August Smart Lock Not Connecting or DoorSense Issues

Identifying the Issue

The August Smart Lock Pro + Connect relies on Bluetooth for local control, the August Connect bridge for Wi-Fi remote access, and a built-in Z-Wave Plus radio for smart home hub integration. When problems arise, you may see the lock as "offline" in the August app, experience failed remote lock or unlock commands, receive inaccurate DoorSense readings (showing the door as open when it is closed, or vice versa), or find that the Connect bridge has disconnected. Pinpointing whether the issue is with Bluetooth, the Connect bridge, or DoorSense will help you resolve it faster.

Common Causes

• Connect bridge Wi-Fi dropout: The August Connect bridge loses connection if your router changes IP assignments, the 2.4 GHz network is congested, or the bridge is too far from both the lock and the router.
• DoorSense magnet misalignment: The DoorSense magnet must be within one inch of the lock unit. If the magnet has shifted, the sensor gives false readings or stops working entirely.
• Bluetooth range limitations: Thick doors, metal frames, or distance beyond 10 feet can prevent reliable Bluetooth pairing between your phone and the lock.
• Battery depletion: The Smart Lock Pro uses CR123A batteries. As they drain, both motor performance and wireless signal strength degrade, sometimes before the app shows a low-battery alert.
• Firmware or app version mismatch: Running outdated firmware on the lock or an old version of the August app can introduce bugs that affect connectivity and DoorSense accuracy.

Step-by-Step Fixes

1. Reset the Connect bridge: Unplug the August Connect bridge from its outlet, wait 15 seconds, and plug it back in. The LED should turn solid green within two minutes, indicating a successful Wi-Fi connection. If it blinks yellow, the bridge cannot reach your network.
2. Verify Connect bridge placement: The bridge must be within Bluetooth range of the lock (under 15 feet with minimal obstructions) and within reliable Wi-Fi range of your router. Relocate the bridge if either condition is not met.
3. Recalibrate DoorSense: Open the August app, go to your lock's settings, and select "DoorSense." Follow the on-screen calibration steps with the door fully closed. Ensure the DoorSense magnet on the door frame is within one inch of the lock and has not shifted from its original adhesive mount.
4. Reposition the DoorSense magnet: If calibration fails, remove the magnet and reattach it directly aligned with the DoorSense indicator mark on the lock body. Use fresh adhesive strips for a secure hold.
5. Power-cycle the lock: Remove the CR123A batteries, wait 30 seconds, and reinsert them. This resets the Bluetooth and Z-Wave radios without erasing your settings.
6. Replace batteries: Install fresh CR123A lithium batteries. Avoid rechargeable CR123A cells, as their lower voltage can cause intermittent connectivity drops and weak motor performance.
7. Update firmware and app: Check for lock firmware updates in the August app under lock settings. Also update the August app itself to the latest version from the App Store or Google Play.
8. Re-pair via Bluetooth: If the lock still does not respond, remove it from the August app and set it up again as a new device. This forces a fresh Bluetooth pairing and reconfigures the Connect bridge connection.

When to Contact Support

If you have tried all steps above — replaced batteries, recalibrated DoorSense, reset the Connect bridge, and re-paired the lock — and the issue persists, reach out to August support at august.com/support. Provide your lock's serial number, firmware version, and a description of the LED behavior on both the lock and the Connect bridge. Persistent DoorSense failures after magnet repositioning may indicate a faulty sensor that requires warranty replacement.

Prevention Tips

Use a dedicated 2.4 GHz SSID for your Connect bridge and other smart home devices to reduce band-steering issues. Replace CR123A batteries every six months proactively, before they drain low enough to cause problems. Periodically check the DoorSense magnet adhesion, especially in temperature extremes that can weaken adhesive. Keep the August app and lock firmware updated to benefit from the latest stability improvements and bug fixes.