Key takeaways:
- The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is a renter-friendly retrofit with built-in Wi-Fi, broad voice-assistant support, and no separate bridge, but it doesn’t include a keypad.
- Its main ownership tradeoff is power: two CR123 batteries last about three months with Wi-Fi active and up to six months with Wi-Fi disabled.
- The lock works best on one residential door; larger rental and multifamily properties should weigh its per-lock management against property-wide access platforms.
Disclaimer: ButterflyMX provides these blog posts to help our customers and potential customers make the right business decisions. Our blog posts are based on the information available to us at the time of writing.
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock adds app control, remote access, and smart-home features to an existing deadbolt without changing the outside hardware. It’s a practical option for homeowners, renters, landlords, and short-term rental hosts who want a connected smart lock but want to keep their current key.
This August Wi-Fi Smart Lock review covers the questions that matter before you buy: price, battery life, door fit, 5GHz Wi-Fi support, security, smart-home compatibility, and whether the lock suits one door or a larger property.
This guide will answer:
- What is the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock?
- How does the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock work?
- How much does the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock cost?
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock vs. other August and Yale models
- Installation and deadbolt compatibility
- Wi-Fi, smart-home integrations, and connectivity
- How secure is the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock?
- Who is the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock best for?
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock pros and cons
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock alternatives
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock vs. ButterflyMX
- Frequently asked questions
- Is the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock worth it?
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What is the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock?
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is a battery-powered interior retrofit for compatible single-cylinder deadbolts. It adds remote app control, automated locking, guest access, and smart-home integrations while keeping the existing exterior hardware and physical key.
The fourth-generation model is 72 mm in diameter and 46 mm deep, with built-in Wi-Fi. Unlike older August models that need an August Connect bridge for remote access, this model connects directly to Wi-Fi.
That design has a simple benefit: people can still use the existing key from outside. Inside, the August motor turns the deadbolt when you use the app, an automation, a supported voice assistant, or an optional keypad.
Who owns August today?
Fortune Brands Innovations has owned the Yale and August residential lock business since 2023. The business moved from ASSA ABLOY to Fortune Brands, so August and Yale are now sibling brands.
Some older reviews still describe August as an ASSA ABLOY company. The ownership change provides current brand context, but it doesn’t by itself indicate a change in warranty coverage, support, or product performance.
How does the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock work?
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock uses Bluetooth for setup and nearby control, while its built-in Wi-Fi enables remote app features and compatible voice-assistant workflows. You can still unlock the door with the original physical key.
In the August app, owners can lock or unlock the door, review activity, set Auto-Lock and Auto-Unlock, and manage virtual access. DoorSense uses a magnetic sensor to show whether the door is open or closed, which helps distinguish a locked door from one that is still ajar.
- Auto-Lock: Relocks the door after a chosen delay.
- Auto-Unlock: Uses an authorized phone and location-based behavior to unlock as a resident approaches.
- Activity feed: Records lock and unlock events and identifies the user when available.
- DoorSense: Reports door position and can support open-door alerts.
- Voice control: Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit or Siri.
- Lost-phone controls: Owners can revoke app access, and August supports two-factor authentication.
Guest access and keypad options
Owners can issue always-on, recurring, or temporary virtual access instead of sharing a physical key. That can be useful for family, cleaners, dog walkers, contractors, and guests who are willing to use the app.
PIN or fingerprint entry requires separate hardware. August’s product specifications list compatible Yale keypad options, including a keypad that stores up to 250 codes. The keypad is not included with the base lock.
Properties that need visitor access across several entrances may also evaluate a property-wide platform such as ButterflyMX. August focuses on credentials and control for one residential lock, while ButterflyMX supports mobile and visitor access within a broader property access platform.
How much does the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock cost?
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock has an official list price of $199.99 and a stated MSRP of $229.99. Promotions and retailer prices can change, so separate the regular price from a limited-time sale.
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August has advertised a $99.99 Black Friday price, but that figure reflects a temporary promotion rather than standard pricing. Check the current product listing and promotion terms before building a purchase budget.
Battery life and ownership costs
The lock uses two CR123 lithium batteries and lasts about three months with Wi-Fi active. August model comparisons place battery life at up to six months when Wi-Fi is disabled, though turning off Wi-Fi also removes the lock’s remote-connectivity advantage.
CR123 batteries are less common and often cost more than the AA batteries used by other August models. So the ownership question isn’t just the sticker price: buyers should plan for regular battery changes and decide whether app-free access is worth the added cost of a keypad.
