Best August Wi Fi Smart Lock For Home Entry
🏆 Top Picks at a Glance
#1
Best Overall
Lockly Secure Pro Smart Lock with Built-in Wi-Fi, Fingerprint Door Lock, Keyless Entry Digital Door Lock with PIN Genie Keypad (Satin Nickle)
$329.0
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#2
Runner Up
Yale Security Assure Lock 2 Touch Deadbolt, Black Suede Keyed Smart Entry Door Lock with Wi-Fi Connected Keypad and Fingerprint Scanner for Code Entry and Remote Access, YRD410-F-WF1-BSP
$269.99
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#3
Best Value
Yale Security Assure Lock 2 Touch Deadbolt, Satin Nickel Keyed Smart Entry Door Lock with Wi-Fi Connected Keypad and Fingerprint Scanner for Code Entry and Remote Access, YRD410-F-WF1-619
$269.99
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Factors to Consider
Compatibility and physical fit
August retrofits onto the interior thumbturn of most single-cylinder deadbolts, but not every lock shape or oversized thumbturn will work cleanly. Measure your deadbolt’s clearance and make sure the turn isn’t obstructed by trim or a security plate — tight fits are the most common reason an install fails. If you have a keyed exterior with a removable interior knob or an electronic deadbolt, check August’s compatibility list before you buy. Pro tip: mock the lock up with tape to confirm clearance and thumbturn rotation before removing your existing hardware; it saves a trip to the hardware store.Connectivity: built-in Wi‑Fi vs. bridges
A built‑in Wi‑Fi August lock removes the need for an extra bridge or hub, which simplifies setup and cuts a failure point out of the chain. If you choose a Bluetooth‑only model you'll often need August Connect or another bridge to get remote access, which adds cost and another device that can drop offline. Think about your router location — locks mounted on the far side of the house may need a Wi‑Fi extender for reliable cloud access. Pro tip: test your phone’s Wi‑Fi signal at the exterior door; if you can’t consistently stream a short video there, add an extender before installing the lock.Security, authentication, and privacy
Good smart locks use strong encryption, two‑factor auth for the app, and audit logs so you can see who entered and when — August implements these features in its higher‑end models. Be realistic: cloud‑based logs are convenient for history and alerts but introduce a third‑party dependency; if you want complete local control look for compatibility with local hubs or HomeKit Secure Video integrations. Also plan for the physical security side: the smart module doesn’t substitute for a poor deadbolt or weak door frame. Pro tip: enable two‑factor auth and set sensible access windows for shared guest codes to reduce risk from lost phones or oversharing.Power, battery life, and failure modes
Most August locks run on AA batteries and report battery percentage in the app, but battery life varies with Wi‑Fi calls and use frequency — expect several months of normal use, less if the lock is constantly pinging the cloud. Make sure you get notifications enabled and keep a battery pack for the day you need to change them; your mechanical key should always be kept accessible as a fallback. Also check how the lock behaves during power or Wi‑Fi outages — good models retain mechanical operation and local Bluetooth control. Pro tip: change batteries annually if your door sees heavy use (packages, kids, Airbnb) and swap on the same schedule rather than waiting for a low‑battery alert to avoid unexpected lockouts.App quality, integrations, and real‑world reliability
The app is the lock; a polished app with clear logs, push notifications, and quick response is more important than a flashy feature list. Verify integrations you actually use: HomeKit for Apple users, Alexa or Google for voice, and third‑party platforms for automations — some features may require paid cloud subscriptions. Consider false‑alarm fatigue: if your door triggers constant “unlocked/unlocked” notifications from multiple devices, you’ll stop monitoring them. Pro tip: during the first week, test every automation and invite a trusted user so you learn how the app behaves before you rely on it for guest access or scheduled locks.Frequently Asked Questions
Is the August Wi‑Fi Smart Lock compatible with my existing deadbolt?
⚡ Quick Answer
Most August Wi‑Fi Smart Locks retrofit to the interior thumbturn of single‑cylinder deadbolts without changing the exterior hardware, but oversized or nonstandard thumbturns can block the unit. Measure clearance and check August’s compatibility chart for your specific lock model before buying. If in doubt, take a photo of the existing deadbolt to the store or consult the manufacturer’s fitguide online.
Table of Contents
Do I need a separate bridge or hub for remote access?
If you buy an August model with built‑in Wi‑Fi you don’t need a separate bridge — it connects directly to your network for remote control. Older or Bluetooth‑only August models require the August Connect bridge for remote access and cloud features, which adds cost and another device to maintain. Always confirm the specific model’s connectivity before purchase if remote access is important to you.
How secure is the August lock against hacking or physical bypass?
August uses industry‑standard encryption for communications and offers two‑factor authentication for the app, which protects against most remote attacks. Physical security still depends on your deadbolt and door frame; a smart module can’t stop a weak bolt from being forced. Treat the lock as part of a layered defense: good hardware, secure network, and sensible user access policies.
What happens if the Wi‑Fi or internet goes down?
The lock will keep working locally via the mechanical key and Bluetooth control from nearby phones, but you’ll lose remote unlock and cloud notifications until connectivity returns. Built‑in Wi‑Fi models often fall back to Bluetooth for local control, while bridge users may be fully dependent on the bridge’s network. Pro tip: keep a physical key accessible and test local Bluetooth control during the setup week to ensure you can still enter if the modem dies.
How long do the batteries last and how is low battery handled?
Battery life typically runs from several months to about a year depending on usage and whether the lock uses constant Wi‑Fi. August’s app reports battery level and will send low‑battery alerts, but you should still replace batteries on a schedule if the door gets heavy daily use. Keep spare AA batteries handy and learn the battery‑change procedure before you need it to avoid accidental lockouts.
Can renters install an August Wi‑Fi Smart Lock without losing their deposit?
Yes — August is designed to retrofit the interior side of your deadbolt so you don’t alter the exterior hardware or drilled holes, making it renter‑friendly in most cases. Always check your lease and get written permission for any modifications if required by the landlord or HOA. When you move out, you can remove August and reinstall the original thumbturn to return the door to its prior condition.
How do I share access and track who comes and goes?
The August app lets you invite users and set temporary or scheduled access windows so you can control who enters and when, and it logs activity with timestamps. Be mindful of permissions — give guests the minimum access they need and revoke it when their visit ends to avoid lingering access. If you need detailed auditing for multiple users (like Airbnb hosts), consider a paid plan that keeps longer logs and advanced access controls.
Conclusion
August Wi‑Fi Smart Locks are a practical choice if you want a retrofit solution that keeps your existing keyed exterior and adds convenient remote control without a lot of extra hardware. For most homeowners and renters who value ease of installation and reliable app control, choose a built‑in Wi‑Fi August model for fewer points of failure; just pair it with a strong deadbolt and good Wi‑Fi at the door for the best real‑world protection.
