Why Does My August Smart Lock Keep Failing Calibration or Not Lock Fully?
- Deadbolt binding against the strike
- Thumbturn stiff / high resistance
- Adapter slipping
Problem Description
Your August smart lock fails calibration or does not fully extend the deadbolt when locking. The lock motor runs but stops before the bolt is fully extended. The app shows jammed or calibration failed. You have tried recalibrating multiple times but it keeps failing. The lock worked fine initially but now struggles.
Why This Happens in Real Homes
When August calibration fails and the lock won't fully lock, the deadbolt is the usual culprit: calibration needs to reach a clean fully-locked stop, and a bolt that binds on a misaligned strike or a stiff thumbturn stops the motor short, so the lock never learns a proper locked position. The Smart Lock is only as good as the deadbolt it's turning.
Test the deadbolt by hand — it should throw all the way into an aligned strike without resistance; fix any binding or stiffness (a little lubricant helps) and align the strike. Make sure the adapter grips the thumbturn without slipping, the lock is mounted square, and the batteries are fresh, then recalibrate with the door closed. With a free-moving bolt, calibration completes and the lock throws fully.
Symptoms
- Calibration fails
- Doesn't fully lock after calibrating
- Bolt stops short
- Jams during calibration
- Motor strains
- Won't complete setup
- Repeated calibration attempts
- Reports locked but bolt not thrown
Recognize these? Here's what usually causes it.
Common Causes
- Deadbolt binding against the strike
- Thumbturn stiff / high resistance
- Adapter slipping
- Low batteries
- Lock not mounted square
- Door not closed during calibration
- Stiff or misaligned deadbolt
- Firmware issue
Most fixes happen in the first 3 steps.
Never force the lock during calibration. If it jams stop and fix the underlying alignment issue first.
Tools & Requirements
These tools will help you complete this fix.
Fresh batteries
Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA Batteries, Long Lastin...
Graphite lock lubricant
Hillman 703185 Graphite Tube 3G, White Key Lock Lubr...
Screwdriver
STREBITO 155 in 1 Electric Screwdriver Set, Small El...
File or chisel for strike plate
ATM Manual Reset Fuse Kit Low-Profile Mini Fuses 5A,...
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Step-by-Step Solution
Check Door Alignment
Close your door and manually operate the deadbolt without the August lock attached. Does it lock smoothly? If the manual deadbolt requires force your door is misaligned. Adjust door hinges or strike plate position until the deadbolt operates smoothly by hand. Then reinstall August.
Needed for this step
Hillman 703185 Graphite Tube 3G, White Key Lock...
This helps complete the fix you are currently reading.
$5.97Enlarge Strike Plate Opening
The deadbolt may be hitting the edge of the strike plate hole. Remove the strike plate and use a file or chisel to enlarge the hole by 1/8 inch on all sides. This gives the deadbolt clearance to extend fully. Reinstall strike plate and test manual operation.
Needed for this step
ATM Manual Reset Fuse Kit Low-Profile Mini Fuse...
This helps complete the fix you are currently reading.
$24.41Verify Adapter Selection
August includes multiple adapters for different deadbolt thumbturn sizes. The wrong adapter causes slipping or incomplete rotation. Remove the lock and check that the adapter grips the thumbturn tightly. Try a different adapter if included in your kit.
Replace Batteries
Even batteries showing some charge may not provide enough power for the motor under load. Replace all batteries with fresh name-brand alkaline batteries not rechargeable. Low batteries are the most common cause of calibration failures and jam errors.
Needed for this step
Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA Batteries, Long L...
This helps complete the fix you are currently reading.
$83.98Lubricate Deadbolt
Friction in the deadbolt mechanism increases over time. Apply graphite lubricant or lock-specific lubricant to the deadbolt. Insert key and operate lock several times to distribute lubricant. Do not use WD-40 as it attracts dust. Proper lubrication reduces motor strain.
Quick Solutions
Still having issues? This is usually the deeper cause below.
If the keypad rejects valid codes, a lockout timer may be running — five failed entries locks most keypads silently for 5–10 minutes.
Temperature changes cause doors to expand and contract. A lock that works in summer may jam in winter when the door swells.
Most smart lock failures people label as hardware issues turn out to be a code wiped during a sync, or a setting reset nobody remembers triggering.
- Deadbolt binding against the strike
- Thumbturn stiff / high resistance
- Adapter slipping
- Low batteries
- Lock not mounted square
Before you go — try one of these (they fix most cases).
Most popular upgrades chosen by August Smart Lock owners.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Official Manufacturer Manual
August Home provides official product documentation through their online manual rather than downloadable PDF. Access setup guides, troubleshooting steps, and product specifications for your August Smart Lock.
Source: august.com
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.
