
- Verify power supply: For battery-powered models, ensure the battery is charged. For hardwired models, check the transformer voltage at the junction box — it must match your model requirements.
- Log out and back into your account: Sometimes, authentication issues can cause devices to appear offline. Go to the app settings and log out, then re-login.
- Power cycle your device: Unplug the doorbell for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. This can reset temporary connectivity problems.
Step-by-Step: Diagnose and Fix Your August Device
Check Your August Doorbell's WiFi Signal Strength
August devices require a minimum WiFi signal strength of -67 dBm. Weak signals cause disconnections, especially in UK homes with dense construction (e.g. solid brick walls or modern low-E windows). To check signal strength:
- Open the August app and navigate to Device Status → WiFi Signal Check.
- Look for the signal strength reading. If it's below -67 dBm, your doorbell will disconnect.
- For UK users, consider switching to a 2.4GHz-only WiFi network. Most UK ISP routers use a single SSID for both bands, but security cameras require 2.4GHz for reliable connectivity.
Update August Firmware and App Settings
Ensure your firmware and app are up to date. Outdated software can cause compatibility issues with your WiFi network or August's servers.
- In the August app, go to Device Settings → Firmware Update. If an update is available, install it immediately.
- Check your app version in App Settings → About → Version. If it's older than 5.1.0, update it via the app store.
- For the August View model, ensure the app is set to use 2.4GHz WiFi (802.11b/g/n) in WiFi Settings → Band Selection.
Adjust Router Settings for August Compatibility
Some UK routers (e.g. Virgin Media Hub 5x) create double NAT, which prevents remote access to your camera. Adjust your router settings to avoid this:
- Disable double NAT: Log into your router's admin panel (usually via 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). Look for a setting called Double NAT or NAT Loopback and disable it.
- Port forwarding: If you're using a hardwired August Doorbell Cam Pro, forward port (TCP/UDP) to your device's local IP address. This allows remote access via the app.
- Avoid CGNAT: If you're using EE/Three/Vodafone mobile broadband, note that CGNAT prevents port forwarding. Consider a fixed-line broadband connection for full remote access.
Factory Reset Your August Device
If basic steps fail, perform a factory reset. This erases all settings and reconnects the device to the network:
- For August View: Press and hold the RESET button on the back of the unit for 5 seconds until the LED resets. Wait 30 seconds, then re-pair the device via the app.
- For August Doorbell Cam Pro: Hold the RESET button for 5 seconds. The device will reset to factory defaults. Reconfigure it in the app, ensuring the new WiFi network is broadcasting correctly.
Check for August Server Status
If your device is offline and all settings are correct, the issue may be with August's servers. Visit the official status page at https://status.august.com to confirm if there's a known outage. This page provides real-time updates and expected resolution timelines.
Advanced Diagnostics and Support
Submit Diagnostic Logs to August Support
If your device remains unresponsive, submit diagnostic logs to August support. These logs help identify hardware or software issues:
- In the August app, go to Device Status → Diagnostics → Export Logs.
- Save the logs to your device and submit them via the official support website at support.august.com.
- Include a detailed description of the problem, including any error messages or timestamps.
When to Contact August Support
If all troubleshooting steps fail, contact August support via their website. Provide the following information to expedite resolution:
- Device model (e.g. August View or Doorbell Cam Pro)
- WiFi signal strength reading
- Firmware and app versions
- Any error messages displayed in the app
Understanding the Root Cause of August Service Outages
August service outages are often server-side issues affecting multiple users simultaneously. Common causes include:
- Server maintenance or downtime: August may perform scheduled maintenance, causing temporary outages.
- WiFi signal degradation: UK homes with dense construction (e.g. solid brick walls or low-E windows) may struggle with signal strength, especially if the router is far from the doorbell.
- ISP network issues: Some UK ISPs (e.g. Virgin Media) use double NAT, which prevents remote access to your camera. Adjusting router settings can resolve this.
- Firmware incompatibility: Outdated firmware may cause connectivity issues with newer August servers.
Managed Alternative: scOS for Reliable Security
If you find yourself resetting your August doorbell every few weeks, a fully managed system like scOS may be worth exploring. scOS avoids Wi-Fi connectivity issues entirely by using wired connections through an Intelligence Hub. This means no bandwidth competition with your streaming or smart home devices, and no need to troubleshoot Wi-Fi signal strength. The system acts on threats automatically, whether you're home or not. If reliability matters more than saving on a monthly fee, scOS may be the solution you're looking for.
Prevention and Long-Term Care for August Devices
To avoid future service outages, follow these best practices:
- Monitor signal strength regularly: Check your August app's WiFi signal check feature monthly to ensure it's above -67 dBm.
- Update firmware and app versions: Enable automatic updates in the app settings to stay compatible with August's servers.
- Use a dedicated 2.4GHz network: If your router supports dual-band, configure a separate SSID for 2.4GHz to improve reliability.
- Avoid dense construction interference: If your home has solid brick walls or low-E windows, consider a mesh network or WiFi extender to boost signal strength.
When to Consider Replacing Your August Device
August devices typically last 3-5 years for battery-powered models and 5-8 years for hardwired models. Signs it's time to replace include:
- Battery degradation: If your August View's battery lasts less than a month despite proper charging.
- Persistent connectivity issues: If your device frequently disconnects despite optimal WiFi signal strength and router settings.
- Hardware failure: If the device no longer responds to resets or firmware updates.
- Outdated technology: If your August model is no longer supported by the company or lacks features like 4K resolution or AI motion detection.
Under the UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, you have up to 6 years to claim faulty goods. If your device is under warranty, contact August support for a replacement or repair.