Why Won't My August Smart Lock Respond or Fails to Lock/Unlock?
- Lock batteries depleted
- Phone Bluetooth off or not in range
- August WiFi Bridge offline
Problem Description
Your August Smart Lock does not respond to commands from the app or voice assistants. The lock may not lock or unlock when commanded or shows as offline. Auto-unlock may have stopped working. The lock operates manually but all smart features are non-functional. This is commonly caused by Bluetooth issues WiFi bridge problems low batteries or calibration issues.
Symptoms
- August app shows lock as offline or unreachable
- Lock and unlock commands from app do not work
- Auto-unlock stopped detecting arrival
- Lock makes grinding noise but does not fully extend bolt
- App shows wrong lock status
- Voice commands to Alexa or Google fail for lock
Recognize these? Here's what usually causes it.
Common Causes
- Lock batteries depleted
- Phone Bluetooth off or not in range
- August WiFi Bridge offline
- Lock not calibrated for door alignment
- Deadbolt binding from frame misalignment
- August app needs location permission for auto-unlock
Most fixes happen in the first 3 steps.
Do not force the lock if grinding or stalling. Forcing can strip internal gears. Fix door alignment first before the lock will operate reliably.
Tools & Requirements
These tools will help you complete this fix.
Door alignment tool
Door Latch Strike Plate, Stainless Steel Door Lock P...
Replacement batteries
Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA Batteries, Long Lastin...
Screwdriver
STREBITO 155 in 1 Electric Screwdriver Set, Small El...
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Step-by-Step Solution
Replace Batteries
Open August lock face plate and replace all 4 AA batteries with fresh alkaline. Low batteries are the number one cause. Do not mix old and new. Do not use rechargeable NiMH as 1.2V is too low versus 1.5V alkaline. Wait 10 seconds after replacing for reinitialization.
Needed for this step
Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA Batteries, Long L...
$83.98Check Bluetooth and WiFi Bridge
August app uses Bluetooth when nearby. For remote control the WiFi Bridge must be connected. Ensure phone Bluetooth is on. For bridge unplug 10 seconds and replug. LED should turn solid green. Move bridge within 5 feet of lock and within WiFi range of router.
Recalibrate the Lock
In August app tap lock then Settings then Calibrate Lock. Follow prompts to teach fully locked and unlocked positions. Poor calibration causes stopping short or wrong status reporting. Takes 30 seconds. Repeat after battery replacement.
Adjust Door Alignment
Manually turn thumb turn to test resistance. If stiff the frame is misaligned forcing the motor to work harder. Tighten loose hinge screws. Adjust strike plate so bolt slides freely. Even small alignment improvement reduces motor strain dramatically.
Needed for this step
Door Latch Strike Plate, Stainless Steel Door L...
$7.49Fix Auto-Unlock
Auto-unlock needs Always location permission. On iPhone set to Always in Settings. On Android grant Allow all the time and set battery to Unrestricted. Auto-unlock uses geofencing so background location access is essential.
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.
Always keep a physical key accessible as backup in case batteries die or lock malfunctions. Never rely solely on smart lock for home access.
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.
- Lock batteries depleted
- Phone Bluetooth off or not in range
- August WiFi Bridge offline
- Lock not calibrated for door alignment
- Deadbolt binding from frame misalignment
Before you go — try one of these (they fix most cases).
Most popular upgrades chosen by August Smart Lock owners.
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Official Manufacturer Manual
If you need the complete manufacturer documentation for advanced setup, wiring diagrams, or detailed specifications, you can download the official manual below. The manual includes full technical instructions directly from the manufacturer and may help if your issue requires deeper troubleshooting.
Download the Official August Smart Lock ManualSource: 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.
