Your keys stay in your pocket, the deadbolt turns itself, and your landlord never knows you installed anything. That’s the everyday magic of how August Smart Lock works—transforming your traditional deadbolt into a smartphone-controlled security system without replacing a single exterior component. Unlike bulky smart locks that demand full deadbolt replacement, August’s genius lies in its invisible installation on the inside of your door. The exterior keyhole, your original keys, and even the landlord’s master key keep working exactly as before. But flip the thumb-turn, and August’s precision motor connects your century-old deadbolt to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and voice control. In this guide, you’ll discover exactly how August pulls off this seamless retrofit—and why over 2 million homeowners trust it to secure their doors.
Retrofit Design That Keeps Your Original Deadbolt Intact
Why August Never Replaces Your Exterior Hardware
August Smart Lock works by attaching only to the interior side of your existing single-cylinder deadbolt. The entire unit replaces your current thumb-turn mechanism while leaving the exterior key cylinder completely untouched. This means your original keys function normally from outside—critical for rental properties where landlords require master key access. Three included adapter rings fit 95% of deadbolts (Schlage, Kwikset, Yale), and the August app’s compatibility scanner verifies your model before installation. No drilling, no rewiring, and no permanent modifications.
Mechanical Coupling: How the Motor Turns Your Bolt
Inside August’s 240-gram housing, a precision-machined adapter ring grips your deadbolt’s tailpiece. When you trigger “unlock” via the app, the motor spins this adapter exactly 90 degrees—no more, no less—turning your existing deadbolt with surgical accuracy. The system detects resistance to prevent over-rotation, stopping instantly if the bolt jams. Crucially, this mechanical interface works with your deadbolt, not against it. If August loses power, you simply use your physical key from outside like normal.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity That Never Leaves You Stranded
How Remote Access Works Without a Bridge (Newest Models)
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (2023 model) eliminates the need for external bridges by embedding dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) directly into the unit. This enables true remote control from anywhere—unlock your door for a dog walker while stuck in traffic, or check lock status from your office. Older models without built-in Wi-Fi require the $79 Connect Bridge, but all versions use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) as a failsafe. When Wi-Fi drops, BLE maintains local control within 30 feet of your door.
Auto-Unlock’s Two-Stage Handoff Process
August Smart Lock’s signature “walk up and enter” experience relies on a clever two-stage system:
1. Geo-fence trigger: Your phone exits then re-enters a 200-meter radius around your home, pre-authorizing unlock.
2. BLE handshake: Within 30 feet, Bluetooth confirms your identity and spins the motor before you touch the handle.
This prevents accidental unlocks (like when neighbors pass by) and works even if your phone is in airplane mode—thanks to persistent BLE pairing.
Power System Built for Reliability (Not Just Convenience)
Why CR123 Batteries Outperform AA/AAA Options
August uses two CR123 lithium batteries instead of common AA cells for critical reasons:
– Wider temperature tolerance: Operates reliably from -22°F to 140°F (vs. AA batteries failing below 14°F)
– Steadier voltage discharge: Maintains consistent power for motor torque until final 10%
– 3-month lifespan: Even with heavy Wi-Fi usage (vs. 6 weeks for AA alternatives)
Low-battery alerts hit at 20% with app notifications and an audible chirp—no surprise lockouts.
Emergency 9V Jump-Start Protocol
When batteries die completely, hidden terminals on the lock face let you bypass power failure. Press a standard 9V battery against the contacts for 3 seconds, and the motor springs to life—enough to unlock once. No tools, no locksmith, no prying off the cover. This failsafe works even during blackouts, making August one of the few smart locks with true emergency access.
10-Minute Installation That Won’t Void Your Lease
Adapter Ring Selection via App Camera Scan
Skip the guesswork: The August app uses your phone’s camera to scan your deadbolt tailpiece and recommends the correct adapter ring (small, medium, or large). This covers Schlage’s narrow tailpieces and Yale’s thicker variants. If your model isn’t in the database (about 5% of cases), the app flags compatibility issues before you unscrew anything.
