Getting Inaccurate Alerts? Fine-Tuning Your August Activity Zones
August's smart security cameras, including the August Doorbell Cam and August View, come with a powerful feature to help you reduce unwanted notifications: Activity Zones. This feature allows you to specify exactly where in the camera's field of view you want to detect motion, so you can focus on what's important—like your doorstep—and ignore what's not—like the public pavement.
If you've set up your zones but are still being bombarded with false alerts, or if the zones don't seem to be working at all, this guide will help you troubleshoot the common issues and get your notifications under control.
## How to Correctly Set Up Activity Zones
First, let's ensure your zones are configured correctly within the August app. A small error in setup can lead to poor performance.
- Open the August App: Launch the app on your iOS or Android device.
- Select Your Camera: From your keychain, select the camera device you wish to configure.
- Go to Camera Settings: Tap the gear icon (⚙️) to open the settings menu for that device.
- Navigate to Motion Detection: Find and tap on the Motion Detection settings.
- Manage Activity Zones: Tap on Activity Zones. You should see your camera's live view.
- Enable Custom Zones: Make sure you have toggled from the default 'Full Screen' zone to using your own custom zones.
- Draw Your Zones: Tap to create and resize one or more zones. Be precise. If you want to monitor a walkway, draw the box to cover only the walkway. Avoid including tree branches, flags, or other objects that move frequently.
- Save Your Configuration: Ensure you save the settings before exiting the menu.
## Troubleshooting Common Zone Setting Problems
If your zones are drawn correctly but still aren't performing as you expect, work through these troubleshooting steps.
### 1. Adjust Motion Sensitivity
This is the most important setting that works in tandem with your activity zones. The zones define where to look, and sensitivity defines how much change is needed within that zone to trigger an alert.
- Symptom: You receive alerts for motion that is clearly outside your zone (e.g., car headlights).
- Cause: The motion sensitivity is likely set too high. Drastic changes in light or fast-moving shadows can "spill" into your defined zone and be significant enough to trigger a high-sensitivity alert.
- Solution: In the Motion Detection settings, find the Motion Sensitivity slider. If it's on 'High', try moving it down to a medium or even low setting. This will tell the camera to only react to more significant and sustained motion within your defined zone.
### 2. Check for Environmental Factors
Sometimes, things you didn't consider can cause alerts within a zone.
- Shadows: Watch how shadows move across your zones during the day. A fast-moving cloud's shadow can be enough to trigger a motion event.
- Reflections: Motion from outside a zone can be reflected in a window or a puddle that is inside a zone.
- Insects and Debris: A spider building a web directly in front of the camera lens will trigger constant alerts. Ensure your camera lens is clean and free of obstructions.
### 3. Reboot Your August Camera
A simple power cycle can often resolve temporary software glitches that might affect the motion detection processing.
- Disconnect your August camera from its power source.
- Wait for a full minute to ensure it has completely powered down.
- Reconnect the power and wait for it to come back online.
- Test the activity zones again.
### 4. Update the August App and Device Firmware
Bugs in the software can lead to features not working as intended. It's important to keep everything up to date.
- App Update: Check the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for any updates to the August app.
- Firmware Update: The app will typically notify you if a firmware update is available for your camera. These updates are crucial for performance and security. Make sure you install them.
By carefully balancing your zone placement with the appropriate sensitivity level, you can dramatically increase the accuracy of your motion alerts and ensure you're only notified when it truly matters.