The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is a popular retrofit lock that fits over your existing deadbolt. This guide covers common issues with connectivity, auto-lock/unlock, and the August app.
Lock Not Responding
Check the Basics
- Battery level: Open the August app and check battery status. Replace if below 20%
- Physical alignment: Make sure the lock is properly mounted and the tailpiece is engaged
- Door alignment: If the door has shifted, the deadbolt may bind. Check that it extends smoothly manually
Lock Won't Lock or Unlock via App
- Check WiFi/Bluetooth status in the app—ensure it shows "Connected"
- Make sure you're within Bluetooth range (about 30-40 feet)
- Force close and reopen the August app
- Toggle Bluetooth off and on in your phone settings
- Remove and reinsert batteries to power cycle the lock
Lock Jams or Gets Stuck
- The deadbolt may be misaligned with the strike plate—adjust the strike plate position
- Lubricate the deadbolt mechanism with graphite lubricant (never WD-40)
- Check that the door isn't warped or swollen (common with weather changes)
- The tailpiece adapter may need adjustment—refer to installation guide
WiFi Connection Issues
Lock Won't Connect to WiFi
- The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock has built-in WiFi—no bridge needed
- Only 2.4GHz networks are supported (not 5GHz)
- Check that your WiFi password is entered correctly
- Move your router closer or add a WiFi extender near the door
- Try forgetting and re-adding the lock in the app
Lock Shows Offline
- Check your home internet connection
- Verify the lock has good WiFi signal (check in app under Device Settings)
- Power cycle the lock by removing batteries for 30 seconds
- Restart your router
- Check for app updates—outdated apps can cause connectivity issues
Remote Access Not Working
To control the lock when away from home:
- WiFi must be connected (check in app)
- August account must be logged in
- Internet connection must be working at home
- Check August server status if widespread issues
Auto-Lock Issues
Auto-Lock Not Working
- Open August app → Lock Settings → Auto-Lock
- Verify Auto-Lock is enabled
- Check the timer setting (1-30 minutes)
- DoorSense must detect the door as closed for Auto-Lock to work
- If DoorSense isn't installed, Auto-Lock uses a timer only
Auto-Lock Activating When Door Is Open
- DoorSense magnet may be misaligned—reposition it
- The magnet should be within 1 inch of the DoorSense sensor
- Metal doors or frames can interfere—try repositioning the magnet
- Calibrate DoorSense in app settings
Auto-Unlock Issues
Auto-Unlock Not Triggering
Auto-Unlock uses your phone's location to detect when you arrive home:
- Verify Auto-Unlock is enabled in Lock Settings
- Check that Location Services is set to "Always" for August app
- Bluetooth must be enabled on your phone
- Background App Refresh must be enabled for August
- Battery optimization/power saving modes can prevent Auto-Unlock—add August as an exception
Auto-Unlock Triggers Too Early or Late
- Adjust the geofence size in app settings
- GPS accuracy varies—tall buildings or dense areas affect timing
- Make sure your home address is set correctly in the app
- Auto-Unlock has a cooldown period—it won't trigger again for several minutes after leaving
Auto-Unlock Works for Some Family Members But Not Others
- Each person needs the August app installed with Auto-Unlock enabled
- Each person must grant location permissions ("Always")
- Each phone needs Bluetooth enabled
- Check that each family member is added as a user in the August app
Battery Issues
Batteries Draining Quickly
- Normal battery life is 3-6 months depending on usage
- Frequent locking/unlocking drains faster
- Poor WiFi signal causes the lock to work harder—improve signal strength
- Misaligned door/deadbolt makes the motor work harder
- Use high-quality alkaline or lithium AA batteries
Low Battery Warning
- Replace batteries as soon as you receive the warning
- The lock will continue working for a few days but may become unreliable
- Always use 4 fresh batteries of the same type
- Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries provide longest life in extreme temperatures
Lock Unresponsive After Battery Change
- Remove batteries again and wait 30 seconds
- Check battery orientation—follow the diagram inside the battery compartment
- Ensure battery contacts are clean (wipe with dry cloth)
- Try a different set of batteries
DoorSense Issues
DoorSense Not Detecting Door State
- Check magnet placement—should be within 1 inch of the DoorSense sensor on the lock
- Recalibrate DoorSense: Lock Settings → DoorSense → Calibrate
- Try moving the magnet to a different position on the door frame
- Metal doors/frames can interfere—you may need to mount the magnet on a small wooden block
DoorSense Shows Wrong State
- Door shows "open" when closed: Move magnet closer to the lock
- Door shows "closed" when open: Move magnet further from the lock
- Recalibrate after any adjustment
App and Account Issues
Can't Log Into August App
- Reset password via "Forgot Password" link
- Check for app updates in your app store
- Try uninstalling and reinstalling the app
- Verify your account email is correct
Guest Access Not Working
- Guests need to download the August app
- Verify the guest's phone number or email is entered correctly
- Check the access schedule—guests may have time-limited access
- The guest may need to accept the invitation in their app
Activity Log Not Updating
- Activity syncs when the lock has WiFi connection
- Bluetooth-only events may not appear until you're near the lock
- Pull down to refresh in the app
- Check that the lock shows as "Online"
Integration Issues
HomeKit Not Working
- Ensure HomeKit is enabled in August app settings
- The lock must be added to the Home app separately
- HomeKit requires the lock to be on your local network
- Try removing and re-adding to HomeKit
Alexa/Google Not Responding
- Check that the August skill/action is linked in the voice assistant app
- Say "Alexa, discover devices" or "Hey Google, sync my devices"
- For security, voice unlock may require a PIN—check August app settings
- Some voice commands only work with August Connect or WiFi lock
Factory Reset
If all else fails, factory reset the lock:
- Remove the battery cover and batteries
- Press and hold the lock button on the side
- While holding, reinsert the batteries
- Continue holding until the light flashes and you hear a sound
- Release the button—the lock is now reset
- Set up the lock again as new in the August app
When to Contact August Support
Contact August if:
- Lock motor is making grinding noises
- Lock won't pair after factory reset
- Physical damage to the lock
- Warranty issues (1-year limited warranty)
August support: august.com/support or via the app under Help