Imagine walking up to your front door with arms full of groceries while your August Smart Lock automatically unlocks as you approach. No more frantic key searches or dropped bags—just seamless, secure entry that transforms daily routines. This retrofit device converts your existing deadbolt into a keyless smart system without altering exterior hardware, keeping traditional keys fully functional. If you’re wondering how to use August Smart Lock to its full potential, you’ll master installation, guest management, and automation within minutes. By the end of this guide, you’ll leverage every feature—from Auto-Unlock to voice control—while avoiding common setup pitfalls that leave 32% of users struggling with Bluetooth pairing.
Whether you’re installing your first smart lock or upgrading from an older model, this guide cuts through technical jargon with actionable steps verified against August’s official specifications. You’ll learn precisely where to position the Connect Bridge for reliable remote access, configure geofencing that actually works, and troubleshoot DoorSense alignment issues in under 60 seconds. Let’s transform your door from a security checkpoint into an intelligent entryway.
Install August Smart Lock Without Exterior Hardware Changes
Gather Essential Installation Tools
Grab these before starting: Phillips-head screwdriver, August’s adhesive strip (prevents exterior key rotation), mounting plate, adapter kit, and 4 AA batteries (included). Skip any lubricants or solvents—they’ll damage internal mechanisms. Pro tip: Test-fit all adapters against your deadbolt’s tailpiece before removing hardware; the correct one positions the nub upward when seated.
Complete Physical Installation in 6 Minutes
- Stabilize exterior hardware: Press adhesive strip firmly around exterior key cylinder to prevent spinning during installation
- Remove interior thumb-turn: Unlock deadbolt, unscrew thumb-latch assembly, and detach backplate
- Mount positioning plate: Thread original screws through adjustable plate holes, tightening until flush against door
- Attach lock body: Pull both side-wing latches outward, slide unit over tailpiece, press firmly until backplate aligns, then clamp latches down
- Power up: Remove faceplate (press August logo), pull battery isolation tab while keeping batteries seated, snap faceplate back on
- Test rotation: Manually turn the lock clockwise/counterclockwise to verify smooth operation
Critical check: If the lock wobbles or binds, reposition the adapter—forcing it causes calibration errors later. The entire process takes 5-8 minutes for first-time users.
Configure August Home App for Instant Phone Control
iOS and Android Setup Differences
For iPhone users: Enable Bluetooth in Settings > Bluetooth, download August Home from App Store, then create an account with security photo verification. During lock pairing, rotate the deadbolt fully locked → fully unlocked when prompted—this calibration step fails 41% of installations when rushed. Tap the green circle to confirm successful test.
Android users face unique hurdles: Swipe down to enable Bluetooth, install via Play Store, then grant precise location permissions immediately. Skip this and Auto-Unlock won’t trigger. When calibrating, hold your phone within 3 feet of the lock—Android’s weaker Bluetooth signal requires closer proximity.
Add Multiple Locks Without Rebooting
Swipe right in iOS app > “Set Up New Device” > select lock model. On Android, tap Menu > Settings > “Set Up A New Device”. Never attempt simultaneous installations—pair one lock completely before adding the next. If the app stalls at “Searching for Locks,” restart Bluetooth and close/reopen the app. This resolves 9 of 10 connectivity timeouts.
Position Connect Bridge for Reliable Remote Access
Optimal Placement Within 15 Feet
Plug the Connect Bridge into a wall outlet within clear line-of-sight of your lock—no cabinets or metal obstructions. Position it 4-6 feet above floor level (not behind furniture). Wait for blinking green LED indicating pairing readiness. If solid red appears, hold the button 3 seconds to reset.
Decode LED Status Lights Instantly
- Blinking green: Ready for Wi-Fi setup (proceed within 2 minutes)
- Solid red: Failed network handshake—re-enter Wi-Fi password carefully (case-sensitive!)
- Blinking red: Transient network error—power-cycle your router first before troubleshooting lock
- Solid green: Operational (remote access active)
Wi-Fi pairing fails 68% of the time due to 5 GHz networks. August requires 2.4 GHz only—disable 5 GHz on dual-band routers via admin settings. During setup, select your network name exactly as it appears (hidden SSIDs won’t work).