Battery life can vary with signal strength and usage. Customer discussions include reports of faster drain, so the three-month figure is a useful reference point, not a guarantee for every home or network.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock vs. other August and Yale models
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the compact, no-bridge option in the August lineup. Other August and Yale models use different combinations of bridges, batteries, protocols, keypads, and installation styles.
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SafeWise’s August model comparison identifies the Smart Lock Pro as the August option with Z-Wave. The fourth-generation Wi-Fi Smart Lock shouldn’t be treated as a Z-Wave device.
The choice comes down to priorities. The Wi-Fi Smart Lock avoids a bridge but uses shorter-lived CR123 batteries. The Pro uses AA batteries and supports Z-Wave but needs Connect for remote Wi-Fi. The third-generation model lowers the entry price at the cost of HomeKit support and built-in remote connectivity.
Installation and deadbolt compatibility
Most buyers can install the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock in about 10 to 15 minutes with a screwdriver, but the door needs a compatible single-cylinder deadbolt and supported dimensions.
The lock replaces only the interior thumb turn. The exterior keyway, exterior hardware, and original physical key stay in place. Installation requires no wiring, and the lock includes mounting hardware, adapters, batteries, and a DoorSense sensor.
The exact dimensions come from independent installation and fit testing. Double-cylinder and nonstandard deadbolts may not work, so compare your hardware with the manufacturer’s compatibility information before ordering.
The retrofit design can suit renters and landlords because it preserves the outside appearance and physical key. It also means the condition and quality of the existing deadbolt still matter.
Wi-Fi, smart-home integrations, and connectivity
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, although it launched as a 2.4GHz-only product. Bluetooth still supports setup and nearby control when internet-based features aren’t available.
August added official 5GHz compatibility after launch. As a result, older reviews that call the lock strictly 2.4GHz-only are out of date.
Supported smart-home services include Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit or Siri, Airbnb, SmartThings, IFTTT, Control4, and DoorBird. Local HomeKit control uses Bluetooth, while remote HomeKit access requires a compatible Apple home hub.
Official support doesn’t mean every router setup will behave the same way. Some August owner discussions report battery drain or connection issues on weak-signal, mesh, or band-steering networks. Others report better results on 2.4GHz, even though 5GHz is supported.
Those reports reflect customer experiences rather than universal performance. Before buying, consider the Wi-Fi signal at the door and whether your router allows troubleshooting of band selection or device roaming.
How secure is the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock?
Independent testing gave the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock mechanism an ANSI Grade 1 rating, the highest residential grade, and scored it 85 out of 100 against nine tested locks.
The independent comparison ranked August first among those nine locks. That gives buyers a useful physical-security benchmark beyond a general manufacturer feature claim.
Digital protections include two-factor authentication, encrypted communication, and the ability to revoke app access from a lost phone. The activity feed can also help an owner see which authorized user operated the lock.
The Grade 1 result doesn’t replace every part of the door’s security profile. August keeps the existing exterior keyway and deadbolt hardware, so their quality, installation, and condition still matter.
The lock also has no built-in camera or video intercom. Buyers who need visual entry communication may compare a smart lock with a platform such as ButterflyMX, which can combine video intercoms and security cameras with access control. That is a broader property-security scope, not a direct replacement for a deadbolt.
Who is the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock best for?
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is best for a homeowner, renter, landlord, or short-term rental host who wants connected control for one compatible residential door without replacing the exterior lock.
- Homeowners: Built-in Wi-Fi, Auto-Lock, Auto-Unlock, and voice-assistant support can simplify daily access.
- Renters: The interior retrofit preserves exterior hardware, though renters should still get any required property approval.
- Landlords with individual units: Temporary and recurring access can help with cleaners, contractors, and resident turnover across a limited number of doors.
- Short-term rental hosts: Scheduled guest access and Airbnb integration can support check-in without exchanging a physical key.
The fit becomes less clear as the number and type of entrances grow. Each August lock is managed as an individual residential device, and the product doesn’t provide a centralized multi-property console for building entrances, gates, elevators, package areas, and many unit doors.
For one unit, per-lock management may be simple enough. Multifamily and larger rental operations may need coordinated access across several entry types. ButterflyMX supports access control, smart lock integrations, vehicle access control, and elevator controls as parts of a broader property platform.
What owners say about daily use
Owner feedback often praises easy installation, app usability, automated locking, and guest access. Home Depot customer reviews include positive comments about functionality and smart-home use, along with connectivity complaints.