DoorSense Magnet Calibration in 60 Seconds
After mounting August, you attach the DoorSense magnet to your door frame—a critical step many skip. This tiny sensor detects whether your door is fully closed, enabling two security features:
– Prevents auto-lock timers from starting until the door seals
– Triggers “door ajar” alerts if left open >5 minutes
Calibration takes one app-guided motion: Open and close the door slowly while the lock learns its position.
Daily Operation Modes That Adapt to Your Life
Auto-Lock: Three Security Profiles for Real Homes
Forget one-size-fits-all timers. August Smart Lock works with your routine through:
– Instant Lock: Secures the deadbolt the millisecond DoorSense confirms closure (ideal for windy areas)
– Delay Timer: 30 seconds to 30 minutes after unlocking (perfect for carrying groceries in)
– Manual Only: Disables auto-lock when guests visit (toggled per event in the app)
Keypad Touch: Fingerprints Replace Codes for Family Members
The $109.99 Keypad Touch accessory adds biometric security for 20 users. Unlike basic keypads:
– Stores fingerprints on-device (no cloud storage)
– Works with wet/cold hands when touchscreens fail
– Creates one-time codes for contractors that expire after 24 hours
Setup takes 90 seconds per fingerprint via the app’s guided enrollment.
Security Architecture That Goes Beyond Basic Encryption
Four-Layer Defense Against Digital Threats
How August Smart Lock works securely isn’t just marketing fluff—it’s certified:
1. Device-to-app: AES-128 encryption for all Bluetooth commands
2. Cloud communications: TLS 1.3 with certificate pinning (same as banking apps)
3. Physical tamper detection: Cover removal triggers instant alerts and auto-lock
4. Lost phone protocol: Visit lostphone.august.com to revoke all virtual keys in 10 seconds
This earned UL 437 certification—the highest standard for residential smart locks.
Activity Feed Forensics for Peace of Mind
Every interaction generates a timestamped log with user attribution: “Alexa voice command from Mike’s account at 7:03 AM” or “Temporary guest key expired at 2:00 PM.” Export logs as CSV for security audits, or set alerts for after-hours activity. Unlike competitors, August never stores location data—only lock events.
Real-World Fixes When August Smart Lock Stops Responding
Wi-Fi Signal Strength: The Silent Killer of Remote Access
If the lock shows “offline” in the app, check signal strength in the lock dashboard (under Settings > Wi-Fi). Critical threshold: Below 2 bars = unreliable remote commands. Fixes:
– Reposition your router closer to exterior doors
– Add a mesh node inside near the lock (not outside—electronics can’t handle weather)
– For brick walls: Use the 2.4 GHz band (slower but better penetration)
Auto-Unlock Failure: Location Services Trap
When August Smart Lock works manually but not automatically:
1. iOS: Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services > August > “Always” (not “While Using”)
2. Android: Disable battery optimization for August in system settings
3. All phones: Disable “Low Power Mode”—it kills background location tracking
Maintenance That Extends Your Lock’s Lifespan
Battery Replacement Without Resetting Settings
Swapping CR123 cells takes 45 seconds and preserves all settings:
1. Slide up the decorative cover (no tools needed)
2. Pull old batteries straight out—never tilt to avoid dislodging wires
3. Insert new batteries with + ends facing outward (marked on housing)
4. Snap cover back until it clicks
Pro tip: Do this during daylight—low light makes polarity markings hard to see.
Winter Weather Protocol for Cold Climates
Sub-zero temps drain batteries 40% faster. Mitigate this by:
– Installing fresh batteries before first freeze
– Applying silicone lubricant only to the deadbolt’s moving parts (never inside August)
– Setting auto-lock to “Instant” mode to minimize motor strain from stiff bolts
Your vintage deadbolt just gained smartphone superpowers—without losing its soul. How August Smart Lock works isn’t about replacing what you have, but intelligently upgrading it. From the rental-friendly retrofit design to military-grade encryption, every detail serves one goal: making security effortless. When you approach your door and it unlocks before you touch the handle, that’s not magic—it’s 300 engineers solving one problem: How do we make keys obsolete without making people anxious? Install it in 10 minutes, trust it with UL-certified security, and never fumble for keys again. Your landlord won’t notice a thing—but you’ll wonder how you lived without it.
