Back to August Home Guides
August Home

Why Won't My August WiFi Smart Lock 4th Gen DoorSense Detect If the Door Is Open or Closed

August Home GuideSmart Locks
easy difficulty 10-15 minutes 70 views 2 found helpful Updated
This guide applies to: August Home August WiFi Smart Lock (AUG-SL05-M01-G01, WiFi Smart Lock 4th Gen, August WiFi)
At a glance — most common causes
  • DoorSense magnet not properly aligned
  • Magnet too far from lock sensor
  • Metal door frame interfering with detection
10-15 minutes11 solutions coveredeasy level

Expert Review & Technical Scope

DeviceAugust Home August WiFi Smart Lock
Model CoverageAUG-SL05-M01-G01, WiFi Smart Lock 4th Gen, August WiFi
Fix Time10-15 minutes
DifficultyEasy
Required ToolsScrewdriver for magnet repositioning
Network / ProtocolWi-Fi

Problem Description

Your August WiFi Smart Lock 4th Generation DoorSense feature does not correctly detect whether your door is open or closed. The app may show the door as open when it is closed, or vice versa. This affects auto-lock reliability and gives you incorrect status information about your door.

Symptoms

  • Door shows open in app when actually closed
  • Door shows closed when actually open
  • DoorSense status never changes
  • Auto-lock fails because door state unknown
  • DoorSense worked before but stopped
  • Setup wizard cannot calibrate DoorSense

Recognize these? Here's what usually causes it.

Common Causes

  • DoorSense magnet not properly aligned
  • Magnet too far from lock sensor
  • Metal door frame interfering with detection
  • DoorSense sensor in lock malfunctioning
  • Door or frame material blocking magnetic field
  • Calibration performed with wrong door state

Most fixes happen in the first 3 steps.

Warning

DoorSense only detects door position, not lock position. A door showing closed in the app does not mean it is locked. Always verify lock status separately.

Tools & Requirements

Screwdriver for magnet repositioning
Recommended Tools for August WiFi Smart Lock

These tools will help you complete this fix.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Check Magnet Position

The DoorSense magnet must be installed on the door frame directly adjacent to where the August lock sits when the door is closed. The magnet should be within 1 inch of the lock body. If your door has shifted or the magnet moved, they may no longer align properly.

STREBITO 155 in 1 Electric Screwdriver Set, Small Electric Screwdriver Cordless with 140 S2 Magnetic Bits, Electronic Power Screwdriver Repair Tool Kit for RC, Computer, Pc Building, Laptop(Upgraded)

Needed for this step

STREBITO 155 in 1 Electric Screwdriver Set, Sma...

$45.99
Get It on Amazon
2

Recalibrate DoorSense

In the August app, go to your lock settings and find DoorSense. Select Calibrate DoorSense. The app will ask you to close the door, then open it, teaching the lock what each state looks like. Follow the prompts exactly, ensuring the door is fully closed and fully open at each step.

3

Try Alternate Magnet Placement

If the included bracket position does not work with your door frame, try the adhesive magnet mount. Place it on the frame so it aligns with the lock sensor (top of lock body) when door is closed. Some door frames require creative placement due to molding or frame design.

4

Check for Metal Interference

Steel door frames or nearby metal objects can interfere with magnetic sensing. If your frame is metal, you may need to position the magnet on a non-metal part, or use a spacer to extend it away from the metal. Test by holding the magnet in different positions.

5

Test Magnet Detection

While watching the app, manually hold the magnet next to the lock sensor area (near the top of the lock body). If the app detects the door as closed when you bring the magnet close, the sensor works and you just need to find the right permanent position for the magnet.

Quick Solutions

Reposition DoorSense magnet
Move magnet closer to lock body
Recalibrate DoorSense in app
Try alternate magnet position
Use adhesive magnet instead of bracket
Check for nearby magnetic interference

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

This usually happens right after a router reboot or ISP change — the device rejoins the network but drops its cloud session silently.

Pro Tip

The DoorSense magnet has an orientation. If detection is unreliable, try flipping the magnet 180 degrees. The magnetic poles need to face the correct direction.

Real-World Insight

Most WiFi drop-offs happen right after a router reboot or ISP swap — the device reconnects to the network but silently loses its cloud registration.

What Usually Goes Wrong
  • DoorSense magnet not properly aligned
  • Magnet too far from lock sensor
  • Metal door frame interfering with detection
  • DoorSense sensor in lock malfunctioning
  • Door or frame material blocking magnetic field

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 WiFi Smart Lock Manual

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.