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Why Is My August Smart Lock Not Connecting to Wi-Fi? Troubleshooting Tips

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The short answer: August Smart Lock Wi-Fi issues usually come down to distance from the router, dead batteries, outdated firmware, or a glitchy app. Start by moving your router closer or adding a Wi-Fi extender, replace the batteries if they are low, and make sure both the lock and the app are updated. If that doesn’t work, a full reset often fixes stubborn connection problems.

1. Check Your Wi-Fi Signal Strength and Placement

The August Smart Lock communicates with your home network through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. If it’s having trouble connecting, the first thing to check is the signal strength. The lock is typically installed on a heavy door, which can block Wi-Fi signals. If your router is more than 20 to 30 feet away, or if there are thick walls or metal objects in between, the connection will be weak.

Try these steps:

  • Open the August app and go to the lock settings. Look for the signal strength indicator. If it shows ‘weak’ or ‘poor’, move your router closer to the door, or install a Wi-Fi range extender that supports 2.4 GHz (August locks only work on 2.4 GHz networks, not 5 GHz).
  • If your router is dual-band, make sure the 2.4 GHz band is enabled and has a different SSID (or your phone may connect to the 5 GHz band, which the lock can’t see).
  • If moving the router isn’t possible, consider a Wi-Fi mesh system or a powerline adapter that puts a Wi-Fi access point near the lock.

Keep in mind: If you have an August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (like the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock 4th Gen), it has built-in Wi-Fi. But some models, like the August Smart Lock Pro, require the August Connect to bridge Wi-Fi. Make sure your Connect is plugged in and within 15 feet of the lock.

2. Replace the Batteries (Yes, Even If They Seem Fine)

A common cause of connection issues is low battery voltage. Even if the app shows ‘Battery OK’, the lock’s motor and Wi-Fi radio need consistent power. When batteries drop below 25%, the Wi-Fi radio may start to behave erratically, dropping connections or refusing to pair.

Use high-quality alkaline batteries (like Duracell or Energizer) that are fresh. Avoid rechargeable batteries, as they often provide lower voltage. When you replace the batteries, wait about 5 seconds before reinserting them. Then check the app to see if the connection is restored.

If you have a Connect bridge, it also runs on batteries (or USB). Replace those too if they’ve been in use for over a year.

3. Update the Firmware and the App

August constantly pushes firmware updates to improve connectivity and security. If your lock is out of date, it might have known bugs that cause Wi-Fi drops. Here’s what to do:

  • Open the August app, go to the lock settings, and look for ‘Firmware’ or ‘Software Update’. If an update is available, make sure your phone is near the lock and the lock is in Bluetooth range (usually 30 feet).
  • Also update the August app itself from the App Store or Google Play. An old app version may not communicate correctly with the lock’s latest firmware.
  • After updating, reboot your router and modem. Unplug them for 30 seconds, then plug them back in. This clears up any IP address conflicts.

If the update fails, try restarting your phone and the lock (remove the batteries for 10 seconds, then reinsert). Then retry the update.

4. Delete and Re-Add the Lock (The ‘Unpair and Pair’ Dance)

Sometimes the lock gets stuck with a stale network configuration. The most reliable fix is to remove the lock from your August account and add it again as if it were new. This forces the lock to re-establish its Wi-Fi connection from scratch.

Steps:

  1. Open the August app and go to the lock’s settings.
  2. Select ‘Remove Device’ or ‘Delete Lock’. This confirms you want to remove the lock from your account.
  3. Wait for the app to confirm removal, then physically remove the batteries from the lock.
  4. Reinsert the batteries. The lock should reboot.
  5. In the app, tap the ‘+’ icon to add a new device. Follow the prompts. You’ll need to be within Bluetooth range.
  6. When it asks for your Wi-Fi password, type it carefully. Note that August locks only support 2.4 GHz networks, so make sure your phone is connected to that band during setup.

This process often clears up any hidden conflicts. It’s also a good idea to forget the lock in your phone’s Bluetooth settings (Android) before re-adding, to avoid confusion.

5. Reset the Lock to Factory Defaults

If re-adding didn’t work, a full factory reset is the next step. This should only be done if you’ve exhausted other options, because it wipes all settings and you’ll need to set up your lock codes and automation again.

To factory reset an August Smart Lock:

  • Remove the batteries from the lock.
  • Press and hold the reset button (located near the battery compartment) while reinserting the batteries.
  • Keep holding the reset button for about 5 to 10 seconds until you see the LED flash or hear a tone.
  • Release the button. The lock is now in factory reset mode.

After reset, follow the setup process in the app as if it were a brand new lock. This usually fixes even the most stubborn Wi-Fi issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My August Smart Lock connects to Bluetooth but not Wi-Fi. Why?

Bluetooth has a shorter range and doesn’t require a router. Wi-Fi issues are separate. If the lock sees Bluetooth, it means the lock’s basic electronics are fine. The Wi-Fi radio may be off, or the lock may not have been configured for Wi-Fi. Check your lock model: if it’s not a Wi-Fi built-in model, you need the August Connect. Also, ensure you’re on a 2.4 GHz network with a strong signal.

Q: Can I use a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network with my August Smart Lock?

No, August Smart Locks only support 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. They cannot connect to 5 GHz networks. If your router broadcasts both bands with the same SSID, you’ll need to split the bands or temporarily disable 5 GHz during setup, then re-enable it after.

Q: How do I know if my lock is too far from the router?

In the August app, go to the lock’s settings and look for ‘Wi-Fi Signal’. It will show a bar indicator. If it’s less than 2 bars, your lock may have trouble staying connected. You can also use a Wi-Fi analyzer app on your phone to check signal strength at the door. If it’s below -70 dBm, consider a range extender.

If you’re still having trouble, it might be time to consider that your lock’s hardware is faulty, or that your home network is too congested. In that case, you might want to explore other smart lock options that have dual-band support or more robust Wi-Fi antennas. For a comparison of top-rated smart locks, check out our best door locks guide to see which models perform best in real-world conditions.

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