Your August Snapshot Feature Isn't Working — Here's How to Fix It
If your August Doorbell Cam Pro or August View is failing to capture snapshots despite working for live view, you're not alone. This issue often stems from connectivity, app permissions, or firmware settings. By following these steps, you'll resolve the problem efficiently and restore snapshot functionality.
Quick Fixes to Try First
Before diving into deeper diagnostics, try these 30-second checks that address the most common causes:
- Power Cycle Your Device: For August View, remove the battery for 10 seconds, then reinsert. For Doorbell Cam Pro, unplug the transformer for 10 seconds, then reconnect.
- Restart the August App: Close the app completely, then reopen it. This refreshes the app’s connection to your device.
- Check LED Status: On August View, a solid green LED indicates proper connectivity. A blinking red LED suggests low battery or a connection issue. On Doorbell Cam Pro, a solid blue LED means the device is online.
- Verify Power Supply: For August View, ensure the battery is charged to at least 20%. For Doorbell Cam Pro, check the transformer voltage at the junction box — it must supply 16-24V AC.
- Confirm App Login: Ensure you're logged into the August app with the correct account. If unsure, log out and log back in.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Check Your August Device's Wi-Fi Band Settings
The August View and Doorbell Cam Pro require 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for stable communication. If your router supports 5GHz, ensure your August device is connected to 2.4GHz. To verify:
- Open the August App → Settings → Devices → select your device → Wi-Fi Settings.
- Confirm the device is connected to 2.4GHz (not 5GHz). If it’s on 5GHz, change the settings to 2.4GHz.
Ensure Strong Wi-Fi Signal Strength
Weak Wi-Fi can prevent snapshots from saving. Use the Device Health feature in the August app to check signal strength:
- Open the August App → Settings → Device Health → Signal Strength.
- If the RSSI is below -70dBm, move your router closer to the device or use a Wi-Fi extender. For August View, consider placing the device near the router if signal strength is poor.
Update Firmware to the Latest Version
Outdated firmware can cause snapshot failures. Update your device via the August app:
- Open the August App → Settings → Device → Firmware Update.
- If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it. Restart the device after the update completes.
Verify App Permissions Are Enabled
The August app requires specific permissions to save snapshots. Check these settings:
- On your smartphone, go to Settings → Apps → August App → Permissions.
- Ensure Storage and Camera permissions are enabled. If disabled, toggle them on and restart the app.
Re-pair Your August Device
If snapshots still fail, re-pair your device to the August app:
- On August View, press and hold the RESET button on the back for 5 seconds until the LED resets.
- On Doorbell Cam Pro, press and hold the RESET button for 5 seconds.
- Open the August App → Settings → Devices → Add New Device. Follow the pairing instructions, ensuring your router is on 2.4GHz.
Advanced Diagnostics for Persistent Issues
Access Diagnostic Logs in the August App
If snapshots continue to fail, send diagnostic logs to August support:
- Open the August App → Settings → Device → Diagnostic Logs.
- Tap Send Logs and include details about when the snapshot fails and any error messages. Submit the logs via https://support.august.com.
Contact Manufacturer Support
If the issue remains unresolved, contact August support directly. Visit https://support.august.com and provide:
- A detailed description of the problem
- The Device Health report from the app
- Any error messages encountered
- Model number of your August device
August support can guide you further or arrange a replacement if hardware is faulty.
Understanding the Root Causes
Snapshot failures on August View and Doorbell Cam Pro are often linked to Wi-Fi connectivity, firmware updates, or app permissions. In the UK, solid brick walls and foam-backed insulation can severely degrade 2.4GHz signals, leading to intermittent connectivity. Additionally, low battery levels on August View or incorrect transformer voltages on Doorbell Cam Pro can prevent snapshots from saving. These are not user errors but common challenges with smart doorbells in dense UK homes.
Preventing Future Snapshot Issues
To avoid recurring snapshot problems, follow these best practices:
- Regularly check firmware updates in the August app to ensure your device is running the latest software.
- Maintain strong Wi-Fi signal strength by positioning your router near the August device or using a Wi-Fi extender.
- Monitor battery levels on August View and ensure the transformer voltage on Doorbell Cam Pro is within 16-24V AC.
- Enable Auto-Delete in the August app’s Storage Settings to manage snapshot storage and prevent full storage errors.
Full disclosure: we built scOS to address exactly this — the frustration of cameras that depend on Wi-Fi to function. scOS uses permanently powered cameras connected via Ethernet, eliminating the need for Wi-Fi and reducing the risk of snapshot failures.
When to Consider Replacement
If snapshot issues persist despite all troubleshooting steps, it may be time to replace your device. August View typically lasts 3-5 years, while Doorbell Cam Pro lasts 5-8 years. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, UK consumers have 6 years (5 years in Scotland) to claim faulty goods. If your device is under warranty, contact August support for a replacement. For out-of-warranty devices, consider professional installation options starting at £150-£300 per camera.
Final Tips for Snapshot Success
- Always ensure your August device is connected to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.
- Charge August View batteries regularly to avoid low-power snapshot failures.
- Verify transformer voltage on Doorbell Cam Pro is within 16-24V AC.
- Enable Storage Permissions in your smartphone’s app settings.
- Update firmware via the August app to fix potential bugs.
By following these steps, you’ll maintain a reliable snapshot feature and enjoy seamless smart home security with your August device.