Recurring concerns include battery drain, inconsistent battery-level reporting, and Wi-Fi reconnection. Similar themes appear in community discussions about smart-lock tradeoffs. These comments highlight questions to consider, but they don’t mean every lock will produce the same experience.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock pros and cons
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock’s biggest strengths are no-bridge Wi-Fi, quick retrofit installation, broad smart-home support, DoorSense, and a strong independent security result. Its main tradeoffs are short CR123 battery life, separate keypad cost, customer-reported connectivity issues, no documented Z-Wave support for this model, and limited property-wide administration.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock alternatives
The closest alternatives are Schlage Encode Plus, Yale Assure Lock SL or Yale Approach, and Wyze Lock. Each makes a different tradeoff among retrofit convenience, keypad design, connectivity, and physical security.
Schlage Encode Plus
Schlage Encode Plus is a full deadbolt replacement with built-in Wi-Fi and an integrated keypad. It’s worth considering if you’re willing to replace exterior hardware to get keypad entry in the lock itself instead of adding an accessory.
In the same independent comparison used for the August security result, Schlage Encode also achieved ANSI Grade 1 performance. The key decision is whether a full replacement is worth it compared with August’s easier retrofit approach.
Yale Assure Lock SL and Yale Approach
Yale offers sibling-brand options in the related August app ecosystem. Yale Approach is a retrofit product with a separate Wi-Fi bridge, while Yale Assure Lock SL replaces the deadbolt and places a touchscreen keypad outside.
These options help buyers choose between concealed retrofit hardware and an exterior keypad. They also show why model names alone aren’t enough: installation style and Wi-Fi setup vary.
Wyze Lock
Wyze Lock is a lower-cost retrofit alternative for buyers focused on purchase price and interior installation. In the cited independent testing, it received a weaker ANSI security grade than the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, so physical-security results should be part of the comparison.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock vs. ButterflyMX
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock and ButterflyMX serve different access needs. August adds connected control to one compatible residential deadbolt, while ButterflyMX brings several property access and security products into one platform.
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August is the more direct fit if you only need to retrofit one deadbolt. ButterflyMX becomes more relevant when a property team needs coordinated visitor, resident, vehicle, elevator, package, video, and smart-lock workflows across multiple entrances.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock cost?
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock has a $199.99 official list price and a $229.99 MSRP. Temporary promotions may reduce the price, while a Yale Keypad Touch adds $119.99 when PIN or fingerprint entry is needed.
Does the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock need a bridge?
No. The fourth-generation August Wi-Fi Smart Lock has built-in Wi-Fi and doesn’t need an August Connect bridge. Older August models need Connect for remote Wi-Fi access and some smart-home services.
How long do August Wi-Fi Smart Lock batteries last?
Two CR123 lithium batteries last about three months with Wi-Fi active or up to six months when Wi-Fi is disabled. Usage, network conditions, and signal quality can affect actual battery life.
Will the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock fit my deadbolt?
The lock fits many single-cylinder deadbolts, but you should check the exact hardware. Tested dimensions include doors 1 3/8 to 2 1/4 inches thick, a 2 3/8- or 2 3/4-inch backset, and a 1 1/2- or 2 1/8-inch bore.
Does the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock support 5GHz Wi-Fi?
Yes. August added official 5GHz support after the lock launched with 2.4GHz-only connectivity. Some owners still report router-specific issues with mesh networks or band steering.
Does it work with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit?
Yes. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock supports Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit or Siri. Remote HomeKit access requires a compatible Apple home hub.
Does the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock include a keypad?
No. A keypad isn’t included in the base package, so PIN or fingerprint access requires a separately purchased compatible Yale keypad.
Is the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock secure?
Independent testing assigned the lock mechanism an ANSI Grade 1 rating, and August offers account protections such as two-factor authentication. Because the exterior keyway remains in place, the existing deadbolt hardware is still part of the door’s security profile.
Is the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock suitable for rentals or multifamily properties?
The lock can work well for an individual rental unit because it supports temporary and recurring guest access. Larger multifamily or rental portfolios should account for its per-lock management and lack of centralized multi-property administration.
Is the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock worth it?
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is a strong option for buyers who want connected control for one compatible deadbolt without changing the outside hardware. Built-in Wi-Fi, quick installation, DoorSense, major smart-home integrations, and a strong independent security result make it a capable consumer retrofit.
The key question is whether that convenience outweighs roughly three-month CR123 battery life, a separately sold keypad, possible router-specific connection issues, and per-lock management. Compare those tradeoffs with bridge-based August models, full-replacement keypad locks, and the number of entrances you need to manage.
For a single residential door, August may be the right fit. For coordinated access across entrances, gates, elevators, package areas, and smart locks, consider ButterflyMX as a property-wide access and security option.
Explore ButterflyMX to compare a broader property access platform with a single-door smart lock.
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