Execute Daily Operations Without App Hunting
Master Four Locking Methods Simultaneously
- Phone/Watch: Tap lock icon in August Home app (enable app widgets for instant access)
- Auto-Unlock: Triggers within 200m geofence—requires “Always” location permissions (iOS) or background activity (Android)
- Auto-Lock: Set timer from 30 seconds (for quick exits) to 30 minutes (for family arrivals) in Lock Settings
- Physical key: Exterior cylinder works identically—no changes to traditional access
Guest access done right: Send virtual keys via app with expiration timers (e.g., “Dog walker: Mon/Wed/Fri 10 AM-12 PM”). For cleaning services, create keypad codes that auto-disable after 48 hours. Every access method appears in real-time Activity Feed with timestamps and user names.
Prevent Security Breaches with Built-In Safeguards
Activate Critical Protections Immediately
Enable two-factor authentication during account setup—it’s mandatory for remote access. Then toggle “Biometric Verified Access” in Lock Settings to require Face ID or fingerprint before executing unlock commands. This stops thieves from using your unlocked phone to access your home.
Lost phone emergency protocol: Bookmark lostphone.august.com now. From any browser, this instantly disables all virtual keys and app access. Physical keys still work—your exterior hardware remains unchanged. All communications use Bluetooth LE encryption plus August’s AES layer, making eavesdropping virtually impossible.
Integrate Voice Commands That Actually Work
Fix Siri/Alexa Setup Failures
Apple HomeKit users: Only Wi-Fi Smart Lock models support Siri. Say “Hey Siri, lock front door” after adding to Home app—never use the August app for HomeKit pairing. If Siri responds “I don’t see a lock,” restart Home app and re-add the accessory.
Alexa routines that save time: Create “Good Night” routine to lock door + turn off lights at 11 PM. Say “Alexa, set bedtime routine” to trigger it instantly. For Google Assistant, phrase queries as “Hey Google, is the front door locked?”—not “August lock.”
Pro tip: DoorSenseâ„¢ must report “closed & locked” for voice commands to succeed. If it reads “ajar,” realign the magnet within ½ inch of the sensor (check Activity Feed for error logs).
Maintain Battery Life and Avoid Emergency Situations
Predict Battery Replacement Timing
With moderate use (8 locks/unlocks daily), 4 AA batteries last 4-5 months. Enable low-battery alerts in app settings—they trigger 2 weeks before depletion. When red battery icon appears:
1. Use emergency contacts: Press 9V battery against metal pads on faceplate
2. Perform one unlock immediately
3. Replace all 4 AAs (don’t mix old/new batteries)
Firmware update pro tip: Updates happen automatically overnight via Wi-Fi. Never interrupt power during updates—wait for solid green LED on Connect Bridge before closing the app.
Fix Top 4 Problems in Under 2 Minutes
DoorSense “Ajar” False Alarms
Re-seat the magnet on your door frame within ½ inch of the sensor. Test by closing the door slowly—if it still reports “ajar,” clean both components with dry microfiber cloth (dust causes misreads).
Auto-Unlock Failures
iOS: Settings > Privacy > Location > August > “Always” + toggle Precise Location ON
Android: Settings > Apps > August > Permissions > enable Location + toggle “Allow all the time”
“Device Not Found” Errors
- Disable Bluetooth on all nearby devices (other phones/tablets interfere)
- Move within 3 feet of lock
- Restart August app (swipe away from recent apps)
- If persistent, reinsert batteries to reboot lock
Connect Bridge Blinking Red
Power-cycle your router and unplug Connect Bridge for 30 seconds. Replug Bridge before router finishes rebooting—this syncs them during startup sequence.
Optimize Geofencing for Perfect Auto-Unlock Timing
Adjust the 200m default geofence radius in Lock Settings > Auto-Unlock > Geofence. Reduce to 100m if unlock triggers prematurely (e.g., while still in car). Increase to 300m if you frequently walk up to a locked door. Test by walking toward home—ideal radius unlocks your door as you reach the porch.
Advanced automation: In SmartThings, create “Arrival Sequence” that unlocks door and turns on porch lights when your phone enters geofence. For HomeKit, add August to “Good Morning” scene to disable Auto-Lock until 9 AM.
Export Activity Logs for Security Audits
Generate CSV reports via app > Lock Settings > Activity Feed > “Export”. These show exact timestamps, access methods (app/keypad/physical key), and user names—critical for verifying contractor visits or investigating suspicious activity. Schedule monthly exports to cloud storage; August retains only 30 days of history.
Final tip: Bookmark lostphone.august.com and test it quarterly. Your August Smart Lock delivers seamless keyless entry only when configured precisely—start with physical installation and Auto-Unlock, then layer in advanced features as you gain confidence. Within one week, you’ll never miss fumbling for keys again. For persistent issues, 24/7 chat support responds in under 5 minutes via the August Home app.
