Why Won't My August Lock Auto-Unlock When I Get Home?

Problem Description

Auto-Unlock uses your phone's location and Bluetooth to unlock the door automatically as you arrive home. When it stops working, the lock doesn't unlock as you reach the door, unlocks late, or you have to open the app — usually a phone location/Bluetooth or geofence issue rather than the lock.

Why This Happens in Real Homes

August Auto-Unlock is a two-stage trick: your phone must first detect you've left home (crossing a geofence), then detect you returning and, via Bluetooth at the door, unlock. That's why it depends so heavily on the phone — Always/Precise location, Bluetooth, and the app running in the background all have to work, and DoorSense must be set up.

Start on the phone: set the August app's location to Always with Precise on, and exempt it from battery optimization so the OS doesn't kill it in the background. Keep Bluetooth on, make sure DoorSense is installed, and confirm you actually leave the geofence when you go out — a too-small radius means the lock never "sees" you leave, so it can't auto-unlock on return. These phone-side settings fix the large majority of cases.

Symptoms

• Doesn't unlock on arrival
• Unlocks only after waiting at the door
• Have to open the app to unlock
• Works sometimes, not others
• Stopped after a phone update
• Only works if the app is open
• No auto-unlock notification
• Inconsistent by person/phone

Recognize these? Here's what usually causes it.

Common Causes

• Location permission not set to Always
• Battery optimization killing the app in the background
• Bluetooth off or flaky
• Geofence too small (never registers leaving)
• WiFi bridge/lock offline
• DoorSense not set up (needed for auto-unlock)
• Precise location disabled
• Multiple phones/accounts conflicting

Tools & Requirements

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Check and Replace Batteries

Most smart lock issues stem from low batteries. Open the battery compartment on the interior side of the lock. Use fresh high-quality AA or AAA batteries as specified. Do not mix old and new batteries. After installing close the compartment and test the lock. The app should now show a higher battery level.

Needed for this step

Duracell Coppertop Double AA Batteries with Pow...

This helps complete the fix you are currently reading.

$6.96

View Needed Item

2

Recalibrate the Lock

Open the manufacturer app and find your lock settings. Look for Calibrate or Door Handing Setup. Complete the setup prompts which typically involve extending and retracting the bolt several times. This helps the lock learn the resistance of your specific door. Proper calibration prevents grinding and incomplete locking.

Needed for this step

Door Latch Strike Plate, Stainless Steel Door L...

This helps complete the fix you are currently reading.

$7.49

View Needed Item

3

Check Door Alignment

Close the door and check that it sits flush in the frame without force. The bolt should extend smoothly into the strike plate. If there is friction or the bolt hits the plate, adjust the strike plate position or add a deeper strike box. Misalignment causes motor strain and battery drain.

4

Verify Network Connection

Check if your lock uses WiFi directly or requires a hub. For hub-based locks make sure the hub is plugged in and showing online. For WiFi locks verify signal strength at the door. The lock should show as connected in the app. If offline try power cycling the lock by removing batteries for 30 seconds.

5

Reset Access Codes

In the app go to access code management. Delete any codes that stopped working and create new ones. Use 4 to 8 digit codes as supported by your lock. Test each new code at the keypad. If the keypad itself seems unresponsive, check if it needs separate batteries or cleaning.

6

Update Lock Firmware

Open the lock settings in your app and check for firmware updates. Install any available updates which may take several minutes. Keep the app open and stay near the lock during the update. Updates often fix connectivity issues and add new features. Restart the lock after updating by removing and reinstalling batteries.

Quick Solutions

Still having issues? This is usually the deeper cause below.

Need More Help? August Home Support

Note: The contact information below connects you directly to August Home's official customer support team, not Trunetto. They can help with warranty claims, device replacements, and advanced technical issues.

How Does August Home Compare?

Before replacing your August Home device, see how it stacks up against alternatives in our full comparison guides.