Fix August Home Video Doorbell 3 Stuck During Remote Unlock

When a Smart Home Device like the August Home Video Doorbell 3 stops unlocking remotely, it can feel like the entire home’s safety net has slipped a bit. The device is designed to give you peace of mind, letting you grant access from anywhere on your phone or voice assistant. If that convenience turns into a frustrating deadlock, a systematic approach is the fastest route back to freedom. Below is a detailed, step‑by‑step guide that walks through every check, reset, and tweak that can turn a stuck remote unlock into a smooth, reliable operation again.

Understanding the Problem

The August Home Video Doorbell 3 can become “stuck” for a number of reasons, but the symptom is usually the same: the lock does not disengage when you tap the unlock button in the app or issue a voice command. The door may still be physically unlocked (i.e., the latch moves), but the doorbell’s relay that powers the lock’s motor stalls or never receives the unlock pulse. The most common triggers are:

• Firmware lag – The doorbell’s software can become outdated, missing critical bug fixes.
• Wi‑Fi hiccups – Poor signal or network changes can interrupt command delivery.
• Power instability – Battery drain or a faulty power adapter can limit the relay’s ability to actuate.
• App misconfiguration – Settings can inadvertently block remote commands.
• Mechanical wear – The motor or lock can physically jam or resist the unlock.

When you notice the doorbell is not responding to remote unlocks, treat it as a composite issue that may involve both software and hardware. The following steps will help you isolate the culprit.

Gather Required Tools and Information

Before you start fiddling, make sure you have the following on hand:

• The August mobile app (iOS or Android) updated to the latest version.
• A stable Wi‑Fi network with a strong signal in the doorbell’s vicinity.
• A smartphone or tablet for remote access.
• A portable charger or spare battery pack for the doorbell (if it is battery‑powered).
• A multimeter (optional, for checking power lines).
• The doorbell’s serial number and firmware version (displayed in the app under Settings → Device Information).

Also confirm that you can still see the live video feed from the doorbell; a live stream indicates that the camera portion of the device is functional, which isolates the issue to the lock component.

Step 1: Reset the Doorbell

A full reset often clears transient software glitches that may block the unlock signal.

1. Locate the reset button on the back of the doorbell. It is a small recessed pinhole, usually labelled “Reset”.
2. Use a paper clip or pin to press the button for 10–15 seconds until the LED flashes amber, then turns solid white.
3. Release the button. The doorbell will reboot and re‑enter pairing mode.
4. Open the August app, tap Add Device, and follow the on‑screen instructions to pair the doorbell anew.

Resetting the device wipes local settings but preserves the overall account association. This is a clean slate that often resolves stuck unlock issues caused by corrupted data.

Step 2: Verify Wi‑Fi Connectivity

The doorbell relies on your home network to receive unlock commands. A weak or intermittent signal can cause commands to drop.

• Check the signal strength in the app’s device status panel. A “Good” or “Excellent” indicator means the signal is healthy; “Weak” or “Poor” indicates the doorbell is struggling.
• Move the router closer if possible or use a Wi‑Fi extender. A 2.4 GHz band generally offers better range for doorbells than 5 GHz.
• Run a network speed test from a device near the doorbell. Aim for at least 5 Mbps downstream; this ensures the doorbell can handle video and command packets.
• Reboot your router. Power off for 30 seconds, then power on. This clears router cache and may restore a lost link.
• Assign a static IP to the doorbell in the router’s DHCP settings. Some routers allocate dynamic IPs that can change, causing the app to lose track of the device.

Once you’re confident the signal is robust, try unlocking again. If the door still refuses, move on to firmware.

Step 3: Update Firmware

Manufacturers frequently release firmware updates that fix bugs and improve performance.

1. Open the August app and go to Settings.
2. Under Device Settings, tap Check for Update.
3. If an update is available, follow the prompts to download and install. This may take 10–15 minutes and requires the doorbell to remain powered on.
4. After the update, the app will reboot the doorbell. Wait until the LED displays a solid white light.
5. Attempt a remote unlock. Firmware issues often surface as stalled unlock pulses; an update usually resolves these.

If an update fails to install, try powering the doorbell off for a few minutes, then restart the process. Some users report success after a hard reset followed by a fresh update.

Step 4: Inspect the Mechanical Lock

While most doorbell problems are software‑driven, a mechanical jam can masquerade as a software glitch.

