August Wi-Fi Smart Lock Review: Is It Worth the Investment?

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is one of the most popular smart locks on the market, and for good reason. Unlike most smart locks that replace your entire deadbolt, August installs on the inside of your door and keeps your existing hardware — including your current key. That’s a meaningful design choice that shapes everything about how this lock works.

This review covers the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th generation), including setup, features, real-world reliability, and who it’s best suited for.

What Makes August Different

Most smart locks are full deadbolt replacements — you remove your existing lock and install a new one. August takes the opposite approach: it attaches to the interior-facing side of your deadbolt’s thumbturn. Your exterior lock hardware stays the same, so neighbors and guests won’t notice any change, and you can still use your existing keys when you want to.

This design has real advantages:

• No locksmith required — if you can install a shelf, you can install this lock
• Your exterior looks unchanged — no visible smart lock branding outside
• Your existing keys still work — family members, housekeepers, or neighbors who have keys don’t need to change anything

The trade-off is that August locks don’t include a keypad by default (though a separate smart keypad can be purchased).

What’s in the Box

• August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (the internal motor unit)
• Mounting hardware and adapters (fits most ANSI standard deadbolts)
• 4 AA batteries
• Installation guide

No separate bridge or hub required — this model connects directly to your home Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz).

Setup Process

August’s setup is straightforward:

1. Download the August app (iOS or Android)
2. Create an August account
3. Remove your existing thumbturn mechanism (usually just two screws)
4. Attach the August mounting plate
5. Clip the August lock onto the plate
6. Follow the in-app calibration to set lock and unlock positions
7. Connect to Wi-Fi through the app

The calibration step is critical and the app guides you through it clearly. You’ll manually lock and unlock the deadbolt a few times so August learns exactly where your lock’s end positions are. Get this right and the lock operates reliably; rush it and you may get false lock/unlock readings.

Total setup time: 15–30 minutes for most doors.

Key Features

Auto-Lock

Set the lock to automatically lock after a defined interval (1 minute to 30 minutes) when the door closes. This alone makes the lock worth owning for many people — no more wondering if you locked the door on your way out.

Auto-Unlock

Using your phone’s GPS, August can detect when you’re arriving home and automatically unlock the door as you approach. This works well when the conditions are right, but it’s not always instant — there can be a 30-second variance depending on GPS accuracy.

Remote Access and Control

From anywhere with internet access, you can lock or unlock your door through the August app. Check the lock status, lock it if you forgot, or let in a delivery driver remotely.

Guest Access

Share access with other people through the app. You can set access schedules — a housekeeper who can only unlock on Tuesday and Thursday between 9 AM and 5 PM, for example. Access can be revoked instantly.

Activity Log

Every lock and unlock event is logged with a timestamp and who performed it. You can see exactly when your teenager got home, when a package was delivered, or when any user entered.

Smart Home Integration

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock works with:

• Amazon Alexa — voice lock/unlock commands (locking works; unlocking requires a PIN for security)
• Google Assistant — same voice control capabilities
• Apple HomeKit — full integration via the August app
• SmartThings — via cloud integration
• Z-Wave — via the August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge (for Z-Wave hub users)

DoorSense

A small magnetic sensor detects whether your door is physically open or closed, separate from whether the lock is locked or unlocked. This matters because a door that’s locked but not fully shut isn’t actually secure. DoorSense is included with the 4th-gen model.

Real-World Performance

Reliability

In day-to-day use, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is reliable. The auto-lock feature works consistently. Remote access through the app is fast — typically under 3 seconds to get a response.

Auto-unlock is the most variable feature. It works well on clear days with strong GPS signal. During Florida’s frequent afternoon storms (or in dense urban environments), GPS drift can cause inconsistency. Consider it a convenience feature rather than a core function.

Battery Life

August claims up to 6 months on 4 AA batteries. In practice, heavy use (lots of remote access, frequent auto-lock) can reduce this to 3–4 months. The app sends low battery warnings well in advance.

Motor Noise

The motor that turns your deadbolt is audible — a soft grinding sound as the lock engages or disengages. It’s not loud, but it’s noticeable in a quiet room. This is inherent to retrofit motor-driven locks.

What to Watch Out For

• Door alignment matters: If your door or deadbolt is slightly misaligned, the lock motor will struggle. Fix any binding before installing.
• Thick door thickness: Standard doors work fine; very thick or non-standard doors may not fit the mounting hardware
• 2.4 GHz only: Like most smart home devices, this requires a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network, not 5 GHz

Who Should Buy the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock

Great fit for:

• Renters who can’t replace the entire deadbolt
• Homeowners who want smart lock features without changing exterior hardware
• Anyone who shares keys with housekeepers, dog walkers, or family members and wants access management
• Apple HomeKit users looking for a well-supported smart lock

Consider alternatives if:

• You want a keypad entry (look at the August Smart Lock + Keypad bundle, or Schlage Encode)
• You want a fully offline/local lock (look at Z-Wave locks with a local hub)
• You need commercial-grade durability

Price and Where to Buy

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th gen) retails for approximately $200–$230. It’s available on Amazon, Best Buy, and August’s own website. Prices sometimes drop to $150–$170 during major sale events.

For Florida homeowners, August is a popular choice because the interior installation keeps all electronics away from the outdoor humidity — a real benefit in a coastal environment.

Verdict

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock delivers on its core promise: adding smart lock functionality to your existing door without disrupting its exterior appearance. Auto-lock, remote access, guest management, and the activity log are all well-implemented and reliable in daily use. At its price point, it competes well against full deadbolt replacements.

If you don’t need a keypad and want minimal installation effort, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is one of the best choices in its category.