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

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.

Why This Happens in Real Homes

The 4th-gen August WiFi Smart Lock ships with a DoorSense magnet you mount on the jamb across from the lock, and "not detecting" almost always means that magnet isn't positioned where the lock's sensor can read it — too far, too high or low, or not directly opposite. It's a placement problem at heart.

Mount the magnet strip directly across from the lock's sensor with a small, consistent gap, then run DoorSense calibration in the app so it learns open and closed. Confirm the lock is mounted square to the door and adjust for any metal in the frame that could interfere. A correctly aligned, calibrated magnet is all DoorSense needs to track the door.

Symptoms

• 4th-gen DoorSense not detecting
• No open/closed status
• Magnet not sensed
• Won't calibrate
• Status stuck
• Auto-lock can't use it
• DoorSense setup fails
• Intermittent readings

Recognize these? Here's what usually causes it.

Common Causes

• Magnet strip misaligned with the sensor
• Gap too large / magnet too far
• Magnet not mounted opposite the lock
• Not calibrated
• Metal frame interference
• Firmware issue
• Lock mounted off-square
• DoorSense not enabled in setup

Tools & Requirements

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.

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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

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.

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