August Smart Plug HS100 Troubleshooting Smart Home App Sync Issues

Introduction

A smart plug gives you instant control over any appliance, and the August Smart Plug HS100 is a popular choice for many homeowners. When the plug works in the app it is a joy—just tap a button and the lights come on, the coffee maker turns on, or a smart thermostat starts warming the house. However, when the app and plug lose sync it can feel like a frustrating puzzle.

This article walks through the most common causes of sync problems and offers practical, step‑by‑step solutions. Whether the issue is a simple network hiccup or a deeper firmware glitch, you’ll find a clear path to get your HS100 back online and working as expected.

What Does “Sync” Mean for the HS100?

When the HS100 connects to your network, it shares its state (on/off, power usage, etc.) with the August Smart Home app. The app shows a visual representation of the plug, allows you to create schedules, and receives real‑time updates.

A sync problem occurs when the app’s view does not reflect the real status of the plug, or when commands from the app do not reach the device. The symptoms can range from “I can’t see the plug” to “the plug turns on but the app shows it as off.”

Common Symptom Checklist

• The plug does not appear in the app’s device list.
• The plug is listed but displays an error icon or “Not Connected.”
• Tapping the on/off button has no effect.
• The plug turns on or off independently of the app.
• The plug responds but the app shows outdated power consumption data.

If any of these are happening, you are probably dealing with a sync issue.

Step 1 – Verify the Physical Connection

1. Check the Power Socket
   Make sure the plug is inserted firmly into a working outlet. A loose connection can cause intermittent power and sync loss.

2. Look at the Indicator LED
   The HS100 has a small LED that should blink when it is pairing and stay solid when it is online. If the LED is off or blinking slowly, the plug may be in pairing mode or experiencing a power problem.

3. Test with a Direct USB Power
   If you suspect the outlet is the issue, connect the plug to a known good USB port (via a USB‑to‑power cable). The LED should become solid.

If the plug is physically fine, move on to the next step.

Step 2 – Confirm Network Connectivity

The HS100 relies on Wi‑Fi to communicate with the app. A weak or misconfigured network can disrupt sync.

• Signal Strength
  Move the plug closer to the router and observe the LED. A steady, bright LED usually indicates good signal.

• Frequency Band
  The HS100 only supports 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi. If your network uses 5 GHz or dual‑band only, the plug will not connect.

• IP Address
  Check if the plug has received an IP address. In the router’s admin page, look for the device name “HS100” or the MAC address. If no IP is assigned, the plug is not joining the network.

• MAC Address Filtering
  Some routers block new MAC addresses. Ensure that MAC filtering is disabled or that the plug’s MAC is whitelisted.

• IP Conflict
  Two devices claiming the same IP can cause intermittent connectivity. Reboot the router to refresh IP assignments.

If the network looks healthy but sync is still off, proceed to app‑level checks.

Step 3 – Review the August Smart Home App Settings

The app itself can become misaligned with the device.

1. App Version
   Ensure you are using the latest app. Outdated versions may lack recent fixes for HS100 connectivity.

2. Account Sync
   Log out of the app, close it completely, and then log back in. A fresh session can resolve authentication hiccups.

3. Device List Refresh
   Swipe down in the device list to force a refresh. If the plug appears, but still shows “Not Connected,” tap on it to view detailed status.

4. Permissions
   The app needs network and location permissions to discover devices. Verify that all necessary permissions are granted.

5. Cloud Connectivity
   Some features rely on the August Cloud. Check the status page (if available) for any outages that might affect sync.

If the app’s settings are all correct but the plug is still out of sync, look deeper into firmware and device status.

Step 4 – Inspect Plug Firmware

Outdated firmware can cause communication gaps.

1. Check Firmware Version
   Within the app, tap the HS100 device. The firmware version should be listed.

2. Update if Necessary
   If an update is available, follow the on‑screen prompts to install it. Make sure the plug stays powered during the update.

3. Forced Firmware Refresh
   If the app indicates “Firmware update required” but you cannot see an update button, remove the plug from the app, reset it (see Step 6), then re‑add it. The pairing process will usually trigger the firmware check again.

If firmware is up‑to‑date and sync remains broken, you may be facing a deeper software issue.

Step 5 – Router and Network Advanced Checks

Some router settings can interfere with IoT devices.

• UPnP / NAT-PMP
  Ensure Universal Plug‑and‑Play is enabled. Some devices rely on UPnP for discovery.

• Guest Network
  If the plug is on a guest network, it may be isolated from the main network. Move the plug to the primary network.