• Remove the doorbell from the mounting bracket to access the lock mechanism. The lock typically sits behind the doorbell housing and is connected by a cable to the relay.
• Check the cable for kinks or fraying. A damaged cable can impede the motor’s power.
• Inspect the motor housing. Look for debris, rust, or bent components. Clean with a soft brush or compressed air.
• Test the motor manually by holding the unlock button in the app while a helper presses the motor’s manual override (if available). A smooth movement indicates the motor is operational.
• If the motor does not move, replace the motor or contact August support for a repair kit. Many doorbell kits include a spare motor.

A properly functioning mechanical lock will often reveal itself by unlocking even when the app fails, which can confirm a software issue. If the motor itself is broken, you’ll need a hardware replacement.

Step 5: Verify Remote Unlock Settings

Sometimes the app settings inadvertently block remote commands. Check the following:

• Security Settings: Under Device Settings, ensure Remote Unlock is enabled. If toggled off, the doorbell will ignore remote commands.
• Home Assistant Integration: If you use a third‑party smart home hub (e.g., Alexa, Google Home), confirm that the hub’s skill or action is still active and authorized.
• User Permissions: If multiple users share the account, verify that your account has the correct access level. A user without unlock rights will see the button but it will be disabled.

Also, confirm that “Lock After” timers are not set to a value that overrides remote unlock. Some users prefer the doorbell to lock automatically after a short interval; if this setting conflicts with manual unlock attempts, the door may appear stuck.

Step 6: Reconfigure the Doorbell via the App

If all else fails, a full re‑configuration from scratch can patch lingering misconfigurations.

1. In the August app, go to Settings → Device Settings → Remove Device. Confirm removal.
2. Wait for the device to disconnect from the account completely. This might take a few minutes.
3. Add the device again by selecting Add Device and following the pairing steps. Make sure to assign the correct room and lock type during setup.
4. Once re‑added, immediately set up the Remote Unlock option and test.

Re‑adding the device forces the app to download fresh configuration files, which can resolve conflicts that simple resets do not.

Step 7: Test and Troubleshoot

After completing the previous steps, conduct a thorough test:

• Use the app: Tap the unlock button and watch the LED indicator on the doorbell. A solid green light usually signals a successful unlock.
• Voice command: If integrated with Alexa or Google Assistant, say “Alexa unlock front door” and listen for confirmation.
• Check the lock status: Use a key or a secondary remote to ensure the physical lock moves freely.

If the lock still does not respond:

• Re‑check the Wi‑Fi: Even a single packet loss can stop the command. A good idea is to reboot both the router and the doorbell again.
• Look for interference: Microwaves, cordless phones, or other devices on the 2.4 GHz band can interfere. Turn off potential sources temporarily.
• Consult logs: In the app, go to Settings → Device Settings → Logs. Look for entries labeled “Unlock command failed” or “Signal lost.” These can point to specific issues.

Step 8: Contact August Support

When all troubleshooting avenues have been exhausted, professional assistance is warranted.

• Open a support ticket via the August website or the app. Provide the serial number, firmware version, and a concise description of the issue.
• Include screenshots of the app’s device status, error logs, and any error messages.
• Describe the steps already taken (reset, firmware update, mechanical inspection) so the support team can skip redundant checks.
• Ask for a replacement: If the doorbell is still under warranty and the hardware is faulty, a replacement unit may be dispatched.

August’s support team typically responds within 24–48 hours and offers remote troubleshooting steps if needed. They can also guide you through advanced diagnostics that might involve inspecting the doorbell’s internal components.

Common Pitfalls and FAQs

Final Thoughts

A stuck remote unlock on the August Home Video Doorbell 3 is almost always a resolvable problem. By systematically verifying connectivity, updating firmware, inspecting the mechanical lock, and ensuring app settings are correct, most users find their doorbell behaves as intended within minutes. If the issue persists, a full device reset or re‑pairing can reset hidden configuration errors. Only when all software and mechanical checks have failed should you seek professional replacement.

Keeping your doorbell’s firmware up to date, monitoring the Wi‑Fi signal, and performing routine mechanical inspections are the best ways to prevent future unlock stalls. Regularly test the remote unlock feature after major network changes or firmware updates to catch any issues early. With a proactive maintenance routine, your August Home Video Doorbell 3 will remain a reliable guardian for your home, delivering the convenience and security you expect.