Why Won't My August Smart Lock Lock or Unlock via the App?
- Out of Bluetooth range with no WiFi bridge
- WiFi bridge/lock offline
- Weak 2.4GHz WiFi (for WiFi models/bridge)
Problem Description
This covers an August Smart Lock that won't work from the app at all — no lock/unlock, offline status, or the app can't reach it. The cause is usually connectivity (Bluetooth range or the WiFi bridge) or the lock needing power or calibration.
Why This Happens in Real Homes
When an August Smart Lock won't work from the app, the key question is whether you're near it: the lock talks to your phone over Bluetooth up close, and remote control needs either a built-in WiFi radio (the 4th-gen WiFi lock) or a Connect WiFi bridge. So "offline in the app" usually means the WiFi path is down, even though Bluetooth still works at the door.
For remote issues, confirm the bridge (or the WiFi lock) is online with strong 2.4GHz signal and re-run WiFi setup if your network changed. For up-close issues, check the app has Bluetooth permission, replace the AA batteries, and re-pair the lock. A lock that works manually and by Bluetooth but not remotely is a bridge/WiFi problem, not a broken lock.
Symptoms
- App can't control the lock
- Lock shows offline
- No response to app commands
- Only works up close
- Works manually not via app
- App can't find the lock
- Remote control unavailable
- Lost control after a change
Recognize these? Here's what usually causes it.
Common Causes
- Out of Bluetooth range with no WiFi bridge
- WiFi bridge/lock offline
- Weak 2.4GHz WiFi (for WiFi models/bridge)
- Low batteries
- Lock not paired to this phone/account
- Firmware out of date
- Router changed / new password
- App Bluetooth permission off
Most fixes happen in the first 3 steps.
If your lock makes repeated clicking or grinding noises, stop using it remotely. This can damage the motor. Check for door alignment issues first.
Tools & Requirements
These tools will help you complete this fix.
Door alignment tool
Door Latch Strike Plate, Stainless Steel Door Lock P...
Replacement batteries
Duracell Coppertop Double AA Batteries with Power Bo...
Screwdriver
STREBITO 155 in 1 Electric Screwdriver Set, Small El...
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Step-by-Step Solution
Check Bluetooth on your phone
The August app communicates with the lock via Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone. On Android, location services must also be on for Bluetooth to discover devices. Stand within 10-15 feet of the lock — the closer the better. If Bluetooth is on but the app shows the lock as unavailable, toggle Bluetooth off and back on, then reopen the August app.
Force close and reopen the app
If the August app is not responding to lock/unlock taps, force close it and reopen. On iPhone: swipe up from the bottom and swipe the August app away. On Android: go to Settings > Apps > August > Force Stop. Reopen the app and try again. The app sometimes loses its Bluetooth connection state and needs a fresh start to reconnect.
Check lock battery level
If the lock batteries are critically low, the lock may not have enough power to respond to app commands. The August app shows the battery level on the lock screen. If it is in the red zone, replace the batteries before testing further. Low batteries cause delayed response, incomplete locking (bolt does not fully extend), or no response at all.
Needed for this step
Duracell Coppertop Double AA Batteries with Pow...
This helps complete the fix you are currently reading.
$6.96Check WiFi Bridge status for remote control
If you are trying to control the lock remotely (not standing at the door), you need the August WiFi Bridge or the WiFi Smart Lock 4th Gen. Check the bridge status in the August app — if it shows offline, restart the bridge by unplugging for 10 seconds. If the bridge is online but remote control fails, check your internet connection. If you are at the door, remote status does not matter — the app uses Bluetooth directly.
Needed for this step
Door Latch Strike Plate, Stainless Steel Door L...
This helps complete the fix you are currently reading.
$7.49Remove and re-add the lock
If the lock is completely unresponsive in the app despite good batteries, Bluetooth, and proximity, remove the lock from your August account and re-add it. In the August app, go to Lock Settings > Remove Lock. Then go through the setup process again to add it as a new device. This clears any corrupted pairing data. You will need to reconfigure Auto-Lock, Auto-Unlock, DoorSense, guest access, and keypad codes after re-adding.
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.
Set up low battery alerts in the August app so you get notified before the batteries die completely and you get locked out.
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.
- Out of Bluetooth range with no WiFi bridge
- WiFi bridge/lock offline
- Weak 2.4GHz WiFi (for WiFi models/bridge)
- Low batteries
- Lock not paired to this phone/account
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
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.