• Firewall Rules
  Certain firewalls block the ports used by August devices. Allow inbound and outbound traffic on the following ports:

  • TCP 80, 443
  • UDP 5353 (mDNS)
  • UDP 1900 (UPnP)

• DHCP Lease Time
  A very short lease can cause the plug to lose IP quickly. Set the lease to at least 24 hours.

• Wi‑Fi Isolation
  Some routers prevent devices on the same network from communicating with each other. Disable “AP Isolation” if present.

After adjusting router settings, reboot both the router and the plug.

Step 6 – Resetting the HS100

A factory reset forces the plug to forget all previous network and app associations, giving you a clean slate.

1. Locate the Reset Button
   The reset button is a small recessed button near the plug’s charging port.

2. Press and Hold
   Using a paperclip or pin, press the button and hold for 10 seconds. The LED will blink rapidly, then stay solid, indicating a successful reset.

3. Re‑pair the Plug
   Open the August Smart Home app, choose “Add Device,” and follow the on‑screen instructions.

4. Verify Connection
   Once the app shows the plug as “Online,” test the on/off command.

If the plug still fails to sync after a reset, the problem may lie elsewhere.

Step 7 – Check for Interference

• Microwave and Bluetooth
  2.4 GHz devices such as microwaves and Bluetooth gadgets can cause interference. Keep the plug away from these sources during setup.

• Microwave‑Based Mesh Networks
  Some mesh routers operate on 2.4 GHz. If the plug is on a mesh node that has a weak link to the main router, it may lose sync.

• Physical Barriers
  Thick walls, metal shelving, or concrete can attenuate Wi‑Fi signals. Reposition the plug or add a Wi‑Fi extender.

Step 8 – Monitoring with a Third‑Party Tool

If you want a deeper look into network traffic:

1. Install a Network Analyzer
   Tools like Fing or Wireshark can capture packets from the HS100.

2. Filter by Device
   Look for UDP packets on port 5353 or 1900. Absence of these packets often indicates the plug is not broadcasting its presence.

3. Analyze Response
   If the plug sends packets but the app does not receive them, the issue may be on the app or cloud side.

This step is optional but can be invaluable for advanced troubleshooting or when contacting support.

Step 9 – Re‑establish App Sync

After ensuring the plug and network are fine, sync the app again:

• Force a Rescan
  In the app, tap the “+” icon to add a device, then select “Scan for devices.”

• Pair via QR Code
  Some versions of the HS100 support QR code pairing. Use the camera on your phone to scan the code displayed on the plug’s LED panel.

• Manual IP Entry
  If the plug shows an IP address but the app can’t find it, you can manually enter the IP in the app’s advanced settings.

Once the plug appears and the status reads “Online,” sync should be restored.

Step 10 – Contact August Support

If all previous steps fail, reach out to August’s support team:

1. Gather Information

   • App version, OS version, device model.
   • Firmware version of the HS100.
   • IP address and MAC address.
   • Router model and firmware.

2. Submit a Ticket
   Use the in‑app support or the official website. Provide screenshots of the error icons and any logs.

3. Follow Up
   Support may ask for additional logs or to run a diagnostic test. Stay responsive.

Most sync issues resolve after a thorough check of the steps above, but professional assistance can catch rare bugs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the HS100 support voice assistants?
A: Yes, it can be integrated with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit via the August bridge or compatible hubs.

Q: I updated the firmware but the plug still shows “Not Connected.”
A: Try a factory reset and re‑pair. Firmware updates can sometimes leave the device in a partially initialized state.

Q: Can I use the HS100 on a 5 GHz network?
A: No. The plug only works on 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi.

Q: Is there a way to monitor power usage in real time?
A: The app provides a power meter that updates every few seconds, but it may lag if the network is unstable.

Summary

Sync issues between the August Smart Plug HS100 and the Smart Home app usually stem from one of three main areas:

1. Physical and Power Problems – loose outlet, weak LED signal.
2. Network Configuration – wrong Wi‑Fi band, router isolation, IP conflicts.
3. Software and Firmware – outdated app, outdated plug firmware, cloud outages.

By systematically walking through the steps above—from verifying the plug’s LED, checking the Wi‑Fi band, refreshing the app, updating firmware, to resetting the device—you can pinpoint and fix most sync problems.

The HS100 is designed to be a hassle‑free addition to your smart home, and with a little patience, you’ll be back to turning lights on with a tap in no time.

Final Tips

• Keep the firmware current for both the plug and the app.
• Avoid placing the plug near large metal objects that can block signal.
• Regularly reboot your router if you notice intermittent connectivity.
• Document the steps you take; it makes support easier if you need to contact them.

Happy smart‑home living!