August View Doorbell and Smart Lock Not Working

The August View Doorbell Camera with Smart Lock bundle provides video doorbell functionality paired with smart lock control. This guide covers connectivity and operation issues for both devices.

Doorbell Not Connecting During Setup

Symptoms

• QR code scan fails
• Doorbell LED blinks but won't connect
• App can't find doorbell

Solutions

1. Check wiring - Doorbell requires 16-24VAC transformer. Use a multimeter to verify voltage.
2. WiFi band - Connect to 2.4GHz network, not 5GHz.
3. Reset doorbell - Hold the reset button for 10 seconds until LED blinks.
4. Enable Bluetooth - Phone Bluetooth is needed for initial setup.
5. Chime compatibility - Mechanical chimes may need the included chime adapter.

Smart Lock Not Responding

Symptoms

• Lock not responding to app
• Auto-unlock not working
• Lock shows offline

Solutions

1. Check batteries - Replace 4x AA batteries if low. Lock needs good battery for communication.
2. Bluetooth range - Without Connect WiFi bridge, lock only works via Bluetooth within 30 feet.
3. WiFi bridge required - For remote access, install August Connect WiFi Bridge near the lock.
4. Re-calibrate lock - In August app, run the lock calibration to ensure proper alignment.
5. Door alignment - If door doesn't close properly, the lock mechanism may bind.

Video/Live View Issues

Symptoms

• Black screen in app
• Video buffers constantly
• Motion clips not recording

Solutions

1. Check WiFi signal - Doorbell needs strong WiFi at mounting location. Check signal in app.
2. Verify subscription - Video recording requires August Video Recording subscription.
3. Restart doorbell - Power cycle by turning off breaker for 30 seconds.
4. Bandwidth - Ensure at least 2 Mbps upload speed for video streaming.

Auto-Unlock Not Triggering

Symptoms

• Door doesn't unlock when arriving home
• Auto-unlock activates randomly
• Works for some family members but not others

Solutions

1. Enable Auto-Unlock - In August app, go to lock settings and enable Auto-Unlock.
2. Location permissions - Grant August app "Always" location permission for geofencing.
3. Set home location - Verify home address is correctly pinned in the app settings.
4. Travel distance - Auto-unlock requires leaving and returning. Short trips may not trigger.
5. Each user - Auto-unlock must be enabled on each family member's phone individually.

Integration Issues

Symptoms

• Not appearing in Apple Home/Alexa/Google
• Voice commands not working
• Status not syncing

Solutions

1. Enable HomeKit - In August app, go to lock settings and add to Apple Home.
2. Link accounts - Connect August skill/action in Alexa/Google Home apps.
3. Discover devices - After linking, discover devices in your voice assistant.
4. WiFi bridge for voice - Remote voice control requires August Connect WiFi Bridge.